Subaru Ascent vs Kia Telluride in Madison, WI

The 2023 Subaru Ascent vs. the Kia Telluride

Big three-row SUVs with eight seats have become a hot category. It's a configuration that gives enough room for the whole family to spread out on road trips and it also provides flexible cargo space when you're making a trip to the hardware store. The new Subaru Ascent and the Kia Telluride are both outstanding examples of these spacious, versatile full-size SUVs. Here's a comparison of the two and why we believe your family will be better off getting a new Subaru Ascent at Don Miller Subaru West in Madison WI.

A comparison of engines

The Subaru Outback for 2023 is powered by two Boxer engines that give you 175 horsepower from the 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine or a 3.6-liter six cylinder that generates 256 horsepower. The new Volvo XC60 gives you a choice of three engines and all are powerful. But the Subaru Outback is much more fun to drive and provides a level of fuel efficiency that the Volvo XC60 simply can't match. It all depends on what your priorities are.

A comparison of drive systems

The Subaru Ascent for 2023 comes with Subaru's patented Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system. It outperforms just about every other drive system including the one you'll find in the Kia Telluride. Subaru's system automatically sends power to whichever wheels are getting the most traction and that can be invaluable when you're in slippery situations. The Kia Telluride gives you front-wheel drive standard or a conventional all-wheel drive option that can't measure up to the system you'll find standard on the new Subaru Ascent.

A comparison of off-road readiness

In addition to the inherent advantages the Subaru Ascent gives you with its patented all-wheel drive system, the 2023 Ascent also comes with X-MODE. The combination allows you to optimize traction no matter what road conditions you face including rain, snow, gravel, dirt, mud or ice. The new Subaru Ascent can move you forward even when there's no road in sight. The new Subaru Ascent also gives you 8.7 inches of ground clearance while the Telluride has only 8 inches.

A comparison of fuel economy

Nobody has to tell you that fuel prices have skyrocketed in recent years. That's why it makes a lot of sense to pay attention to the differences in fuel economy between the new Subaru Ascent and the Kia Telluride. The new 2023 Subaru Ascent gives you an EPA-estimated 20 MPG in the city and 26 MPG on the highway. The all-wheel drive Kia Telluride comes up with only 19 MPG in the city and 24 MPG on the highway. With a family budget, differences like that keep adding up.

A comparison of interiors

Both these large SUVs are attractive inside the cabin. The Subaru Ascent comes with a standard 11.6-inch touch screen display that beats the Kia Telluride's 10.25-inch touch screen. In addition, the Subaru Ascent provides 19 cup holders throughout the cabin, beating the Telluride's 8 cupholders and every other vehicle in the segment. The Subaru Ascent also gives you more third-row leg room and shoulder room.

A comparison of safety technology

Last year, the Subaru Ascent earned a nearly flawless IIHS crashworthiness score and was honored with a Top Safety Pick+ Award as well as a Five-Star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The Kia Telluride also does well in terms of safety technology so you can't go wrong either way. But the new Subaru Ascent wins the race overall and is worth a test drive at Don Miller Subaru West in Madison WI.

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