Head-to-head
2027 Ford Explorer vs 2027 Kia Telluride
The Kia Telluride wins clearly, 95.5 to 83.7, on fuel & range, tech & comfort, safety. The Ford Explorer is ahead on performance and price.
B
2027 Ford Explorer
The 2027 Ford Explorer is sold in the U.S. as a gas large SUV with 8 EPA-rated configurations. The most efficient version, the Explorer AWD, is EPA-rated at 23 …
vs
C2027 Kia Telluride
The 2027 Kia Telluride is sold in the U.S. as a hybrid and gas large SUV with 6 EPA-rated configurations. The most efficient version, the Telluride FE Hybrid, i…
Verdict · default weights
2027 Kia Telluride
Clear winThe Kia Telluride wins clearly, 95.5 to 83.7, on fuel & range, tech & comfort, safety. The Ford Explorer is ahead on performance and price.
Fuel & range 2027 Kia Telluride leads by 34.4
Tech & comfort 2027 Kia Telluride leads by 31.6
Safety 2027 Kia Telluride leads by 4.7
| Category · weight | 2027 Ford Exploreroverall 83.7 | 2027 Kia Tellurideoverall 95.5 | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pricew 4 | 100 | 98.2 | |||||||||
Base MSRP of the trim (or the model's lowest trim). Lower is better. | |||||||||||
| Fuel & rangew 3 | 65.6 | 100 | |||||||||
EPA annual fuel cost and combined mpg / MPGe; EV range when both are electric. | |||||||||||
| Safetyw 4 | 79.6 | 84.3 | |||||||||
NHTSA 5-Star rating, WhichTrim Safety Signal (open recalls by severity), owner complaints, standard driver-assist features (from the press kit, or from what the manufacturer filed with NHTSA where there is none). Open park-outside / do-not-drive advisories cost 25 points. | |||||||||||
| Space & cargow 2 | 93.3 | 100 | |||||||||
Seats, cargo volume behind the 1st and 2nd rows, rear legroom. | |||||||||||
| Performancew 2 | 99.9 | 94.2 | |||||||||
Horsepower, torque and horsepower per ton. | |||||||||||
| Tech & comfortw 3 | 68.4 | 100 | |||||||||
Standard (1) and optional (0.5) infotainment, convenience, climate and interior features from the manufacturer's press kit. | |||||||||||
| Warrantynot compared | No data | No data | |||||||||
| Overall | 83.7 | 95.5 | |||||||||
Trim vs trim · 6 of 7 categories compared
Ford Explorer: base trim Explorer Active RWD · Kia Telluride: base trim LX FWD. Pick a trim in the tool to compare any other trim.
Change what matters to you →Scores are 0–100 per category from the data on this page. The weights are yours to set.
Where the gap is
the biggest differences, from the scorecard's own numbersWhere the 2027 Kia Telluride wins
- It lists 37 standard driver-assist features against 19.
- It costs $1,000 a year less to fuel on the EPA's estimate ($1,900 against $2,900).
- It is rated 35 combined against 23 (EPA mpg or MPGe).
Where the 2027 Ford Explorer answers
- It has the cleaner recall record (Safety Signal 89 against 79).
- It makes 300 hp against 274.
Ranked by how far apart the two score on each measure, so a price gap and a horsepower gap are compared on the same scale. Every figure is on this page.
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Specifications side by side
54 specs · manufacturer press kits| Spec | Ford ExplorerExplorer Active RWD | Kia TellurideLX FWD |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| Base MSRP (excludes destination) | $38,465 | — |
| Engine Basics | ||
| Aspiration | twin turbo | twin turbo |
| Cylinder count | 4 | 4 |
| Engine displacement | 2,300 cc | 2,497 cc |
| Engine type (full description) | 2.3L EcoBoost I-4 with Auto Start-Stop Technology | 2.5L Turbo Hybrid, 4-cyl, GDI, DOHC 16-Valve, P1+P2 motors |
| Fuel injection system | gdi mpi | gdi mpi |
| Valve configuration | — | DOHC 16-Valve |
| Engine Output | ||
| Horsepower | 300 hp | 274 hp |
| Torque | 310 lb-ft | 311 lb-ft |
| Fuel Economy | ||
| EPA City MPG | — | 20 mpg |
| EPA Combined MPG | — | 22 mpg |
| EPA Highway MPG | — | 26 mpg |
| Transmission | ||
| Final drive ratio | 3.58 | 3.51:1 |
| Transmission speeds | 10 | 8 |
| Transmission type | automatic | automatic hybrid |
| Dimensions Exterior | ||
| Ground clearance | 7.6 in | 7.4 in |
| Overall height | 69.6 in | 69.5 in |
| Overall length | 199 in | 199 in |
| Overall width | 78.9 in | 78.3 in |
| Wheelbase | 119 in | 117 in |
| Cargo | ||
| Cargo volume behind 1st row | — | 89.3 cu-ft |
| Cargo volume behind 2nd row | — | 48.7 cu-ft |
| Cargo volume behind 3rd row | 16.3 cu-ft | 22.3 cu-ft |
| Total interior volume | 150 cu-ft | 181 cu-ft |
| Seating | ||
| Passenger seating capacity | 7 | 8 |
| Headroom | ||
| Front headroom | 40.7 in | 41.2 in |
| Second-row headroom | 40.5 in | 40.4 in |
| Third-row headroom | 38.9 in | 37.4 in |
| Legroom | ||
| Front legroom | 43 in | 41.4 in |
| Second-row legroom | 37.5 in | 43 in |
| Third-row legroom | 31.8 in | 32.1 in |
| Weights | ||
| Curb weight (maximum) | — | 4,420 lbs |
| Curb weight (minimum) | — | 4,381 lbs |
| Gross vehicle weight rating | — | 6,063 lbs |
| Suspension | ||
| Front suspension type | — | McPherson Strut, Stabilizer and High-Performance Dampers |
| Rear suspension type | — | Multi-link and High-Performance Dampers |
| Steering | ||
| Steering type | — | Rack-mounted Motor Driven Power Steering (R-MDPS) |
| Turning radius (curb-to-curb) | — | 19.6 ft |
| Brakes | ||
| Front brake diameter | — | 345 mm |
| Front brake type | — | ventilated disc |
| Parking brake type | — | epb |
| Rear brake diameter | — | 325 mm |
| Rear brake type | — | ventilated disc |
| Wheels | ||
| Wheel diameter | 18 in | 18 in |
| Wheel material | aluminum | forged alloy |
| Wheel width | — | 8 in |
| Tires | ||
| Tire size | P255/65R18 | P235/65 R18 |
| Fuel System | ||
| Fuel tank capacity | — | 19 gal |
| Minimum recommended octane | — | 87 |
| Connected Services | ||
| Connected services brand | FordPass Connect | Kia Connect |
| Connected services trial (standard tier) | 12 months | 36 months |
| Shoulder Room | ||
| Front shoulder room | — | 61.6 in |
| Second-row shoulder room | — | 61.2 in |
| Third-row shoulder room | — | 55.3 in |
Green marks the better value where the direction is unambiguous (more room, more power, lower price). Blank rows are specs the press kit does not publish.
Equipment, feature by feature
173 features · differences first, then sharedSafety40 differ · 48 listed
| Feature | Ford ExplorerExplorer Active RWD | Kia TellurideLX FWD |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Collision Warning (BCW) with Parallel Exit | — | std |
| Forward Collision Avoidance with Pedestrian and Cyclist Detection (FCA) | — | std |
| Smart Cruise Control (SCC) with STOP & GO (S&G) | — | std |
| Forward Collision Avoidance - Junction Turning (FCA-JT) | — | std |
| Forward Collision Warning (FCW) | — | std |
| Lane Following Assist 2 (LFA2) | — | std |
| Rear Cross-Traffic Collision - Avoidance Assist (RCCA) | — | std |
| Front center airbag (Between driver and front passenger) | — | std |
| Highway Driving Assist (HDA 1.5) | — | std |
| Lane Departure Warning (LDW) | — | std |
| Navigation-based Smart Cruise Control-Curve - NSCC-C | — | std |
| Rear Occupant Alert with Radar Sensors (2nd and 3rd Rows) | — | std |
| Rear View Monitor (RVM) with Parking Guidance-Dynamic | — | std |
| Downhill Brake Control (DBC) | — | std |
| Driver Attention Warning (DAW) | — | std |
| Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) (x4) | — | std |
| Parking Distance Warning - Forward (PDW-F) | — | std |
| Parking Distance Warning - Reverse (PDW-R) | — | std |
| Rear side (2nd row) airbags | — | std |
| Safe Exit Assist (SEA) | — | std |
| Trailer Stability Assist (TSA) | — | std |
| Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) | — | std |
| Auto Hold | std | — |
| Battery Saver | std | — |
| Ford Co-Pilot360™ Assist+ (Active) | std | — |
| Ford Security Package (1-Year Included) | std | — |
| High Beam Assist (HBA) | — | std |
| Hill-start Assist Control (HAC) | opt | std |
| Intelligent Speed Limit Assist (ISLA) | — | std |
| LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tether Anchors for Children) | std | — |
| Perimeter Alarm | std | — |
| Power Door Locks - Auto Lock/Unlock and Child-Safety Rear | std | — |
| Rear Parking Sensors | std | — |
| Rear View Camera with Backup Assist Grid Lines | std | — |
| Rollover sensor | — | std |
| Side impact sensor | — | std |
| SOS Post-Crash Alert System™ | std | — |
| Traction Control System (TCS) | — | std |
| Trailer Sway Control | std | — |
| Vehicle Stability Management (VSM) | — | std |
| Dual front advanced airbags | std | std |
| Dual front seat-mounted side airbags | std | std |
| Full-length side curtain airbags | std | std |
| Lane Keeping Assist (LKA) | std | std |
| Driver's knee airbag | std | std |
| Electronic Stability Control (ESC) | std | std |
| Immobilizer | std | std |
| Tire-Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) high-line | std | std |
Infotainment17 differ · 18 listed
| Feature | Ford ExplorerExplorer Active RWD | Kia TellurideLX FWD |
|---|---|---|
| 12.3-inch audio display unit with navigation and ccNC, Wireless Apple CarPlay TM, Android Auto TM, Sirus XM and Bluetooth | — | std |
| Dual Wireless phone charger | — | std |
| 8 speaker sound system | — | std |
| Steering wheel-mounted Bluetooth Hands-free with Voice activation controls | — | std |
| USB-C Ports: 7 Total — 1 Data and Charging (Front Row) and 6 Charging (2 in each row) | — | std |
| AM/FM, MP3-Compatible with Six Speakers | std | — |
| Apple CarPlay and Android Auto Wireless Compatibility | std | — |
| Ford app | std | — |
| Ford Connectivity Package (1-Year Included) | std | — |
| Ford Digital Experience with 13.2" Center Display | std | — |
| Instrument Panel with 12.3" Cluster Display | std | — |
| SiriusXM® with 360L (3-Month Prepaid Subscription) | std | — |
| Steering wheel-mounted audio controls | — | std |
| Telematics Mobile Unit - Embedded Modem (TMU) | — | std |
| USB Ports, First Row – One (1) "A" and one (1) "C" in the Media Hub, two (2) "C" in center console | std | — |
| USB Ports, Second Row - Two (2) "C" | std | — |
| USB Ports, Third Row - Two (2) "C" | std | — |
| Wi-Fi Hotspot | std | std |
Convenience10 differ · 11 listed
| Feature | Ford ExplorerExplorer Active RWD | Kia TellurideLX FWD |
|---|---|---|
| Push-button start with Smart Key and burglar alarm | — | std |
| Remote Engine Start button on Key Fob | — | std |
| 4-Door Intelligent Access (Lock/Unlock) with Push-Button Start | std | — |
| Easy Fuel® Capless Fuel Filler | std | — |
| Power Liftgate | std | — |
| Remote Start System (optional) | opt | — |
| SecuriCode® Keyless Entry Keypad | opt | — |
| Manual liftgate | — | std |
| Driver and Passenger's central door lock | — | std |
| Power windows with auto up/down and safety | — | std |
| 12V Power outlets (x3) | std | std |
Climate4 differ · 5 listed
| Feature | Ford ExplorerExplorer Active RWD | Kia TellurideLX FWD |
|---|---|---|
| Rear ducts - Ceiling Mounted with Diffuse Vents (2nd and 3rd row) | — | std |
| Cabin Particulate Air Filter | std | — |
| Rear Auxiliary Climate Control | opt | — |
| Auto Window Defogger | — | std |
| Tri-zone (Driver, Front Passenger and Rear) automatic temperature control | std | std |
Seating13 differ · 13 listed
| Feature | Ford ExplorerExplorer Active RWD | Kia TellurideLX FWD |
|---|---|---|
| 10-way power adjustable driver's seat including thigh support | std | — |
| 2nd Row Bench Seats: 60:40 Split with 1-Touch, Tilt + Slide (Pass. Side), Fold + Slide (Driver Side) | — | std |
| Heated front seats | std | — |
| Cloth Upper Seat Back + SynTex Lower seating trim | — | std |
| 6-way Manual Driver Seat | — | std |
| 2nd-row remote folding buttons (in cargo area) | — | std |
| 4-way Manual Passenger seat | std | — |
| 6-way Manual Passenger Seat | — | std |
| Second-row 35/30/35 split-fold-flat Bench Seat | opt | — |
| Second-row Captain's Seats with E-Z Entry and Armrests | std | — |
| Third-row 50/50 split-fold Bench Seat, Manual | std | — |
| Unique Cloth Seats | std | — |
| 2nd-row Bench Seats with center armrest with cup holders | — | std |
Interior28 differ · 30 listed
| Feature | Ford ExplorerExplorer Active RWD | Kia TellurideLX FWD |
|---|---|---|
| Heated steering wheel | opt | — |
| 4.2-inch color TFT-LCD full segment meter driver cluster | — | std |
| Active Noise cancellation | std | — |
| Door-Sill Scuff Plates, Front and Rear | std | — |
| First-row center floor console with armrest and storage bin | std | — |
| Grab Handles – Front-Passenger; Second Row – two (2), includes Coat Hooks | std | — |
| SynTex with genuine stitching steering wheel | — | std |
| Day/night interior rear-view mirror | — | std |
| Floor console with center armrest, cup holders, side handles and storage box | — | std |
| LED illuminated Sun Visors/Vanity Mirrors | — | std |
| SynTex leather wrapped door armrest | — | std |
| Carpet Floor Mats | std | opt |
| Cloth A/B pillar trim | — | std |
| Cloth headliner trim | — | std |
| Dual sunvisors, sliding with vanity mirrors | — | std |
| Front seatback pockets | — | std |
| Hydrographics interior trim | — | std |
| LED 2nd row lamp | — | std |
| LED 3rd row lamp | — | std |
| LED cargo lamp | — | std |
| LED overhead console lamp | — | std |
| Trip computer | — | std |
| Carpet flooring | — | std |
| Cloth sunvisor | — | std |
| Front and rear side door pockets | — | std |
| Rheostat | — | std |
| Standard door and cargo scuff plates | — | std |
| Standard Pedals | — | std |
| Manual tilt and telescopic steering column | std | std |
| Overhead console with sunglass holder | std | std |
Exterior34 differ · 36 listed
| Feature | Ford ExplorerExplorer Active RWD | Kia TellurideLX FWD |
|---|---|---|
| 18-inch alloy wheels A-Type | — | std |
| LED Projector-style headlights with high and low beams | — | std |
| Body-color, heated and powered outside mirrors with turn signals | — | std |
| 18" Sparkle Silver-Painted Aluminum wheels | std | — |
| 20" Carbonized Gray-painted Aluminum wheels | opt | — |
| 20" Luster Nickel-Painted Aluminum wheels | opt | — |
| Acoustic Front Door Windows | std | — |
| Acoustic Front Windshield | — | std |
| Grille - Black Mesh Insert with Chrome Bars | std | — |
| Headlamps – LED Low & High Beams with Courtesy Delay, Autolamp (Automatic On/Off), Auto High-Beam | std | — |
| LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL) | — | std |
| LED Fog Lamps | opt | — |
| LED rear combination lamps | — | std |
| LED Taillamps | std | — |
| Mirrors, Sideview – Power and Heated Glass | std | — |
| Outside door handles: Flush, Auto-Pop Out Type, Body Colored | — | std |
| P255/65R18 All-Season BSW Tires | std | — |
| Panoramic Vista Roof® with Power Shade | opt | — |
| Roof-Rack Side Rails - Black | std | — |
| Skid Plate Elements, Front - Silver Painted | std | — |
| Tire Inflator and Sealant Kit | std | — |
| Auto light control (ALC) | — | std |
| Gloss black radiator grille with Matte Black inserts and Dark Metal Bumper Garnish | — | std |
| Lower Grille/Front Bumper: Body-color with gloss black and dark metal | — | std |
| Rear windshield defroster | — | std |
| Solar Front Door Windows and Windshield | — | std |
| Dark metal Side Sill and D-Pillar Accent | — | std |
| Gloss black Upper DLO & Beltline | — | std |
| Hidden single muffler | — | std |
| LED High Mounted Stop Lamp, integrated into rear spoiler | — | std |
| Matte Black outer wheel arches and Gloss-Black inner arches | — | std |
| Mud guards | — | opt |
| Temporary spare wheel tire | — | std |
| Low washer fluid warning system | — | std |
| Privacy Rear Windows, 3rd row/Cargo Side Glass and Liftgate Glass | std | std |
| Body-color rear spoiler | std | std |
Powertrain8 differ · 8 listed
| Feature | Ford ExplorerExplorer Active RWD | Kia TellurideLX FWD |
|---|---|---|
| Front Wheel Drive (FWD) | — | std |
| 10-Speed Automatic Transmission | std | — |
| 2.3L EcoBoost I-4 Engine with Auto Start-Stop Technology | std | — |
| 3.58 Non-Limited-Slip Rear Axle | std | — |
| Drive Mode Select (DMS): Eco / Normal / Sport / My Drive | — | std |
| Intelligent 4WD with 6 selectable Drive Modes and Hill Descent Control | opt | — |
| Rear-Wheel Drive with 6 selectable Drive Modes | std | — |
| Terrain Management System™ | std | — |
Cargo4 differ · 4 listed
| Feature | Ford ExplorerExplorer Active RWD | Kia TellurideLX FWD |
|---|---|---|
| Towing Hitch | — | opt |
| Tow Mode: Optimizes Towing Performance | — | std |
| Class III Trailer Tow Package | std | — |
| Luggage Tray Cover, Foldable | — | std |
Highlighted rows are where the two differ. Wording is the manufacturer's own.
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Safety record
NHTSA recalls, complaints, NCAPFord Explorer
Safety Signal 89 B
NHTSA overall —
Frontal / side / rollover — / — / —
Recalls 2 · 1 filed unfixed
Owner complaints —
Top recalls
- moderate Seats 26V470000 · 76,748 vehicles · filed unfixed
- moderate Back Over Prevention 26V415000 · 66,383 vehicles
Kia Telluride
Safety Signal 79 C
NHTSA overall —
Frontal / side / rollover — / — / —
Recalls 3
Owner complaints 35 · 2 crashes · 0 fires
Most complained about Seat Belts (8), Power Train (8), Seats (5)
Top recalls
- high Seat Belts 26V356000 · 6,264 vehicles
- high Seats 26V173000 · 568 vehicles
- high Seat Belts 26V135000 · 14,870 vehicles
Ownership
EPA, manufacturer warranty| Ford ExplorerExplorer Active RWD | Kia TellurideLX FWD | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $38,465 (base trim) | $39,190 (base trim) |
| Price range across trims | $38,465 – $53,660 9 trims | $39,190 – $56,790 12 trims |
| Powertrains | GAS | HEV, GAS |
| EPA configuration compared | Explorer RWD | Telluride FE Hybrid |
| Combined mpg / MPGe | 23 | 35 |
| EPA annual fuel cost | $2,900 | $1,900 |
| EV range | — | — |
| Basic warranty | — | 5 yr / 60,000 mi |
| Powertrain warranty | — | 10 yr / 100,000 mi |
| Roadside assistance | — | 5 yr |
Common questions
Source: EPA, NHTSA and manufacturer press kitsWhich is better, the 2027 Ford Explorer or the 2027 Kia Telluride?
The Kia Telluride wins clearly, 95.5 to 83.7, on fuel & range, tech & comfort, safety. The Ford Explorer is ahead on performance and price. On WhichTrim's default weights the 2027 Kia Telluride scores 95.5 and the 2027 Ford Explorer 83.7. The weights are yours to change — move what you care about and the verdict recalculates on the page.
Which is cheaper, the 2027 Ford Explorer or the 2027 Kia Telluride?
The 2027 Ford Explorer starts lower — $38,465 against $39,190, a gap of $725 at the trims compared here. Both are manufacturer MSRPs before destination, options and dealer charges.
Which has the better safety record, the 2027 Ford Explorer or the 2027 Kia Telluride?
2027 Ford Explorer: no NHTSA rating yet, grade B, 2 recalls (1 filed with no repair available). 2027 Kia Telluride: no NHTSA rating yet, grade C, 3 recalls. Crash ratings come from NHTSA's own tests; the grade is WhichTrim's read of the recall record, and the two can disagree.
What are the biggest differences between the 2027 Ford Explorer and the 2027 Kia Telluride?
Where the 2027 Kia Telluride wins: it lists 37 standard driver-assist features against 19, costs $1,000 a year less to fuel on the EPA's estimate ($1,900 against $2,900), and is rated 35 combined against 23 (EPA mpg or MPGe). Where the 2027 Ford Explorer answers: it has the cleaner recall record (Safety Signal 89 against 79) and makes 300 hp against 274.