2025 Kia Telluride Vs. Subaru Ascent: The Ultimate Family SUV Faceoff
To find a three-row SUV with the capability to take on adventures and commutes with power, comfort, efficiency, and safety, look no further than this Kia Telluride vs. Subaru Ascent guide. From more power to more tech features, the Telluride goes beyond what the competition can offer, and you can see the details below before you take a test drive at Wallace Kia of Bristol.
Kia Telluride vs. Subaru Ascent: Power & Performance Specs
Let's begin the Kia Telluride vs. Subaru Ascent showdown with a fact about the Telluride: It makes 31 more horsepower than the Subaru Ascent.
The only real benefit of the Ascent SUV's smaller engine should be more MPGs, but sadly for the Ascent, this spec is a tie: comparing 2025 Kia Telluride vs. 2024 Subaru Ascent fuel efficiency, we see both models deliver up to an EPA-estimated 20/26 MPG (City/Highway).1, 2
As for the SUV with the greater towing strength, the Telluride wins with a max towing capacity of 5,500 pounds on two of its trims,3 with the rest of the lineup delivering 5,000 pounds.3 The Ascent offers up to 5,000 pounds of towing capability;4 however, its base trim can only tow up to 2,000 pounds,4 forcing you to upgrade if you want the 5,000-pound capacity when equipped.
Kia Telluride vs. Subaru Ascent: Interior Comfort & Space
If you're trying to compare the Kia Telluride vs. Subaru Ascent, their cabin space and comfort features are likely deciding factors.
They are both three-row family SUVs with up to eight seats onboard. However, those in the rear seats of your Telluride will appreciate the decision to skip the Ascent, as the Telluride offers them much more space.
The Telluride lets those in the second row get more comfortable, offering 3.8 inches more legroom than the Ascent. That's a significant advantage when you're looking to spend time on the road, and so is the Telluride's 1.9-inch larger third-row headroom measurement. The Telluride also offers up to 87 cubic feet of cargo volume, shaming the Ascent SUV's 75.6 cubic-foot maximum cargo volume.
For Telluride vs. Ascent comfort features, the space gets even better because the Kia SUV offers better ones at every level. While the Subaru Ascent has standard cloth-trimmed seats in its three lowest trim levels, even the entry-level Telluride LX has leatherette-trimmed seats. Plus, the Telluride has an eight-way power front-passenger seat and a Driver Smart Posture Control system available, while the Ascent has, at best, a four-way power front-passenger seat.
| 2025 Kia Telluride LX | 2024 Subaru Ascent Base | |
| Engine: | 3.8L V-6 | 2.4L Turbo SUBARU BOXER 4-cyl |
| Horsepower: | 291 | 260 |
| Transmission: | 8-speed automatic | CVT |
| EPA-Estimated MPG (City / Hwy): | 20 / 261 | 20 / 262 |
| Towing Capacity: | 5,000 lbs3 | 2,000 lbs4 |
| Seats: | 8 | 8 |
| Maximum Cargo Volume: | 87 cu ft | 75.6 cu ft |
| Legroom (First / Second / Third-Row): | 41.4 / 42.4 / 31.4 in | 42.2 / 38.6 / 31.7 in |
| Headroom (First / Second / Third-Row): | 40.9 / 40.2 / 38.1 in | 41.2 / 40.0 / 36.2 in |
| J.D. Power Quality & Reliability Score: | 86 out of 1005 | 82 out of 1006 |
| Limited Powertrain Warranty: | 10 years / 100,000 miles7 | 5 years / 60,000 miles8 |
| Limited Basic Warranty: | 5 years / 60,000 miles7 | 3 years / 36,000 miles8 |
Kia Telluride vs. Subaru Ascent: Technology & Infotainment Features
Like the rest of our new Kia inventory, the Telluride is dedicated to offering top technology.
In the Kia Telluride LX, the following comes standard:
- 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment display w/ navigation
- Quiet Mode for second-row and third-row seats
- Rear Passenger Automatic Climate Control
- One-touch auto up/down windows (all positions)
- Kia Smart Key
- Wi-Fi hotspot capability
- Driver Attention Warning
- Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist w/ Pedestrian, Cyclist, and Junction Turning Detection
- Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist
- Navigation-Based Smart Cruise Control w/ Stop & Go and Curve Control
- Rear Occupant Alert w/ Ultrasonic Sensors
The Ascent, in comparison, has a smaller standard infotainment display (11.6 inches) and only has front-window auto up/down functions. The Ascent also does not offer Junction Turning Detection. Additionally, the Ascent makes you jump to higher trims if you want rear-seat climate control functions, Wi-Fi hotspot capability, and a Driver Attention Warning. Keep in mind that although the Telluride has a slightly higher starting price point, it offers so much more, even at the base level.
Kia Telluride vs. Subaru Ascent: Reliability & Warranty Coverage
The experts at J.D. Power rated the 2025 Kia Telluride with a score of 86 out of 100 for Quality & Reliability5 and gave the 2024 Subaru Ascent a score of 82 out of 100 in the same category.6 This means that you may not ever even need the leading warranty coverage that comes bundled with a new Kia Telluride for sale.
Every Telluride, specifically, offers you a 10-year/100,000-mile Limited Powertrain Warranty7 and a five-year/60,000-mile Limited Basic Warranty,7 but what does the Ascent provide? It has a five-year/60,000-mile Powertrain Limited Warranty8 and a three-year/36,000-mile New Car Limited Warranty.8 ("New Car Limited Warranty" is the Subaru brand's equivalent to a "Limited Basic Warranty.")
Our Subaru Ascent vs. Kia Telluride comparison comes to a close, with the Kia model taking the crown. We showed you how the Ascent has less in terms of interior space and standard and available features, while the Telluride has more – so now is your chance to step inside, experience the Telluride, and take advantage of the Kia Telluride deals at Wallace Kia of Bristol.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the Kia Telluride's warranty coverage compare to the Subaru Ascent?
The Kia Telluride's warranty coverage is incomparable, as it leads the industry. The Telluride, specifically, comes with a 10-year/100,000-mile Limited Powertrain Warranty7 and a five-year/60,000-mile Limited Basic Warranty.7 Meanwhile, the Subaru Ascent falls behind with its five-year/60,000-mile Powertrain Limited Warranty8 and three-year/36,000-mile Basic Limited Warranty.8
Why is the Kia Telluride a better choice for families needing more cargo space?
The Kia Telluride is a better choice for cargo-space-conscious families because it offers more cargo room than competitors like the Subaru Ascent. In this example, the Kia Telluride has an enormous edge, boasting 87 cubic feet of maximum cargo space vs. the 75.6 cubic-foot maximum in the Ascent. Visit us today to tour its versatile standard and maximum cargo room.
Can the Telluride tow more weight than the Ascent?
While the Subaru Ascent Base can only tow 2,000 pounds,4 the Kia Telluride LX can tow 5,000 pounds.3 Every other Kia Telluride trim can tow 5,000 pounds,3 while certain ones are able to tow 5,500 pounds.3 The Subaru Ascent requires you to move higher in the trim lineup to gain a 5,000-pound towing capacity.4
Discover More Kia Model Comparisons
1Based on EPA estimates. Actual mileage will vary with options, driving conditions, driving habits and your vehicle’s condition. See www.fueleconomy.gov.
2EPA fuel economy estimates. Actual mileage will vary with driving conditions and your vehicle’s condition.
3Towing requires additional equipment. See Owner’s Manual for towing capacity, additional instructions and warnings. Always use caution while towing.
4Maximum towing capacity varies by trim level. Trailer brakes may be needed. See your retailer for details.
5Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this rating, visit https://www.jdpower.com/cars/2025/kia/telluride
6Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this rating, visit https://www.jdpower.com/cars/2024/subaru/ascent
7Warranties include 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain and 5-year/60,000-mile basic. All warranties and roadside assistance are limited. See retailer for warranty details.
8Warranties listed on this web page shall not be solely relied upon. Warranties may be subject to specific terms, restrictions, exclusions, and fees. Additional warranty information may be obtained by visiting the official website of the warranty provider. Contact our dealership for complete details.
Warranties include 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain and 5-year/60,000-mile basic. All warranties and roadside assistance are limited. See retailer for warranty details.