New 2027 Ford Explorer vs Kia Telluride in Lake Charles, LA
If you're comparing three-row SUVs and the 2027 Ford Explorer and 2027 Kia Telluride are both on your list, you're looking at two capable family haulers that compete closely on price and passenger capacity. But when you dig into the details, the Explorer offers clear advantages: more powertrain options, a more powerful available engine, better highway fuel economy, and a larger standard infotainment display.
At Bolton Ford in Lake Charles, we carry the full 2027 Explorer lineup so you can find the exact configuration that fits your family, your budget, and your lifestyle. This page breaks down how the two vehicles compare across the categories that matter most to three-row SUV shoppers.
Quick comparison: The Explorer starts at $40,400 with five trim levels and an available 400-hp twin-turbo V6. The Telluride starts at $39,190, with 10 trim levels, a single engine across all configurations, and a lower 26-mpg highway rating.
2027 Ford Explorer vs. 2027 Kia Telluride: Side-by-Side Overview
Both vehicles seat seven passengers and can tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped. That's where a lot of the similarities end.
The bottom line: The Explorer costs slightly more at the base level but delivers considerably more power, headroom, and better highway efficiency. For drivers who want a performance upgrade or a dedicated off-road variant, the Explorer's two-engine strategy gives you options the Telluride simply doesn't offer.
Engine and Performance: Explorer Pulls Ahead
This is where the comparison shifts decisively in the Explorer's favor.
The Telluride runs a single powertrain across all ten of its trims: a 2.5-liter turbocharged inline 4-cylinder paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, producing 274 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque. It's a capable engine, but it's the only option available regardless of which trim you choose.
The Explorer gives you a genuine choice.
Standard: 2.3L EcoBoost I-4
The base engine on the Active and ST-Line trims is a 2.3-liter EcoBoost I-4 with Auto Start-Stop Technology. It delivers strong everyday performance and contributes to the Explorer's 20 city / 29 highway / 24 combined mpg fuel economy rating. That 29 mpg highway figure outpaces the Telluride's 26 mpg highway rating by a meaningful margin for drivers who spend time on I-10 or Highway 90.
Available: 3.0L Twin-Turbocharged EcoBoost V6
Step up to the Tremor, Platinum, or ST trim to unlock the 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged EcoBoost V6 with Auto Start-Stop Technology. This engine produces up to 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque, giving the Explorer a power advantage of 126 hp and 104 lb-ft over the Telluride's top configuration.
What this means for you: If you need to tow a boat on Toledo Bend or haul a camper trailer through Southwest Louisiana, the Explorer's V6 option gives you significantly more pulling confidence. Both vehicles are rated to tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped, but the Explorer achieves that with far more power in reserve.
Trim Levels: Five Focused Options vs. Ten
The Telluride offers ten trim configurations, which sounds impressive until you realize they're all powered by the same engine. The Explorer's five trims are built around distinct purposes, making it considerably easier to choose the right one.
2027 Ford Explorer Trim Breakdown
Active ($40,400): The entry point, well-equipped with the 2.3L EcoBoost engine, Ford Co-Pilot360 driver-assist features including Adaptive Cruise Control, heated front-row seats, and the Ford Security Package.
ST-Line: Sport-influenced styling with the 2.3L EcoBoost engine, a 360-degree camera, unique cloth-trimmed seats with red stitching, and a B&O Sound System by Bang & Olufsen with 10 speakers including a subwoofer.
Tremor: The off-road variant, available with the 3.0L EcoBoost V6, a Torsen limited-slip rear axle, off-road-tuned suspension with increased ride height, and underbody protection with front and rear deflector plates.
Platinum: The premium interior trim, available with the 3.0L EcoBoost V6, heated/ventilated/massaging front seats with leather inserts, an available panoramic Vista Roof with power shade, and BlueCruise hands-free highway driving with a 1-year + 90-day plan included.
ST: The performance trim, standard with the 3.0L EcoBoost V6, sport-tuned suspension, performance brakes with red-painted calipers, and BlueCruise hands-free highway driving equipped.
How the Telluride Compares at Similar Price Points
The Telluride's LX starts at $39,190 and tops out at $56,790 for the X-Pro SX Prestige. While the wider trim spread gives Kia buyers more incremental step-up options, every configuration is limited to 274 hp. Shoppers seeking greater performance have no upgrade path within the Telluride lineup.
The Explorer advantage: Each of the Explorer's five trims serves a clearly different driver. Whether you want off-road capability (Tremor), luxury comfort (Platinum), or performance driving (ST), there's a purpose-built configuration waiting, not just a longer list of features on the same powertrain.
Technology and Infotainment
Both vehicles come equipped with modern infotainment systems, but the Explorer's standard setup is notably more capable right out of the box.
Explorer: Ford Digital Experience
Every 2027 Explorer includes the Ford Digital Experience built around a 13.2-inch center display. The system features:
Embedded Google Maps, Google Gemini, and access to the Google Play Store
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility
Over-the-air software updates and a digital owner's manual
Driver profile personalization for audio, climate, display, and apps
The available Ford Connectivity Package adds 5G connectivity, an unlimited Wi-Fi Hotspot, audio and video streaming, productivity tools, and the Google Gemini AI Assistant.
Telluride: Infotainment Overview
The Telluride's base LX trim includes a 12.3-inch touchscreen with navigation. Higher trims add features like dual 12.3-inch displays (SX and above), a 12-inch head-up display (SX Prestige), a 360-degree Surround View Monitor, dual wireless chargers, a Blind-Spot View Monitor, and Kia's Digital Key 2.0. The Kia AI Assistant and Amazon Alexa integration are also available.
Audio: Explorer vs. Telluride
The Explorer's audio options scale meaningfully across trims. The base Active comes with a 6-speaker system, the ST-Line steps up to a B&O Sound System by Bang & Olufsen with 10 speakers and a dedicated subwoofer, and higher trims unlock a Premium B&O system with 14 speakers and 980 watts of output. The Telluride offers a Meridian Premium audio upgrade on SX trims and above, but specific speaker counts and power ratings aren't publicly disclosed. If premium audio matters to your family, the Explorer gives you a clearly defined upgrade path at every price point.
Hands-Free Driving: BlueCruise vs. Highway Driving Assist 2
The Explorer's BlueCruise hands-free highway driving technology (available on Platinum and ST) includes Automatic Lane Change and In-Lane Repositioning. The Telluride offers Highway Driving Assist 2 on select trims. Both are capable systems, but BlueCruise is one of the most proven hands-free highway platforms currently available, with an established track record on U.S. interstates.
Safety Features
Both vehicles take safety seriously, and shoppers in this segment should expect a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance technology. Here's how each approaches it.
Ford Co-Pilot360 on the Explorer
The Explorer organizes its safety technology into three-tiered packages, giving buyers the ability to scale coverage to their needs:
Ford Co-Pilot360 (Base):
Auto High-Beam Headlamps
BLIS (Blind Spot Information System) with Cross-Traffic Alert
Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB)
Rear View Camera with Backup Assist Grid Lines
Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist+: Adds Adaptive Cruise Control with Predictive Speed Assist, Stop-and-Go, and Lane Centering; Blind Spot Assist; Intersection Assist; Clear Exit Warning; Lane-Keeping System with Driver Alert; Rear Cross Traffic Braking; Rear Parking Sensors; Post-Collision Braking; and BLIS with Cross-Traffic Alert and Trailer Coverage.
Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist 2.0: The most comprehensive tier adds a 360-Degree Camera with Split View, Front Parking Sensors, and Reverse Brake Assist with Rear Cross-Traffic Braking on top of all Assist+ features.
Telluride Safety
The Telluride offers 29 available driver-assistance and collision-avoidance features across its lineup, including Forward Collision Avoidance Assist 2, Blind-Spot Collision Avoidance Assist, Highway Driving Assist 2, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist, Navigation-Based Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go, and 10 standard airbags. The Telluride has earned an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ designation.
Verdict: Both vehicles offer robust safety technology. The Explorer's tiered Co-Pilot360 system is clearly organized and scalable, making it easy to understand exactly what level of coverage you're getting at each trim level.
Interior Space and Seating
Three-row SUV buyers are paying for passenger room, and both vehicles deliver it. Here's how the interior dimensions stack up.
Passenger Dimensions Comparison
The Telluride is well known for its class-leading second-row legroom of 43.0 inches, which offers rear passengers a notably generous experience. The Explorer counters with a stronger first-row legroom figure (43.0 inches) and more third-row headroom (38.9 vs. 37.4 inches).
Cargo Volume
The Telluride carries a modest cargo advantage behind all three rows. For most daily use cases, both vehicles offer more than enough room. The Explorer's advantage is that its off-road Tremor trim and performance ST trim offer capabilities that go beyond its cargo capacity.
Seating Configurations
The Explorer seats up to seven passengers across three rows. The Telluride offers both seven- and eight-passenger configurations, with the eight-seat option using a second-row bench seat on select trims. If an eight-seat configuration is a priority, the Telluride has a structural edge here.
Which SUV Is Right for You?
Both the Explorer and the Telluride are well-built, well-equipped three-row SUVs. The right choice depends on what you prioritize.
Choose the 2027 Ford Explorer if you want:
A more powerful engine option (up to 400 hp vs. 274 hp)
Better highway fuel economy (29 mpg vs. 26 mpg)
A dedicated off-road trim with suspension tuning and underbody protection (Tremor)
A performance-focused trim with sport suspension and upgraded brakes (ST)
A larger standard infotainment display (13.2-inch vs. 12.3-inch)
BlueCruise hands-free highway driving on premium trims
Local availability and service at Bolton Ford in Lake Charles
For most Southwest Louisiana families, the Explorer's combination of engine options, highway efficiency, and purpose-built trim levels makes it the stronger all-around choice. And when it's time to service your vehicle, Bolton Ford's full-service maintenance department in Lake Charles is right here.
FAQ
Is the 2027 Ford Explorer more powerful than the 2027 Kia Telluride?
Yes. The Explorer's available 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged EcoBoost V6 produces up to 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque, while the Telluride's turbocharged 2.5-liter inline 4-cylinder makes 274 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque. If you want stronger acceleration and more passing power, the Explorer has the clear advantage.
Which SUV gets better highway fuel economy, the Explorer or the Telluride?
The Explorer does. It delivers an available 29 mpg highway rating, compared with 26 mpg highway for the Telluride. That difference matters for Lake Charles drivers who spend time on I-10, Highway 90, or longer regional commutes.
Does the 2027 Ford Explorer have more trim variety than the Telluride?
Not in number, but it has more distinct purpose-built choices. The Explorer offers five trims built around specific use cases like off-road capability, luxury comfort, and performance. The Telluride has 10 trims, but every version uses the same engine, so the Explorer gives buyers more meaningful powertrain variety.
What technology comes standard in the 2027 Ford Explorer?
Every 2027 Explorer includes a 13.2-inch center display with the Ford Digital Experience, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, embedded Google Maps, Google Gemini, and over-the-air software updates. Higher trims add BlueCruise hands-free highway driving and upgraded B&O audio systems.
Why shop for the 2027 Ford Explorer at Bolton Ford?
Bolton Ford gives local SUV shoppers in Lake Charles and surrounding Southwest Louisiana communities access to the full Explorer lineup, plus service and support after the sale. If you're comparing the Explorer and Telluride, our team can help you find the right trim and get you on the road quickly.
Shop the 2027 Ford Explorer at Bolton Ford in Lake Charles, LA
If you're ready to explore the 2027 Ford Explorer lineup in person, Bolton Ford has the full range of trims available for you to compare. Whether you're drawn to the entry-level Active, the off-road-ready Tremor, or the performance-tuned ST, our team can walk you through every configuration and help you find the right fit.
Bolton Ford proudly serves SUV shoppers from Lake Charles, Sulphur, Orange, Beaumont, Port Arthur, Lafayette, and surrounding communities across Southwest Louisiana and Southeast Texas.
Visit us at 1500 East College Street in Lake Charles, Louisiana, or call (337) 474-0070 to learn more about the 2027 Ford Explorer, browse our new Ford inventory, value your trade, and speak with our finance center about available purchasing and leasing options.
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DISCLAIMERS
Current Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for base vehicle. Excludes $1,795 destination/delivery fees, government fees, taxes, any finance charges, any dealer fees, and any emission testing fees. Optional equipment not included, including any extra-cost color options. Dealer determines price.
When properly equipped. Max towing varies based on cargo, vehicle configuration, accessories, and number of passengers.
Horsepower and torque ratings based on premium fuel per SAE J1349® standard. Your results may vary.
Driver-assist features are supplemental and do not replace the driver's attention, judgment, and need to control the vehicle. They do not make your vehicle autonomous or replace your responsibility to drive safely. Please only use if you will pay attention to the road and be prepared to take over at any time. See Owner's Manual for details and limitations.
Ford Security Package requires the Ford app, modem activation, and an activated plan. Equipped Ford vehicles come with a one-year included trial from new vehicle warranty start date, after which a paid plan is required. Paid plans automatically renew until cancelled. Prices are subject to change. Requires vehicle connectivity and a connected mobile device with enabled push notifications. Not available in U.S. territories. Terms apply.
Available feature on BlueCruise-equipped vehicles for use in a hands-free Blue Zone. Requires an active plan or trial - see ford.com/bluecruise for details. BlueCruise is a driver-assist feature and does not replace safe driving. A fully alert, attentive driver is always required to monitor the environment and control the vehicle. See Owner's Manual for details and limitations.
Available Connectivity features vary by model/trim and compatible devices and require an activated modem and compatible network availability. Package pricing, included plans, and term lengths vary by model. Paid plans automatically renew until cancelled. Prices subject to change. Some features may only be available while vehicle is parked. Owners can log in to the Ford app to see specific features available to them. Terms apply.
Cargo and load capacity limited by weight and weight distribution.
Auto Start-Stop Technology may not shut your engine off if your vehicle battery is charging, the engine is still warming up, or if you are using heat or air conditioning.