2020 Ford Explorer vs 2021 Kia Telluride

The 2020 Ford Explorer was a striking vehicle, boasting a design that was more refined and athletic compared to its predecessors. Its widened headlights, large grille, and distinctive "Explorer" lettering on the hood gave it a recognizable and bold presence. The ST version, with its blacked-out trim and sporty features, was particularly eye-catching. However, the interior did not match the exterior's appeal. Despite its high price tag, the materials used inside felt subpar, with low-grade vinyl and hard plastics dominating the cabin. This lack of luxury was a significant drawback, especially when compared to competitors like the Kia Telluride, which offered a more upscale interior for a lower price.

In contrast, the 2021 Kia Telluride was praised for its exceptional styling and quality both inside and out. The exterior design was flawless, and the interior was a model of contemporary design and execution. The Telluride's cabin featured premium materials, such as Nappa leather and a simulated suede headliner, which contributed to its luxurious feel. The only minor criticisms were the limited interior colour options and some glossy hard plastics. Overall, the Telluride's look and feel were superior, offering a more luxurious experience at a more affordable price point.

The 2020 Ford Explorer offered a range of powerful engine options, with the ST trim featuring a 3.0-litre EcoBoost twin-turbo V6 engine producing 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque. This engine, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, delivered smooth and addictive power. The Explorer's rear-wheel-drive chassis provided excellent weight distribution, enhancing its handling and cornering capabilities. The ST trim's suspension and steering, tuned by Ford Performance, offered a nimble and precise driving experience. However, the fuel efficiency of the twin-turbo V6 was less impressive, with ratings of 13.3/9.8/11.8 L/100 km. The Explorer also offered a 2.3-litre turbo inline four-cylinder engine and a gas-electric hybrid option, though the latter did not provide significant fuel savings.

The 2021 Kia Telluride, equipped with a 3.8-litre V6 engine and an eight-speed automatic transmission, delivered 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. While not as powerful as the Explorer's ST trim, the Telluride's performance was commendable, especially with its AWD system and Drive Mode Select technology. The Telluride excelled in ride comfort, nearly eliminating the "head-toss" effect thanks to its well-tuned suspension. The self-leveling rear suspension on higher trims ensured a smooth ride even when loaded. The Telluride's fuel efficiency was competitive, with an average of 11.5 L/100 km during testing. Overall, the Telluride offered a balanced and comfortable driving experience, making it a strong contender in its class.

The 2020 Ford Explorer provided ample interior space, with generous headroom and legroom for passengers. The second row featured air vents, USB ports, and a panoramic moonroof, enhancing comfort. The third row was more spacious than previous models, accommodating adults for short trips. However, the cargo space behind the third row was reduced to 509 litres, though it expanded to 1,359 litres with the second row folded and 2,491 litres with all seats down. The Explorer's physical controls were user-friendly, but thick D-pillars and fuzzy cameras created blind spots.

The 2021 Kia Telluride excelled in comfort and utility, offering a 12-way power-adjustable driver's seat and heated and ventilated front seats. The second-row captain's chairs were also heated and ventilated, with sunshades and climate control for rear passengers. The third row was accessible and suitable for adults, though not as spacious as some competitors. The Telluride's cargo space was generous, with 601 litres behind the third row, 1,304 litres with the third row folded, and 2,455 litres with all seats down. The smart hands-free power liftgate added convenience, and the interior featured ample storage for personal items.

The 2020 Ford Explorer came with an 8-inch touchscreen featuring Sync 3 infotainment, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 4G Wi-Fi hotspot. The Premium Technology Package added a 10-inch vertical touchscreen and a 12-inch digital instrument cluster. While the interface was high-resolution and well-organized, it lacked innovation and customization options. The Co-Pilot360 Assist+ system offered semi-automated driving features but was not as refined as competitors' systems.

The 2021 Kia Telluride featured a 10.25-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with intuitive controls and menu shortcuts. The SX trim included a 10-speaker Harman Kardon surround-sound system, though the sound quality was not exceptional. The Limited grades added a head-up display with comprehensive information. Overall, the Telluride's technology offerings were robust and easy to use, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2020 Ford Explorer came standard with Ford Co-Pilot 360, which included forward automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, auto high beams, and lane-keep assist. Adaptive cruise control with steering assist and reverse braking were also standard. The Explorer received a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS.

The 2021 Kia Telluride offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, including blind-spot warning, lane-maintenance technology, forward-collision avoidance, rear cross-traffic alert, and automatic emergency braking. Additional features included adaptive cruise control, Rear Occupant Alert, and Safe Exit Assist. The SX trim added front parking sensors, a surround-view camera system, and a Blind-Spot View Monitor. The Telluride earned a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with four-star frontal-impact results.