2023 Subaru Ascent vs. 2023 Kia Telluride Comparison

In the 3-row midsize SUV field, the Kia Telluride has quickly become the conventional answer. Subaru prides itself on its unconventional approach and its unconventional fanbase. The 2023 Subaru Ascent makes an intriguing alternative to the traditional solution.

If you’re in the market for a 7- or 8-seater SUV and don't need the struggle of parking a full-size Suburban in the suburbs, the Ascent and Telluride are worth the time it takes to research them. How do they compare?

Most car companies have owners. Subaru has fans. It wins the loyalty of repeat buyers with an excellent reputation for reliability, a quirky image, and a particular formula for almost all of its vehicles that feels great to drive. The 2023 Subaru Ascent is the only way to get it in a vehicle that seats more than five. Prices start at $33,895.

Lower price: The Ascent's starts at almost $2,000 lower than the Telluride. It's easier to find, too, as the Telluride's popularity has left dealers with a short supply of them. At the other end of the scale, the top-of-the-line Ascent Touring costs more than $4,500 less than the top of the Telluride lineup.

That Subaru feel: The formula for a Subaru is simple. Subie engineers take a flat 4-cylinder boxer engine (turbocharged in this car) and mount low in the engine bay, which gives the car a planted feel as the center of gravity is low. Then they add in Subaru's excellent symmetrical all-wheel drive system for extra grip. The result is a firm, glued-to-the-road feel that some shoppers love. Test drive it to see if you’re enchanted.

Off-road chops: Kia builds AWD into most Tellurides, but not all of them. It adds $2,000 to the price of some trims. There's even a pair of off-road specialist trims with features like all-terrain tires. But every Ascent has those off-road skills. AWD is standard, as are trail goodies like hill descent control—no added cost.

Check this week's Fair Purchase Price or see the Subaru Ascent models for sale near you .

The 2023 Kia Telluride has quickly become a mainstay of the 3-row SUV segment with rugged, handsome good looks, lots of space, and a vast lineup of ten trim levels letting you find the sweet spot for you. For 2023, it gets a new look and a pair of light off-roader models — the X-Line and X-Pro. The Telluride starts at $35,890.

More power, same fuel economy: These cars get 23 mpg in combined driving. But the Telluride receives it from a V6 good for 291 horsepower. The Ascent uses a less-powerful 260-horsepower turbocharged 4-cylinder and doesn't get better fuel economy as a trade-off.

Beautiful cabin design: Subaru last redesigned the Ascent for the 2019 model year. Its cabin has all the latest technology, but it looks dated next to the contemporary, luxury-like cabin of the Telluride. Kia's design team puts both screens together in one housing so they look like one substantial curved screen and fills the Telluride with luxury touches like quilted-look leather seats that make it feel like a more expensive car.

The longest warranty in the business: Kia gives buyers a 5-year/60,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty and a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. Subaru offers the industry standard — three years, or 36,000 bumper-to-bumper, and five years or 60,000 on the drivetrain.

Check this week's Fair Purchase Price or see the Kia Telluride models for sale near you .

These two have similar measurements and nearly-identical fuel economy.

The Kia Telluride has much to offer, from its boxy good looks to its lovely cabin and long warranty. But there will be a lot of them in the office parking lot. You’ll stand out more in a Subaru Ascent and appreciate its standard AWD and lower price. Which one is right for you is essentially a matter of taste.

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