Ford Explorer 76·Kia Telluride 80on the MotiveGrid Score·Kia Telluride about $1,792 less over 5 years
The verdict
The 2027 Kia Telluride is the cheaper one to own — roughly $1,792 less over five years, mostly because it holds its value better.
The Kia Telluride is the stronger all-round pick here — cheaper to own with little given up in return.
Last updated May 2026 · National-average estimates
Ford Explorer vs. Kia Telluride
MotiveGrid scores, key specs, and five-year cost comparison: 2026 Ford Explorer versus 2027 Kia Telluride.
Metric
Ford Explorer
Kia Telluride
MotiveGrid Score
76
80
Cost of Ownership
68
72
Powertrain
67
60
Driver Assistance
43
32
Livability
40
63
Safety
99
100
5-Year Cost to Own
$59,668
$57,877
Depreciation (5-yr)
$22,387
$20,771
Fuel / Energy (5-yr)
$14,034
$15,304
Insurance (5-yr)
$11,755
$10,760
Maintenance (5-yr)
$2,490
$1,915
Tires (5-yr)
$2,150
$2,150
Financing (5-yr)
$5,787
$5,896
Registration (5-yr)
$1,065
$1,080
Starting Price
$38,465
$39,190
Horsepower
300 hp
291 hp
MPG (combined)
24 mpg
22 mpg
Cargo volume
18.2 cu ft
21 cu ft
Seating
6
8
Towing capacity
5,300 lbs
—
Drivetrain
RWD
FWD
Gas
2026$38,465
MSRP
$38,465
Mo · 5yr
$994
$59,668 / 5 years
Best for driver assistance
Gas
2027$39,190
MSRP
$39,190
Mo · 5yr
$965
$57,877 / 5 years
Best for long-term savings
VS
01 · The MotiveGrid Score
Five measured pillars, weighted into one score.
Cost, Powertrain, Driver Assistance, Livability, and Safety — each scored against its class, then combined into a single MotiveGrid Score. Built by our engineering team and benchmarked against independent sources like NHTSA, IIHS, and CarEdge. How it’s calculated →
Kia Telluride scores higher overall.
Ford Explorer
0
/ 100
Kia Telluride
0
/ 100
CostFive-year all-in cost to own, benchmarked against the class median.
Explorer
68
Telluride
72
Winner: Telluride
$1,792 cheaper / 5 yrs
Low maintenance cost▲
PowertrainEnergy efficiency paired with long-term ownership confidence.
Explorer
67
Telluride
60
Winner: Explorer
+7 pts
Driver AssistHighway driving support, parking convenience, and hands-free automation.
Explorer
43
Telluride
32
Winner: Explorer
+11 pts
Strong highway driving support▲
LivabilityPassenger space, cargo room, and everyday maneuverability.
Explorer
40
Telluride
63
Winner: Telluride
+23 pts
Easy to maneuver and park▲
SafetyCrash-test protection plus standard crash-avoidance features.
Kia Telluride is the better pick for long-term ownership — about $1,792 cheaper over 5 years with stronger fundamentals on running cost.
Ford Explorer still wins if your priority is best for driver assistance.
Daily commuter
Ford Explorer
Lowest energy cost per mile
Budget-focused
Kia Telluride
Cheapest to own across 5 years
Family hauler
Kia Telluride
Slightly more cargo room with more seats
Highway driver
Ford Explorer
Better adaptive cruise + lane keep
City driver
Kia Telluride
Easiest to park and maneuver in tight spots
03
Cost of Ownership
Monthly running costs — national baseline.
Adjust for your situation
State
Miles/yr15,000
Loan rate7%
Down payment20%
Ford Explorer
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$994
$59,668 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$994/mo
Kia Telluride
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$965
$57,877 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$965/mo
04
Frequently asked questions
Kia Telluride comes out about $1,792 cheaper over 5 years on running costs (depreciation, fuel/energy, insurance, maintenance, financing). The gap shifts with your state, annual miles, and loan rate — use the "Adjust for your situation" panel above.
