2025 Kia Telluride vs 2025 Ford Explorer

The 2025 Ford Explorer continued its evolution with a refreshed design that enhanced its rugged appeal. The front end was restyled to give the SUV a wider and more robust appearance, while new LED taillights and a trim strip connecting them added a modern touch. Inside, the Explorer saw significant improvements in materials and design, making it more competitive in its segment. Ford streamlined the trim levels to four, offering a range from the base Active to the performance-oriented ST, with prices starting at $39,755.

In contrast, the 2025 Kia Telluride maintained its distinctive and upscale design, though the X-Line and X-Pro packages gave it a more rugged, blacked-out look. The interior of the Telluride SX Prestige X-Pro was luxurious, featuring Terracotta Nappa leather and a dual-screen display. Despite some lower-quality plastics, the cabin was well-appointed with thoughtful features like heated and ventilated second-row seats and ample storage solutions. The Telluride's design stood out in a crowded SUV market, offering a blend of style and functionality.

The 2025 Ford Explorer offered two EcoBoost engine options. Most trims came with a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. The performance-focused ST trim featured a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 with 400 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque. All Explorers had a 10-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive, with an optional four-wheel-drive system. The ST-Line test vehicle averaged 23.8 mpg with its turbocharged four-cylinder engine, while the Platinum trim with the V6 achieved 22.9 mpg.

The 2025 Kia Telluride was powered by a 3.8-liter V6 engine generating 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive was standard on most trims, while all-wheel drive was available. The Telluride offered Eco, Comfort, Sport, and Smart driving modes, with an additional Snow mode for AWD models. During a road trip, the Telluride returned 20.2 mpg over nearly 1,200 miles, aligning with its EPA rating. The X-Pro package enhanced off-road capability but sacrificed some on-road grip.

The 2025 Ford Explorer accommodated six passengers in its standard configuration, with an optional second-row bench seat increasing capacity to seven. The ST-Line trim featured comfortable front seats with heating and massage functions, while the second-row captain's chairs offered similar comfort. However, the third row was less accommodating for adults. Cargo space was competitive, with 16.3 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 85.8 cubic feet with all seats folded.

The 2025 Kia Telluride SX Prestige X-Pro provided a luxurious interior with heated and ventilated seats in both the front and second rows. The cabin featured thoughtful storage solutions and ample legroom, especially in the second row. The third row was reasonably comfortable for adults, and cargo space was generous, with 21 cubic feet behind the third row and up to 87 cubic feet with seats folded. The Telluride's interior was well-suited for families and long journeys.

The 2025 Ford Explorer introduced the Ford Digital Experience, featuring a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 13.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system. It included Google Built-in, Amazon Alexa, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The system was user-friendly, with Google Maps integration and app downloads via Google Play. The Explorer offered B&O sound systems, with the ST-Line featuring a 10-speaker setup and higher trims boasting 14 speakers.

The 2025 Kia Telluride SX and SX Prestige trims featured a 12.3-inch digital driver display and a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The setup included a head-up display and Blind Spot View Monitor. However, the Telluride lacked wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the voice recognition system was basic. Despite these limitations, the Harman Kardon audio system delivered impressive sound quality, and the infotainment system was generally user-friendly.

The 2025 Ford Explorer came equipped with Ford CoPilot 360+, offering a comprehensive suite of advanced driving assistance systems. The ST-Line and higher trims included BlueCruise, Ford's hands-free highway driving system. While the Explorer had not been fully rated by the NHTSA, it earned five-star side-impact and four-star rollover resistance ratings.

The 2025 Kia Telluride featured Kia's Drive Wise suite of safety features, including forward collision warning, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. The SX Prestige X-Pro trim added advanced features like Blind Spot View Monitor and evasive steering assist. The Telluride earned a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, reflecting its strong safety credentials.