Subaru Ascent vs. Kia Telluride

When the travel bug bites, you can’t wait for perfect conditions or flawless pavement to get out and explore. The Subaru Ascent and the Kia Telluride get that. With the Ascent, you get the legendary Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system standard, ensuring your SUV is always prepared for slippery gravel trails or sudden downpours. Couple this with the X-MODE® system, and you won’t give inclement weather a second thought.

X-MODE® works alongside the AWD system to monitor driving output and conditions and sense wheel slippage before it occurs. It actively redistributes torque to the wheels that need it most so you can keep moving forward.

The Kia Telluride, on the other hand, only comes optionally with an all-wheel drive system. Furthermore, the Telluride's system is more basic and tends to kick in after traction is lost, which could make all the difference on muddy trails.

Whether traveling through the city or navigating winding back roads, you need a nimble and spacious SUV. The Subaru Ascent and the Kia Telluride measure around 197 inches, so they're equally maneuverable.

But there's one dimension that affects maneuverability— the Subaru Ascent is two inches narrower, giving this SUV an advantage when it comes to squeezing into tight parking spaces or between two boulders on a dirt road.

Step inside, and the story shifts from narrow to wide open. The Ascent and the Telluride offer a near match in passenger volume and cleverly balance passenger dimensions across all three rows. But the Ascent edges ahead where it matters most to outdoor-loving families. Each SUV can carry about 175 pounds of gear while driving, but the Ascent supports a static weight of 700 pounds, which is more than triple the Telluride’s 220-pound limit.

That's the difference between the whole family sleeping in one tent and giving the kids their rooftop escape while you and your partner enjoy some quiet time.

With precious cargo on board and unpredictable drivers on the road, having an extra set of eyes is essential. The Subaru Ascent and the Kia Telluride each come with advanced driver-assist features. While the Ascent comes standard with EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology, the Telluride offers no standard driving suite but does have several safety features. Regardless of which SUV you choose, each model comes standard with brand-specific versions of:

• Pre-collision warning with automatic braking
• Adaptive cruise control
• Lane-keeping technology

Despite these similarities, the Ascent offers added peace of mind with its Subaru STARLINK® Safety and Security system. With Automatic Collision Notifications, SOS Emergency, and Enhanced Roadside Assistance, this feature acts as a digital safety net. While the Telluride may match pace with the Ascent's active features, only the Ascent goes the extra mile to keep your family safe and secure after the unexpected happens.

Family-friendly doesn't mean big seats and plenty of cupholders. It's all about keeping your kids entertained throughout even the longest road trips. Whether you choose the Subaru Ascent or the Kia Telluride, you can access a cinematic touchscreen display and Apple CarPlay®/Android Auto™ connectivity. While the Telluride may offer a larger display, the Ascent keeps the cabin neat and organized with features like:

• Vertically stacked display: Feels more like a tablet with its intuitive display.
• Wireless smartphone integration: Lets you connect your phone without a USB cord.

The Ascent continues to offer more family-approved tech features with Cabin Connect. When optionally equipped, this system projects front-row voices through the third-row speakers, keeping everyone connected to the conversation without raising your voice to be heard. It's a minor feature exclusive to the Ascent that makes a huge difference.

With so much time spent behind the wheel, you can rely on the Subaru Ascent and the Kia Telluride to provide the home-like amenities you need to stay comfortable, regardless of how many miles you have ahead. That's why materials and climate comforts matter.

Then there’s Subaru’s optional StarTex® Water-repellent Upholstery —a favorite among outdoor-loving families. This material may be smooth as butter, but it’s durable and designed for easy clean-ups after coming in contact with a juice box spill and sandy swimsuits.

As a bonus, this synthetic leather is made from plant-based materials, making it an eco-friendly alternative to other upholstery. While the Telluride does have synthetic leather, it may not hold up as well under the pressure of an active family compared to the Ascent.

While your kids may be young now, they'll fight over the driver's seat before you know it. The Subaru Ascent and the Kia Telluride have strong warranty coverage, reflecting their long-haul coverage. But Subaru's reputation speaks for itself when it comes to staying power in the real world.

Studies show that 96% of Subaru Ascent models sold in the past 10 years are still on the road today, tackling school drop-offs, extracurriculars, and weekend adventures.* From toddler tantrums to teen drivers tackling parallel parking for the first time, the Ascent is built to adapt with you.

This long-term assurance makes the Ascent part of your family's story. It's there for backseat booster seats that turn into backpacks and camping trips that turn into college move-in day. While the Telluride has impressive features, the Ascent feels safe, solid, and ready for all life's chapters.