Competition in the SUV world keeps getting tighter, and the 2026 Ford Explorer has a serious fight on its hands with the redesigned Kia Telluride. Ford leans heavily into performance and capability this year, while Kia takes a more upscale, tech-focused route with an all-new Telluride. If you're trying to figure out which SUV makes more sense for your driveway, find out everything you need to know about the differences between the 2026 Explorer and 2027 Telluride below!
Key Takeaways
- Ford introduces the rugged Tremor to the Explorer lineup.
- The Kia Telluride skips a year and gets everything new from the ground up.
- Pricing for both models is generally equivalent.
2026 Explorer vs. 2027 Telluride Changes and Pricing
This year, the Explorer lineup adds the new Tremor trim, a tougher, more adventure-focused trim. It features a lifted suspension, steel skid plates, a Torsen limited-slip rear differential, and all-terrain tires mounted on 18-inch wheels. Ford also reshaped its bumpers to improve approach and departure angles. Inside, the added ActiveX seating is easier to clean after muddy hikes, camping trips, and whatever else gets dragged into the cabin.
Kia went in a completely different direction with the Telluride. Instead of refreshing the existing model, Kia skipped 2026 entirely and rebuilt the Telluride from the ground up for 2027.
How Pricing Breaks Down for the 2026 Explorer vs. 2027 Telluride
The Explorer starts slightly lower than the Telluride, but pricing is pretty close overall.
Ford Explorer trim prices are:
- Active: $40,260 (Standard or w/100A Pkg)
- Active w/200A Pkg: $42,380
- ST-Line: $46,950
- Tremor: $50,260
- Platinum: $52,760
- ST: $56,700
Models for the Telluride are:
- LX: $40,735
- S: $43,635
- EX: $45,335
- EX X-Line: $48,835
- SX: $50,335
- SX X-Line: $53,335
- SX X-Pro: $55,235
- SX-Prestige: $55,435
- SX-Prestige X-Line: $56,435
- SX-Prestige X-Pro: $58,335
Engine Power in the Explorer vs. Telluride
Ford has the edge when it comes to performance. Most Explorer trims use a 300-horsepower 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder engine paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and RWD or AWD. The ST, Platinum, and Tremor trims step things up with a 400-horsepower twin-turbocharged V6.
Kia's new Telluride features a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 274 horsepower. It pairs with an eight-speed automatic transmission and offers either FWD or AWD. It's capable of most anything, but it doesn't feel as muscular as the Explorer's available V6 models.
Powertrains
| 2026 Ford Explorer |
2027 Kia Telluride |
| A standard 2.3L EcoBoost four-cylinder and available 3.0L twin-turbo V6 |
A turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder |
| 10-speed automatic |
8-speed automatic |
| RWD standard; AWD available |
FWD standard; AWD available |
Modern Tech in the 2026 Explorer vs. 2027 Telluride
The Explorer offers one of Ford's better tech setups. Its Ford Digital Experience system uses a large 13.2-inch touchscreen, and the cabin includes eight USB ports spread throughout all three rows. Available Bang & Olufsen audio helps give higher trims a more upscale feel as well.
The Telluride features a smaller standard 12.3-inch infotainment screen and an available 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster. Kia now also adds a built-in generative AI voice assistant. Buyers can also upgrade from the standard 12-speaker audio system to a 14-speaker Meridian setup.
Which SUV Is Your Best Bet?
The Telluride is a strong family SUV, but the Explorer feels broader in its range of abilities. Between the available 400-horsepower V6, rear-wheel-drive platform, sporty ST, and new Tremor trim, Ford gives buyers more variety depending on how they plan to use their SUV. If you're interested in getting behind the wheel, schedule a test drive at Banner Ford in Mandeville today!