2026 Ford Explorer vs 2027 Kia Telluride
This matchup pits the 2026 Ford Explorer against a heavily updated 2027 Kia Telluride. To figure out which of these large family haulers belongs parked in your garage, let's take a look in this Ford Explorer vs Kia Telluride 3-row SUV matchup below!
Key Takeaways
- Ford broadens its lineup by rolling out the all-new Explorer Tremor for real off-road enthusiasts.
- Kia didn't release a 2026 model, choosing instead to skip the year and fully re-engineer the Telluride.
- Sticker prices between the two manufacturers are neck-and-neck as of June 5, 2026.
Generational Changes and Trim Pricing for the Explorer and Telluride
Ford adds to its rugged, back-road capability with the debut of the Tremor trim, which comes factory-equipped for those moments on rough terrain with a suspension lift, heavy steel underbody skid plates, a Torsen limited-slip rear differential, and aggressive 18-inch all-terrain tires. Ford reshaped the Explorer's front and rear fascias for better clearance angles on steep trails, while the interior adds heavy-duty ActiveX seating that lets you wipe away road debris without ruining the upholstery.
Even though the base Explorer Active costs a few hundred dollars less than the base Telluride, the final window stickers stay close as you move up through both lineups. Ford's models are:
- Active: $40,260 (Standard or w/100A Pkg)
- Active w/200A Pkg: $42,380
- ST-Line: $46,950
- Tremor: $50,260
- Platinum: $52,760
- ST: $56,700
Kia decided to take a much broader leap with its timeline. Rather than spending money on a basic facelift for '26, the automaker paused production for the year to introduce a redesigned, second-gen Telluride platform. Kia's trims are:
- LX: $40,735
- S: $43,635
- EX: $45,335
- EX X-Line: $48,835
- SX: $50,335
- SX X-Line: $53,335
- SX X-Pro: $55,235
- SX-Prestige: $55,435
- SX-Prestige X-Line: $56,435
- SX-Prestige X-Pro: $58,335
Engine Options and Horsepower in the Explorer and Telluride
When comparing road power and performance, Ford holds the upper hand. The standard engine for the Explorer is a 300-hp 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder that mates with a 10-speed automatic with rear- or all-wheel drive. But if you want sports-car performance, you can get it by upgrading to the Tremor, high-end Platinum, or high-performance ST, which swaps the base engine for a 400-hp twin-turbo V6.
Kia's new gen leaves the old V6 behind, moving to a standard 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 274 horsepower. It pairs with an eight-speed automatic and your choice of either front- or all-wheel drive.
| 2026 Ford Explorer | 2027 Kia Telluride |
|---|---|
| 2.3L EcoBoost four-cylinder engine (standard)3.0L twin-turbo V6 (optional) | Turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder |
| 10-speed automatic transmission | 8-speed automatic transmission |
| RWD; AWD | FWD; AWD |
Infotainment and Sound Features in the Explorer vs. Telluride
Step inside the Explorer and you will find Ford's Digital Experience, built around a 13.2-inch infotainment touchscreen. Eight fast-charging USB ports are throughout all three rows of the cabin, so nobody has to share when charging devices. Top-tier buyers can also opt for a high-end Bang & Olufsen audio upgrade.
The Telluride counters with a slightly smaller 12.3-inch infotainment display, though drivers can combine it with an optional 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. For this brand-new gen, the Telluride's integrated generative AI voice assistant manages vehicle settings. Here, you can also upgrade the standard 12-speaker setup to a 14-speaker Meridian surround-sound system.
Which Is the Smart Buy for Your Driveway?
While the Telluride is a polished option for daily errands, the Explorer delivers far more flexibility on and off the jobsite and gives you more ways to build a vehicle around your life. Give Jarrett Scott a call today to experience it from the driver's seat!
