Ford Explorer vs Kia Telluride

Ford vs Kia: Performance

Your vehicle’s performance on main roads and tough terrain is important—and both the 2021 Explorer and the Kia Telluride have plenty of power. The Telluride features a 3.8L V6 engine that generates 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque.

When properly equipped, it has a maximum towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds. No small amount, indeed. However, the Explorer can not only offer you more power, but it can also offer you more options.

The Ford Explorer offers three different engines that are more powerful than that of the Kia. First up is the 2.3L EcoBoost® I-4 engine with 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque with a maximum towing capacity of up to 5,300 pounds when properly equipped.

Next, the 3.0L EcoBoost® V6 engine can generate 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque and a maximum towing capacity of up to 5,600 pounds when properly equipped.

Last but certainly not the least, the 3.3L Hybrid V6 engine delivers 318 horsepower and 322 lb-ft of torque, making it one of the strongest hybrid engines in its class. When properly equipped, this engine offers a maximum towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds.

Explorer vs Telluride: MPG

In the past, many SUVs had a reputation of not being fuel efficient. That notion has dissipated in recent years with many SUVs offering incredible fuel efficiency. The Ford Explorer and the Kia Telluride fit this mold. The Kia Telluride achieves and EPA-estimated 20 city/26 highway MPG in its FWD models and an EPA-estimated 19 city/24 highway MPG across its AWD models.

The Ford Explorer, on the other hand, can keep you on the road for longer periods of time since it gets an EPA-estimated 27 city/29 highway MPG. As you climb up the trim ladder: the XLT and the Limited trims achieve an EPA-estimated 21 city/28 highway MPG; the ST and the Platinum trims reach an EPA-estimated 18 city/24 highway MPG; and the King Ranch trim delivers an EPA-estimated 18 city/26 highway MPG.