SUV Battle: Kia Telluride vs Ford Explorer vs Toyota Highlander

Hey! Welcome to Carsbattle’s another blog post on the Battle between 3 SUVs. For whatever market that is there, so is the noise of activity, with the three strong contenders launching new models in the mix: 2022 Toyota Highlander vs 2023 Kia Telluride vs 2024 Ford Explorer. Each of these SUVs offers something special, and one feature stands out uniquely from the others, but still, one may question which among them is the best. Let’s, therefore, dive more and deep inside to see what the side-by-side battle shows for these three models, so as to know which one stands out.

Kia Telluride vs Ford Explorer vs Toyota Highlander

Price Comparison: Value Meets Affordability

The first thought on SUVs is usually the price that you set in mind. Here are a few facts on some of the starting prices for  Kia Telluride vs Ford Explorer vs Toyota Highlander.

A higher edge in starting price would go to the Toyota Highlander, making it somewhat of a preference to those keeping budget before luxury. The Kia Telluride is slightly more costly than the Highlander but still very competitively priced. The Ford Explorer, on the other hand, is the priciest of them all, and with just cause to the different features and performance improvements. Let’s see the comparison of Kia Telluride vs Ford Explorer vs Toyota Highlander.

SUV Model	Starting Price
Toyota Highlander (2022)	$35,205
Kia Telluride (2023)	$35,890
Ford Explorer (2024)	$36,760

Performance-Engine: Power Under the Hood

SUVs are always meant to tow, carry, or even simply run on different kinds of terrains; their engines really matter under performance. So, buckle up as we get a closer look at how these SUVs will stack up against each other with their respective engines.

There’s the Ford Explorer, horsepower-leading with its turbocharged engine-just a step above, power-wise. Available powerful V6 engines move both the Toyota Highlander and Kia Telluride with great performance. Thus, if you want the best of both worlds, an Explorer equipped with an EcoBoost engine would likely be the go-to choice. Let’s see the battle between the performance  of these 3 cars:-

SUV Model	Engine	Horsepower	Torque
Toyota Highlander (2022)	3.5L V6	295 hp	263 lb-ft
Kia Telluride (2023)	3.8L V6	291 hp	262 lb-ft
Ford Explorer (2024)	2.3L EcoBoost I-4	300 hp	310 lb-ft

Transmission and Drive Type: How It Drives Across the Road Ahead

Also, the transmission type and drive further classify how the vehicle will perform based on specific driving conditions. We take a look at what each SUV offers.

The Ford Explorer’s 10-speed automatic transmission meshes so nicely and smoothly. Driving is made easier, with increased fuel mileage. The 8-speed automatic transmission, on the other hand, with which the Toyota Highlander and Kia Telluride are fitted with, is nearer to being the right fit for the typical driver. If driving still means the most to any driver above all features of the car, then performance is the main concern among all others, and the Ford Explorer will definitely be its favorite. Let’s see the battle between the Transmission and Drive Type of these 3 car:-

SUV Model	Transmission	Drive Type
Toyota Highlander (2022)	8-speed automatic	Front-Wheel Drive (FWD)
Kia Telluride (2023)	8-speed automatic	Front-Wheel Drive (FWD)
Ford Explorer (2024)	10-speed automatic	Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD)

Towing Capacity

If you’re looking for a vehicle primarily made for towing, the SUV strongly features in towing capacity. Here’s how the towing capacity of these SUVs fares against each other.

Nevermind on towing duties, right at the top among them is the Ford Explorer; towing up to 5,600 lbs. Just a tad more than the 5,000-lb-capacity of the Highland and Telluride. If you have trailers or boats which can get a little hefty once fully loaded. The Explorer should better be your pick. Let’s see the battle between the Towing capacity of these 3 cars.

SUV Model	Towing Capacity
Toyota Highlander (2022)	5,000 lbs
Kia Telluride (2023)	5,000 lbs
Ford Explorer (2024)	5,600 lbs

Interior and Comfort

After all, it is here, on comfort and interior. That buyers focus their most cogent attention, for herein lies most of the daily driving fun. How do these SUVs fare in interior space and comfort?

Toyota Highlander (2022)

In it, the Toyota Highlander has a suitably accommodating interior design for eight adults, with a one-adult comfort level. Given its quality materials and cabin that is pretty quiet, this classes this car as fit for long road trips. However, passengers who will sit on its third row might get a little bit crampy compared. With their other adult counterparts in its class.

Kia Telluride (2023)

The Kia Telluride has also become renowned for its sumptuous interior. That in many ways can hold a candle to even some premium brands. That means ample seating in all three rows makes it a great option for large or growing families. The making of this vehicle has incorporated high-quality materials and advanced technology, making the whole setup more comfortable and luring. Quite spacious, it makes the cabin one of the most spacious in the segment.

Ford Explorer (2024)

Inside, the Ford Explorer is open and modern, with passenger and load space. The third row of seating in the Ford Explorer is one redeeming quality that most of its competitors lack. This Explorer also has a very utilitarian, sensible appearance that is pleasantly styled. There are also numerous levels of trims of this Explorer they are available in, featuring premium materials throughout. And all features that would allow buyers to totally customize their experiences. Nevertheless, in so many ways, the Explorer’s interior will be nothing like the ‘high-class’ one in the Telluride, especially within the entry-level trims.

Technology and Infotainment: How to Stay Connected While Getting There

The world today is digital, and the perception of a motor vehicle without the latest technology and infotainment features is one that is almost impossible. So, let’s see the battle between the technology of these 3 SUVs with each other.

Toyota Highlander (2022)

Highlander The Highlander has an 8-inch touchscreen with embedded Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, merging the two infotainment systems into one. Higher trims can get a larger 12.3-inch display in its place. It comes with the Toyota Safety Sense suite of features and more.

Kia Telluride (2023)

Tech-wise, the Kia Telluride is superb, with a standard 10.25-inch touchscreen and availability for dual-screen setups. That give out more real estate. The infotainment is native and pretty robust at the point of information features such as navigation, smartphone integration, which includes mobile app commands for Kia’s UVO Link services in addition to remote start, and climate management.

Ford Explorer (2024)

That 8-inch touchscreen in the Ford Explorer’s standard-fitted unit just keeps growing, and higher trims open up to a giant 10.1-inch vertical screen. With this infotainment system, SYNC 4 is available with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It is quick and easy to use. A whole array of tech features is thrown in with the Explorer, from a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. That alone makes this a pretty tech-savvy choice.

Safety Features: Protecting What Matters Most

For many consumers in the marketplace for an SUV, safety always takes precedence in their minds. Let’s see the battle between the safety features of these 3 SUVs with each other.

Toyota Highlander (2022)

It comes equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, pre-collision warning, pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, and lane departure alert. Optionally, blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert are also available. And making it sure that there’s no stone left unturned with regard to giving this salvo of a feature to its drivers.

Kia Telluride (2023)

Other safety features that are static with the Telluride include the Kia Drive Wise suite of forward collision avoidance, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring. Farther along, the Telluride adds a Driver Attention Warning system. And Safe Exit Assist-this prevents the opening of doors by passengers into oncoming traffic.

Ford Explorer (2024)

It shoulders the Ford Explorer with a strong list of safety features done through the Ford Co-Pilot360 suite. Included as standard is the capability of auto emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. And while all Explorers feature these, there are many more available options, including adaptive cruise control. And a 360-degree camera system—to name a couple—that add another layer of on-board security.

Fuel Efficiency: Power and Economy in Perfect Harmony

With the continuous rise in prep prices, millions of customers also have another big concern about purchasing the SUVs: fuel efficiency. The fuel economy for each of the SUVs is stated below:

Fuel economy ratings are similar in these two SUVs, with the Toyota Highlander getting ahead ever so slightly on highway miles per gallon over the Ford Explorer. Bringing up the rear is the Kia Telluride, but even so it stays pretty reasonable considering its SUV class. But if saving that fuel of yours is higher than your SUV priority, well, then the Toyota Highlander is going to be your best shot. Let’s see the battle between the Fuel efficiency of these 3 cars.

SUV Model	City MPG	Highway MPG
Toyota Highlander (2022)	21	29
Kia Telluride (2023)	20	26
Ford Explorer (2024)	21	28

Results: Which SUV Takes the Crown?

Going through a battle between the 2022 Toyota Highlander, 2023 Kia Telluride, and 2024 Ford Explorer on numerous points unearthed a surprising fact that each SUV had unique strength relative to all others. Important highs for the Toyota Highlander are in areas of value, fuel efficiency, and extremely strong safety features. Key highs for the Kia Telluride are its luxuriant interior, updated technology, and generally familial design. The Ford Explorer is really exceptional and has great performance, towing capability, and other features having to do with safety and technology.

Winner: Kia Telluride (2023

Whether it’s luxury, space, technology, or security, the perfect combination is available in the 2023 Kia Telluride—an automobile mainly designed for families and passengers who demand, at some level, a taste of luxury in their SUVs. Both the Highlander and the Explorer drive really well, but the overall package the Telluride brings to the table is hard to beat at its price point.