Compare the Subaru Ascent vs. the Kia Telluride

Compare the Subaru Ascent vs. the Kia Telluride in Riverhead, NY

Choosing the right three-row SUV means considering passenger space, safety, performance, and each trim's included features. The 2027 Subaru Ascent and 2027 Kia Telluride have much in common, including turbocharged engines, seating for up to eight, and substantial towing capacity.

However, the Subaru Ascent offers several advantages for Long Island families, particularly standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, X-MODE, and EyeSight Driver Assist Technology. At Riverhead Bay Subaru, we'll show you how these differences affect everyday driving.

	Subaru Ascent	Kia Telluride
Engine	260 hp @ 5,600 rpm	274 hp
Engine displacement	2.4 l	2.5 l
Drivetrain	All wheel drive	All wheel drive
Fuel Capacity	19.3 gal.	19.0 gal.
Max Seating(Passengers)	7	7
Overall Length(Inches)	196.8 in.	199.2 in.
Cargo Space	75.6 cu. ft.	89.3 cu. ft.

Performance and Standard All-Wheel Drive

The Subaru Ascent has a 2.4-liter turbocharged SUBARU BOXER four-cylinder engine producing 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque. Its Lineartronic CVT works with standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD) to distribute power between the wheels as traction conditions change.

The Kia Telluride has a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine generating 274 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Although the Kia Telluride has more horsepower, AWD availability is limited.

The Subaru Ascent's advantage is its standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and X-MODE, which improves traction on slippery winter roads.

Passenger Space, Seating Capacity, and Cargo Room

The Subaru Ascent and Kia Telluride both accommodate up to eight passengers, or seven with available second-row captain's chairs. Each has three-zone automatic climate control, heated and ventilated front seats, available heated second-row seats, and multiple USB charging ports.

The Subaru Ascent adds several family-friendly amenities, including standard heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and available second-row sunshades. Higher trims offer ventilated front seats, leather-trimmed upholstery, and a panoramic moonroof. The Kia Telluride offers similar amenities, plus second-row ventilation and premium seating material options. The Subaru Ascent also provides up to 19 cup and bottle holders throughout the cabin.

Cargo capacity favors the Kia Telluride, although both SUVs provide substantial storage space:

Subaru Ascent: Up to 75.6 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.
Kia Telluride: Up to 89.3 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

The Kia Telluride may have a bit more room for bulky cargo, but the Subaru Ascent has more flexible, folding rear seats and a standard power rear liftgate. Its comfortable seating, convenient storage, and standard cold-weather amenities make the Subaru Ascent especially appealing for family travel throughout Long Island.

Safety and Driver Assistance Systems

The Subaru Ascent and Kia Telluride both offer extensive standard safety and driver-assist technology.

The Kia Telluride features Kia Drive Wise technology, with Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with pedestrian and cyclist detection, Driver Attention Warning, and Highway Driving Assist. Higher trims add Highway Driving Assist 2, Blind Spot View Monitor, a Surround View Monitor, and enhanced collision-avoidance features for intersections and lane changes across Long Island.

Every Subaru Ascent trim also includes EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, including:

Automatic Pre-Collision Braking
Advanced Adaptive Cruise Control with Lane Centering
Automatic Emergency Steering
Emergency Stop Assist

Higher Ascent trims add Blind Spot Detection, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, and Reverse Automatic Braking, plus a DriverFocus Distraction Mitigation System on higher trims.

Technology and Connectivity

The Subaru Ascent and Kia Telluride both include wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™, touchscreen infotainment systems, available navigation, and premium audio systems. The Kia Telluride has a larger standard 12.3-inch touchscreen than the Subaru Ascent's 11.6-inch screen. Both offer upgraded 14-speaker sound systems, with Harman Kardon audio in the Subaru Ascent and Meridian audio in the Kia Telluride.

The Subaru Ascent has several advantages for families, such as:

USB-A and USB-C charging ports: Both connection types are standard in all three rows of the Subaru Ascent, compared to the Kia Telluride's USB-C-only ports.
Cabin Connect: Standard on Limited and higher trims, this system broadcasts the driver's voice through the rear speakers so third-row passengers can hear without anyone raising their voice.
Built-in navigation: Standard on Limited and higher trims, compared to standard navigation across the Kia Telluride lineup.
360-degree Surround View Monitor: Standard on Limited and higher trims, providing an overhead view to assist with parking. The Kia Telluride offers similar camera technology on select trims.

The Telluride may have an advantage in standard screen size and navigation availability, but the Subaru Ascent has better charging options, rear-passenger communication, and parking technology.

Towing Capability and Outdoor Adventures

The Subaru Ascent can tow up to 5,000 pounds, enough for many small boats, campers, and utility trailers. It offers 8.7 inches of ground clearance, standard AWD, and X-MODE for gravel roads, muddy campground entrances, and snowy surfaces.

The Kia Telluride also offers substantial towing capability, including a 5,000-pound rating on many configurations. Certain X-Pro trims can tow more and provide additional ground clearance.

For Hampton Bays car buyers, the Subaru Ascent offers standard AWD and X-MODE performance without needing a higher, more off-road-oriented trim.

Which Is the Better Three-Row SUV?

Our family SUV comparison identifies several reasons to choose the Subaru Ascent.

Families benefit from standard EyeSight safety technology and flexible seven- or eight-passenger seating. Commuters get standard AWD and fuel economy delivering 26 mpg on the highway.

Road-trip travelers can enjoy a highway driving range exceeding 500 miles, depending on configuration and conditions. Outdoor enthusiasts benefit from X-MODE, generous ground clearance, and available towing accessories.

Shop New Subaru Ascent Inventory at Riverhead Bay Subaru

The Riverhead Bay Subaru team proudly serves drivers from Smithville, Port Jefferson, and surrounding Long Island communities, offering a great selection of new Subaru Ascent inventory. Visit our Riverhead showroom to learn more about the lineup and schedule a test drive in your favorite model. Explore financing and leasingoptions online and get the value of your trade to apply to your purchase of a new Subaru Ascent.

Long after your purchase, our certified technicians at the service center can also handle routine service, scheduled maintenance, and repairs for your Subaru Ascent.

FAQs

Which SUV has more passenger space?

Both SUVs seat up to eight passengers. The Subaru Ascent offers up to 153.2 cubic feet of passenger volume with comfortable seating across three rows.

Does the Subaru Ascent have better AWD capability?

Every Subaru Ascent includes Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and X-MODE. AWD availability on the Kia Telluride depends on the trim and configuration.

Which SUV is better for towing?

The Subaru Ascent can tow up to 5,000 pounds. The Kia Telluride offers comparable capability on many trims, with higher ratings available on certain X-Pro models.

* Although every reasonable effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained on this site, absolute accuracy cannot be guaranteed. This site, and all information and materials appearing on it, are presented to the user "as is" without warranty of any kind, either express or implied, including but not limited to the implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, title or non-infringement. All vehicles are subject to prior sale. Price does not include applicable tax, title, and license. Not responsible for typographical errors.

**The arrival timeline is an estimate. It may vary due to circumstances beyond Subaru’s or the retailer’s control.

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Compare the Subaru Ascent vs. the Kia Telluride