A three-row SUV with all-wheel drive and plenty of driver assistance technology is the best way to get the whole family around Southern California. We think you'll agree that the 2021 Subaru Ascent is the best option. When you consider value for money, it's the most affordable option in its class. Even popular newcomers to this segment like the Kia Telluride simply can't compete. We'll prove it in this head-to-head comparison below! As you'll see, the 2021 Subaru Ascent outperforms the 2021 Kia Telluride in the areas that matter most to families: Areas like safety, comfort and versatility.
Ascent vs. Telluride: Size & Design
The 2021 Subaru Ascent and 2021 Kia Telluride are virtually identical in overall size. They're also just about the same in terms of cargo room. When it comes to the design and engineering, it's quality rather than quantity that sets the Ascent apart. It comes standard with steering-responsive LED headlights that light your way at night better than the fixed projector beam headlights you find on entry-level Telluride models. The Ascent also comes standard with roof rails, unlike the 2021 Kia Telluride, which only offers factory roof rails on more premium trim levels.
Ascent vs. Telluride: Features & Technology
When it comes to infotainment, both of these cars provide similar multimedia systems. Six speakers, a center stack touchscreen and Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™. It's not the multimedia systems that set the 2021 Subaru Ascent apart, but the ordinary, everyday features. For example, the new Ascent comes standard with tri-zone automatic climate control that gives you and your passengers individualized comfort.
Best of all, unlike the 2021 Kia Telluride, the 2021 Subaru Ascent comes standard with a power rear gate, complete with automatic close, opening height memory and vehicle lock button.
Ascent vs. Telluride: Performance & Efficiency
The 2021 Subaru Ascent doesn't quite make as much horsepower as the 2021 Kia Telluride, but it does deliver more torque -- so it won't feel sluggish around town and confidently tows light trailers. Both vehicles have a 5,000-pound maximum towing capacity.
What they don't both have is standard all-wheel drive. Only the 2021 Subaru Ascent features standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, the same systems behind the legendary Subaru Outback. So it's just as versatile with room for more adventurers. All-wheel drive will cost extra on the 2021 Kia Telluride. Even with all-wheel drive, the Telluride has less ground clearance than the 2021 Subaru Ascent.
Best of all, the 2021 Subaru Ascent gets noticeably better gas mileage than the 2021 Kia Telluride -- up to a difference of 3 MPG on the highway. That can add up to a whole lot of extra time and money at the pump when you choose the 2021 Kia Telluride.
Ascent vs. Telluride: Crash Test Scores
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration crash tests most vehicles sold in the United States. The 2021 Subaru Ascent passed its NHTSA crash tests with flying colors, including a five-star overall safety rating and five stars in every individual crash test. The 2021 Kia Telluride also received a five-star overall safety rating, but got only four stars in the frontal crash test.
Similarly, the 2021 Kia Telluride earned the 2020 Top Safety Pick award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. However, the 2021 Subaru Ascent did even better, earning the even-more-exclusive 2020 Top Safety Pick+ award! That means both the NHTSA and the IIHS gave the Ascent the edge over the Telluride in this important category.
Ascent vs. Telluride: Driver Assist Technology
Both the 2021 Subaru Ascent and Kia Telluride feature impressive standard driver assist technology, including standard automatic emergency braking, lane keeping assistance and adaptive cruise control. Both vehicles even offer a cutting-edge driver attention monitor that can warn you if you seem to be driving drowsy or distracted, as well as rear cross-traffic alert with braking support.
Learn More At McKenna, Your Source For Subaru In Huntington Beach
Despite its popularity as a newcomer in this segment, the 2021 Kia Telluride just doesn't give you the kind of value, performance and convenience the 2021 Subaru Ascent can give you -- and for an almost identical starting MSRP. From an MSRP of $32,295, the 2021 Subaru Ascent is the biggest, boldest new Subaru for the biggest families. Come visit McKenna Subaru today and find out why a new Ascent is a better choice for life in Southern California.
| 2021 Subaru Ascent |  | 2021 Kia Telluride |
| $32,295 | Starting MSRP* | $32,190 |
| 260 | Standard Horsepower | 291 |
| 277 | Torque (lb.-ft.) | 262 |
| 5,000 | Maximum Towing Capacity (lbs.) | 5,000 |
| Standard | All-Wheel Drive | Available Upgrade |
| 8.7 | Ground Clearance (in.) | 8 |
| 86.5 | Maximum Cargo Capacity (cu. ft.) | 87 |
| 27 Highway / 21 City | Fuel Economy (MPG) w/ AWD | 24 Highway / 19 City |
| Standard Feature | Automatic Climate Control | Available Upgrade |
| 5 Stars | NHTSA Frontal Crash Rating | 4 Stars |
*Manufacturer's suggested retail price does not include destination and delivery charges, tax, title and registration fees. Destination and delivery includes handling and inland freight fees and may vary in some states. Prices, specifications, options, features and models subject to change without notice.
