The 2025 Ford Explorer and Kia Telluride are two of the hottest three-row SUVs on the road, treating families to sporty power and roomy comfort at an excellent price. Which should you choose? Our comparison guide helps you sort out your priorities.
Key Takeaways
- The Telluride is the economy option, helping you save a few bucks on an entry-level SUV!
- Inside, the Explorer feels like a step up from the competition, thanks to its premium materials and cushy seating.
- With all-new features and cutting-edge infotainment, the Explorer takes the lead when it comes to technology!
- Not only is the Explorer the more engaging SUV, but it also offers enhanced towing stability and high-performance upgrades.
Lowest Starting Price: 2025 Kia Telluride
The 2025 Kia Telluride (starting at $36,390*) undercuts the 2025 Ford Explorer (from $39,785*), giving you the lowest price on an entry-level trim model. Depending on your budget, however, the slightly more expensive Explorer could be worth the upgrade. Ford’s three-row SUV comes standard with more driver safety aids and an all-new infotainment system, keeping you and your loved ones safe and connected as you explore the Midwest.
*Price as of 5/14/25.
Maximum Comfort: 2025 Ford Explorer
The Explorer gets a major refresh for the 2025 model year, including a reworked cabin. New soft-touch surfaces and upgraded materials make it a major step up from the Telluride’s economy materials. Ford’s three-row SUV also comes standard with a few extra features that Michigan drivers can appreciate — including heated, power-adjustable front seats and three-zone automatic climate control!
Like the Explorer, the Telluride delivers a smooth, comfortable cruise. These SUVs also have cushy seating in common, making you feel supported even after hours on the highway. But while the Telluride comes standard with a few niceties (like dual-zone automatic climate control and faux-leather upholstery), the base model isn’t as winter-friendly as the competition. And, like we said, cabin materials just aren’t on the same level.
Modern Technology
Not only does the Explorer come standard with all-new infotainment, Ford Digital Experience, but it’s also widely available with the hands-free BlueCruise driving system! Every trim model delivers two big color interfaces (the 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and 13.2-inch central touchscreen), along with Google-based infotainment software, navigation, and voice controls. Better still, the Explorer helps keep your loved ones safe with its standard CoPilot360 Assist+ package. It delivers features you won’t get from Kia, including intersection collision mitigation and evasive steering assistance!
We don’t have any major complaints about the Telluride’s infotainment system, which features a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen with built-in navigation. Just like the Explorer, this Kia SUV delivers wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. However, it does without the digital gauge cluster. And while its list of standard safety aids is also notably shorter, every Telluride comes with adaptive cruise control and blind-spot warning.
Powerful Performance: 2025 Ford Explorer
If you love to drive, you’re going to love the Explorer. It’s the most engaging option in the three-row crossover segment, outclassing competitors with sharp handling and spirited acceleration. Its rear-wheel-drive platform contributes to the Explorer’s old-school SUV feel — not to mention enhanced towing stability! The Telluride can’t keep up with either Explorer engine, but the high-performance, 400-horsepower Explorer ST leaves the competition thoroughly behind.
2025 Ford Explorer Powertrain Options
- 2.3L turbocharged four-cylinder engine (300 hp, 311 lb-ft)
- Optional 3.0L turbo V6 (400 hp, 415 lb-ft)
- 10-speed automatic transmission
- Rear-wheel drive or optional all-wheel drive
By comparison, the Telluride is far less flashy. But its V6 engine delivers solid acceleration, and steering feedback bolsters driver confidence. Like the Explorer, the Telluride is available with all-wheel drive — performance gear that will help you maintain control when the weather turns icy. And with a 5,500-pound max tow rating, the Telluride can tow a slightly bigger boat than the Explorer (5,000 pounds max).
2025 Kia Telluride Powertrain Options
- 3.8L V6 (291 hp, 262 lb-ft)
- Eight-speed automatic transmission
- Front-wheel drive or optional all-wheel drive
By now, you can probably answer the question that brought you here: “Is the Explorer or Telluride a better match for me?” For Michigan drivers who crave all-American speed, cutting-edge infotainment, and modern comfort, the Explorer outshines the competition. Not to mention, this three-row SUV delivers an outstanding standard lineup at an excellent price! Want to see what we mean? Visit us at Lunghamer Ford in Owosso, MI, to test-drive the updated Ford Explorer.