Two well-known SUVs in the market today are the 2022 Kia Telluride and the 2022 Ford Explorer. These two are practical and family-friendly SUVs that give you enough space for you, your family, and your cargo.
The 2022 Telluride sets itself apart from other crossovers with its handsome exterior design, stylish interior, robust infotainment system, and luxurious features. It might not be exciting to drive, but it gives you refined driving manners and an impressive engine.
We will be comparing this with the 2022 Ford Explorer, widely known for its family-friendliness. Offering three rows of seats and generous cargo space, it is great for hauling your family from place to place. It also offers two engine choices: a hybrid powertrain and plenty of tech features.
The two vehicles are very different in various aspects but also offer tight competition in those areas.
Differences
Engine and Performance
The 2022 Kia Telluride is powered by a naturally aspirated V-6 engine with eight-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive. There is an optional all-wheel drive too, and this engine makes an impressive 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque.
The crossover has an impressive 8 inches of ground clearance, which gives enough room while you drive off-road. It can also tow up to 5000 pounds and has a firm ride quality. You can also get the self-leveling rear air suspension with the vehicle. It offers precise steering and excellent brakes.
On the other hand, you get two engine types with the 2022 Ford Explorer, depending on the trim you choose. The three lower trims feature a 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine, pushing your car forward with 300 horsepower. Then, the higher trims will give a much better twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6 engine, which offers 400 horsepower.
There’s also a hybrid model in the Explorer series, which combines a 3.3-liter V-6 engine with an electric motor and gives 318 horsepower. The Ford Explorer offers rear-wheel drive with optional all-wheel drive and a standard 10-speed automatic transmission. It can tow up to 5600 pounds. The Ford Explorer is known for its composed handling and stiff suspension.
Fuel Economy
The 2022 Ford Explorer has different values depending on the engine type in terms of fuel economy. Regardless of this, it is generally better than the 2022 Telluride. The Telluride offers 19 mpg and 24 mpg for city and highway with all-wheel drive. But, the front-wheel-drive is more economical, set at 20 and 26 mpg.
The Ford Explorer is thriftier, with the rear-drive hybrid model offering the best values. It is set at 27 and 29 mpg for city and highway, but if you use all-wheel drive, you get 24 and 25 mpg. The four-cylinder engine with all-wheel drive offers 20 and 27 mpg.
If you’re looking to save money on your general commuting, you can go for the hybrid Explorer over any Telluride.
Infotainment and Technology
The 2022 Explorer offers a standard 8.0-inch touchscreen and an optional 10.1-inch vertically oriented screen in the infotainment system. It features Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a Wi-Fi hotspot, voice-activated navigation, rear-seat entertainment system, and 12 speaker B&O stereo. It is also an intuitive and easy-to-use system.
But, the 2022 Kia Telluride offers a more advanced system, with a standard 10.3-inch touchscreen. The Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are different power points, a 110-volt power inverter, Driver Talk, a 10-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, and wireless smartphone charging. The Driver Talk is the highlight, as it allows the driver to talk to passengers at the back, especially if you have kids at the back.
Warranty
Kia also offers a better warranty than Explorer. You get up to five years for the limited coverage or 60,000 miles. Then, your powertrain is covered for ten years or 100,000 miles. But in terms of the Explorer, its powertrain warranty is the same as Kia’s limited warranty. And, the limited coverage for the Explorer is three years or 36,000 miles.
Price
While the 2022 Kia Telluride and 2022 Ford Explorer have the same starting prices, the latter is way more expensive, probably because it has more trims. The Telluride costs between $34,015 and $43,915, from LX to SX. The SX might be the top trim, but it also offers more value for your money.
But, the Explorer costs between $34,540 and $55,000 estimated. The most expensive is the hybrid Platinum, while Base is the cheapest. But if you’re looking for good value for your money, the Limited is the ideal choice.
Verdict
The Kia Telluride and Ford Explorer are capable models but with different selling points. While the Explorer is more expensive, it features fantastic fuel economy and powerful engine options. On the other hand, the Telluride is tech-friendly and has warranty coverage.
The 2022 Kia Telluride offers an extensive range of tech features, and the exterior and interior designs are very stylish. It is also known for its undeniable value. On the downside, it isn’t very frugal with fuel, and the adaptive cruise control is imposing. All in all, it’s an affordable and practical vehicle.
Then, the 2022 Explorer offers a spacious and accommodating cabin and a comfortable drive on the road. Although the third-row is tight and the interior is not as stylish as the Telluride, it is still a comfortable and family-friendly car.
