2026 Ford Explorer vs 2027 Kia Telluride
Picking the right three-row vehicle can be tough, especially with the 2026 Ford Explorer taking on a completely reimagined version of the 2027 Kia Telluride. If you're trying to figure out which of these large SUVs makes the most sense for your family's routine, we've got you covered when comparing the 2026 Ford Explorer with the 2027 Kia Telluride.
Key Takeaways
- Ford expands the Explorer lineup with the off-road Tremor.
- Kia skipped the '26 model year to give the Telluride a ground-up redesign.
- The pricing for both SUV lineups is nearly equivalent.
What Changed for the Explorer and Telluride?
This year, Ford Targets outdoor enthusiasts with the new Explorer Tremor. Built for weekend trips on the trail, it features a lifted suspension, steel skid plates, a Torsen limited-slip rear differential, and durable 18-inch wheels with terrain-conquering tires. The re-sculpted front and rear bumpers prevent scrapes on steep inclines, while the seats feature easy-to-clean ActiveX upholstery that lets you wipe away mud and dirt in a matter of seconds.
The Explorer has a slightly lower starting price, but as you go up the ladder, trim MSRPs from both lineups are nearly equivalent. The Explorer's pricing stacks up like this:
- 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
Instead of spending time updating a few styling details on the Telluride's older platform, Kia skipped the '26 model year to launch a second-generation Telluride built entirely from scratch. Its models 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
Performance and Drivetrains in the Explorer vs. Telluride
Ford easily controls the field when you're looking at pure mechanical strength and options. Most Explorer models use a 300-hp 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder paired with a 10-speed automatic and the choice of standard rear-wheel drive or optional all-wheel drive. If you step up to the trail-ready Tremor, the premium Platinum, or the high-performance ST, you get an automatic upgrade to a 400-hp twin-turbo V6.
The second-gen Telluride features a single 274-hp 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder. It mates with an eight-speed automatic and front- or all-wheel drive.
| 2026 Ford Explorer | 2027 Kia Telluride |
|---|---|
| Standard 2.3L EcoBoost four-cylinder; available 3.0L twin-turbo V6 | Turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder |
| 10-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| RWD standard; AWD available | FWD standard; AWD available |
Entertainment Tech in the Explorer vs. Telluride
The Explorer's Ford Digital Experience is standard on a 13.2-inch center touchscreen. Cabin convenience is a big selling point here, with eight USB ports split across all three rows so everyone can plug in comfortably. Moving up to higher-end trims opens up an available premium Bang & Olufsen system.
The Telluride comes to the fight with a slightly smaller 12.3-inch infotainment display, though buyers can add a matching 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. Kia integrates a generative AI voice-recognition assistant right into the cabin, and buyers can upgrade from the standard 12-speaker audio system to a highly immersive 14-speaker Meridian audio package.
Choosing Your Next Family SUV
Sure, the Telluride is refined and comfortable, but the Explorer gives you so much more overall, between its high-powered V6, dynamic rear-wheel-drive architecture, and diverse trims. If you want to experience what the Explorer can do, contact Brighton Ford to set up your test drive today!
