The 2023 Ford Explorer Crushes Competition!

Photo Source: Ford

The SUV segment within the automotive industry is highly competitive, with more and more vehicles being produced yearly, each with its own set of unique features. When it comes to the most loved and best SUVs in the segment, car enthusiasts can agree that two vehicles come to mind: The Ford Explorer and the Kia Telluride. When comparing both vehicles against each other, which of the two models is the clear winner? Several areas to find that answer include performance, gas mileage, safety, cargo space, off-road capabilities, and towing capabilities. Looking at these areas, the 2023 Ford Explorer came out on top and beat the 2023 Kia Telluride.

Cargo Space and Safety
Regarding safety, the 2023 Explorer is the clear choice as it has earned an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award (the highest possible rating) for the 2022 model year, while the Telluride only obtained the second-tier IIHS Safety Pick award. Current information for the 2023 Telluride’s interior is still unavailable, but it will likely be similar to its 2022 model, which featured a maximum cargo capacity of 87.0 cu-ft. The 2023 Ford Explorer has a maximum cargo capacity of 87.8 cu-ft of space, affording buyers more space for precious cargo. 

Fuel Efficiency and Performance
When comparing engines to the Telluride, all engines offered for the ‘23 Explorer have more horsepower without jeopardizing fuel efficiency. The Explorer has an estimated fuel economy of up to 24 combined mpg, and the Hybrid has a gas mileage of up to 27 combined mpg. On the other hand, the Telluride comes with a 3.8L V-6 engine that generates just 291 horsepower and has an estimated fuel economy of up to 23 combined mpg. 

The 2023 Ford Explorer comes paired with more powerful engine options that help it to achieve such high performance. The engine options include:

• A 2.3L EcoBoost I-4 that boasts a horsepower of 300
• A 3.3L V-6 hybrid that boasts a horsepower of 318
• A 3.0L EcoBoost V-6 that boasts a horsepower of 365
• A second variant of the 3.0L EcoBoost V-6 boasts a horsepower of 400 (only available in the ST trim).

Off-Road and Towing Capabilities
The 2023 Ford Explorer has a 5,600-pound towing capacity, while the Telluride offers a 5,500-pound towing capacity. The Ford Explorer also offers a higher ground clearance (8.7 inches) than the Telluride (8.4 inches). For those who love a big adventure, the ‘23 Explorer offers buyers a much more capable vehicle thanks to its off-roading and towing capabilities. Though the Telluride offers buyers an AWD (All-Wheel Drive) system, the Explorer offers buyers an even more advanced Four-Wheel Drive system that helps them move more efficiently through challenging terrain. Even with the Telluride’s rugged new X-Line and X-Pro trims, they still don’t compare to the Explorer’s off-road capabilities on the Timberline trim. Though the Telluride does have its advantages and offers buyers decent features, the 2023 Ford Explorer definitely takes the win for its benefits and features. 

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