The Kia Telluride and Subaru Ascent have quickly become two of the most sought-after midsize SUVs. Known for their spacious and versatile interiors, impressive features, and firm value propositions, these SUVs have gained a loyal following among families and adventure enthusiasts who need a vehicle to keep up with their active lifestyles. Both the Telluride and Ascent offer seating for up to eight passengers, with the option of second-row captain’s chairs on some trims. They also boast generous cargo space, allowing you to bring all the gear you need for your next road trip or weekend getaway.
Exterior Design
The Kia Telluride and Subaru Ascent have distinctive and eye-catching exterior designs but take different approaches to achieve their unique looks. The Telluride has a bold, rugged appearance with its upright grille and muscular proportions. It’s an SUV that looks ready to tackle any adventure, whether you’re navigating city streets or exploring off-road trails. The available X-Line and X-Pro trims take the Telluride’s off-road-ready styling even further, with unique exterior accents and larger wheels and tires.
In contrast, the Ascent has a more refined and sophisticated look. Its front end features Subaru’s signature hexagonal grille and C-shaped headlights, giving it a premium appearance. The Ascent’s lines are smoother and more aerodynamic than Telluride’s more angular design, which may appeal to buyers who prefer a more understated aesthetic.
Interior Comfort and Space
Step inside the Kia Telluride and Subaru Ascent and you’ll find well-designed interiors packed with features and amenities. While both SUVs offer spacious and comfortable cabins, they have distinct personalities that cater to different preferences.
The Telluride’s interior has a more premium feel, with available quilted nappa leather upholstery, wood-grain accents, and a large 12.3-inch touch-screen display. The overall design is modern and upscale, focusing on functionality and comfort. The Ascent’s interior, while still well-built and nicely appointed, has a more utilitarian vibe. The dashboard and center console have a more traditional, horizontal layout, and the high-quality materials have a slightly more rugged feel than Telluride’s luxurious touches.
Regarding cargo space, the Telluride has a slight edge over the Ascent. With the third row folded, the Telluride offers 46 cubic feet of cargo space, while the Ascent provides 43.5 cubic feet. However, with the second and third rows folded, the Telluride’s cargo capacity expands to an impressive 87 cubic feet, while the Ascent offers 76.5 cubic feet.
Performance and Powertrain Options
Under the hood, the Kia Telluride and Subaru Ascent take different approaches to power delivery. The Telluride has a 3.8-liter V-6 engine, delivering 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. The engine has an 8-speed automatic transmission and has options for front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD), depending on the trim level. The Ascent, on the other hand, uses a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that delivers up to 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque.
Regarding towing capacity, the Telluride has a slight advantage over the Ascent. When properly equipped, the Telluride can haul 5,500 pounds, while the Ascent’s maximum towing capacity is 5,000 pounds. Both SUVs offer a smooth and comfortable ride, with the Telluride providing a more traditional SUV-like driving experience and the Ascent delivering a more agile, car-like feel.
Safety Features
Safety is a top priority for both the Kia Telluride and Subaru Ascent, and these SUVs come equipped with an advanced suite of driver-assistance technologies to help keep you and your passengers protected on the road.
The Telluride has features such as forward collision-avoidance assist, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Higher trims add even more advanced features, such as a surround-view camera system, blind spot view monitor, and highway driving assist, which combines adaptive cruise control with lane centering to help reduce driver fatigue on long trips.
The Ascent also offers robust standard safety features, including Subaru’s EyeSight driver assist technology. This system features adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, and pre-collision braking, which can help mitigate or prevent collisions. Available upgrades for the Ascent include a 360-degree camera system, blind-spot monitoring, and reverse automatic braking.
Technology and Infotainment
The Kia Telluride and Subaru Ascent offer a wealth of technology and infotainment features to keep you connected and entertained. The Telluride boasts a standard 12.3-inch touch-screen display, one of the largest in its class. This intuitive and responsive system comes with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support, letting you access your favorite apps and media seamlessly. Higher trims add a head-up display and a premium Harman Kardon audio system for a rich audio experience.
The Ascent features a slightly smaller but still impressive 11.6-inch vertically-oriented touch-screen display. Like the Telluride, the Ascent’s infotainment system is user-friendly and packed with features, including wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, built-in navigation, and a 14-speaker Harman Kardon audio system on top trims.
Pricing and Value
The Kia Telluride and Subaru Ascent are competitively priced within the midsize three-row SUV segment, offering a compelling value proposition for families and adventure seekers. The 2024 Kia Telluride has a starting MSRP of $35,990 for the base LX trim, with prices climbing to $53,185 for the range-topping SX Prestige X-Pro model. The Telluride offers a wide range of trim levels and available features, allowing buyers to tailor the vehicle to their specific needs and budget.
The 2023 Subaru Ascent starts at $34,395 for the base model and reaches $48,695 for the top-of-the-line Touring trim. Like the Telluride, the Ascent offers a variety of trim levels and optional features to suit different preferences and budgets.
While the Telluride may have a slight edge in terms of available luxury-oriented features, such as nappa leather upholstery and a head-up display, the Ascent counters with its standard AWD system, which is extra on the Telluride.
Experience the Telluride at Huffines Kia McKinney
If you’re in the market for a spacious, well-equipped, and family-friendly midsize SUV, the Kia Telluride is an excellent choice. To experience the Telluride firsthand, we invite you to visit Huffines Kia McKinney, where our knowledgeable sales staff remains dedicated to helping you find the perfect vehicle for your needs.
At Huffines Kia McKinney, we have an extensive selection of Kia Telluride models in various trim levels and configurations. Whether you’re looking for a luxurious top-of-the-line model or a more budget-friendly option, we have a Telluride that will suit your preferences and lifestyle.