If you're stuck between the Kia Telluride and the Ford Explorer, you're not alone. Both are popular three-row SUVs, but they offer very different vibes. The Explorer adds a few tech upgrades and trims things down for 2025, while the Telluride sticks to refined styling, premium features, and tons of options. Let’s take a closer look at both in this 2025 Kia Telluride vs Ford Explorer comparison.
Key Takeaways
- As of May 2, 2025, pricing for the 2025 Kia Telluride runs from $37,805 to $55,100, while the 2025 Ford Explorer ranges from $41,350 to $57,100.
- The Telluride offers a wide variety of trims, but Ford streamlined down the Explorer lineup for 2025—dropping the XLT, Limited, Timberline, and King Ranch models.
- Although some expected a major redesign for the Explorer, the 2025 version gets a series of small updates instead.
Which Mid-Size SUV Has More Trim Options: 2025 Kia Telluride
A lot of people thought the 2025 Ford Explorer would show up with a big redesign, but the updates are mostly subtle. That said, there are still a few changes worth noting. The Explorer now includes more soft-touch materials throughout the cabin for a more upscale feel.
Ford also added its new Digital Experience system, which lets you stream content or play games via Google Play. Hands-free driving is now standard across the lineup thanks to BlueCruise, and there are slight changes to the grille, front fascia, headlights, and taillights.
But one of the biggest shifts for 2025 is in the trims. Ford dropped the XLT, Limited, Timberline, and King Ranch and kept the following models:
- Active: $41,380
- ST-Line: $46,190
- Tremor (arriving later in 2025): ~$52,000
- Platinum: $53,695
- ST: $55,835
Meanwhile, the 2025 Kia Telluride holds steady with no major changes and double the trim options at more affordable prices. Here's how pricing breaks down:
- LX: $37,805
- S: $40,805
- EX: $43,505
- SX: $47,605
- EX X-Line: $47,900
- EX X-Pro: $48,800
- SX X-Line: $51,300
- SX Prestige: $52,805
- SX Prestige X-Line: $54,200
- SX Prestige X-Pro: $55,100
Which Mid-Size SUV Has More Engine Options: 2025 Ford Explorer
Under the hood, the Telluride has a naturally aspirated 3.8-liter V6 that puts out 291 horsepower. It’s paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, standard front-wheel drive, and optional all-wheel drive. All trims also offer an available self-leveling rear suspension, which is a great extra for hauling or road trips.
The Explorer has the edge on engine options and performance. Depending on your trim, you’ll get:
- A 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder (standard on Active, ST-Line, and Platinum): 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque.
- A turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 (standard on ST, optional on Platinum): 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque.
Which Mid-Size SUV Gets Better Fuel Economy: It's (Mostly) a Tie
The Telluride does okay for a three-row SUV. Expect 20 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway with front-wheel drive. Opting for all-wheel drive brings those numbers down slightly to 18 mpg city and 24 mpg highway.
The Explorer does a little better in this department, especially with the four-cylinder. Rear-wheel-drive versions get an EPA-estimated 21 mpg city and 28 mpg highway. All-wheel drive lowers that slightly. If you go for the V6, the Explorer gets about 18 mpg city and 26 mpg highway with rear-wheel drive or 24 mpg on the highway with all-wheel drive.
Which Mid-Size SUV Comes Out on Top With Interior Features: 2025 Kia Telluride
The Telluride continues to shine when it comes to interior luxury and space. Especially in the upper trims, you’ll find touches like:
- Nappa leather upholstery
- Heated and ventilated second-row seats
- Driver’s seat memory and head-up display
- Suede headliner
- Eight-passenger layout (or seven with optional second-row captain’s chairs)
The Explorer’s interior has gotten some nice improvements, too. Ford updated the color schemes and swapped in more soft-touch surfaces throughout the cabin. The new dashboard layout gives front passengers a bit more breathing room, and accessing the third row is easy with a one-touch mechanism to move the second-row seat forward. Just note that the third row is a bit cramped for adults or tall teens.
Which Mid-Size SUV Is Right for You: 2025 Kia Telluride
The 2025 Explorer has some cool updates—like decent fuel economy and more powertrain options—but the Telluride still feels like the better all-around pick. It’s roomier, more refined, and packed with upscale features across the board. If comfort, style, and value matter most, the Telluride’s hard to beat.