2026 Ford Explorer Tremor vs. Kia Telluride X-Pro: Soft-Roader Battle

• What these are: Both the Kia Telluride X-Pro and Ford Explorer Tremor add a modicum of off-road ability. 
• Why they matter: Off-roading is what SUVs were originally made for, and both brands are leaning into the hobby's recent resurgence. 
• Edmunds Says: That said, both of these SUVs are suited more for an easy trail than a rock-strewn climb.

Meanwhile, the Telluride X-Pro also gets a lift, retuned suspension and the like, but the only engine on tap is a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine good for 274 horses and 311 lb-ft of torque. While you can get a Telluride with a hybrid powerplant, it's not available in the X-Pro.

The cheapest way to get a Telluride with the off-road goodies is to go with the X-Pro SX. Kia doesn't really offer much in terms of options, so expect to pay around $55,235, including $1,545 for destination. If you want something a bit more fancy, the X-Pro SX Prestige adds $3,100 to the bottom line, but you get an upgraded interior, rain-sensing wipers, digital key, rear camera mirror, heated and ventilated second-row seats, and few other features. 

Geometry lesson

If you're going off-road, you need more clearance and a better approach angle so you can get over rocks, fallen trees or anything that might be in your way. These two vehicles are adequate here, but don't expect to go up any expert rated trails. 

The Telluride beats the Explorer when it comes to ground clearance, coming in at 9.1 inches off the ground. That's high enough to be useful but not so high that it makes it hard to get in and out. The Ford sits nearly a half-inch lower, and while that might not seem like much, it can make a huge difference depending on the scenario. The Ford wins the geometry contest, however, with 24.1 degrees of approach angle compared to the Kia's 21.9 degrees.

Each vehicle puts the power down to all four wheels, but neither has a low range or a rear locker. However, they both have a limited-slip differential in the rear, which can keep the SUV moving when one wheel loses traction. The Explorer uses a Torsen setup that requires a bit of torque to get it to engage. At slow speeds with a wheel up in the air, the limited-slip in the Explorer essentially acts like an open differential, something we experienced in the hill climb part of our test. The Telluride with its electronic limited-slip handled the grade with much more grace.

However, if going fast on the dirt is on the agenda, it's tough to beat the Explorer with that 400-horsepower engine. And it's not just the extra power that puts the Ford on the podium here. The 10-speed automatic transmission has a true manual mode with paddle shifters that will hold gears longer, allowing the SUV to get up on top of the soft sand and rail around turns without bogging down. The Telluride also has paddle shifters, but even in Sand mode, the eight-speed transmission takes over shifting duties just when it starts getting fun. 

Value win

At the end of the day, the Kia Telluride X-Pro edged out the Ford Explorer Tremor thanks in part to its stellar value. We also think the Telluride is a bit smoother over washboard roads, and we like the stylish looks both inside and out. The Explorer definitely has the fun and nimble side of things on lockdown, but we wish it had a bit more ground clearance. Ford would also be well served by offering the 3.0-liter V6 as a stand-alone option instead of bundling it into that expensive Ultimate package.

Regardless of your choice, be sure to recreate responsibly by staying on established trails, packing out your trash, and following Tread Lightly principles.