Which should you drive home, the 2023 Ford Explorer or 2023 Kia Telluride? Choosing the best three-row midsize crossover SUV for you and your family isn’t easy, but our comparison guide aims to help.
Key Takeaways
- Of the two SUVs, the Telluride offers a slightly lower starting price.
- These three-row midsize crossover SUVs provide impressive interior comfort, with generous standard features and a wide range of upscale options.
- Compared to the Telluride, the Explorer offers both more power and greater fuel economy, depending on which engine you select.
- The 2023 Explorer is also the better option for towing, offering stronger tow ratings.
Lowest Price Tag: 2023 Kia Telluride
Although these SUVs are very competitive, it’s the Telluride that delivers a slightly lower MSRP, $35,890. However, the Explorer is only slightly more expensive, starting at $36,760. But the price for either midsize crossover will rise according to trim model and equipment!
Three-Row Comfort: It’s a Tie!
These popular three-row crossovers are known for their spacious, comfortable cruising. Not only do both the Telluride and the Explorer provide for a roomy road trip, but each crossover also comes standard with coveted comfort and tech features. For example, both include automatic climate control (tri-zone in the Explorer and dual-zone in the Telluride) and touchscreen infotainment with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto!
These crossover SUVs also offer a variety of trim levels, each of which builds on the last with greater luxury. Optional features include heated and ventilated front seats, leather seating, and wireless smartphone charging. Style upgrades include bigger, flashier wheels and special trim, inside and out.
Powertrain Options: 2023 Ford Explorer
Depending on which Explorer you select, there are three engine options available. And each option provides a stronger ride than you can get from the Telluride! For the most powerful ride, look to the 400-horsepower V6 engine. For the thriftiest, check out the peppy hybrid powertrain, which helps the Explorer earn up to 27 mpg combined.
- 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
The Telluride keeps things simple with one powertrain for all of its trim models. Although it’s not as powerful as anything the Explorer has to offer, the Telluride’s V6 helps you get around town with plenty of pep. Unlike the Explorer, which delivers a performance focused drive with rear-wheel drive, the Telluride sticks to the more car-like front-wheel-drive platform. Both SUVs offer optional all-wheel drive to boost traction on soft surfaces — such as dirt roads or icy pavement — ultimately improving both precision and safety. However, the Telluride isn’t quite as efficient, with max EPA ratings of 23 mpg combined (20/26 mpg).
- 3.8L V8 (291 hp, 262 lb-ft)
- Eight-speed automatic transmission
- Front-wheel drive
- Optional all-wheel drive
Max Towing: 2023 Ford Explorer
With the available V6 engine and the proper equipment, the Explorer can tow a trailer weighing up to 5,600 pounds. That’s more than most models in the three-row crossover segment, and its muscular capabilities are thanks in part to its rear-wheel-drive setup. Explorers with the base turbocharged four-cylinder engine can tow up to 5,300 pounds. And hybrid models can tow max loads of 5,000 pounds, a best-in-class figure for a midsize crossover hybrid.
If you choose one of the X-Pro trim models, your Kia Telluride can tow up to 5,500 pounds, making it a close second place. Other Telluride models can tow up to 5,000 pounds.
Your New SUV
In spite of its unique style and rich interior comfort, the 2023 Kia Telluride takes a backseat to the 2023 Ford Explorer. Choose Ford’s three-row crossover SUV for the total package, from cushy comfort to sporty performance.