2024 Kia Telluride vs 2025 Ford Explorer

The 2024 Kia Telluride was available in five core trim levels: LX, S, EX, SX, and SX Prestige. The rugged X-Line treatment could be added to all but the LX and S, while the X-Pro package was reserved for the top two trims. The X-Line package included standard all-wheel drive (AWD) with a center locking differential, increased ground clearance, improved approach and departure angles, unique grille and 20-inch wheel designs, and roof rails. The X-Pro package added 18-inch matte-black wheels with all-terrain tires and heavy-duty engine cooling, increasing the maximum towing capacity to 5,500 pounds. Prices ranged from $35,990 for the LX to $53,185 for the SX Prestige with the X-Pro package, excluding the destination charge. The SX Prestige with the X-Line package, Wolf Gray paint, and floor mats had an MSRP of $54,270, including the $1,365 destination charge.

The Telluride's design attracted buyers with its appealing forms and proportions, though recent styling updates were not universally loved. The Wolf Gray paint complemented the blacked-out X-Line styling, enhancing its visual appeal. Inside, the test car featured a black interior with premium Nappa leather seats, though other color options like Mahogany brown and Sage Green were available, offering a more appealing cabin ambiance. Despite the luxurious touches, the presence of shiny plastic in the interior was a downside, especially in the SX Prestige trim, which otherwise nearly met luxury SUV standards with its soft leather, artificial suede headliner, dual-screen digital display, and metallic accents.

The 2025 Ford Explorer continued with its rear-wheel-drive (RWD) platform, offering balanced proportions and a sleek design. The refreshed model featured a restyled front end, giving it a wider and more rugged appearance. New LED taillights and a strip of trim with the SUV’s name enhanced the rear design. The Explorer introduced new wheel designs, adding to its visual appeal. Interior updates significantly improved the Explorer's ambiance, with competitive colors, materials, design, and displays.

Ford reduced the available trim levels from eight to four: Active, ST-Line, Platinum, and ST. Prices ranged from $39,755 to $55,505, excluding the $1,595 destination charge. During a Ford-sponsored event, the ST-Line with RWD, Vapor Blue paint, a Premium Package, and an ST-Line Street Pack was tested, priced at $50,340, including the destination charge. The Explorer's interior updates made it more appealing, eliminating reasons to choose other models over it.

The 2024 Kia Telluride was powered by a 3.8-liter V6 engine producing 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It offered a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds, which increased to 5,500 pounds with the X-Pro package. The AWD version included a locking center differential and various driving modes, including Snow, Comfort, Sport, and Smart. Ground clearance was 8.0 inches, rising to 8.4 inches with the X-Line and X-Pro packages. The Telluride provided good acceleration and passing power but was not fuel-efficient, averaging 19 mpg in combined driving and 17.5 mpg in city driving.

The Telluride's driving experience was refined, with standard brake-induced Torque Vectoring Cornering Control and responsive steering. The ride was firm at lower speeds but soft and compliant at higher velocities, absorbing road undulations effectively. Off-road, the Telluride was more capable than expected, handling various terrains with ease.

The 2025 Ford Explorer offered two EcoBoost engines. The turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine produced 300 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque, while the twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 delivered 400 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque, standard on the ST and optional on the Platinum trim. All Explorers featured a 10-speed automatic transmission and RWD, with an optional 4WD system. Driving modes included Eco, Normal, Sport, Slippery, Trail, Tow/Haul, and Deep Snow/Sand with 4WD.

The ST-Line test vehicle with RWD averaged 23.8 mpg during testing. The Explorer's turbo four provided quick acceleration, and the 10-speed automatic offered decisive shifts. The ST-Line's performance was enhanced with larger wheels and performance brakes, delivering a delightful ride and handling experience. The Explorer ST showcased its performance capabilities on an autocross course, while the Platinum trim demonstrated fast acceleration and a pleasant engine sound. The Explorer Active handled off-road trails well, though it was not a dedicated off-roader.

The 2024 Kia Telluride offered a comfortable interior, especially in higher trims. The SX Prestige X-Line featured premium Nappa leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, second-row captain’s chairs, and a third-row seat suitable for adults. A dual sunroof added light to the interior. The controls were oriented horizontally, with a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system and physical controls. Storage space was generous, with a covered cubby, smartphone tray, and door panel bins. The hands-free power liftgate was convenient, though its automatic function could be undesirable in certain situations. Cargo space measured 21 cubic feet behind the third row, 46 cubic feet with it folded, and a maximum of 87 cubic feet.

The 2025 Ford Explorer seated six in its standard configuration, with an optional second-row bench seat increasing capacity to seven. The ST-Line featured a heated steering wheel, power-adjustable front seats, and a Premium Package with ambient lighting, massage seats, and a power-folding third-row seat. The front seats were comfortable, with breathable fabric inserts. The second-row captain’s chairs were equally comfortable, with manual rear side window shades. The third row was less comfortable for adults, but suitable for children. Storage space was good, with a useful dashboard tray housing a wireless charger. Cargo space measured 16.3 cubic feet behind the third row, 46 cubic feet behind the second row, and a maximum of 85.8 cubic feet.

The 2024 Kia Telluride featured a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, requiring a cable for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Kia Connect subscription was needed for voice recognition. The system offered Bluetooth pairing, satellite radio, wireless charging, and a Harman Kardon audio system. Kia Connect plans included features like remote engine starting, Amazon Alexa compatibility, and over-the-air updates. Additional tech included a blue-light filter, Quiet Mode, digital key function, camera-based rearview mirror, and a head-up display.

The 2025 Ford Explorer introduced the Ford Digital Experience with a 13.2-inch touchscreen and 12.3-inch digital instrumentation. It included Google Built-in, Amazon Alexa, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. A 5G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot and web browser apps were available. The system was user-friendly, with Google Maps and Google Assistant. The Explorer offered B&O sound systems, with 10 speakers in the ST-Line and 14 in the Platinum and ST trims.

The 2024 Kia Telluride came with Kia Drive Wise, including collision avoidance, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and Highway Driving Assist. Safety upgrades included front parking sensors, cross-traffic alert, and a Blind-Spot View Monitor. Highway Driving Assist 2.0 added automatic lane changing. The Telluride received a five-star overall crash test rating from NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ rating from IIHS.

The 2025 Ford Explorer featured Ford CoPilot 360+, with adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assist. ST-Line and higher trims included CoPilot 360 2.0 and BlueCruise, Ford’s hands-free highway driving system. BlueCruise performed well in testing, though it was inconsistent in certain situations. The Explorer had not been fully rated by NHTSA, but received five-star side-impact and four-star rollover resistance ratings.