Head To Head Subaru Ascent Vs. Kia Telluride And Why Subaru Loses This Battle

Which is the best 3-Row SUV, the Subaru Ascent or the Kia Telluride? See why U.S. News says the Kia Telluride is a step above the Subaru Ascent in almost every way.

If you shop for a 3-row SUV, buy the 2024 Subaru Ascent or the 2024 Kia Telluride. A new report from U.S. News ranks the Kia Telluride above the Subaru Ascent. Surprisingly, in the ten categories scored by U.S. News, the Ascent won only one category and tied in another. Here are the U.S. News results and my take. 

1. Price

Winner: 2024 Subaru Ascent

"Both midsize SUVs start at over $30,000, but you can get into a Subaru Ascent for just a smidge less than a Kia Telluride. The Ascent starts at $34,195, while the base model Telluride costs $35,990."

2. Reliability

Winner: TBD

"This category cannot yet be determined because, at the time of this writing, the 2024 Kia Telluride does not have a predicted reliability score. The 2024 Subaru Ascent has a predicted reliability score of 82 out of 100."

3. Seat Comfort

Winner: 2024 Kia Telluride

"Both vehicles have three rows of comfortable seats, but the Kia has an edge over the Subaru because adults on shorter rides can use its third row. The third row in the Ascent is only suitable for kids."

4. Cargo Space

Winner: 2024 Kia Telluride

"The Ascent is no slouch regarding cargo space, providing 17.8 cubic feet of room behind the third row, 43.5 cubic feet with the third-row seats folded, and a maximum of 75.6 cubes with all the seats folded. Models with the optional panoramic sunroof have a bit less cargo space.”

The Telluride has 21 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row. With the third row flat, there is 46 cubic feet of cargo space. With the second and third rows flat, there is 87 cubic feet of cargo space.

5. Interior Quality

Winner: 2024 Kia Telluride

"The 2024 Telluride has one of the nicest interiors in its class. It boasts a modern look and high-quality materials. The upper trims are luxurious, with Nappa leather, wood, and microsuede. There are a few hard plastics here and there, but they are mostly out of sight."

6. Interior Features

Winner: 2024 Kia Telluride

"This category was almost a toss-up, as both vehicles have a nice array of standard interior features. However, the Telluride wins due to its slightly larger infotainment screen, which is 12.3 inches compared to the Ascent's 11.6 inches, and because the Kia comes with navigation as a standard feature."

7. Acceleration

Winner: 2024 Kia Telluride

"Unlike many midsize SUVs that have a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, including the Subaru Ascent, the Kia Telluride has a 3.8-liter V6 engine with 291 horsepower, paired with front-wheel drive and an eight-speed transmission."

8. Fuel Economy

Winner: Tie

"This may surprise some buyers, especially considering that the Telluride has a bigger engine, but both vehicles get roughly the same gas mileage. The Kia gets 20 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway with front-wheel drive."

MY TAKE

U.S. News ranks Telluride as the winner but with front-wheel-drive. The Ascent gets the same 20 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway with Subaru's excellent Symmetrical all-wheel drive. I give the Ascent the winner here. 

9. Ride and Handling

Winner: 2024 Kia Telluride

"Both vehicles have pleasing rides, but the Telluride is a notch above the Ascent. It has light and easy steering at lower speeds that feels weightier as you pick up speed. It boasts a tight turning radius, a supple ride quality, a smooth ride even with larger wheels, and the brakes grip well."

10. Safety

Winner: TBD

"Neither the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration nor the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has fully crash-tested the 2024 Telluride or the 2024 Subaru Ascent, so we can't declare a winner in this category."

MY TAKE

U.S. News needs to do their homework. The 2024 Subaru Ascent earned the highest Top Safety Pick+ award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Winner Subaru Ascent.

The U.S. News Winner Is...

2024 Kia Telluride

"There's no doubt that the Kia Telluride is a step above the Subaru Ascent in almost every way. If you can afford to pay a bit more, the Telluride offers more cargo space, a modern and attractive cabin, great acceleration and fuel economy, and a pleasing ride."

MY TAKE

The 2024 Subaru Ascent is the better choice for the most active families. All Ascent trims come with Subaru's Symmetrical all-wheel-drive for all-weather performance, X-Mode for severe weather ability, and some trims come with dual-function X-Mode for all-terrain capability. 

If you want the best model for outdoor enthusiasts, check out the 2024 Subaru Ascent. 

Thanks for reading, everyone. I hope you enjoyed the Subaru Ascent/Kia Telluride comparison story. See you tomorrow for my latest Subaru Report.

For additional articles related to new Subaru models, here are a few of my top stories you may enjoy. 

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Watch the Updated Subaru Ascent review // The forgotten 3-row SUV?

I am Denis Flierl, a 12-year Torque News senior writer with 20+ years of Subaru and automotive journalism experience. I enjoy bringing you, the Subaru fans and customers, the most up-to-date Subaru news, reviews, and new model information. You'll find the latest Subaru stories on the Subaru page. Follow me on my The Dirty Subaru website, Dirty Subaru blog, SubaruReport, All Subaru, WRXSTI, @DenisFlierl, Facebook, and Instagram.

I’ve got you covered! - I cover all Subaru all the time - It’s called the “Subaru Report.” Check back daily for my expert Subaru analysis!

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photo credit: Subaru USA, Kia USA