Full-size SUVs are the ultimate in family convenience, providing buyers with the perfect car to handle all of the hardest jobs your gremlins can throw at you. From last minute grocery trips to hour long drives to the theme park, a full size SUV can do it all while keeping your headaches to a minimum.
In today’s review, we’ll look at two of the standout models in the class, those being the 2025 Ford Explorer and 2025 Kia Telluride. Only one of these models can take the title of the best 3-row SUV for families in 2025, and by comparing their pricing, features, and trim levels, we’ll make sure you have all the tools needed to grab the best deal on a fullsize SUV this year.
Key Takeaways:
- The Ford Explorer can tow up to 5,000 pounds this year, a figure most trucks even struggle to match.
- The Telluride is a looker, bringing serious performance to complement its sleek design.
- The Explorer’s newly revitalized this year, with the trim levels being revised this year.
The 2025 Ford Explorer offers two strong engine options. The standard setup is a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder that produces 300 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque, providing plenty of power for daily driving and highway cruising. For those seeking more performance, a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 is available, delivering an impressive 400 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque.
Both engines are mated to a smooth-shifting 10-speed automatic transmission. Rear-wheel drive comes standard, with four-wheel drive available. When properly equipped, the Explorer can tow up to 5,000 pounds, making it a capable choice for hauling gear or trailers.
Will the 2025 Telluride be redesigned?
Yes! For 2025, the Kia Telluride gets a few subtle updates but remains a standout in the three-row SUV segment thanks to its stylish design and high-quality interior. It continues to compete with strong contenders like the Hyundai Palisade, Toyota Grand Highlander, and Honda Pilot. Looking ahead, a full redesign is expected for the 2026 model year.
For 2025, all models now come standard with second-row side airbags and enhanced highway driving assist technology. The X-Line and X-Pro trims receive upgraded interior materials, improved tech features, and gloss black exterior accents for a more refined look. Additionally, the X-Pro all-wheel-drive variant gains an extra 10 mm of ground clearance and increases its towing capacity by 500 pounds, bringing the total to 5,500 pounds.
Is the 2025 Ford Explorer a redesign?
For 2025, the Ford Explorer lineup has been streamlined to four trims at launch: Active, ST-Line, ST, and Platinum. A fifth trim—the off-road-ready Tremor—is set to join later. The exterior sees subtle styling changes, including a refreshed grille, revised headlights, updated lower air inlets, and redesigned taillights. Buyers of the Platinum, ST, and ST-Line trims can now opt for a black-painted roof, and for the first time, BlueCruise hands-free driving technology is available.
Inside, the updates emphasize comfort and refinement, with improved materials and new soft-touch surfaces on the center console and door panels, as well as fresh interior color options. The 2025 Explorer also debuts Ford’s new infotainment platform, the Ford Digital Experience, which allows seamless app integration, native streaming, and web browsing while parked.
Summary
The best deal is without a doubt the Explorer - with its new trims this year, it’s more than adequate for any use cases you can find for it. Need towing capacity? It has it in spades. Interior space? Horsepower? Fuel economy? All that, and more. It’s amongst the best deals in the class for a reason, and this year’s a better time than any to get your foot in the door.