2020 Kia Telluride vs. 2020 Ford Explorer
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the 2020 Kia Telluride and 2020 Ford Explorer contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the 2020 Kia Telluride and the 2020 Ford Explorer.
When we compare the 2020 Kia Telluride's and the 2020 Ford Explorer's specifications and ratings, the 2020 Kia Telluride has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for used cars, resale value and interior volume. The 2020 Ford Explorer has the advantage in the areas of fuel efficiency and base engine power. Based on this comparison of the 2020 Kia Telluride's and the 2020 Ford Explorer's specifications and ratings, the 2020 Kia Telluride is a better car than the 2020 Ford Explorer.
Pricing: A used 2020 Kia Telluride ranges from $22,200 to $36,155 while a used 2020 Ford Explorer is priced between $22,987 to $38,899.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the 2020 Kia Telluride loses 46.1 percent of its value and the 2020 Ford Explorer loses 47.6 percent of its value. This means the 2020 Kia Telluride retains 1.5 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the 2020 Ford Explorer.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the 2020 Kia Telluride’s base engine makes 291 horsepower, and the 2020 Ford Explorer base engine makes 300 horsepower. The Telluride is rated to deliver an average of 23 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 489 miles. The Explorer is rated to deliver an average of 24 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 538 miles. This gives the 2020 Ford Explorer the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the 2020 Kia Telluride. Both models use regular unleaded.
Passenger Space Comparison: While both models are crossover/midsize SUVs, the 2020 Kia Telluride has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front head room, front leg room, rear leg room, and cargo space. The 2020 Ford Explorer has the advantage in the areas of front shoulder room, rear head room and rear shoulder room.
Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, both the 2020 Kia Telluride and the 2020 Ford Explorer have the same average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
$31,890
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize SUVs)
$30,923
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
$23,675 - $36,120
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
$32,765
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize SUVs)
$30,923
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
$23,675 - $36,120
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$28,974
Price Range:
$22,200 - $36,155
Category Avg Price:
(Midsize SUVs)
$27,718
Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
$18,600 - $37,369
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
697
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
86,493
# Good or Great Deals:
402
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$29,989
Price Range:
$22,987 - $38,899
Category Avg Price:
(Midsize SUVs)
$27,718
Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
$18,600 - $37,369
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
2,387
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
69,273
# Good or Great Deals:
1,130
Kia Telluride Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
Not available
Reliability:
Not available
Retained Value:
7.6 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
Ford Explorer Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.7 / 10
Reliability:
8.5 / 10
Retained Value:
7.5 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for 2020 Kia Telluride
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Midsize SUVs)
6.5
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
4.6 - 9.7
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for 2020 Ford Explorer
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
5.1
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Midsize SUVs)
6.5
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
4.6 - 9.7
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
19.5%
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
7.9
Typical Category Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
4.3
Category Range for Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
1 - 31.3
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
28.2
Typical Category Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
4.3
Category Range for Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
1 - 31.3
Kia Telluride Rankings
Ranking
2 out of / 67Ranking
3 out of / 32Ranking
6 out of / 39Ranking
7 out of / 67Ranking
7 out of / 32Ranking
7 out of / 28Ranking
8 out of / 67Ranking
9 out of / 39Ranking
9 out of / 34Ranking
9 out of / 32Ranking
10 out of / 32Ranking
12 out of / 67Ranking
12 out of / 32Ranking
14 out of / 39Ranking
15 out of / 39Ranking
16 out of / 67Ranking
16 out of / 32Ranking
17 out of / 39Ranking
17 out of / 32Ranking
18 out of / 39Ranking
18 out of / 32Ranking
19 out of / 32Ranking
21 out of / 39Ranking
22 out of / 39Ranking
23 out of / 67Ranking
24 out of / 67Ranking
24 out of / 39Ranking
39 out of / 59Ranking
52 out of / 67Ranking
54 out of / 67Ford Explorer Rankings
Ranking
2 out of / 67Ranking
2 out of / 10Ranking
3 out of / 18Ranking
3 out of / 17Ranking
4 out of / 39Ranking
5 out of / 67Ranking
5 out of / 39Ranking
5 out of / 32Ranking
6 out of / 67Ranking
6 out of / 67Ranking
6 out of / 67Ranking
6 out of / 32Ranking
6 out of / 32Ranking
6 out of / 32Ranking
6 out of / 32Ranking
6 out of / 32Ranking
7 out of / 32Ranking
8 out of / 67Ranking
8 out of / 39Ranking
9 out of / 67Ranking
9 out of / 39Ranking
10 out of / 32Ranking
11 out of / 39Ranking
12 out of / 32Ranking
13 out of / 39Ranking
13 out of / 39Ranking
13 out of / 32Ranking
13 out of / 16Ranking
14 out of / 39Ranking
14 out of / 21Ranking
15 out of / 67Ranking
15 out of / 32Ranking
16 out of / 67Ranking
17 out of / 67Ranking
17 out of / 39Ranking
17 out of / 34Ranking
17 out of / 32Ranking
20 out of / 39Ranking
20 out of / 28Ranking
22 out of / 39Ranking
22 out of / 39Ranking
23 out of / 32Ranking
25 out of / 39Ranking
28 out of / 30Ranking
29 out of / 67Ranking
37 out of / 67Ranking
53 out of / 59Ranking
59 out of / 67Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Flex Fuel, Gasoline
2020 Kia Telluride Trim Levels
EX, LX, S, SX
2020 Ford Explorer Trim Levels
Base, Limited, Platinum, Police Interceptor Utility, ST, XLT
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
10 years / 100000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
5 years / 60000 miles
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
291 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque:
262 foot-lbs @ 5200 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.071 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
300 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque:
310 foot-lbs @ 3500 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.069 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
3.8 liters
Engine Configuration:
V
Number of Cylinders:
6
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
20 / 26 / 23
Range (city/hwy):
376 / 489 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2.3 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
RWD / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
21 / 28 / 24
Range (city/hwy):
403 / 538 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Internet Radio:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Captain's seat:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Power Lift Gate:
Available
Quad Seats:
Available
Roof Rack:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Wifi:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Internet Radio:
N/A
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
N/A
Satellite radio:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Power Lift Gate:
Standard
Quad Seats:
Available
Roof Rack:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
Available
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Massage Seats:
Available
Paddle Shifters:
Standard
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Wifi:
Standard
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
40.9 inches
Front Leg Room:
44.1 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
61.6 inches
Rear Head Room:
40.2 inches
Rear Leg Room:
42.4 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
61.2 inches
Cargo Space:
21 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
87 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
199.1 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
40.7 inches
Front Leg Room:
43 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
61.8 inches
Rear Head Room:
40.5 inches
Rear Leg Room:
39 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
61.9 inches
Cargo Space:
18.2 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
87.1 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
170.9 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
4112 lbs
Width:
78.3 inches
Height:
68.9 inches
Length:
196.9 inches
Wheelbase:
114.2 inches
Ground Clearance:
8 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
4345 lbs
Width:
89.3 inches
Height:
69.9 inches
Length:
198.8 inches
Wheelbase:
119.1 inches
Ground Clearance:
7.9 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
18.0 x 7.5 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
P245/60R18
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
18.0 x 7.5 inches
Wheel Type:
painted aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
255/65R18
Exterior Colors
Black
Ebony Black
Gray
Gravity Gray
Red
Sangria
Silver
Everlasting Silver
White
Snow White Pearl
Blue
Not available
Exterior Colors
Black
Agate Black
Gray
Magnetic
Red
Not available
Silver
Iconic Silver
White
Oxford White
Blue
Blue
Interior Colors
Black
Black
Beige
Not available
Interior Colors
Black
Not available
Beige
Sandstone