Ford vs. The Competition
Kia Telluride. Honda Pilot. Toyota Grand Highlander. All are strong three-row family SUVs—but Explorer brings something different: rear-wheel-drive confidence, serious available performance, standard towing capability and technology designed to make every mile easier.
The short answer
Telluride wins shoppers with upscale design. Pilot maximizes flexible passenger space. Grand Highlander offers generous cargo room and efficient hybrid choices. Explorer is the most compelling all-around choice for drivers who want three-row practicality without settling for anonymous performance.
The 2026 Explorer starts with a 300-horsepower 2.3L EcoBoost engine and rear-wheel drive, while Intelligent 4WD is available. Explorer ST and the available V6-powered Tremor raise output to 385 horsepower—more than Telluride, Pilot or Grand Highlander. Every Explorer also includes a Class III Trailer Tow Package rated for up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped.
At a glance
Explorer distinguishes itself with the strongest available horsepower, rear-wheel-drive architecture and a generous bundle of standard towing and technology equipment.
Model-year note: Kia did not offer a U.S.-market 2026 Telluride between the 2025 model and the redesigned 2027 generation. The Telluride specifications below refer to the 2025 model shoppers most directly cross-shopped against the 2026 Explorer.
| Feature | 2026 Ford Explorer | 2025 Kia Telluride | 2026 Honda Pilot | 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard drivetrain | Rear-wheel drive Driver focused | Front-wheel drive | Front-wheel drive | Front-wheel drive |
| Maximum horsepower | 385 hp Most | 291 hp | 285 hp | 362 net hp Hybrid MAX |
| Maximum towing | 5,000 lbs.; tow package standard | 5,500 lbs. on X-Pro | 5,000 lbs. with AWD | 5,000 lbs. |
| Maximum seating | 7 passengers | 8 passengers | 8 passengers | 8 passengers |
| Center touchscreen | 13.2 in. standard Largest | 12.3 in. | 12.3 in. standard | Up to 12.3 in. |
| Hands-free highway driving | Available BlueCruise Ford edge | Hands-on Highway Driving Assist | Hands-on Honda Sensing | Available low-speed Traffic Jam Assist |
| Adventure-focused trim | Tremor with Torsen limited-slip axle | X-Pro | TrailSport | No direct equivalent |
| Best fit | Performance + towing + technology | Style + eight-passenger seating | Flexible family seating | Cargo room + hybrid efficiency |
Maximum figures require specific trims, drivetrains, packages and equipment. Towing capacity varies by configuration, passengers and cargo. Driver-assistance systems are supplemental and do not replace an attentive driver.
Designed around real life
Head-to-head
The competitors offer more maximum seating, and Grand Highlander leads in cargo space. Explorer wins shoppers who want their family SUV to feel powerful, confident and genuinely advanced from behind the wheel.
Telluride offers a polished cabin, seating for up to eight and a 5,500-pound maximum tow rating on X-Pro. Explorer answers with up to 94 more horsepower, standard rear-wheel drive, a larger standard center screen and a Class III Trailer Tow Package included on every trim. Available BlueCruise also brings true hands-free highway driving on compatible roads.
Pilot is exceptionally practical, with seating for up to eight and a clever stowable second-row center seat. Explorer is the more rewarding driver's SUV: up to 385 horsepower versus 285, standard rear-wheel drive, available BlueCruise and a standard tow package rated for 5,000 pounds. Explorer Tremor also adds a Torsen limited-slip rear axle and available twin-turbo V6 power.
Grand Highlander is the space-and-efficiency specialist, with seating for eight, up to 97.5 cubic feet of cargo room and available hybrid powertrains. Explorer provides more maximum horsepower, rear-wheel-drive balance, standard towing hardware and available hands-free BlueCruise. The ST and Tremor also give Explorer distinct personalities Toyota does not directly match.
The Explorer difference
Most three-row crossovers begin with front-wheel-drive architecture. Explorer starts differently. Its standard rear-wheel-drive layout helps create balanced handling and confident power delivery, while available Intelligent 4WD adds traction when Missouri weather turns unpredictable.
The Ford Digital Experience brings Google and Amazon services, apps, wireless smartphone connectivity and a standard 13.2-inch center display into one intuitive cabin. Available BlueCruise can provide hands-free highway driving on compatible roads, helping reduce fatigue on long family trips.
Find Your ExplorerWhich one fits you?
You want three-row versatility plus the strongest available horsepower here, rear-wheel-drive dynamics, standard 5,000-pound towing hardware and available hands-free highway driving.
You prioritize upscale styling, eight-passenger capacity or the extra 500 pounds of maximum towing offered by the specialized X-Pro trim.
Your highest priority is flexible eight-passenger seating, including Honda's removable and stowable second-row center seat.
You need maximum cargo room, seating for eight or an efficiency-focused hybrid rather than Explorer's stronger performance character.
Frequently asked questions
Telluride offers seating for up to eight and slightly more maximum towing in X-Pro form. Explorer offers substantially more available horsepower, standard rear-wheel drive, a larger standard center display, a standard 5,000-pound-capable tow package and available BlueCruise hands-free highway driving. Explorer is the stronger choice for shoppers who value performance and technology.
Pilot provides seating for up to eight and excellent interior flexibility. Explorer offers up to 100 more horsepower, standard rear-wheel drive, standard 5,000-pound towing hardware and available hands-free highway driving. Explorer ST and Tremor also provide performance and adventure options the Pilot does not directly match.
Grand Highlander is the better fit when eight-passenger seating, maximum cargo volume or hybrid efficiency is the main priority. Explorer is the better fit when the driver wants stronger available power, rear-wheel-drive dynamics, standard towing equipment and available BlueCruise technology.
Every 2026 Explorer includes the Class III Trailer Tow Package and can tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped. The package includes a Class III hitch receiver, seven-wire harness and four- and seven-pin trailer connectors. Actual capacity depends on vehicle configuration, passengers and cargo.
Drive the difference
Compare trims, explore current availability and experience Explorer's performance, technology and three-row versatility at Chuck Anderson Ford in Excelsior Springs.