Full-Size SUVs: Subaru Ascent vs. Kia Telluride

Full-size SUVs dominate the roadways not just with their size but with their impressive capabilities, ample passenger and cargo space, and the latest tech to keep everyone connected. If you’re considering a new full-size SUV for your Corinth commute, you’ve likely come across the Subaru Ascent and the Kia Telluride. Comparing these two models can be challenging due to the many features and options, so we’ve created this head-to-head comparison to help you decide which one is right for you.

Gas Mileage

Gas mileage isn’t typically a strong selling point for full-size SUVs, but both the Subaru Ascent and Kia Telluride offer impressive efficiency for their size. The Subaru Ascent delivers an EPA-estimated 21 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway. The Kia Telluride, in its front-wheel-drive configuration, gets an EPA estimate of 20 mpg city and 26 mpg highway. The all-wheel-drive Telluride gets 19 mpg city and 24 mpg highway. Since the Ascent only comes in all-wheel drive, it offers better mileage and performance compared to the all-wheel-drive Telluride.

Pricing

The Subaru Ascent comes in five trims:

• Base: $32,295
• Premium: $34,795
• Onyx Edition: $37,995
• Limited: $39,595
• Touring: $45,445

The Kia Telluride is available in four trims:

• LX: $32,790
• S: $35,290
• EX: $37,790
• SX: $42,690

These prices are starting points and will increase with additional options.

Interior

Subaru Ascent:

• Seats up to 8 with the second-row bench or 7 with captain’s chairs.
• The base model has a six-way manually adjustable driver’s seat.
• Premium and Onyx trims feature an eight-way power-adjustable heated driver’s seat and front passenger seat.
• The Limited trim includes heated second-row seats, while the Touring trim adds ventilated front seats.
• Upholstery ranges from premium cloth to StarTex synthetic to premium leather on higher trims.
• The top four trims have a leather-wrapped heated steering wheel.
• Every model includes tri-zone climate control with second-row controls and vents for all three rows.

Kia Telluride:

• Seats up to 8 with a second-row bench or 7 with captain’s chairs.
• The base model LX has a manually adjustable driver’s seat.
• Middle trims have an eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat.
• The SX trim offers a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with two-way power lumbar support.
• Upholstery ranges from SynTex synthetic in the lower trims to leather-trimmed materials in higher trims, with an option for premium Nappa leather on the SX.
• The top three trims feature a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, with heated steering wheels available on the top two trims.
• Wood trim is exclusive to the top two trims.

Technology

Subaru Ascent:

• StarLink multimedia system with a 6.5-inch touchscreen on the base model and an 8-inch touchscreen on higher trims.
• Features AM/FM/CD, HD radio, SiriusXM, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth connectivity.
• Six-speaker audio system on lower trims, and a premium Harman Kardon system with 14 speakers on the top trim.
• 4G LTE Wi-Fi capability on all models.

Kia Telluride:

• Kia Connect system with a 10.25-inch touchscreen on all trims.
• Features Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth.
• Six-speaker audio system on lower trims, and a 10-speaker premium Harman Kardon system on the top trim.

Exterior

Subaru Ascent:

• 18- and 20-inch wheels in various styles.
• LED steering responsive headlights and raised roof rails on all models.
• LED fog lights standard on the top three trims.

Kia Telluride:

• Projector-beam headlights on all trims, with LED headlights on the top trim.
• LED fog lights on the top SX trim only.
• Low-profile roof rails on the top three trims.

Performance

Subaru Ascent:

• 2.4-liter turbocharged BOXER engine with 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque.
• Tows up to 5,000 pounds.
• Standard all-wheel drive with X-Mode for superior traction.

Kia Telluride:

• 3.8-liter V-6 engine with 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque.
• Tows up to 5,000 pounds.
• All-wheel drive available as an option on all trims.

At Huffines Subaru Corinth, we understand what drivers want in a full-size SUV. We stock an extensive inventory of Subaru Ascent SUVs. Browse our inventory online or visit our dealership to find your perfect full-size SUV for your next Corinth adventure.