2025 Kia Telluride vs 2025 Ford Explorer

The 2025 Ford Explorer continued to build on its previous redesign, maintaining its rear-wheel-drive platform that contributed to its balanced proportions and sleek design. The refreshed model featured a restyled front end, giving it a wider and more ruggedly handsome appearance. New LED taillights and a strip of trim connecting them added to its modern look. Inside, the Explorer saw significant improvements with upgraded materials, colours, and displays, making it more competitive in its segment. Ford reduced the available trim levels in Canada to four, with prices ranging from $52,830 to $71,430, including the destination charge.

In contrast, the 2025 Kia Telluride offered a distinctive and upscale design, with five trim levels available in Canada. The X-Line and X-Pro trims added unique features like increased ground clearance and exclusive wheel designs. The Telluride's interior was thoughtfully designed, with heated and ventilated second-row seats and numerous storage solutions. The black-over-Terracotta interior provided a luxurious feel, although some lower cabin plastics revealed cost-saving measures. Cargo space was ample, with a maximum volume of 2,455 litres, making it a practical choice for families.

The 2025 Ford Explorer offered two EcoBoost engine options: a turbocharged 2.3-litre four-cylinder with 300 horsepower and a twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 producing 400 horsepower. All Canadian models featured a 10-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. The Explorer's driving modes included Eco, Normal, Sport, and more, catering to various driving conditions. Fuel economy ratings for the four-cylinder engine were 11.9 L/100 km city, 8.7 highway, and 10.4 combined. The V6 engine in the Platinum and ST trims had slightly higher consumption figures. The Explorer's performance was commendable, with quick acceleration and responsive handling, especially in the ST-Line trim with the Street Package.

The 2025 Kia Telluride came equipped with a 3.8-litre V6 engine generating 291 horsepower, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. It offered Eco, Comfort, Sport, Snow, and Smart driving modes, with Smart mode adapting to driver behaviour. The Telluride's V6 provided smooth and refined power delivery, although it occasionally struggled at higher elevations. Fuel economy was respectable at 11.6 L/100 km over a long road trip. The X-Pro trim's all-terrain tires enhanced off-road capability but sacrificed some on-pavement grip. Overall, the Telluride delivered a pleasurable driving experience, with only minor issues like brake pedal behaviour in traffic.

The 2025 Ford Explorer accommodated six passengers in its standard configuration, with an optional second-row bench seat increasing capacity to seven. The ST-Line trim featured comfortable front seats with black artificial leather upholstery and cloth inserts. Second-row captain's chairs provided comfort, but the third row was less accommodating for adults. Cargo space was competitive, with 461 litres behind the third row, 1,302 litres behind the second row, and a maximum of 2,429 litres.

The 2025 Kia Telluride's interior was thoughtfully designed, with heated and ventilated second-row seats and ample storage solutions. Teenagers appreciated the second-row captain's chairs, rear climate control, and charging options. The third-row seat was reasonably comfortable for adults, and cargo space was generous, with 601 litres behind the third row and a maximum of 2,455 litres. The Telluride's interior features made it a practical and family-friendly choice.

The 2025 Ford Explorer featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a new 13.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system called Ford Digital Experience. It included Google Built-in, Amazon Alexa, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The system was user-friendly, with Google Maps integration and app downloads through Google Play. The Explorer also offered B&O sound systems, with the ST-Line featuring 10 speakers and the Platinum and ST boasting 14 speakers.

In the 2025 Kia Telluride, most trims featured a 12.3-inch digital driver display and a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The head-up display provided blind-spot alerts, and the Blind Spot View Monitor showed live video feeds. However, the Telluride lacked wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the voice recognition system was basic. Despite these limitations, the Harman Kardon audio system delivered impressive sound quality.

The 2025 Ford Explorer came with Ford CoPilot 360 Assist+, including adaptive cruise control with lane-centring assist. Higher trims featured BlueCruise, Ford's hands-free highway driving system. The Explorer earned five-star side-impact and four-star rollover resistance ratings from the NHTSA. The IIHS rated the headlights on Active, ST-Line, and ST trims as Marginal, while the Platinum's headlights received a Good rating.

The 2025 Kia Telluride offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, including forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and Highway Driving Assist. Higher trims added features like lane-change assist and Blind Spot View Monitor. The Telluride earned a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, highlighting its strong safety performance.