Telluride SX AWD vs Explorer XLT AWD

[alexdrums]

2020 Ford Explorer vs. 2020 Kia Telluride: Can Korean Newcomer Compete?

Ford's redesigned three-row SUV faces a serious challenge from Kia's hungry upstart.

www.caranddriver.com

 

[alexdrums]

I wished they would of compared the Explorer Platinum, which has a 365hp V6 engine, and 25% more HP and 45% more torque than the Telluride!
Also, I think with the bad reviews of the Explorer, you should be able to get a substantial discount off MSRP in a few months. Combined with the high markup/addons on the SX, they may essentially end up being the same price.

 

[SorentoSXL]

This is the price you pay for a RWD platform. RWD is more expensive and less space efficient. The front wheel is pushed forward but none of that extra wheelbase length is used for interior volume. An Explorer Limited equipped similar to a none Prestige SX is almost $10k more. Even if you compare to an SX-P, it's still about $8k more. I have a feeling there will be cash on the hood of Explorers soon though bringing actual transaction prices down closer to parity.

Car and Driver is notoriously harsh on American vehicles but I have to agree here. I've driven the 2.3L/10spd combo twice and was never a fan. Yes, it has guts but it sounds terrible and the shifting was jerky and unpredictable. Also, sitting in the Explorer was not impressive. It looks super cheap inside. I was actually surprised that Ford brought it to market looking so low rent. It and the Pilot strike me as utilitarian 3 row appliances. They'll get the job down but don't look to be super impressed be the aesthetics.

 

[Owner]

I wished they would of compared the Explorer Platinum, which has a 365hp V6 engine, and 25% more HP and 45% more torque than the Telluride!
Also, I think with the bad reviews of the Explorer, you should be able to get a substantial discount off MSRP in a few months. Combined with the high markup/addons on the SX, they may essentially end up being the same price.

I guess I don't shop for vehicles that are discounted because of bad reviews. I'll spend my time looking for good deals on vehicles with great reviews.

______________________________

 

[SorentoSXL]

I guess I don't shop for vehicles that are discounted because of bad reviews. I'll spend my time looking for good deals on vehicles with great reviews.

Reviews are just the opinion of someone who may or may not share your same needs. I've always acquired vehicles that I myself like, regardless of what reviews have written. Cars that get positive reviews may not the best fit everyone. I had a gen 1 Mazda3. The press loved that car. It was loud and rode like a pig (city driving) with subpar power and fuel efficiency. C&D STILL considers the CX-9 the best family 3 row SUV, case in point....

 

[jw_tx21]

Reviews are just the opinion of someone who may or may not share your same needs. I've always acquired vehicles that I myself like, regardless of what reviews have written. Cars that get positive reviews may not the best fit everyone. I had a gen 1 Mazda3. The press loved that car. It was loud and rode like a pig (city driving) with subpar power and fuel efficiency. C&D STILL considers the CX-9 the best family 3 row SUV, case in point....

Yeah, right? They're obsessed with Mazdas and their cornering/handling abilities at speed on winding roads... the Mazda CX-9 does handle well, but I mean c'mon, there's no comparison against the Telluride. Maybe against the Sorento. I have a 2016 Mazda3 GT Hatch also that I picked up after C&D review to replace a BMW convertible - it actually handles very well and is fun to drive in city - but on highway it's loud, paint is very thin, panels dent easily and paint quality / finish is a bit lacking. Nevertheless, it was a good choice for me in 2016...

 

[alexdrums]

I guess I don't shop for vehicles that are discounted because of bad reviews. I'll spend my time looking for good deals on vehicles with great reviews.

I test drove the Explorer Platinum, it hauled ass and was a blast to drive. I am thinking it is a totally different car than the XLT. The things I didn’t like about it were it does seem small in the back, and there is an incline on the load floor with the third row down—the Telluride’s is flat.
And I do consider my opinion more important than a reviewer’s any day.

 

[SorentoSXL]

Yeah, right? They're obsessed with Mazdas and their cornering/handling abilities at speed on winding roads... the Mazda does handle well, but I mean c'mon, there's no comparison against the Telluride. Maybe against the Sorento. I have a 2016 Mazda3 also that I picked up after C&D review to replace a BMW convertible - it actually handles very well and is fun to drive in city - but on highway it's loud, paint is very thin, panels dent easily and paint quality / finish is a bit lacking. Nevertheless, it was a good choice for me in 2016...

I lived in the city at the time, so handling was sort lost on me unless I drove out the area. Mainly, I swerved around potholes (zoom zoom)! I did notice the harsh ride, thin paint and weak a/c though. I did like that little car overall and drove from Philly to Portland, OR and back in '09. It's just that press drives usually happen where people don't really live/drive! I had an '07 5door GT BTW.

______________________________

 

[regaphysics]

Drove the explorer and I must say that drivetrain is very nice. Substantially more pull than the telly in lower RPMs and the 10 speed is very quick. The interior isn't nice but its utilitarian. The real issue is the price. Its outlandish to charge that much. Maybe if it tow'ed like 8k pounds and had air suspension.... but as it stands, they need deep discounts quickly.

 

[alexdrums]

I agree. At some point though, they need to learn how to make more Tellurides or I am going to end up with an Explorer.

 

[regaphysics]

I agree. At some point though, they need to learn how to make more Tellurides or I am going to end up with an Explorer.

Yeah I feel you. Charging over MSRP for tellurides plus explorer adding discounts is going to make them pretty competitive. Getting a platinum explorer for the price of an SX telluride isn't so bad. Especially if you are considering towing.

 

[alexdrums]

Exactly!

______________________________