SUVs are incredibly versatile, from their various seating and cargo configurations to powerful engines and towing capacities. Though there are many options to choose from, shopping for a brand-new SUV in Corinth, Texas, should be easy. That’s why our team at Huffines Kia Corinth created a side-by-side comparison of two of the best SUVs today. Dive into this Kia vs. Ford overview to determine if the 2024 Telluride or Explorer comes out on top.
Trim Levels
Are you a fan of options? You’ll love the 2024 Kia Telluride’s 10 trim levels. Noteworthy exterior features across the trims include 18- or 20-inch alloy wheels in matte or gloss black. Start with the LX base trim, or move up to the S trim for roof rails. Go for the EX trim for a sunroof or the SX for dual sunroofs. Sprinkled in between these trims are the X-Line, X-Pro, and Prestige, which feature exclusive stylings that make the Telluride stand out.
The 2024 Ford Explorer features an athletic build and customizable appearance across eight trim levels. Keep it as is with the base model, add sophistication with the XLT’s black mesh grille, or boost the SUV with 21-inch aluminum wheels on the ST trim. Get satin roof rack side rails with the Explorer Limited or a satin aluminum finish on the grille of the Platinum trim. Infuse the 2024 Ford Explorer with Southwestern style suitable for Texas with the King Ranch trim, choose blackout headlamps and taillamps on the ST-Line, or go off-roading with 18-inch all-terrain tires on the Timberline.
Exterior Paint Colors
Whichever SUV you purchase, you’ll have plenty of exterior paint options. Stick with the standard Agate Black on the 2024 Explorer or upgrade to Forged Green, Iconic Silver, or Stone Blue for an extra cost. The 2024 Kia Telluride offers an alluring range of light and dark exterior paint colors, such as the bright Glacial White Pearl, muted Wolf Gray, and stunning Ebony Black. If you prefer to wow the crowd with eye-catching colors, get your Telluride in Dawning Red.
Interior Aspects
Both 2024 SUVs offer luxurious interiors for you and your passengers to relish on long drives or a quick trip to the grocery store. Choose the available nappa leather seat trim with premium stitching for ultra comfort in the Kia Telluride. As you sink into these seats, enjoy the Kia’s quiet zone that enhances your driving experience with its soundproofing interior. Or set the mood with the Ford Explorer’s available immersive lighting system that provides ambient lights in seven colors in the first and second rows.
If you’re a fan of modern technology, you’ll appreciate the 2024 Telluride’s touch screens. The available 12.3-inch dual panoramic displays merge the infotainment system and digital instrument cluster to present 24 inches of navigation, connection to your favorite apps and music stations, and important vehicle information. The 2024 Explorer has a standard 4.5-inch instrument gauge display and an 8-inch infotainment touch screen. While less exciting than the Kia’s, you can upgrade this touch screen to a 10.1-inch portrait-oriented display on higher trims.
Seating and Cargo Capacities
Do you have a big family or love to travel with your friends and have lots of room? The 2024 Kia Telluride presents an impressive eight-person seating capacity on the LX and EX trims. The 2024 Ford Explorer does not offer an extra seat option and only seats seven people. However, the Explorer offers more legroom in the front row at 43 inches compared to the Telluride’s 41.4 inches.
Despite the difference in seating capacities, both SUVs have three rows of seats with power-folding third-row seats that fold flat to offer extra cargo space. Without folding the third row, the Telluride provides more space behind the seats with 21 cubic feet of cargo volume. Behind the Explorer’s third row is only 18.2 cubic feet of cargo volume. Fold all the rear seats on either SUV to get a comparable cargo volume of about 87 cubic feet behind the front row.
Powertrain and Engine Performance
Choosing between Kia vs. Ford depends on what you want to use your SUV for. Need a heavy-duty SUV for daily hauling? Or a vehicle that can easily handle any terrain? The 2024 Ford Explorer has two engine options: a 2.3-liter unit that delivers 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque and a 3.0-liter EcoBoost V-6 engine that generates 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque. Both engine options pair with a 10-speed automatic transmission with rear-wheel or all-wheel drive available on select trims.
The 2024 Kia Telluride has a larger engine for more power and a dynamic drive. It has a 3.8-liter V-6 engine paired with an eight-speed transmission, producing 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. If you prefer front-wheel drive in your SUV, choose Kia.
Depending on your towing needs, either SUV option will exceed expectations. The Ford Explorer can tow up to 5,300 pounds when properly equipped. But, if you want the best towing capacity, choose the Kia Telluride SX X-Pro or SX Prestige X-Pro trims for a whopping 5,500 pounds of towing capacity. Both SUVs also feature selectable drive modes to customize your driving experience to conquer any challenge on the road ahead.
Safety Suites
As soon as you get behind the wheel of the 2024 Kia Telluride, you are immediately protected by Kia Drive Wise. This suite of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) features innovative technologies that help you navigate the highway or tight parking lots. Standard ADAS features include automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, a surround-view monitor, and reverse parking assist. The 2024 Ford Explorer also has a suite of safety and driver-assistance features with Ford’s Co-Pilot360. Standard features include adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alerts.
Explorer vs. Telluride: Which SUV Is Better?
Choosing between the 2024 Kia Telluride and Ford Explorer depends on your lifestyle and preferences. Buy a Kia if you want an optimal touch-screen display and a bigger engine. Plus, you won’t have to compromise the eight-person seating capacity for cargo space because there’s plenty behind the rear seats. Call our expert Huffines Kia Corinth sales team at 940-293-8400 for more info on the Telluride and to discuss our new car inventory. Remember to ask about our current promotions on new vehicle purchases to maximize your savings.