Introduction
Mid-size SUVs are excellent choices for anyone needing a spacious interior with three rows of seating and additional room for luggage or essentials for a successful trip.
The Ford Explorer is among the most recognizable SUVs on the road, with a history dating back to the 1990s. The 2025 Ford Explorer is part of the sixth generation and arrives with a streamlined lineup of four models, featuring a freshly designed exterior and an upgraded interior. The Kia Telluride is a mid-size SUV with spacious seating for seven to eight passengers and an upscale interior that includes premium materials and features that rival luxury SUVs.
If you're shopping for a versatile SUV that can handle everything from school runs to road trips, comparing the 2025 Ford Explorer and the 2025 Kia Telluride will help you decide which is the ideal choice this year.
Key Takeaways
- The 2025 Ford Explorer is a mid-size SUV with three rows of seating that combines practicality with power and performance.
- The new Ford Explorer is spacious, comfortable, and fuel-efficient, resulting in greater fuel savings and improved fuel economy.
- From the heated leather seats to the BlueCruise hands-free driving technology, the new Ford Explorer is designed for your convenience and safety.
How does the 2025 Ford Explorer compare to the 2025 Kia Telluride?
One of the key differences between the 2025 Ford Explorer and the 2025 Kia Telluride is size. Both are mid-size SUVs with third-row seating, but the Ford Explorer wins the size contest as the overall larger vehicle. However, do not count the Kia Telluride out for interior space for passengers and cargo, as it seats between seven and eight passengers, depending on whether the second row has captain's chairs or bench seating, while the Explorer seats up to seven.
The Kia’s interior is spacious, upscale, and has plenty of storage space, while the Ford Explorer exemplifies convenience, durability, and practicality. The Explorer is comfortable with similar infotainment and connectivity to the Telluride; however, the new Ford Explorer features a larger 13.2-inch LCD infotainment touchscreen display, which is now standard for all models.
When it comes to power under the hood, Ford is well known for its engine options. The 2025 Ford Explorer lineup offers two engine options that vary by trim. The Active, ST-Line, and Platinum models come with the 2.3L Turbocharged Direct Injection EcoBoost I-4 engine. The ST model has a 3.0L Twin-Turbocharged EcoBoost V6 engine, which is also available for Platinum models.
Every 2025 Kia Telluride is powered by a 3.8L V6 engine. The Kia Telluride EX X-Pro and the SX Prestige X-Pro have a towing capacity exceeding the Ford Explorer. These trims can tow up to 5,500 pounds, while the other trims tow up to 5,000 pounds, like the Ford Explorer. All Ford Explorer models come with the Class III Towing package, whereas towing accessories for the Kia Telluride, such as the hitch and wiring harness, are available as add-ons.
Which mid-size SUV has better fuel economy? The Ford Explorer!
The 2025 Ford Explorer has great fuel economy for a mid-size SUV. With its 2.3L I-4 engine, the Ford Explorer gets a combined 24 MPG city/highway and an EPA estimated 29 MPG on the highway. The Kia Telluride competes with the Ford Explorer in terms of fuel economy, depending on the drivetrain. The Ford Explorer has a larger fuel capacity, allowing for a longer driving range, but the Kia can manage an EPA estimated 20 MPG combined.
Why buy a new 2025 Ford Explorer?
Buy the new 2025 Ford Explorer, recently upgraded, refreshed, and restyled inside and out. Whether you choose the Active, ST-Line, Platinum, or ST, you get a well-designed mid-size SUV, recognized as one of J.D. Power’s top three Best Upper Midsize SUVs of 2025. As a 2024 IIHS Top Safety Pick+, the Ford Explorer offers a comfortable driving experience with convenience and peace of mind.
New 2025 Ford Explorer models come with LED headlamps, tail lights, and signature lighting, plus they feature 4-Door Intelligent Access (Lock/Unlock) with Push-Button Start, Remote Start, available wireless charging pad, 360 Degree Camera (with Split View), parking sensors, USB ports, 12V powerpoints, available ambient lighting, heated leather steering wheel, heated leather seats, FordPass Connect with 5G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot capability, the B&O Sound System by Bang & Olufsen, SiriusXM with 360L, and the Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist+ or 2.0 safety technology.
Your new 2025 Ford Explorer also features the new Ford Digital Experience and BlueCruise, Ford’s hands-free driving technology.
Experience life in a Ford.
Experience life in a new Ford Explorer and get ready to ride in style and comfort with unprecedented convenience. From its fuel efficiency to its advanced safety technology, the Ford Explorer has more standard features that provide peace of mind.
Head to Karl Flammer Ford today and shop our new, used, and certified pre-owned cars, trucks, SUVs, and vans, including the all new 2025 Ford Explorer. Experience exceptional customer service while you shop with experienced experts and find the vehicle that fits your lifestyle.