2027 Ford Explorer vs. 2027 Kia Telluride
If you’re shopping for a three-row SUV, the 2027 Ford Explorer and the 2027 Kia Telluride are probably at the top of your list. They’re both capable, family-friendly SUVs, but the differences show up quickly, especially if you tow, drive a lot of interstate miles, or venture off the pavement on the weekends.
Here's how the two stack up, from the team at Mike Reichenbach Ford, and why the Explorer comes out ahead for the way most Pee Dee drivers actually use a three-row SUV.
The Quick Answer: Explorer or Telluride?
if you want more power from the standard engine, a tow package on every trim, available hands-free highway driving, or a true performance (ST) or off-road (Tremor) model with a 400-horsepower V6.
comes down mostly to a little more space behind the third row and an eight-seat option. When it comes to power, towing, hands-free driving, and off-road hardware, the Explorer gives you more.
For most Pee Dee drivers who tow a boat, a camper, or a utility trailer, the Explorer is a better pick since the towing hardware and trailer-aware blind-spot monitoring come standard.
2027 Explorer vs. 2027 Telluride at a Glance
| 2027 Ford Explorer | 2027 Kia Telluride | |
|---|---|---|
| Standard engine | 2.3L EcoBoost turbo 4-cyl: 300 hp, 310 lb-ft* | 2.5L turbo 4-cyl: 274 hp, 311 lb-ft |
| Top engine | 3.0L EcoBoost twin-turbo V6: up to 400 hp, 415 lb-ft* (ST, Tremor 801A, optional on Platinum) | 2.5L turbo-hybrid: 329 hp, 339 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 10-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic (gas), 6-speed (hybrid) |
| Drivetrain | Rear-wheel drive standard; Intelligent 4WD available (standard on Tremor) | Front-wheel drive standard; AWD available |
| Max towing | 5,000 lbs** on every trim, Class III tow package standard | 5,000 lbs (gas), 4,500 lbs (hybrid); factory hitch standard only on X-Pro trims |
| Blind-spot monitoring that covers a trailer | Standard | Not offered |
| Hands-free highway driving | Available Ford BlueCruise*** (ST-Line and up) | Not offered (Highway Driving Assist 2 is hands-on) |
| Second-row captain's chairs | Standard on every trim | Not offered on LX or EX (bench seat) |
| Power-folding 3rd row | Standard on ST and Platinum; available on Tremor | Not offered (manual pull straps) |
| Off-road model | Tremor: Torsen limited-slip rear diff, steel underbody deflector plates, auxiliary driving lamps, 31.6 in. all-terrain tires, available V6 | X-Pro: electronic limited-slip diff; skid plate optional, no auxiliary lighting, no V6 |
| Screens | 12.3 in. digital cluster + 13.2 in. center screen with Google built in | 12.3 in. cluster + 12.3 in. touchscreen |
Specs from Ford’s 2027 Explorer product and towing guides and kia.com/us/en/telluride, as of October 2026.
How They Compare Where You Actually Drive
Towing to Lake Robinson, Lake Marion or the Coast
Both are rated to tow 5,000 lbs, but only one comes ready to tow.
- Explorer: Every 2027 model includes the Class III Trailer Tow Package, with hitch receiver and 4-/7-pin wiring harness.
- Telluride: A factory hitch is standard only on the two top X-Pro trims. You’ll need to add one if you choose another model.
- Standard on every Explorer: Tow/Haul mode, Trailer Sway Control, and BLIS with Trailer Coverage.
- Trailer blind-spot coverage: BLIS extends monitoring to the full length of your trailer, which helps when merging onto I-95 with a boat behind you. The Telluride’s blind-spot system doesn’t cover a trailer.
The Explorer’s standard 2.3L EcoBoost has a 10-speed automatic transmission that produces 300 horsepower, versus 274 horsepower for the new Kia Telluride. On the Telluride Hybrid, towing drops to 4,500 lbs, but you’ll get 329 horsepower.
Bottom line: The Explorer comes ready to tow, with more power and trailer-specific safety tech standard
I-95 and I-20 Road Trips
Florence sits where I-95 meets I-20, so Columbia, Charlotte, and Savannah are all easy road trips. Highway driving is where these two SUVs really start to differentiate themselves.
- Explorer: Enjoy hands-free driving on compatible roads with available Ford BlueCruise on ST-Line and above. It steers, brakes, and even changes lanes for you.
- Telluride: No hands-free driving. Highway Driving Assist 2 helps with steering and speed, but your hands have to stay on the wheel the whole trip.
- Navigation: Google Maps and Google Assistant are built into the Explorer’s 13.2-inch screen, no phone needed. The Telluride runs Kia’s own system, so you’ll need Apple CarPlay or Android Auto to get Google Maps on screen.
- Audio: A 10-speaker B&O system is standard on the Explorer ST-Line. The Telluride’s Meridian premium audio requires the SX trim or higher.
Bottom line: The Explorer offers hands-free highway driving, built-in Google navigation, and standard premium audio on ST-Line, none of which the Telluride matches on comparable trims.
Dirt Roads, Hunting Land and the Beach
Both brands now sell an off-road model: the Ford Explorer Tremor and the Kia Telluride X-Pro SX Prestige. Here’s how they stack up:
- Explorer Tremor: Standard equipment includes a Torsen limited-slip rear differential, steel deflector plates under the front and rear, front auxiliary lights, tow hooks, and 31.6-inch all-terrain tires.
- Telluride X-Pro SX Prestige: Comes equipped with X-Pro suspension with 9.1-in. ground clearance, X-Pro exclusive electronic limited-slip differential (E-LSD), and a factory-installed OEM tow hitch that can handle a range of trailers, boats, and gear.
- Off-Road Mode: Intelligent 4WD Explorers also get an Off-Road drive mode for soft sand, mud, and deep ruts.
Bottom line: The Tremor brings more standard off-road hardware, plus a V6 option the Telluride X-Pro doesn’t offer.
Hauling the Whole Family
Every 2027 Explorer comes standard with second-row captain’s chairs, so kids can walk straight back to the third row without anyone climbing over a bench. On the Kia Telluride, the LX and EX trims come with a second-row bench instead, so you have to move up a trim to get captain’s chairs. Need a seventh seat in the Explorer? A 35/30/35 bench is available on most trims. Fold the second and third rows, and you have up to 85.8 cubic feet of cargo space for a Costco run, a tailgate setup, or a dorm move-in at Francis Marion.
The Explorer also makes everyday family life easier. Its available PowerFold third row folds or raises at the touch of a button. In the Kia Telluride, you fold the third row by hand, pulling a strap on each side. Heated second-row seats come standard on Explorer Tremor, ST, and Platinum and are available on ST-Line. On the Telluride, these are reserved for the top trims. Add the available Open On Approach liftgate, which opens when you stand behind the Explorer with the key fob, and loading up is easy even when your arms are full.
Performance and Everyday Driving
The Explorer's standard 2.3L EcoBoost delivers 300 horsepower, 26 more than the Telluride's standard engine, and it sends power through a 10-speed automatic. Step up to the 3.0L twin-turbo V6 for up to 400 horsepower. That's more than the Telluride Hybrid's 329 horsepower, even with its two electric motors.
The Ford Explorer ST adds a sport-tuned suspension, performance brakes, and paddle shifters. New ST owners can also sign up for the Explorer ST Experience, a full-day driving program at a racetrack run with Ford Racing. Kia doesn't offer anything like this experience.
Tech and Safety
Both SUVs have big screens, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a long list of driver assistance features. The Explorer's 13.2-inch center screen runs the Ford Digital Experience with Google built in, so Google Maps and Google Assistant work without a phone.
Every Explorer comes with Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist+, including adaptive cruise with Stop-and-Go and Lane Centering, automatic emergency braking and Intersection Assist. The Telluride offers 10 standard airbags and a 360-degree camera on SX trims and up. Meanwhile, the Explorer's 360-Degree Camera is standard from ST-Line up.
Explorer or Telluride: Which One Should You Choose?
- Tow a boat, camper, or utility trailer and want an SUV with hitch, wiring, and trailer-aware blind-spot monitoring included.
- Spend a lot of time on I-95 or I-20 and want hands-free highway driving.
- Want real power, from a 300-hp standard engine up to a 400-hp V6.
- Plan to use it off-road and want skid plates, a mechanical limited-slip rear differential, and a V6 option (Tremor).
- Usually carry six or seven people and like a third row that folds at the push of a button.
The Telluride's main advantages are a bit more space behind the third row and an eight-seat option. If neither is a must-have, the Explorer gives you more power, more towing confidence, and more technology.
Which 2027 Explorer Trim Fits You?
The base model delivers plenty of value with 300 horsepower, the tow package, and Co-Pilot360 Assist+.
This model offers sporty style, captain's chairs, a 360-degree camera, and available BlueCruise
Built for dirt roads and hunting land, with standard 4WD; the new 801A adds the 400-hp V6.
The performance pick, with the 400-hp V6, sport suspension, and access to the Explorer ST Experience
The luxury pick, now available with the V6 and the new Platinum Ultimate Package.
2027 Ford Explorer vs. Kia Telluride FAQs
Both are rated for up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped. The Explorer includes the Class III Trailer Tow Package and BLIS with Trailer Coverage on every 2027 trim. On the Telluride, a factory hitch is standard only on X-Pro models, and the hybrid is rated for 4,500 pounds.
The Explorer. Its standard 2.3L EcoBoost makes 300 hp vs. 274 hp for the Telluride's standard engine. The Explorer's available 3.0L EcoBoost V6 makes up to 400 hp, compared with 329 hp for the Telluride Hybrid.
No. The Telluride's Highway Driving Assist 2 helps with steering and speed, but the driver must keep their hands on the wheel. Ford BlueCruise allows hands-free driving on pre-mapped Blue Zone highways and is available on Explorer ST-Line and higher trims.
Yes. The Explorer seats six with second-row captain's chairs standard, or seven with the available bench, and offers up to 85.8 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded. Its available PowerFold third row folds at the touch of a button; the Telluride's third row folds by hand.
The Explorer Tremor comes standard with steel underbody deflector plates, a Torsen limited-slip rear differential, auxiliary driving lamps, and 31.6-inch all-terrain tires, and it's the only one of the two available with a V6. On the Telluride X-Pro, a skid plate is optional, and auxiliary lighting isn't offered.
The Explorer is rear-wheel drive standard, with Intelligent 4WD available on every trim and standard on Tremor. The Telluride is front-wheel drive standard, with AWD available.
At Mike Reichenbach Ford, 600 N. Coit Street in Florence. Schedule a test drive online or call 843-299-4071.
Compare Them in Person at Mike Reichenbach Ford in Florence
The best way to decide is to experience them for yourself! To check out the 2027 Ford Explorer, visit us at 600 N. Coit Street in Florence, just off I-95 and I-20, and an easy drive from Darlington, Hartsville, Sumter, and Lumberton.
- Shop 2027 Ford Explorer inventory
- Schedule a test drive
- See current Ford specials
- Value your trade, including your current Telluride or other SUV
- Call our sales team at 843-299-4071
- *Horsepower and torque ratings are based on premium fuel per SAE J1349® standard. Your results may vary. Horsepower and torque are independent attributes and may not be achieved simultaneously. 3.0L EcoBoost® V6 output varies by model and emissions certification (Tremor®/ST: 400 hp federal, 385 hp 50-state; Platinum®: 400 hp federal, 383 hp 50-state).
- **Towing: When properly equipped. Maximum towing varies based on cargo, vehicle configuration, accessories and number of passengers.
- ***Ford BlueCruise: Available feature on BlueCruise-equipped vehicles for use in a hands-free Blue Zone. Requires an active plan or trial; see ford.com/bluecruise for details. BlueCruise is a driver-assist feature and does not replace safe driving. A fully alert, attentive driver is always required to monitor the environment and control the vehicle. See Owner’s Manual for details and limitations.
- Driver-assist features are supplemental and do not replace the driver’s attention, judgment and need to control the vehicle. They do not make your vehicle autonomous. See Owner’s Manual for details and limitations. Always consult the Owner’s Manual before off-road driving, know your terrain and trail difficulty, and use appropriate safety gear. Cargo and load capacity limited by weight and weight distribution.
- Kia Telluride specifications are based on information published by Kia America as of October 2026 and are subject to change. Kia and Telluride are trademarks of Kia Corporation. TORSEN® is a registered trademark of JTEKT Corporation. Google is a trademark of Google LLC. Apple CarPlay® is a trademark of Apple Inc. Android Auto™ is a trademark of Google LLC.