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The battle between the Ford Explorer and Kia Telluride rages on, but only one of them can be the best! While the 2022 Ford Explorer is a long-time favorite, the 2022 Kia Telluride is one of the most popular options available, and the Explorer may have a slight edge. 

The 2022 Ford Explorer finally beat the 2022 Kia Telluride 

The 2021 Ford Explorer parked on the street
2021 Ford Explorer | Allison Barfield, MotorBiscuit

According to Ford Authority, the Ford Explorer is selling more units than the Kia Telluride. In 2021, the Explorer sold about 219,871 units, while the Telluride moved about 93,705 units. Surprisingly, the Volkswagen Atlas even sold more units than the Telluride, with 115,687 models moved. 

But we can’t chalk things up to the Explorer being more popular than the award-winning Telluride. Due to the ongoing semiconductor chip shortage and other supply chain problems, there may have been more Ford Explorer models available to sell. 

The 2022 Ford Explorer is being shipped without the chips needed for passengers to control the rear-seat climate controls. However, the driver can still adjust the rear-seat climate zone, so passengers won’t miss out on their comfort settings. 

Also, the chips can be added at a later date, and the Explorer is providing a discount for the temporary missing feature. General Motors made a similar move by removing chips from the heated seats and steering wheel. 

The wait for a 2022 Kia Telluride is currently about six to 10 months long due to production issues, while the Explorer is available now. Some people may want a brand new SUV as soon as possible instead of waiting. 

Is the Ford Explorer more powerful than the Kia Telluride?

The 2022 Kia Telluride comes with a 3.8-liter V6 engine that cranks out 291 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque. The Telluride can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in about 7.5 seconds. 

With the 2022 Ford Explorer, you get a 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine with 300 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque. So, it has more standard power. You can upgrade to the 3.3-liter V6 hybrid for 318 hp and 322 lb-ft of torque. 

Also, the 3.0-liter V6 engine provides between 365 to 400 hp and between 380 to 410 lb-ft of torque based on the trim level. The Explorer can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in about 5.2 seconds. 

Does the Telluride or Explorer have better features?

Front angle view of Dark Moss 2022 Kia Telluride
Dark Moss 2022 Kia Telluride | Kia

While the 2022 Ford Explorer is sportier, the 2022 Kia Telluride may be a bit nicer. The Explorer’s lower trim levels are a bit bland, but higher trims offer wood appliques, leather upholstery, and other luxurious features. 

The Telluride features Nappa leather upholstery, ventilated rear seats, and more space. There is more room for passengers and child seats. Plus, the Driver Talk feature allows you to amplify your voice through the speakers. 

An 8.0-inch touchscreen is standard in the Explorer, and you can upgrade to a 10.1-inch vertically oriented option. A 10.3-inch screen is standard in the Telluride. Both SUVs include standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. 

The Explorer is currently in the lead with more sales than the Telluride, but that might not be because it’s better. The Telluride has a more comfortable and spacious interior, while the Explorer is sportier. 

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Staff Writer

Allison Barfield

Allison Barfield joined MotorBiscuit in 2020 and covers all things trucks, SUVs, and Jeeps. Having grown up on a farm in Rock Hill, South Carolina, she’s no stranger to the “Best in Class” truck and SUV debates; people in her hometown were always gathering to help work on vehicles together, and deliberation would naturally arise.

Allison graduated from the University of South Carolina with a degree in Media Arts. She has helped bring awareness to issues Women In Trucking face and has promoted Truckers Against Trafficking, an anti-trafficking NGO.

A fan of creatively dark literature, Allison appreciates the works of Shirley Jackson and Emily Dickenson. She lives in a mountainous area of the country and enjoys off-roading and camping. Her dog, Bruce, often joins her in testing trucks and SUVs for our site.