Ford Explorer ST vs. Kia Telluride SX
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Ford Explorer ST and Kia Telluride SX 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 Ford Explorer ST and the Kia Telluride SX.
When comparing the Ford Explorer ST's and the Kia Telluride SX's specifications and ratings, the Ford Explorer ST has the advantage in the area of base engine power. The Kia Telluride SX has the advantage in the areas of new vehicle base pricing, typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, and fuel efficiency, resale value and interior volume. Based on this comparison of the Ford Explorer ST's and the Kia Telluride SX's specifications and ratings, the Kia Telluride SX is a better car than the Ford Explorer ST.
Pricing: A used 2025 Ford Explorer ST ranges from $49,417 to $61,626 while a used 2025 Kia Telluride SX is priced between $42,738 to $52,220. For a new model, the Ford Explorer ST's price is between $54,265 and $62,809, with the Kia Telluride SX priced between $45,560 and $53,006.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Ford Explorer ST loses 52.9 percent of its value and the Kia Telluride SX loses 48.8 percent of its value. This means the Kia Telluride SX retains 4.1 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Ford Explorer ST.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Ford Explorer ST’s base engine makes 400 horsepower, and the Kia Telluride SX base engine makes 291 horsepower. The ST is rated to deliver an average of 21 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 505 miles. The SX is rated to deliver an average of 22 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 489 miles.This gives the Kia Telluride SX the advantage in fuel efficiency and the Ford Explorer ST the advantage in maximum range. Both models use regular unleaded.
Passenger Space Comparison: While both models are crossover/midsize SUVs, the Kia Telluride SX has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more rear leg room and cargo space. The Ford Explorer ST has the advantage in the areas of front head room, front shoulder room, front leg room, rear head room and rear shoulder room.
Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, both the Ford Explorer ST and the Kia Telluride SX have the same average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
54265 - 62809
Starting MSRP:
54770
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize SUVs)
38382
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
31990 - 43000
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
45560 - 53006
Starting MSRP:
46190
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize SUVs)
38382
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
31990 - 43000
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
55131
Price Range:
49417 - 61626
Category Avg Price:
(Midsize SUVs)
45804
Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
36966 - 59949
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
2906
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
# Good or Great Deals:
112
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
46750
Price Range:
42738 - 52220
Category Avg Price:
(Midsize SUVs)
45804
Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
36966 - 59949
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
# Good or Great Deals:
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
Depreciation %:
Resale Value $:
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Midsize SUVs)
0.48432299
Category Depreciation Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
0.30530799 - 0.56163117
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
22694
Depreciation %:
0.49132905
Resale Value $:
23496
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Midsize SUVs)
0.48432299
Category Depreciation Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
0.30530799 - 0.56163117
Ford Explorer Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.4 / 10
Reliability:
7.5 / 10
Retained Value:
7.6 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
Kia Telluride Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
Not available
Reliability:
Not available
Retained Value:
7.9 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Ford Explorer ST
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
9.3
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Midsize SUVs)
10.9
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
8.7 - 16.6
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0.153
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Kia Telluride SX
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Midsize SUVs)
10.9
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
8.7 - 16.6
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
35.73669729298925
Typical Category Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
2.9
Category Range for Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
1.5 - 39.2
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
2.859003636172632
Typical Category Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
2.9
Category Range for Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
1.5 - 39.2
Ford Explorer Rankings
Ranking
2 out of / 67Ranking
2 out of / 67Ranking
2 out of / 67Ranking
2 out of / 34Ranking
2 out of / 34Ranking
2 out of / 32Ranking
2 out of / 32Ranking
5 out of / 34Ranking
5 out of / 32Ranking
6 out of / 67Ranking
6 out of / 34Ranking
6 out of / 32Ranking
6 out of / 32Ranking
7 out of / 32Ranking
8 out of / 67Ranking
8 out of / 67Ranking
11 out of / 32Ranking
11 out of / 32Ranking
11 out of / 30Ranking
12 out of / 67Ranking
13 out of / 34Ranking
14 out of / 34Ranking
14 out of / 32Ranking
15 out of / 34Ranking
15 out of / 30Ranking
15 out of / 28Ranking
16 out of / 67Ranking
16 out of / 32Ranking
18 out of / 34Ranking
18 out of / 32Ranking
19 out of / 34Ranking
19 out of / 28Ranking
20 out of / 34Ranking
21 out of / 32Ranking
24 out of / 67Ranking
24 out of / 34Ranking
26 out of / 34Ranking
26 out of / 34Ranking
26 out of / 32Ranking
30 out of / 67Ranking
31 out of / 67Ranking
32 out of / 56Ranking
37 out of / 67Ranking
49 out of / 56Ranking
62 out of / 67Kia Telluride Rankings
Ranking
2 out of / 67Ranking
3 out of / 32Ranking
4 out of / 34Ranking
4 out of / 32Ranking
6 out of / 67Ranking
6 out of / 34Ranking
6 out of / 30Ranking
6 out of / 28Ranking
7 out of / 67Ranking
8 out of / 67Ranking
8 out of / 32Ranking
10 out of / 32Ranking
10 out of / 32Ranking
11 out of / 67Ranking
12 out of / 34Ranking
12 out of / 34Ranking
15 out of / 32Ranking
16 out of / 67Ranking
17 out of / 34Ranking
17 out of / 32Ranking
18 out of / 34Ranking
18 out of / 32Ranking
19 out of / 32Ranking
20 out of / 34Ranking
20 out of / 34Ranking
23 out of / 34Ranking
27 out of / 67Ranking
36 out of / 56Ranking
43 out of / 67Ranking
50 out of / 67Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Other Ford Explorer Trim Levels
Active, Platinum, Police Interceptor Utility, ST-Line
Other Kia Telluride Trim Levels
EX, EX X-Line, EX X-Pro, LX, S, SX X-Line, SX-Prestige, SX-Prestige X-Line, SX-Prestige X-Pro
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
10 years / 100000 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:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
Not yet available
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:
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
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
400 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque:
415 foot-lbs @ 3500 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.086 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
5000 lbs
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
291 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque:
262 foot-lbs @ 5200 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.070 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
3 liters
Engine Configuration:
V
Number of Cylinders:
6
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
RWD / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
18 / 25 / 21
Range (city/hwy):
364 / 505 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
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 / 22
Range (city/hwy):
376 / 489 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
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Standard
Heated Seats
Standard
Heated Steering Wheel:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Massage Seats:
Standard
Navigation System:
Standard
Paddle Shifters:
Standard
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Power Lift Gate:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Quad Seats:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Trailer Hitch:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Standard
Roof Rack:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Internet Radio:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Roadside assistance:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Standard
Heated Seats
Standard
Heated Steering Wheel:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Massage Seats:
N/A
Navigation System:
Standard
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Power Lift Gate:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Quad Seats:
Available
Satellite radio:
Standard
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Standard
Roof Rack:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Standard
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
Available
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Internet Radio:
Standard
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Safety Features
360-Degree Camera:
Standard
Blind Spot 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
Backup camera:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Safety Features
360-Degree Camera:
Standard
Blind Spot 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
Backup camera:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Standard
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
40.7 inches
Front Leg Room:
42.9 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
62.1 inches
Rear Head Room:
40.5 inches
Rear Leg Room:
38.3 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
61.9 inches
Cargo Space:
16.3 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
85.3 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
168.1 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
39.5 inches
Front Leg Room:
41.4 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
61.6 inches
Rear Head Room:
38.8 inches
Rear Leg Room:
42.4 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
59.9 inches
Cargo Space:
21 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
87 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
199.1 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
4631 lbs
Width:
89.3 inches
Height:
69.8 inches
Length:
198.7 inches
Wheelbase:
119.1 inches
Ground Clearance:
7.8 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
4134 lbs
Width:
78.3 inches
Height:
69.3 inches
Length:
196.9 inches
Wheelbase:
114.2 inches
Ground Clearance:
8 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
21.0 x 9.0 inches
Wheel Type:
painted aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
275/45R21
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
20.0 x 7.5 inches
Wheel Type:
painted aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
P245/50R20
