Matchup
Ford Explorer vs Kia Telluride
The 2026 Explorer Active 4WD against the 2027 Telluride X-Line SX-Prestige AWD, through ten physics labs and every official rating we could find.
Last checked Oct 24, 2026. Every figure links to its source.
The short answer
- In the trims shown, the Explorer costs $12,055 less: $44,380 against $56,435 for the Telluride, destination included. PublishedValor FordPublishedKia
- At 15,000 miles a year and national average prices, the Explorer costs about $439 a year less to run: $2,920/yr against $3,359/yr. DerivedEPADerivedEPA
- The Explorer gets to 60 mph 1.2 s sooner: 6.2 s against 7.4 s. TestedCar and DriverTestedCar and Driver
- Behind a 5-ft-11 driver, a 5-ft-11 passenger gets +9.6 in of knee room in the Telluride and +4.1 in in the Explorer. Simulated, estimated inputs
Who each one suits
The Explorer costs $12,055 less in these trims, is quicker to 60 by 1.2 s and is rated 3 mpg better, worth about $439 a year at 15,000 miles.
The Telluride is the better people carrier: seven seats against six and far more second-row knee room (9.6 in against 4.1 for a 5-ft-11 passenger). It’s an IIHS Top Safety Pick+.
At a glance
| Explorer | Telluride | |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price, this trim | $44,380PublishedValor Ford | $56,435PublishedKia |
| Powertrain | 2.3 L EcoBoost turbocharged four with port and direct injection · Intelligent 4WD: rear-drive based, with an electronically controlled clutch to the front axle | 2.5 L turbocharged four with port and direct injection · AWD with electronically controlled rear coupling |
| 0–60 mph, tested or claimed | 6.2 sTestedCar and Driver | 7.4 sTestedCar and Driver |
| Braking 70–0 mph, tested | 170 ft (51.8 m)TestedCar and Driver | 170 ft (51.8 m)TestedCar and Driver |
| EPA combined | 23 mpg (10.2 L/100 km)PublishedEPA | 20 mpg (11.8 L/100 km)PublishedEPA |
| Cargo behind the second row | 46.0 cu ft (1,303 L)PublishedThe Car Connection | 49.0 cu ft (1,388 L)TestedCar and Driver |
| Large suitcases, packed | 8Simulated, estimated inputsfrom Ford | 8Simulatedfrom Kia |
| Seats | 6Published | 7Published |
| Crash ratings | NHTSA 5★ overall · IIHS Top Safety Pick | IIHS Top Safety Pick+ |
Acceleration
The Explorer gets to 60 mph 1.2 s sooner: 6.2 s against 7.4 s.
| Explorer | Telluride | |
|---|---|---|
| Power | 300 hp (224 kW)PublishedFord | 274 hp (204 kW)PublishedKia |
| Torque | 310 lb-ft (420 Nm)PublishedFord | 311 lb-ft (422 Nm)PublishedKia |
| 0–60 mph, tested or claimed | 6.2 sTestedCar and Driver | 7.4 sTestedCar and Driver |
| 0–60 mph, our simulation | 6.4 sSimulatedfrom Car and Driver | 7.4 sSimulatedfrom Car and Driver |
| Passing, 50–70 mph | 4.7 sTestedCar and Driver | 5.0 sTestedCar and Driver |
| Quarter mile | 14.9 sTestedCar and Driver | 15.6 sTestedCar and Driver |
Braking and stopping distance
No meaningful gap between the Explorer and the Telluride on what we can measure here.
| Explorer | Telluride | |
|---|---|---|
| Braking 70–0 mph, tested | 170 ft (51.8 m)TestedCar and Driver | 170 ft (51.8 m)TestedCar and Driver |
| Braking 60–0 mph, tested | 127 ft (38.7 m)TestedMotorTrend | no data |
| Wet road from 70 mph, 1 s reaction | 354 ft (108.0 m)Simulatedfrom Car and Driver | 354 ft (108.0 m)Simulatedfrom Car and Driver |
| Dry road from 70 mph, 1 s reaction | 273 ft (83.1 m)Simulatedfrom Car and Driver | 273 ft (83.1 m)Simulatedfrom Car and Driver |
| Packed snow from 30 mph, 1 s reaction | 164 ft (50.0 m)Simulatedfrom Car and Driver | 164 ft (50.0 m)Simulated, estimated inputsfrom Car and Driver |
Rollover
No meaningful gap between the Explorer and the Telluride on what we can measure here.
| Explorer | Telluride | |
|---|---|---|
| NHTSA rollover rating | 4★ · 15.1% riskTestedNHTSA | no data |
| Sideways slide that trips it into a roll | 12 mph (19 km/h)Simulatedfrom NHTSA | 12 mph (19 km/h)Simulated, estimated inputs |
| Static stability factor (half-track ÷ CoG height) | 1.25Simulatedfrom NHTSA | 1.21Simulated, estimated inputs |
Efficiency and running costs
At 15,000 miles a year and national average prices, the Explorer costs about $439 a year less to run: $2,920/yr against $3,359/yr.
| Explorer | Telluride | |
|---|---|---|
| EPA combined | 23 mpg (10.2 L/100 km)PublishedEPA | 20 mpg (11.8 L/100 km)PublishedEPA |
| Fuel or charging, 15,000 mi a year | $2,920/yrDerivedEPA | $3,359/yrDerivedEPA |
| Steady 75 mph, our simulation | 28 mpg (8.4 L/100 km)Simulatedfrom Car and Driver | 25 mpg (9.4 L/100 km)Simulated, estimated inputsfrom Car and Driver |
| Drag coefficient | 0.35DerivedEPA | 0.39EstimateEPA |
Grip, snow and maneuvering
No meaningful gap between the Explorer and the Telluride on what we can measure here.
| Explorer | Telluride | |
|---|---|---|
| Skidpad grip, tested | 0.81 gTestedCar and Driver | no data |
| Cornering grip, our simulation | 0.81 gSimulatedfrom Car and Driver | 0.81 gSimulated, estimated inputsfrom Car and Driver |
| Pulling away on packed snow | 0.27 gSimulatedfrom Car and Driver | 0.27 gSimulated, estimated inputsfrom Car and Driver |
| Turning circle | 38.7 ft (11.8 m)PublishedKBB | 39.2 ft (11.9 m)PublishedKia |
| Ground clearance | 7.6 in (19 cm)PublishedFord | 7.4 in (19 cm)PublishedKia |
| Tires | Hankook Kinergy GT (H436) 255/65R18 111H · 255/65R18PublishedSimpleTire | Kumho Majesty X Solus 265/45R21 · 265/45R21TestedCar and Driver |
Space, luggage and fit
Behind a 5-ft-11 driver, a 5-ft-11 passenger gets +9.6 in of knee room in the Telluride and +4.1 in in the Explorer.
| Explorer | Telluride | |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 6Published | 7Published |
| Large suitcases, packed | 8Simulated, estimated inputsfrom Ford | 8Simulatedfrom Kia |
| Carry-ons in the space left | 4Simulated, estimated inputsfrom Ford | 0Simulatedfrom Kia |
| Cargo behind the second row | 46.0 cu ft (1,303 L)PublishedThe Car Connection | 49.0 cu ft (1,388 L)TestedCar and Driver |
| Cargo, seats folded | 85.8 cu ft (2,430 L)PublishedFord | 89.0 cu ft (2,520 L)TestedCar and Driver |
| Towing | 5,000 lb (2,268 kg)PublishedFord | 5,000 lb (2,268 kg)PublishedKia |
| Driver head room, 6 ft 4 in driver | +1.0 in (3 cm)Simulated, estimated inputs | +0.9 in (2 cm)Simulated, estimated inputs |
| Driver head room, 5 ft 11 in driver | +3.5 in (9 cm)Simulated, estimated inputs | +3.5 in (9 cm)Simulated, estimated inputs |
| Driver head room, 5 ft 4 in driver | +6.7 in (17 cm)Simulated, estimated inputs | +6.8 in (17 cm)Simulated, estimated inputs |
| Rear head room, 5 ft 11 in passenger | +3.0 in (8 cm)Simulated, estimated inputs | +2.3 in (6 cm)Simulated, estimated inputs |
| Rear knee room, 5 ft 11 in behind 5 ft 11 in | +4.1 in (10 cm)Simulated, estimated inputs | +9.6 in (24 cm)Simulated, estimated inputs |
| Rear head and knee, 6 ft 4 in behind 6 ft 4 in | +0.5 in head · −0.2 in kneeSimulated, estimated inputs | −0.3 in head · +5.3 in kneeSimulated, estimated inputs |
| Front head room, published | 40.7 in (103 cm)PublishedFord | 40.0 in (102 cm)PublishedKia |
| Rear head room, published | 40.5 in (103 cm)PublishedFord | 38.9 in (99 cm)PublishedKia |
| Rear leg room, published | 37.5 in (95 cm)PublishedFord | 43.0 in (109 cm)PublishedKia |
Cabin noise
No meaningful gap between the Explorer and the Telluride on what we can measure here.
| Explorer | Telluride | |
|---|---|---|
| Cabin sound at 70 mph | no data | 66 dBATestedCar and Driver |
Visibility
No meaningful gap between the Explorer and the Telluride on what we can measure here.
| Explorer | Telluride | |
|---|---|---|
| Road hidden in front of the bumper, 5 ft 9 in driver | 25 ft (7.7 m)Simulated | 26 ft (8.0 m)Simulated |
| Ground visible within 33 ft ahead | 41%Simulated | 39%Simulated |
Headlights and night stopping
No meaningful gap between the Explorer and the Telluride on what we can measure here.
| Explorer | Telluride | |
|---|---|---|
| IIHS headlight rating | GoodTestedIIHS | GoodTestedIIHS |
| Low beams, straight road (right edge) | 326 ft (99.5 m)TestedIIHS | 323 ft (98.5 m)TestedIIHS |
| Fastest you can stop inside the low beams | 70 mph (113 km/h)Simulatedfrom IIHS | 70 mph (112 km/h)Simulatedfrom IIHS |
| High beams, straight road (right edge) | 576 ft (175.6 m)TestedIIHS | 566 ft (172.4 m)TestedIIHS |
Crash safety
No meaningful gap between the Explorer and the Telluride on what we can measure here.
| Explorer | Telluride | |
|---|---|---|
| NHTSA overall | 5★TestedNHTSA | no data |
| IIHS small overlap front | GoodTestedIIHS | GoodTestedIIHS |
| IIHS moderate overlap front (updated) | GoodTestedIIHS | GoodTestedIIHS |
| IIHS side (updated) | GoodTestedIIHS | GoodTestedIIHS |
| IIHS award | 2026 Top Safety PickPublishedIIHS | 2026 Top Safety Pick+PublishedIIHS |
| Curb weight | 4,498 lb (2,040 kg)TestedCar and Driver | 4,798 lb (2,176 kg)TestedCar and Driver |
Where each one wins
Ford Explorer
- In the trims shown, the Explorer costs $12,055 less: $44,380 against $56,435 for the Telluride, destination included. PublishedValor FordPublishedKia
- At 15,000 miles a year and national average prices, the Explorer costs about $439 a year less to run: $2,920/yr against $3,359/yr. DerivedEPADerivedEPA
- The Explorer gets to 60 mph 1.2 s sooner: 6.2 s against 7.4 s. TestedCar and DriverTestedCar and Driver
- The Explorer is rated 23 mpg combined by the EPA, 3 mpg better than the Telluride (20 mpg). PublishedEPAPublishedEPA
- The Explorer makes 26 hp more: 300 hp against 274 hp. PublishedFordPublishedKia
- Passing from 50 to 70 mph takes 4.7 s in the Explorer and 5.0 s in the Telluride. TestedCar and DriverTestedCar and Driver
Kia Telluride
- Behind a 5-ft-11 driver, a 5-ft-11 passenger gets +9.6 in of knee room in the Telluride and +4.1 in in the Explorer. Simulated, estimated inputs
- The Telluride seats 7; the Explorer seats 6. Published
- The Telluride has 3.0 cu ft more cargo space behind its second row: 49.0 cu ft against 46.0 cu ft. PublishedThe Car ConnectionTestedCar and Driver
Other trims
- Explorer Active 4WD · on this page
- Explorer ST 4WD
Keep comparing
- All the Ford Explorer figures
- All the Kia Telluride figures
- Ford Explorer vs Chevrolet Traverse
- Ford Explorer vs Toyota Grand Highlander
- Ford Explorer vs Hyundai Palisade
- Kia Telluride vs Hyundai Palisade
- Kia Telluride vs Toyota Grand Highlander
- Kia Telluride vs Chevrolet Traverse
- Kia Telluride vs Tesla Model Y L
Sources
- Valor Ford: 2026 Ford Explorer trims and pricing: Ford MSRP by trim and $1,795 destination (dealer reproduction of Ford’s price list) (2026-10)
- Kia America Newsroom: 2027 Telluride MSRP by trim and $1,545 destination (Kia price list; kia.com starting MSRP cross-checked) (2026-10)
- US EPA (fueleconomy.gov): 2026 Ford Explorer AWD 2.3 L (id 49907) and 3.0 L (id 49906) ratings (2026-10)
- US EPA (fueleconomy.gov): 2027 Kia Telluride AWD (id 50436) and Telluride Hybrid AWD (id 50437) ratings (2026-10)
- Car and Driver: 2020 Ford Explorer vs. 2020 Kia Telluride: comparison test (Explorer XLT AWD 2.3 L test data) (2019-10)
- Car and Driver: 2027 Kia Telluride Tested: Is the Sequel as Good as the Original? (X-Line SX Prestige AWD) (2026-03)
- The Car Connection: 2026 Ford Explorer specifications (cargo volume to the 2nd and 3rd rows) (2026-10)
- Ford Motor Company: 2026 Ford Explorer models and specs (dimensions, interior room, cargo, towing, engines) (2026-10)
- Kia America Newsroom: 2027 Kia Telluride specifications (gear ratios, weights, interior, cargo) (2026-10)
- MotorTrend: 2025 Ford Explorer Active RWD First Test (2026-10)
- Car and Driver: Tested: 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid Is the High Point of the New Lineup (Hybrid SX Prestige AWD) (2026-04)
- NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings: 2026 Ford Explorer Gas SUV 4WD (VehicleId 21405) (2026-10)
- Car and Driver: 2027 Kia Telluride’s Turbo Four Tests Better Than the Hyundai Palisade’s V-6 (both test cars’ data) (2026-03)
- US EPA: Data on cars used for testing fuel economy, MY2026 (Ford Explorer coastdown targets) (2026-01)
- US EPA: Data on cars used for testing fuel economy, MY2026 (Hyundai Palisade and Palisade Hybrid coastdown targets) (2026-01)
- Kelley Blue Book: 2026 Ford Explorer specs (turning diameter) (2026-10)
- SimpleTire: 2025 Ford Explorer OE tires by trim (Active: Hankook Kinergy GT H436 255/65R18 111H) (2026-10)
- IIHS: 2026 Ford Explorer 4-door SUV ratings (2026-10)
- IIHS: 2027 Kia Telluride ratings (small overlap and side from the 2026 Hyundai Palisade) (2026-10)
- IIHS: IIHS pushes improvements in crash avoidance with 2026 awards (Mar 24, 2026) (2026-03)
- IIHS: Two additional models garner Top Safety Pick+ awards (Sep 3, 2026) (2026-09)
Badges: Published figures come from the maker, a regulator or a rating agency; Tested from an independent instrumented test; Simulated are computed by our physics from those inputs (how); Estimate means no published value exists. Confirm figures with the maker or your dealer before you buy.