The midsize SUV market has grown exponentially, catering to families and adventurers with vehicles that combine spaciousness, comfort, and functionality. Among the segment’s heavyweights are the Kia Telluride vs Subaru Ascent, which offer compelling features. While both SUVs aim to meet similar needs, they each have unique strengths. This in-depth comparison will analyse the differences and similarities between the Kia Telluride and the Subaru Ascent to help buyers determine which suits them best.
Table of Contents
Exterior Design and Styling: Kia Telluride vs Subaru Ascent
The first impression of any vehicle is its design, and both the Kia Telluride and Subaru Ascent take distinct approaches.
Kia Telluride: Bold and Refined
The Kia Telluride has a bold, upscale look, marked by its wide grille, vertical headlights, and muscular stance. The design is boxy yet modern, giving it an authoritative road presence that appeals to those who want their SUV to stand out. Chrome accents, LED lighting, and a range of stylish alloy wheels further enhance its luxurious appeal.
Subaru Ascent: Understated and Practical
The Subaru Ascent’s design leans towards functionality and subtlety. Its softer lines and smoother curves create a family-friendly aesthetic. The hexagonal grille and C-shaped LED headlights provide a touch of flair without being overly dramatic. While it lacks the striking appeal of the Telluride, it offers a clean, contemporary look that prioritises practicality over flashiness.
Verdict: The Kia Telluride takes the lead with its bold and premium styling, but the Subaru Ascent’s subtle approach may resonate with buyers seeking a less conspicuous design.
Interior Space and Comfort
The interior of an SUV is crucial, particularly for families who spend significant time on the road. The Kia Telluride and Subaru Ascent cater to these needs in different ways.
Kia Telluride: Luxurious and Spacious
Inside the Telluride, you’re greeted by a cabin that feels like a step above the competition. Kia has utilised high-quality materials, including soft-touch plastics, leather upholstery, and optional wood trim. The layout is intuitive, with physical controls for key functions and a large touchscreen for infotainment.
Seating up to eight passengers, the Telluride provides ample legroom and headroom in all three rows. Even adults can sit comfortably in the third row, which is often a weak point in many midsize SUVs. The cargo space is generous, with 21 cubic feet behind the third row, expandable to 87 cubic feet with the seats folded flat.
Subaru Ascent: Practical and Durable
The Ascent offers a functional cabin that prioritises durability over luxury. While it lacks the premium materials of the Telluride, the interior feels robust and family-friendly. Cloth upholstery comes as standard, with leather available on higher trims.
The Ascent also seats up to eight passengers, with wide-opening doors that make entry and exit easy for all rows. It provides similar cargo capacity, with 17.8 cubic feet behind the third row and up to 86.5 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. Clever storage compartments and underfloor storage further enhance its practicality.
Verdict: The Telluride’s interior stands out for its luxury and refinement, while the Ascent wins points for its family-friendly and durable design.
Technology and Infotainment
Modern SUVs are expected to deliver cutting-edge technology, and both Kia Telluride and Subaru Ascent excel in this area.
Kia Telluride: Advanced and Intuitive
The Kia Telluride features a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. Navigation, multiple USB ports, and a 6-speaker audio system are standard, while higher trims include a 10-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, a head-up display, and a surround-view camera system.
Kia’s UVO Link system adds remote connectivity features, allowing owners to lock/unlock doors, start the engine, and check diagnostics via a smartphone app. The Telluride also offers convenience features like a wireless charging pad and dual sunroofs.
Subaru Ascent: Functional and Connected
The Subaru Ascent includes an 8-inch touchscreen as standard, with an 11.6-inch vertical display available on higher trims. Like the Telluride, it supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Subaru’s Starlink Multimedia System offers remote access and safety features, including vehicle tracking, maintenance reminders, and automatic collision notification.
Unique to the Ascent is its rear-seat reminder, a safety feature that alerts the driver to check the rear seats for occupants before exiting. A 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot is also available, catering to families who need to stay connected on the go.
Verdict: The Telluride edges ahead with its larger standard screen and premium features, but the Ascent holds its own with practical technology and family-focused safety tools.
Performance and Efficiency
When choosing a midsize SUV, performance and efficiency are critical factors that influence the driving experience and overall ownership costs. The Kia Telluride and Subaru Ascent both offer impressive capabilities, but they approach performance and fuel efficiency in unique ways.
Kia Telluride: Powerful and Smooth
The Telluride is equipped with a 3.8-litre V6 engine producing 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. Paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, it delivers smooth acceleration and a refined driving experience. The Telluride can tow up to 5,000 pounds, making it suitable for small trailers or boats.
Fuel economy is respectable for a V6 engine, with the front-wheel-drive model achieving 20 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway. All-wheel-drive versions see a slight reduction in efficiency.
Subaru Ascent: Efficient and Capable
The Subaru Ascent’s 2.4-litre turbocharged flat-four engine generates 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. While it lacks the Telluride’s raw power, the turbocharged engine provides ample low-end torque for confident acceleration. The Ascent also offers a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds.
Subaru’s emphasis on efficiency is evident, with the Ascent achieving up to 21 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway. Its continuously variable transmission (CVT) helps maximise fuel efficiency but may not feel as engaging as a traditional automatic gearbox.
Verdict: The Telluride offers a more potent engine and a more traditional driving feel, while the Ascent prioritises efficiency and practicality.
Safety and Reliability
Safety and reliability are top priorities for anyone considering a midsize SUV, especially for families seeking peace of mind on the road. Both the Kia Telluride and Subaru Ascent are known for their strong safety ratings and dependable performance, but each offers distinct features and benefits in these areas.
Kia Telluride: Comprehensive Protection
The Telluride comes with Kia’s Drive Wise suite of safety technologies, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. Higher trims add features like a highway driving assist, a rear occupant alert, and a safe exit assist.
Subaru Ascent: Proven Reliability
The Ascent features Subaru’s EyeSight Driver Assist Technology as standard, which includes adaptive cruise control, pre-collision braking, and lane departure prevention. Blind-spot detection and rear cross-traffic alert are available on higher trims, alongside reverse automatic braking.
Subaru’s reputation for reliability further enhances Ascent’s appeal, particularly for long-term ownership.
Verdict: Both SUVs excel in safety, but Subaru’s proven reliability gives the Ascent a slight advantage.
Off-Road Capability
For drivers who seek adventure beyond paved roads, off-road capability is a crucial consideration when choosing a midsize SUV. The Kia Telluride and Subaru Ascent each bring their unique strengths to the table, offering features designed to handle rugged terrain and challenging conditions.
Kia Telluride: Versatile but Limited
The Telluride’s available all-wheel-drive system and selectable drive modes (Snow and Lock) provide decent off-road capability. However, it is not designed for extreme off-roading and is better suited for light trails or challenging road conditions.
Subaru Ascent: Built for Adventure
The Ascent’s standard all-wheel-drive system and X-Mode technology make it a more capable off-road vehicle. X-Mode optimises the drivetrain for low-traction conditions, and its 8.7-inch ground clearance allows it to tackle rugged terrain easily.
Verdict: The Subaru Ascent outshines the Telluride in off-road performance thanks to its advanced all-wheel-drive system and higher ground clearance.
Price and Value
When comparing midsize SUVs, price and overall value play a significant role in the decision-making process. The Kia Telluride and Subaru Ascent are both competitively priced, offering a range of trims and features that cater to various budgets. However, understanding what you get for your money in terms of features, warranties, and long-term ownership costs is essential.
Kia Telluride
Starting at a slightly higher base price, the Telluride offers excellent value for money, particularly in luxury and features. Higher trims can become expensive, but justify the cost with premium amenities.
Subaru Ascent
The Ascent has a more affordable starting price but may require optional packages to match the Telluride’s feature set. Its long-term value lies in its reliability and lower running costs.
Verdict: The Telluride is a better choice for luxury buyers, while the Ascent provides solid value for budget-conscious families.
Conclusion: Which Should You Choose?
The decision between the Kia Telluride and Subaru Ascent comes down to personal priorities:
- Choose the Kia Telluride if you value luxury, bold styling, and a more powerful engine.
- Opt for the Subaru Ascent if you need the all-weather capability, off-road performance, and proven reliability.
Both SUVs excel in their own right, making them strong choices for families and adventurers alike. Evaluate your needs, preferences, and budget to make the best decision.
FAQs
To help you decide which SUV is the right fit for your needs, this FAQ section addresses common questions about the Kia Telluride and Subaru Ascent, comparing their performance, interior features, safety, and overall value. Whether you prioritise comfort, capability, or advanced technology, these insights will guide you toward an informed choice.
Which SUV has better off-road capability: Kia Telluride vs Subaru Ascent?
The Subaru Ascent is better for off-road adventures, thanks to its standard all-wheel-drive system, X-Mode technology, and higher ground clearance. The Kia Telluride can light trails but is more suited for urban and highway driving.
What are the seating capacities of the Kia Telluride and Subaru Ascent?
Both SUVs seat up to eight passengers. However, the Telluride provides more third-row legroom, making it comfortable for adults, while the Ascent is more practical for families with children.
Which vehicle is more affordable: Kia Telluride vs Subaru Ascent?
The Subaru Ascent has a lower starting price, making it more budget-friendly. However, the Kia Telluride offers more standard features and a luxurious feel, providing better value at higher trims.
What safety features are included in Kia Telluride and Subaru Ascent?
Both SUVs have advanced safety features. The Telluride includes Kia’s Drive Wise suite, which offers adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and a safe exit assist. The Ascent features Subaru’s EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, which includes pre-collision braking and lane departure warning.