The Quick Answer
- Telluride wins on seating and space: up to 8 seats versus 6 or 7, and 89.3 cu ft of max cargo versus 85.8.
- Explorer wins on power and gas mpg: 300 hp from its base engine, up to 400 hp from the V6, and 23 mpg with 4WD versus 20 for a Telluride AWD.
- Telluride offers a hybrid (31 mpg AWD); Ford doesn't.
- Off-road trims: Telluride X-Pro (9.1 in. clearance, locking center diff) versus Explorer Tremor (8.7 in., limited-slip rear axle, skid plates).
Telluride vs. Explorer: Side by Side
| 2027 Kia Telluride | Ford Explorer (2027) | |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | $39,190 (LX FWD) | About $38,465 (Active RWD) |
| AWD / 4WD from | $44,090 (S AWD) | About $40,465 (Active 4WD) |
| Engines | 2.5L turbo, 274 hp / 311 lb-ft; turbo-hybrid 329 hp / 339 lb-ft | 2.3L turbo, 300 hp / 310 lb-ft; 3.0L twin-turbo V6, 400 hp (385 hp Colorado rating) |
| EPA combined, AWD / 4WD | 20 mpg gas; 31 mpg hybrid | 23 mpg (2.3L); 20 mpg (V6) |
| Max towing | 5,000 lbs gas; 4,500 lbs hybrid | 5,000 lbs |
| Seating | 7 or 8 | 6 standard; 7 optional (no 8) |
| Third-row legroom | 32.1 in. | 31.8 in. |
| Cargo behind 3rd / 2nd / 1st row | 22.3 / 48.7 / 89.3 cu ft | 16.3 / 46.0 / 85.8 cu ft |
| Ground clearance | 7.4 in. (X-Pro 9.1 in.) | 7.6–8.3 in. (Tremor 8.7 in.) |
| Length | 199.2 in. | 198.7 in. |
| Warranty (basic / powertrain) | 5-yr/60K / 10-yr/100K | 3-yr/36K / 5-yr/60K |
2027 Telluride data from Kia; 2027 Explorer engines, towing, seating, space and clearance from Ford. Explorer prices and warranty are from Edmunds and EPA figures from the EPA dataset as published by MPG Buddy; confirm current pricing with Ford. MSRP excludes destination. Kia's cargo figures include under-floor space.
Price and Value
The Explorer Active starts around $38,465 with rear-wheel drive and about $40,465 with 4WD, below the $44,090 Telluride S AWD. The Telluride's advantage is what the money buys: eight seats on the EX AWD ($45,790), a hybrid from $46,490 and SX-level tech such as dual 12.3-in. displays and Meridian audio.
Ford also keeps some convenience items optional on 2027 models, such as the garage-door opener, so compare window stickers line by line.
Power and Fuel Economy
Ford's base 2.3L turbo makes 300 hp, 26 more than the Telluride, and the 3.0L V6 in the ST, Tremor and Platinum makes 400 hp nationally. Ford rates Colorado-spec V6 models at 385 hp (Tremor, ST) and 383 hp (Platinum). The Explorer's 2.3L is also rated 3 mpg better with 4WD.
There is no Explorer hybrid. The Telluride Hybrid makes 329 hp and gets 31 mpg with AWD, beating every Explorer on fuel economy.
Space and Seating
The Explorer comes standard with six seats (second-row captain's chairs); a seven-seat bench is optional except on the Tremor, and there is no eight-seat version. The Telluride LX and EX seat eight, and other trims seat seven.
The Telluride also has 6 cu ft more space behind the third row, 2.7 more behind the second and 3.5 more overall. Edmunds lists less second- and third-row space than many rivals among the Explorer's weaknesses.
Towing and Colorado Capability
- Towing: both are rated for 5,000 lbs. The Explorer includes a Class III tow package; the Telluride needs its $625 Towing Package except on X-Pro trims.
- Drivetrain: the Explorer is rear-drive based with optional Intelligent 4WD (standard on Tremor). The Telluride is front-drive based with optional AWD and Terrain Mode.
- Off-road: the Explorer Tremor has 8.7 in. of clearance, a limited-slip rear axle, skid plates and all-terrain tires, but no low range. The Telluride X-Pro has 9.1 in., all-terrain tires, an electronic limited-slip differential and a center diff lock.
Warranty and Ownership
Kia covers the Telluride for 5 years/60,000 miles basic and 10 years/100,000 miles on the powertrain for the original owner. Ford's coverage is 3 years/36,000 miles and 5 years/60,000 miles.
Where the Explorer Wins
The Explorer has clear strengths:
- More power: 300 hp standard and up to 400 hp.
- Better fuel economy from its base 4WD engine (23 vs. 20 mpg).
- A lower price for 4WD.
- Rear-drive-based handling that reviewers call secure.
- Available BlueCruise hands-free highway driving.
Which Should You Buy?
Choose the Telluride if…
You need seven or eight real seats, more cargo room, a hybrid or the longest warranty.
Choose the Explorer if…
Power and handling come first, six or seven seats are enough, and you don't need a hybrid.
Compare the Telluride at Emich Kia
Bring the whole family to Emich Kia and try the Telluride's third row and cargo area for yourself.
- Family-owned since 1922 at 1260 S. Colorado Blvd. in Denver, a few minutes from I-25 and Cherry Creek.
- Not sure which trim has the feature you want? We'll check the window sticker on any vehicle before you visit.
- Schedule a test drive, apply for financing online or value your trade before you come in.
Telluride vs. Explorer: FAQ
Does the Ford Explorer seat eight like the Telluride?
No. The 2027 Explorer seats six as standard, with an optional seven-seat bench on most trims. The Telluride LX and EX seat eight, and other trims seat seven.
Which is bigger, the Telluride or Explorer?
The Telluride has more interior space: 89.3 cubic feet of max cargo versus 85.8 and 22.3 cubic feet behind the third row versus 16.3. Their exterior lengths are within an inch.
Which is more powerful?
The Explorer. Its 2.3L turbo makes 300 hp and its V6 400 hp (385 hp for Colorado-spec Tremor and ST models), versus 274 hp for the gas Telluride and 329 hp for the Telluride Hybrid.
Which gets better gas mileage?
The Explorer 2.3L 4WD is rated 23 mpg combined versus 20 for a gas Telluride AWD. The Telluride Hybrid beats both at 31 mpg AWD; Ford doesn't offer an Explorer hybrid.
Telluride X-Pro or Explorer Tremor: which is better off-road?
The X-Pro has more ground clearance (9.1 vs. 8.7 inches) and a locking center differential. The Tremor adds a limited-slip rear axle and skid plates and offers a 400-hp V6. Neither has low range.
Which has the better warranty?
Kia's: 10 years/100,000 miles on the powertrain and 5 years/60,000 miles basic, versus 5 years/60,000 miles and 3 years/36,000 miles from Ford.
Drive the 2027 Telluride
Shop the Telluride and Telluride Hybrid in stock at Emich Kia, then drive one back to back with the Explorer.
Shop Telluride Shop Telluride Hybrid