As SUVs have grown in dominance as America’s choice for family haulers, the midsize 3-row SUV segment has grown with it. Two relative newcomers compared to the old-timers in this segment are the rugged Subaru Ascent and the stylish Kia Telluride, which have slightly different skill sets.
Let’s compare these family SUVs and see which is a better fit for your needs.
2025 Subaru Ascent
For anyone who likes the idea of a quirky Subaru SUV with 3-row seating, the Subaru Ascent is exactly that. It has the same unique personality and off-road chops as smaller stablemates like the Outback and Forester but with the versatility and practicality of a roomy 3-row cabin with seating for up to eight. Pricing starts at $40,330.
Subaru Ascent Highlights
Standard AWD: All-wheel drive is optional on the Kia Telluride, but it comes standard on every Subaru Ascent. This makes the Ascent an appealing option for families who live in snowy climates or occasionally drive off the beaten path.
X-Mode: With 8.7 inches of ground clearance and X-Mode, the Subaru Ascent lives up to its brand’s reputation for off-road capability. X-Mode optimizes the AWD system for ideal tractions on any surface, and the Dual-Function X-Mode on the upper trims adds a Deep Snow/Mud mode for greater capability.
19 cupholders: When the Subaru Ascent first came out, one of its most talked-about features was the fact that it had a whopping 19 cupholders. Families know you can never have too many cupholders, and the Ascent is the class leader in this thirst-quenching metric.
Read our Subaru Ascent Expert Review or see 2025 Subaru Ascent models for sale near you.
2025 Kia Telluride
The Kia Telluride was an instant hit when it arrived on the midsize 3-row SUV scene in 2020. We consistently rate it among the best midsize SUVs. For example, it’s been a repeat KBB Best Buy Award winner in its segment for its roomy, high-tech interior, reasonable pricing, and near-luxury appointments in its upper trims. Pricing starts at $37,585.
Kia Telluride Highlights
Class-leading warranty: The Kia Telluride is tied with the Hyundai Palisade for the best warranty coverage in its class. Its 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty and 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty provide the owner with a lot of peace of mind.
More cargo room: The Kia Telluride has 17 percent more cargo room behind the third row than the Subaru Ascent. That’s extra room for a stroller or groceries while all three rows of seats are in use.
Lower starting price: If you don’t insist on all-wheel drive, you can get a front-wheel-drive Kia Telluride at a lower price point than a similarly equipped Subaru Ascent. The Telluride is well-equipped with standard features, including SynTex seat trim, a 12.3-inch display, navigation, and Highway Driving Assist, making it a great value in any trim.
Read our Kia Telluride Expert Review or see 2025 Kia Telluride models for sale near you.
Similarities
The Subaru Ascent and Kia Telluride are both midsize 3-row SUVs with seating for up to eight and similar safety and infotainment tech features. They also both earn the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ accolade.
Pricing
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The Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price for any individual used vehicle can vary greatly according to mileage, condition, location, and other factors.
The prices here reflect what buyers are currently paying for vehicles and vehicles in typical condition when purchasing from a dealership.
These prices are updated weekly. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) quoted includes the destination fee, but does not include tax, license, document fees, and options.
| 2025 Subaru Ascent | 2025 Kia Telluride | |
| Popular Powertrains | ||
| Engine | Turbo 2.4-liter 4-cylinder | 3.8-liter V6 |
| Horsepower | 260 hp @ 5,600 rpm | 291 hp @ 6,000 rpm |
| Torque | 277 lb-ft @ 2,000 rpm | 262 lb-ft @ 5,200 rpm |
| Transmission | CVT automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Fuel economy | 20 mpg city/26 mpg hwy/22 mpg combined | 20 mpg city/26 mpg hwy/22 mpg combined |
| Also Available | AWD | |
| Specs | ||
| Basic Warranty | 3 years/36,000 miles | 5 years/60,000 miles |
| Powertrain Warranty | 5 years/60,000 miles | 10 years/100,000 miles |
| NHTSA Overall Safety | 5 stars | 5 stars |
| Max Seating Capacity | 8 | 8 |
| Wheelbase | 113.8 inches | 114.2 inches |
| Overall Length | 196.8 inches | 196.9 inches |
| Width | 76.0 inches | 78.3 inches |
| Height | 71.6 inches | 68.9 inches |
| Turning Diameter | 38.0 feet | 38.8 feet |
| Headroom, Front | 41.2 inches | 40.9 inches |
| Headroom, 2nd Row | 40.0 inches | 40.2 inches |
| Headroom, 3rd Row | 36.2 inches | 38.1 inches |
| Legroom, Front | 42.2 inches | 41.4 inches |
| Legroom, 2nd Row | 38.6 inches | 42.4 inches |
| Legroom, 3rd Row | 31.7 inches | 31.4 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Front | 61.1 inches | 61.6 inches |
| Shoulder Room, 2nd Row | 60.3 inches | 61.2 inches |
| Shoulder Room, 3rd Row | 57.0 inches | 55.3 inches |
| Cargo Volume | 17.8/43.5/75.6 cubic feet | 21/46/87 cubic feet |
Conclusion
For our money, the Kia Telluride is just plain better than the Subaru Ascent. If you’re charmed by the Subaru brand’s distinct personality, the Ascent is its most family-friendly offering. However, the Kia Telluride offers better warranty coverage, a lower starting price, and a roomier (and nicer) interior. For most families, the Telluride is the better option.