The right SUV for your family is a big decision. You want it to be accommodating, personalized to your lifestyle needs, as well as quiet and composed on the street. Large SUVs are quite common nowadays, so we decided to pit two top competitors against one another: the Subaru Ascent vs. Kia Telluride.
You may have already seen these praised models around Old Bridge, Freehold, Tinton Falls, and Staten Island, NJ. Each offers certain redeeming qualities, but our All-American Subaru staff is here to explain where they differ, so you can make an informed decision!
TORQUE
ALL-WHEEL DRIVE
GROUND CLEARANCE
Steady performance can be expected from any trim in either the Subaru Ascent or the Kia Telluride, as each offers a single motor. The motors do differ when compared to one another, however, as do their standard drivetrains.
The Kia Telluride equips a V6 engine, which makes 262 lb-ft of torque. The Ascent relies on a smaller 4-cylinder engine, yet torque output is 277 lb-ft, thanks to the inclusion of a turbocharger. Since torque is what powers your SUV at low RPMs, the Ascent is more potent off the line than the Telluride.
Plus, more standard torque will make climbing steep inclines or hauling your favorite towable toy feel like a breeze.
Perhaps more important is the traction. You want your SUV to be able to handle any shifts in the weather. Each trim of the Ascent comes with the famed Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system. All-wheel drive is merely an option for the Telluride, which utilizes front-wheel drive in its base setup.
Standard all-wheel drive allows the Subaru to be an all-terrain warrior, and it smooths out the ride quality.
If you’re looking for a vehicle that you can make completely your own, the Subaru Ascent and the Kia Telluride are models to consider. Between their various trim levels and their configurable cabins, you can find a model that meets your needs and exceeds your expectations.
Trim levels are designed with customization in mind. Want a specific set of features or a certain styling arrangement? The Subaru Ascent and the Kia Telluride have several models to consider.
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Subaru Ascent
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Kia Telluride
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Although the Telluride has two additional trim levels, both models offer 7-passenger and 8-passenger models. As you explore the higher rungs of each vehicle, you’ll uncover more premium features as well!
The cabins of either SUV can be built to your liking as well. In fact, you can choose from various upholsteries, including imitation leather, genuine leather, and Nappa leather!
- Cloth
- Stain-resistant cloth upholstery
- StarTex® water-repellant upholstery
Both SUVs’ upholstery prioritizes your comfort and luxury; however, with the addition of stain-resistant and water-repellant textiles in the Ascent, the Subaru also adds convenience into the mix.
If you're the adventurous type, there are important distinctions between the Ascent and the Telluride. Both models offer impressive capabilities that inspire adventure; however, the Subaru proves to be the ultimate companion due to its stature.
When properly equipped, the Subaru and the Kia can both tow up to 5,000 pounds! So, if you have any of the following toys, you can easily haul them to your next adventure:
- Small hard-side RV
- Small recreational boat
- Jet skis
- Pop-up camper
- Utility trailer with dirt bikes
Although their towing capacity is the same, the Subaru’s standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive plus higher standard torque may make towing easier.
Another differentiating factor between the two models that becomes important when traveling to your favorite campground is ground clearance. The Telluride sports eight inches of ground clearance, a respectable figure. Yet the 8.7 inches of ground clearance on the Subaru provides that extra capability on rocky trails or dirt paths.
Performance, capability, customizability—they all favor the Subaru Ascent over the Kia Telluride. There's plenty more to learn about the Ascent, too. If you're curious, come by our All-American Subaru near Old Bridge, Freehold, Tinton Falls, and Staten Island, NJ.
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