2027 Kia Telluride LX vs 2026 Ford Mustang EcoBoost

This is not a spec comparison. It is a decision about whether you need a midsize SUV or a sports car. Key numbers: $1,250 price gap, 274 vs 315 hp.

The short answer

The Telluride LX leads on $1,250 less, 9.8″ longer. The Mustang EcoBoost leads on 41 more hp, 39 more lb-ft torque. The spec table compares 6 specifications head to head.

$1,250
Price Gap
41 HP
HP Diff
Same
Efficiency Diff
Lower price
2027 Kia Telluride LX
Starts at $39,190
VS
Higher price
2026 Ford Mustang EcoBoost
Starts at $40,440

Key Differences at a Glance

Engine
2.5L I4 Turbo
vs
2.3L I4 Turbo
Horsepower
274 hp
vs
315 hp
Torque
311 lb-ft
vs
350 lb-ft
Drivetrain
FWD
vs
RWD
Curb Weight
4,381 lbs
vs
3,741 lbs

What's Actually Different

These two vehicles differ in 6 specifications.

MSRP
$39,190Telluride LX
$40,440Mustang EcoBoost
Engine
2.5L I4 TurboTelluride LX
2.3L I4 TurboMustang EcoBoost
Horsepower
274 hpTelluride LX
315 hpMustang EcoBoost
Torque
311 lb-ftTelluride LX
350 lb-ftMustang EcoBoost
Transmission
8-speed shiftable automaticTelluride LX
10-speed shiftable automaticMustang EcoBoost
Drivetrain
FWDTelluride LX
RWDMustang EcoBoost
Fuel Tank
19.0 galTelluride LX
16.0 galMustang EcoBoost
Curb Weight
4,381 lbsTelluride LX
3,741 lbsMustang EcoBoost
Wheelbase
116.9"Telluride LX
107.0"Mustang EcoBoost
Length
199.2"Telluride LX
189.4"Mustang EcoBoost
Width
78.3"Telluride LX
75.5"Mustang EcoBoost
Height
69.5"Telluride LX
55.2"Mustang EcoBoost
Bumper-to-Bumper
5yr/60kTelluride LX
3yr/36kMustang EcoBoost
Powertrain
10yr/100kTelluride LX
5yr/60kMustang EcoBoost
Corrosion
5yr/100kTelluride LX
5yr/unlimitedMustang EcoBoost

Full Specification Comparison

Specifications and pricing reflect available data as of early 2026 and may not match current manufacturer figures. Always confirm details with an authorized dealer before making a purchase decision.

Spec2027 Kia Telluride LX2026 Ford Mustang EcoBoost
Pricing
MSRP$39,190$40,440
Powertrain
Engine2.5L I4 Turbo2.3L I4 Turbo
Horsepower274 hp315 hp
Torque311 lb-ft350 lb-ft
Transmission8-speed shiftable automatic10-speed shiftable automatic
DrivetrainFWDRWD
Fuel Economy
City MPGNo published data22
Highway MPGNo published data33
Combined MPGNo published data26
Fuel Tank19.0 gal16.0 gal
Annual Fuel Cost (EPA)No published data$1,700/yr
Dimensions
Curb Weight4,381 lbs3,741 lbs
Wheelbase116.9"107.0"
Length199.2"189.4"
Width78.3"75.5"
Height69.5"55.2"
Safety
NHTSA OverallNo published data5/5 stars
IIHS AwardTSP+No published data
Warranty
Bumper-to-Bumper5yr/60k3yr/36k
Powertrain10yr/100k5yr/60k
Corrosion5yr/100k5yr/unlimited
Roadside Assistance5yr/60k5yr/60k

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the price difference between the 2027 Kia Telluride LX and 2026 Ford Mustang EcoBoost?

The 2027 Kia Telluride LX starts at $39,190, $1,250 less than the 2026 Ford Mustang EcoBoost at $40,440. On a 60-month loan that is roughly $22/month. All prices are MSRP before destination and dealer fees.

Who should choose the 2027 Kia Telluride LX?

The 2027 Kia Telluride LX is the stronger pick when you want to keep $1,250 in your pocket and the 2027 Kia Telluride LX covers your needs; your priority is passenger space and cargo flexibility.

Who should choose the 2026 Ford Mustang EcoBoost?

The 2026 Ford Mustang EcoBoost is the stronger pick when you want the 41 hp advantage on backroads and highway on-ramps; your priority is driving engagement.

Which is more powerful, the 2027 Kia Telluride LX or 2026 Ford Mustang EcoBoost?

The 2026 Ford Mustang EcoBoost produces 315 hp, 41 more than the 2027 Kia Telluride LX at 274 hp. The 2026 Ford Mustang EcoBoost also leads in torque at 350 lb-ft vs 311 lb-ft. The 2027 Kia Telluride LX runs a 2.5L I4 Turbo; the 2026 Ford Mustang EcoBoost uses a 2.3L I4 Turbo. Drivetrains differ too: FWD on the 2027 Kia Telluride LX, RWD on the 2026 Ford Mustang EcoBoost.

Is the 2027 Kia Telluride LX bigger than the 2026 Ford Mustang EcoBoost?

The 2027 Kia Telluride LX is 9.8″ longer at 199.2″ vs 189.4″. The 2027 Kia Telluride LX has a 9.9″ longer wheelbase, which typically means more rear-seat legroom. Keep in mind these are different vehicle types (midsize SUV vs sports car), so interior layout and cargo access are fundamentally different.

Do the 2027 Kia Telluride LX and 2026 Ford Mustang EcoBoost have the same drivetrain?

No. The 2027 Kia Telluride LX uses FWD and the 2026 Ford Mustang EcoBoost uses RWD. The drivetrain affects traction, fuel economy, and how the vehicle handles in different conditions.

Can I cross-shop a midsize SUV against a sports car?

Yes, and many buyers do. A midsize SUV and a sports car solve different problems, so the comparison is less about specs and more about lifestyle. Think about what you need most: cargo room and passenger space. The spec table above helps you compare the numbers, but a test drive is where you will feel the difference in daily use.

How do the warranties compare?

The Kia Telluride comes with 5yr/60k bumper-to-bumper and 10yr/100k powertrain. The Ford Mustang offers 3yr/36k bumper-to-bumper and 5yr/60k powertrain. Longer warranty coverage can offset higher maintenance costs over time.

Explore more: Kia trims, Kia Telluride trims, Ford trims, Ford Mustang trims

Official sources

Telluride vs Mustang: What This Matchup Is Really About

A midsize SUV against a sports car is not a typical matchup, but buyers with flexible needs compare them more often than you might think. The 2027 Kia Telluride LX ($39,190) and 2026 Ford Mustang EcoBoost ($40,440) solve different problems at similar price points. The $1,250 gap is about $22/month on a 60-month loan. Noticeable but not dramatic enough to be the deciding factor on its own.

Under the Hood

The 2027 Kia Telluride LX runs a 2.5L I4 Turbo; the 2026 Ford Mustang EcoBoost uses a 2.3L I4 Turbo. The 2026 Ford Mustang EcoBoost has 41 more hp (315 vs 274), enough to notice on highway on-ramps and when passing. The 2026 Ford Mustang EcoBoost adds 39 more lb-ft of torque (350 vs 311), giving it stronger low-end pull off the line. Drivetrains differ: FWD on the 2027 Kia Telluride LX, RWD on the 2026 Ford Mustang EcoBoost.

How Each One Fits Your Daily Life

The 2027 Kia Telluride LX is designed around passenger space, cargo flexibility, and a higher seating position. The 2026 Ford Mustang EcoBoost is tuned for driving engagement over practicality. These are fundamentally different vehicles, so the comparison comes down to what job you need done, not which one is objectively better. The 2027 Kia Telluride LX has a 9.9″ longer wheelbase, typically meaning a smoother ride and more rear-seat legroom. The 2027 Kia Telluride LX weighs 640 lbs more. Heavier vehicles tend to feel more planted at highway speed but use more fuel and are harder to stop quickly.

Bottom Line

Choose the 2027 Kia Telluride LX when you want to keep $1,250 in your pocket and the 2027 Kia Telluride LX covers your needs. Choose the 2026 Ford Mustang EcoBoost when you want the 41 hp advantage on backroads and highway on-ramps. At $22/month apart, the price difference alone will not decide this.

Specifications shown combine licensed third-party automotive data with official manufacturer, EPA, and NHTSA source material. Actual pricing, features, and availability may vary by region and dealer. Always confirm details with an authorized dealer before making a purchase decision. TrimAtlas is not affiliated with Kia or Ford or any dealership.

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