- Both are loaded with safety features.The Telluride wins when it comes to cargo space behind the third row: 21.0 cubic feet compared to the Explorer's 18.2 cubic feet. If you drive with the third-row seat folded, however, the Explorer pulls ahead, with 47.9 cubic feet of space to the Telluride's 46.0 cubic feet. Of course, we'll have to compare the cargo bays for ourselves before we decide which one feels roomier.
Now how about legroom? The Explorer lags behind in the second row with 39 inches compared to the Telluride's 42.4 inches of legroom. But the Explorer makes a comeback in third-row legroom, which measures 32.2 inches, ahead of the Telluride's 31.4 inches.
- The base Telluride price is lower than the Explorer's and will go on sale first.Both the Explorer and Telluride offer a slew of safety features. They each get collision avoidance tech, pedestrian detection, forward collision warning, lane keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Ford offers evasive steering assist, which provides steering support to help avoid a crash.
The 2020 Kia Telluride began sales this spring, while the 2020 Ford Explorer enters the market in June. As we reported earlier, the base Explorer starts $33,860, putting it well above the Telluride's starting price of $32,735. The most expensive Explorer in the lineup, the Platinum model, goes for $59,345, while the Telluride's top trim only comes in at $42,535.
They also have this great side-by-side chart with all the specs.Similarities
Functional 3-row SUVs that are fully-capable family haulers.
2020 Kia Telluride Advantages
A comfortable ride, fantastic warranty, and amenity-packed vehicle for a good price.
2020 Ford Explorer Advantages
The 2020 Ford Explorer comes in a hybrid.
Final Recommendation
The Kia Telluride takes the cake in this comparison since it comes well-equipped at its base level. While the Explorer does offer a hybrid power train, it is priced into luxury SUV territory and can be costly.
That's pretty telling that the only advantage they could give to the Explorer was that it comes with a hybrid model.Kelley Blue Book put together a side by side comparison of the Telluride and Explorer. According to them the Telluride is the clear winner.
They also have this great side-by-side chart with all the specs.
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It's a testament to how well Kia designed the Telluride, it's remarkable how well it compares to the competition.That's pretty telling that the only advantage they could give to the Explorer was that it comes with a hybrid model.
The Explorer is definitely no slouch that's for sure. This comparison is definitely more about how good the Telluride is rather than how bad the Explorer is.That what you get when its build and designed by people that understand the demand.
If it was designed and built elsewhere, we wouldn't see strong sales.
ADMITTEDLY, the Explorer holds its own.
Yeah Car and Driver did a good job with their review. At the end of the day they're both worthy SUVs to own.A C&D comparison between the summed up the differences quite well.
The Bottom Line
Kia's second shot at the three-row, mid-size SUV market is a first-rate vehicle that is perfectly attuned to the American market. It probably took a massive effort on Kia's part to deliver this knockout, but the Telluride's win appears effortless. The big Kia proves the better buy regardless of whether you prioritize interior space, style, value, driving dynamics, or convenience features as your most important need. The Ford's advantages in straight-line performance and highway fuel economy simply aren't enough to justify its less accommodating interior, its unpolished powertrain, or its mediocre driving dynamics.
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No doubt. Telluride demand verifies that and so did MotorTrend recently:Yeah Car and Driver did a good job with their review. At the end of the day they're both worthy SUVs to own.
And The Verdict Is ...
More: MotorTrends Full ArticleBoth the 2020 Kia Telluride and the 2020 Ford Explorer bring a lot to the table, but the Kia is simply the more well-rounded vehicle. The big Korean also comes with features found in pricier luxury SUVs, such as heated and ventilated second-row seats, a blind-spot monitor, and a self-leveling rear air suspension, while topping out at $46,860. An equally equipped 2020 Explorer costs well into the $50,000 range, yet the quality, road manners, and comfort pales in comparison against the Telluride. For those reasons, the 2020 Kia Telluride wins this matchup.
This quote from the article about the build quality really stands out and reinforces their verdict for the Telluride.No doubt. Telluride demand verifies that and so did MotorTrend recently:
More: MotorTrends Full Article
Look closely at the interior details, and you'll notice the Telluride's superior build quality. Everything you touch feels expensive and substantial, and our SX tester's two-tone Nappa leather upholstery further enhances the cabin's premium ambiance. In comparison, the Explorer XLT's interior reeks of cheapness, putting it way behind the Telluride in terms of quality. Multiple staffers criticized the Explorer's interior for cost cutting and the extensive use of substandard bits throughout the cabin. (Editors had similar opinions about two more expensive Explorer testers.)
Really well put, they serve two different purposes and they both do it well. It's time for these reviewers to find another SUV to compare the Telluride too.The problem I have with these Explorer vs Palisade comparisons is its getting old and really quick. Mindsets of the buyer types involved are drastically different. If I had more utilitarian related needs it would be the Explorer and its a completely different mindset from what attracts people to the Telluride.
