The 2023 Ford Explorer and the 2023 Kia Telluride are two of the most popular three-row midsize crossovers available right now. But which is the better daily driver? Which is the more family-friendly SUV? Our comparison guide takes a closer look at the ups and downs of owning either model.
Key Takeaways
- The 2023 Telluride offers a slightly lower starting price tag than the 2023 Explorer.
- Choose the Explorer for the sportier drive, which includes standard rear-wheel drive and three available engine options.
- With its available hybrid powertrain, the Explorer also delivers the most efficient performance.
- Both the 2023 Kia Telluride and the Ford Explorer are available with an impressive range of comfort and tech features, delivering very family-friendly cabins.
Lowest MSRP: 2023 Kia Telluride
The Telluride is the slightly more affordable crossover SUV, with a starting price of $35,890. However, the Ford Explorer keeps things very competitive, with only a slightly higher MSRP of $36,760.
Sporty Performance: 2023 Ford Explorer
With its unique rear-wheel-drive platform and three powerful engine options, the Explorer takes a firm lead in this category. Most crossovers feature front-wheel drive, but the Explorer comes with rear-wheel drive, which lends itself to a very agile performance. If you’re shopping for the most powerful drive, check out the available V6, which delivers 400 horses.
Choose from these Explorer powertrain options:
- Standard turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine (300 horsepower, 310 lb-ft of torque)
- Standard for the ST, King Ranch and optional for the Platinum: turbo 3.0L V6 (400 hp, 415 lb-ft)
- Standard for the Platinum, optional for the Limited: 3.3L hybrid V6 (318 hp, 322 lb-ft)
- 10-speed automatic transmission
- Rear-wheel drive
- Optional all-wheel drive
Every Telluride comes with the same powertrain, a hefty V6 linked to an eight-speed automatic transmission. As you can see, though, the Telluride’s V6 isn’t nearly as powerful as the Explorer’s V6. However, both crossovers offer optional all-wheel drive to improve performance on light trails.
The Telluride powertrain options include:
- 3.8L V6 (291 hp, 262 lb-ft)
- Eight-speed automatic transmission
- Front-wheel drive
- Optional all-wheel drive
Maximum Efficiency: 2023 Ford Explorer
Interestingly, although the Explorer is the more powerful model, it’s also the more efficient option. With its available hybrid powertrain, the Explorer earns up to 27 mpg combined (27 city/28 highway). Meanwhile, the Telluride’s best EPA ratings reach 23 mpg combined (20 city/26 highway).
Modern Features: It’s (Basically) a Tie!
These midsize crossovers are highly competitive when it comes to comfort and tech features. Inside each model, you’ll find 8-inch central infotainment systems and smartphone integration via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. And each comes standard with its own impressive list of driver safety aids, such as forward collision mitigation and blind-spot monitoring. Available tech upgrades for either crossover include premium audio systems and wireless smartphone chargers.
Each crossover SUV also delivers the kind of comfy ride you can’t do without. With three rows of supportive seating in each model, both the Telluride and the Explorer make for excellent family transport. Standard features include tri-zone (or dual-zone for the Telluride) automatic climate control and a power liftgate. Optional features — like heated and ventilated seats and second-row captain’s seats — can make your drive a little more luxurious.
Your New Explorer
The 2023 Kia Telluride certainly has unique exterior style and plenty of modern features, but it's the 2023 Ford Explorer that you should drive home! Choose the Explorer to enjoy premium power and even maximum efficiency! And Ford’s three-row crossover also provides an impressive range of interior luxury and cutting-edge tech features.