2027 Kia Telluride Vs. 2027 Subaru Ascent: Hybrid, AWD, And Cargo
Kia Telluride vs. Subaru Ascent: Category Wins at a Glance
- Lowest MSRP: Kia Telluride1,2
- Most Trim Levels: Kia Telluride
- Most Cargo Space: Kia Telluride
- Best Front-Row Legroom: Subaru Ascent
- Best Backseat Legroom: Kia Telluride
- Hybrid Engine Availability: Kia Telluride
- Strongest Horsepower: Kia Telluride
- Highest Ground Clearance: Kia Telluride
- Strongest Towing Capacity: Tied at 5,000 pounds3,4
- Highest KBB® Ranking: Kia Telluride5,6
- Most Affordable Predicted Maintenance Costs: Kia Telluride7,8
- Best Limited Basic & Powertrain Warranties: Kia Telluride9,10
Subaru Ascent vs. Kia Telluride: Let's Find Your Favorite 3-Row SUV
It makes sense to compare the Kia Telluride vs. Subaru Ascent when you're shopping for an affordable three-row SUV that can handle daily life along with backroad romps. Yet, after comparing Subaru Ascent vs. Kia Telluride powertrain availability, performance, warranties, dimensions, and technology, the gas-or-hybrid Telluride clearly has the upper hand – and the lowest MSRP.1,2
Both SUVs have their perks, but the Telluride is jam-packed with luxe features, including standard wireless phone charging, while the gas-only Ascent lacks a futuristic edge and instead is best known for its standard all-wheel drive. If you're not sure which brand to take home, Wallace Kia of Bristol put together this page specifically to help you decide. We're fairly confident that the Telluride will win your heart, but the Ascent deserves a fighting chance. Let's get started!
Kia Telluride vs. Subaru Ascent Specs: Powertrains & MPG
Winner: Kia Telluride
First up in this powertrain comparison: fuel efficiency. FWD Tellurides and AWD Ascents have almost identical EPA ratings. If you prefer an AWD Telluride, it will cost you a bit more in gas, but the difference is minimal. Plus, both SUVs tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped, which is ideal for weekend getaways with kayaks, ATVs, or pop-up campers.
That said, if a fun-to-drive SUV is your top priority, the Telluride and its more powerful engine take the cake with an extra 34 pound-feet of torque. For even faster takeoffs, opt for the new Kia Telluride Hybrid, an SUV that generates a boisterous 329 horsepower and 339 pound-feet of torque while significantly raising your MPG over the Ascent, even with AWD.
In short, the Kia SUV is faster with more pep in its step than its Subaru rival, no matter which of its powertrain configurations you choose. You can find a few Kia Telluride Hybrid vs. Subaru Ascent specs in our chart below, but we'll spare the Subaru SUV by mainly focusing on gas variants in this review.
Kia Telluride vs. Subaru Ascent: All-Wheel Drive in Action
Winner: It's a tie!
We touched on how all-wheel drive affects fuel economy in the previous section, but now it's time to dig into how each SUV's all-wheel-drive system functions in the real world. The Ascent utilizes Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive that is always engaged, meaning you should experience zero delay in traction. All but two Telluride gas trims can be built with part-time AWD, which means that all-wheel traction kicks in when front-wheel slippage is detected.
For drivers who are commuting and running errands, this difference probably won't matter; an AWD Telluride should grip the road just as efficiently as the AWD Ascent, especially given the fact that the Telluride's AWD system includes Snow, Sand, and Mud modes. Both SUVs can navigate Tennessee hills and mountains, and both can handle snowy or icy roads.
While the Subaru brand is largely known for its off-road-ready SUVs, you might be surprised to find out that the Telluride has another advantage. When you want to put your all-wheel drive to use traversing unpaved or rocky terrain, the Telluride X-Pro SX and X-Pro SX Prestige give you 9.1 inches of ground clearance – more than the 8.7 inches afforded by the Ascent lineup.
| Kia Telluride vs. Subaru Ascent: Side-By-Side Specs Comparison | ||
|---|---|---|
| Kia Telluride | Subaru Ascent | |
| Hybrid Option | ✓ | - |
| Engine | 2.5L turbo 4-cyl | 2.4L turbo 4-cyl |
| Horsepower | 274 - 329 | 260 |
| Torque | 311 - 339 lb-ft | 277 lb-ft |
| Drivetrain | FWD / AWD | AWD |
| Towing Capacity | 5,000 lbs3 | 5,000 lbs4 |
| Max. EPA-Est. MPG (City / Hwy) |
|
19 / 2612 |
| Gasoline Type | Regular unleaded | Regular unleaded |
| Dimensions (L / W / H) | 199.2 / 78.3 / 69.5 - 71.5 in | 196.8 / 76 / 71.6 in |
| Ground Clearance | 7.4 - 9.1 in | 8.7 in |
| Passenger Seating | 7 or 8 | 7 or 8 |
| Max. Headroom (1st / 2nd / 3rd Row) | 40 / 40.4 / 37.4 in | 41.2 / 40 / 36.2 in |
| Legroom (1st / 2nd / 3rd Row) | 41.4 / 43 / 32.1 in | 42.2 / 38.6 / 31.7 in |
| Max. Cargo Volume (Behind 3rd / 2nd / 1st Row) | 22.3 / 48.7 / 89.3 cu ft | 17.8 / 43.5 / 75.6 cu ft |
| Limited Basic Warranty | 5-yr / 60,000-mi9 | 3-yr / 36,000-mi10 |
| Limited Powertrain Warranty | 10-yr / 100,000-mi9 | 5-yr / 60,000-mi10 |
Kia Telluride vs. Subaru Ascent: Cargo Space & Passenger Room
Winner: Kia Telluride
The new Kia Telluride for sale is 2.4 inches longer than the new Ascent – this might not sound like much, but the way the Telluride uses those extra inches in its interior space is what really matters here.
Telluride passengers will enjoy better second- and third-row legroom, which is critical if you frequently transport kids and want to avoid kicks to your seatback while driving. The Telluride also has winning third-row headroom because of its boxier shape, so even people on its back bench can feel comfortable.
The Telluride comes with more cargo space, too, no matter how your seats are arranged. Its standard trunk holds more groceries, it can haul more boxes with its third row laid down, and when you fold both back rows, you create a cavernous space that rivals pickup truck storage, and that certainly beats the Subaru Ascent.
Kia Telluride vs. Subaru Ascent: Technology & Convenience Features
Winner: Kia Telluride
At first glance, Telluride vs. Ascent technology looks similar. Both SUVs have wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™, and USB ports are plentiful, and built-in Wi-Fi hotspots preserve your data usage. Spend a few moments inside each cabin, though, and you'll notice a huge gap in the Ascent's design: None of the Subaru's seven trim levels come with a wireless charger, but all 10 of the Kia Telluride's do.
The Telluride's standard 12.3-inch center touchscreen comes with integrated navigation, which is a huge plus; you won't lose your route if your smartphone connection drops. The Ascent has a smaller 11.6-inch touchscreen that doesn't supply navigation until the third trim level. Choose a Telluride, and you'll also gain heated side mirrors in every trim level for easy winter de-icing, a feature you won't find in any Ascent variant.
The last stop on this Kia Telluride vs. Subaru Ascent technology tour is safety. You might be familiar with Subaru's reputation for IIHS safety awards, but that doesn't mean it's the only horse in the race. Both the Ascent and the Telluride have claimed IIHS wins every year since their debuts,13 and their driver-assistance suites include first-class enhancements like collision mitigation, emergency braking, and lane assistance.
Kia Telluride vs. Subaru Ascent: Warranties & Ownership Costs
Winner: Kia Telluride
The Telluride, like everything in our new Kia inventory, comes with exceptional warranty coverage, including an industry-leading 10-year/100,000-mile Limited Powertrain Warranty9,14 and bumper-to-bumper protection for five years/60,000 miles.9
We don't anticipate that you'll have much to repair anyway: Thanks to such outstanding Kia Telluride reliability reviews, Kelley Blue Book® has given this 2027 Kia SUV a near-perfect 4.8 out of 5.0 (Expert) score.5 KBB® also named the Telluride #1 on its "Best 3-Row SUVs" and "Best Midsize SUVs" lists.5
The Ascent also earned a KBB® award, but maybe not the one Subaru was hoping for: Kelley Blue Book® named the 2027 Ascent its #8 on its "Cheapest 3-Row SUV" evaluation.6 Even so, the Telluride has a more affordable starting MSRP.1,2 According to RepairPal, an automotive authority that measures vehicle reliability based on repair costs, frequency, and severity, Kia vehicles like the Telluride are also more dependable than Subaru designs.7,8
Are You Ready To Experience the New Kia Telluride?
If the more affordable, roomy, powerful, and well-equipped Telluride has earned your favor, you can tour and test-drive one at Wallace Kia of Bristol. While you're here, ask about our current Kia Telluride deals to see monthly lease and finance payments that could be even more affordable through our dealership.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the Kia Telluride's warranty coverage compare to the Subaru Ascent?
The Telluride offers a significantly longer Limited Basic and Limited Powertrain Warranty than the Ascent.9,10
Why is the Kia Telluride a better choice for families needing more cargo space?
The Telluride is a better choice for families that want to maximize their cargo space because it has more storage room behind each of its three rows than the Ascent.
Can the Telluride tow more weight than the Ascent?
No, the Telluride and the Ascent can both tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped. However, the Telluride has a more powerful engine and offers an efficient hybrid setup.
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1"Starting MSRP" is manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) for base model trim. MSRP excludes destination and handling charges, taxes, title, license, options and dealer charges. Actual prices set by dealer and may vary. Some options shown may not be available on all trims. Kia America, Inc. reserves the right to make changes at any time as to vehicle availability, destination and handling fees, colors, materials, specifications, features, accessories, packages and models. Not responsible for typographical and computer errors. Other options available for other trim levels. Some color, package, and option selections may include, exclude, or require the purchase of additional options and packages. All exterior and interior images and specifications contained on this website are based on latest product information available at the time of posting and may vary slightly from actual product. See retailer for details.
2Manufacturer's suggested retail price does not include destination and delivery charges, tax, title and registration fees. Destination and delivery includes handling and inland freight fees and may vary in some states. Prices, specifications, options, features and models subject to change without notice.
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.kbb.com/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.kbb.com/subaru/ascent/
7Reference to this third-party review/claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For more details, please visit https://repairpal.com/kia/telluride
8Reference to this third-party review/claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For more details, please visit https://repairpal.com/subaru/ascent
9Warranties 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.
10Whichever time/mileage designation comes first. Warranties 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.
11Based on EPA estimates. Actual mileage will vary with options, driving conditions, driving habits and your vehicle's condition. See https://www.fueleconomy.gov.
12EPA fuel economy estimates. Actual mileage will vary with driving conditions and your vehicle's condition.
13Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this award, visit https://www.iihs.org
14Based on latest available competitive data.
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.