2021 Kia Telluride vs 2022 Ford Explorer

The 2021 Kia Telluride was available in four trim levels: LX, S, EX, and SX, with both front-wheel drive (FWD) and optional all-wheel drive (AWD). Base pricing ranged from $32,190 to $42,490, excluding destination charges. The Telluride S trim offered significant value, but many opted for the top-tier SX trim, which could be equipped with a Prestige package, transforming it into a luxury SUV. This package added premium stitched Nappa leather, a simulated suede headliner, a head-up display (HUD), and heated and ventilated second-row seats. The Nightfall Edition package, new for 2021, provided a blacked-out look with gloss black 20-inch aluminum wheels and a unique grille insert. Our test vehicle, equipped with the Nightfall Edition, AWD, Prestige package, and other options, had a sticker price of $50,180, including a $1,170 destination charge.

The 2021 Telluride's styling was a major selling point, with its exterior design receiving widespread praise. Inside, the interior was noted for its contemporary design and quality execution, despite some glossy hard plastic on the lower parts. The transmission shifter, placed to the left side of the center console, preserved storage space and felt solid and smooth in operation. However, the interior color options were limited to black or gray unless one opted for the SX trim. Overall, the Telluride's look and feel were highly regarded, with only minor criticisms.

The 2022 Ford Explorer offered a wide range of models, with prices starting at $33,745 and going up to $54,495, excluding a $1,495 destination charge. The lineup included the rugged Timberline and luxurious King Ranch trims, with the new ST-Line adding a sporty look to the popular XLT version. Our test vehicle was the King Ranch, featuring four-wheel drive (4WD), Rapid Red paint, a Premium Technology package, and a twin-panel sunroof, bringing the MSRP to $59,880, including the destination charge.

Visually, the King Ranch trim was distinguished by its emblems, shiny 20-inch wheels, and quad exhaust outlets. The Explorer's rear-drive platform allowed for a long and tall hood, short front overhang, rakish roofline, and tapering greenhouse, giving it a taut, athletic appearance. Inside, the King Ranch featured exclusive Del Rio leather seating with lasso-perforated inserts and King Ranch branding. However, the cabin exhibited a mix of quality and questionable materials, with some elements reminiscent of the base trim. Despite this, the King Ranch's interior mostly felt worthy of its near $60,000 price tag.

The 2021 Kia Telluride was powered by a 3.8-liter V6 engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, delivering 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque to the front wheels. Kia's Drive Mode Select technology offered Snow, Eco, Comfort, Sport, and Smart driving modes. AWD was optional and included a low-speed Lock function for maximum traction, combined with eight inches of ground clearance. The Telluride demonstrated impressive off-road capabilities, successfully navigating muddy trails and snowstorms during testing.

In terms of ride and handling, the Telluride nearly eliminated the phenomenon known as "head-toss," thanks to its suspension tuning. The MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspension design, along with a self-leveling rear suspension on EX and SX trims, ensured a firm and connected sensation at slower speeds while becoming more compliant at higher speeds. The Telluride's 20-inch wheels and tires provided commendable grip, and brake-based Torque Vectoring Cornering Control technology contributed to its composed handling. The EPA rated the AWD Telluride at 21 mpg in combined driving, and our testing loop averaged 20.5 mpg.

The 2022 Ford Explorer offered three powertrains. The base, XLT, ST-Line, Limited, and Timberline trims came with a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine generating 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic and rear-wheel drive (RWD), with 4WD available. This engine provided up to 24 mpg in combined driving and a maximum towing capacity of 5,300 pounds. An efficient hybrid drivetrain, available for the Limited and Platinum trims, combined a 3.3-liter V6 engine with an electric motor, producing 318 hp and 322 lb-ft of torque, towing up to 5,000 lbs, and returning up to 27 mpg in combined driving.

For those prioritizing power and towing capacity, a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine was available, standard on ST, Platinum, and King Ranch trims. This engine generated 400 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic, RWD or 4WD, and could tow up to 5,600 lbs. The King Ranch 4WD test vehicle had an official rating of 20 mpg, and our testing loop averaged 20.6 mpg. The twin-turbo V6 provided satisfying acceleration and a pleasing exhaust note, but the hybrid powertrain offered the best blend of power, efficiency, and capability, though it was not available with King Ranch trim.

The Explorer's ride felt robust, handling bumps and holes in the pavement well. It performed admirably off-road, tackling moderately challenging terrain with ease. For daily driving, the Explorer King Ranch felt athletic and engaging, with the sport-tuned Explorer ST offering even more driving excitement. Overall, the 2022 Explorer provided a more traditional SUV feel compared to the Telluride.

The 2021 Kia Telluride excelled in comfort and utility. The SX trim's driver's seat offered 14-way power adjustment, including lumbar support and thigh extension, while the front passenger seat had 8-way power adjustment. Both front seats were heated and ventilated, and the Prestige package added premium leather upholstery and acoustic sound-absorbing glass. The second-row captain's chairs, also heated and ventilated, provided ample comfort, and the third-row seat was suitable for adults, though not as spacious as some competitors.

Storage solutions were well thought out, with smartphone bins, trays, and USB ports throughout the cabin. The Telluride's "smart" hands-free power liftgate opened automatically when the key fob was nearby, revealing 21 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third-row seats. Folding the third-row seats down increased cargo space to 46 cubic feet, and the maximum cargo volume was 87 cubic feet with the second-row seats folded.

The 2022 Ford Explorer offered plenty of comfort for families of four, with the option to carry five people with a second-row bench seat. The King Ranch trim featured triple-zone automatic climate control, a power-adjustable heated steering wheel, heated and ventilated front seats, and heated second-row captain's chairs. Massaging front seats were standard, with 14-way power adjustment for the driver and 8-way power adjustment for the front passenger. However, the third-row seat was difficult for adults to access and lacked legroom.

Practical storage space within the cabin was limited, with missed opportunities for additional storage solutions. The hands-free power liftgate revealed 18.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third-row seat, expanding to 47.9 cubic feet with the third-row seats folded. The maximum cargo volume was 87.8 cubic feet with both rear rows of seats folded.

The 2021 Kia Telluride came standard with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The LX and S trims had an 8-inch touchscreen, while the EX and SX trims featured a 10.25-inch screen with navigation and other upgrades. Kia's UVO Link Lite connected services plan was free for five years, with additional plans available for a subscription. Features included Rear Occupant Alert, remote engine start, and climate control operation, but a WiFi hotspot was not available. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with menu shortcut buttons and intuitive touchscreen operation. The SX trim included a 10-speaker Harman Kardon surround-sound system, Driver Talk, and Quiet Mode. The Prestige package added a head-up display with blind-spot notifications.

The 2022 Ford Explorer offered two versions of its Sync 3 infotainment system, with either an 8-inch or a 10.1-inch touchscreen. The smaller screen was well integrated, while the larger screen appeared as an afterthought. Our test vehicle had the full menu of Sync 3 technology, including FordPass Connect services, a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot, Ford+Alexa functionality, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, and a navigation system. The King Ranch trim also featured wireless smartphone charging, a surround-view camera system, and a 14-speaker Bang and Olufsen premium sound system. However, the voice recognition system was less effective than desired, and Ford needs to upgrade the Explorer to Sync 4 technology.

The 2021 Kia Telluride came standard with the Drive Wise collection of advanced driving assistance systems, including blind-spot warning, lane-keeping assistance, forward-collision warning, rear cross-traffic alert, a driver-monitoring system, and automatic emergency braking. EX and SX trims added Highway Drive Assist, combining adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assistance. The SX trim also included front parking sensors, a surround-view camera system, and a Blind-Spot View Monitor. The Telluride earned a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and a 5-star rating from the NHTSA, with four-star frontal-impact results.

The 2022 Ford Explorer earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS for all trims. The NHTSA had not published complete crash-test ratings for the 2022 model, but the 2021 model received five-star ratings except for rollover resistance. The Explorer came standard with Ford Co-Pilot360, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Co-Pilot360 Assist+ added adaptive cruise control, lane-centering assist, and evasive steering assist. The Explorer also featured post-collision braking and MyKey programmable vehicle functions.