2025 Kia Telluride vs 2025 Subaru Ascent

$36,390 · Crossover

$39,995 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The $3,605 MSRP difference between the 2025 Kia Telluride ($36,390) and the 2025 Subaru Ascent ($39,995) is a primary starting point for comparison. The Telluride leverages its higher power output, boasting 291 hp compared to the Ascent's 260 hp, though the Ascent counters with superior torque at 277 lb-ft versus the Telluride's 262 lb-ft. In practical measurements, the Telluride is slightly longer at 196.9 inches versus 196.8 inches, and offers substantially more standard cargo space at 21.0 cu ft compared to the Ascent's 17.8 cu ft. Both vehicles achieve an identical combined fuel economy rating of 22 MPG on regular unleaded fuel, using an 8-speed automatic (Telluride) or a CVT (Ascent). The primary drivetrain difference is the Telluride's standard FWD setup against the Ascent's standard AWD.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Kia Telluride

The Kia Telluride wins for commuters due to its lower $36,390 MSRP, offering a more budget-friendly entry point than the $39,995 Subaru Ascent.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Kia Telluride

The Telluride provides superior utility for families, offering 21.0 cu ft of cargo space versus the Ascent's 17.8 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Kia Telluride

Enthusiasts will favor the Telluride's higher 291 hp output over the Ascent's 260 hp, despite the Ascent's higher torque figure.

💰 Best Value

2025 Kia Telluride

The Telluride offers better immediate value by delivering more horsepower and significantly more cargo volume for $3,605 less.

Choose the Kia Telluride if...

You prioritize raw horsepower, as the Telluride produces 291 hp versus the Ascent's 260 hp.
Your budget is tighter, with the Telluride starting at $36,390 compared to the Ascent's $39,995.
You require maximum cubic footage, as the Telluride's 21.0 cu ft of cargo space is larger than the Ascent's 17.8 cu ft.

Choose the Subaru Ascent if...

All-weather traction is non-negotiable, given the Ascent's standard All-Wheel Drive.
You prefer a slightly higher torque rating (277 lb-ft) for lower-speed acceleration over peak horsepower.
A taller physical stance is desired, as the Ascent measures 71.6 inches high compared to the Telluride's 68.9 inches.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Kia Telluride	Subaru Ascent
Length	196.9"	196.8"
Width	78.3"	76.0"
Height	68.9"	71.6"
Wheelbase	114.2"	113.8"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Kia	Subaru
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	✓	✓
Driver Attention Alert	✓	—
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	✓
Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	—
Front Head Airbags	✓	✓
Rear Head Airbags	✓	✓
Third Row Head Airbags	✓	—
Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation	✓	✓
Electronic Stability Control	✓	✓
Traction Control System	✓	✓
LATCH System	✓	✓
Rear Door Child Safety Locks	✓	✓
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)	4-Wheel	4-Wheel
Front Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	✓	—
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Headrests	3	2
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	—
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	—	✓
Adaptive Headlights	—	✓
Self-Leveling Headlights	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Kia	Subaru
Base Engine Displacement	3.8 L	2.4 L
Number of Cylinders	V6	flat 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	291 hp @ 6000 rpm	260 hp @ 5600 rpm
Torque	262 lb-ft @ 5200 rpm	277 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm
Number of Valves	24	16
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓

Drive Train

Feature	Kia	Subaru
Transmission Type	8-speed automatic	continuously variable-speed automatic
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	all wheel drive
Hill Descent Control	✓	✓
Center Differential Type	—	Limited Slip

Fuel

Feature	Kia	Subaru
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	20/26 MPG	20/26 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	22 MPG	22 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	376.0/488.8 mi.	386.0/501.8 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	18.8 gal.	19.3 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Kia	Subaru
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	✓	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
3rd Row Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry	✓	—
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Three Zone Climate Control	✓	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control	✓	—
Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling	✓	—
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	✓
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	—	✓
Universal Remote Transmitter	—	✓
Interior Air Filtration	—	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Kia	Subaru
Infotainment Display	12.3 in	11.6 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	6	6
Android Auto (Wired)	✓	—
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	✓	—
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	3 months	—
Android Auto (Wireless)	—	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	—	✓
Auxiliary Audio Input	—	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Length	—	4 months

Power Feature

Feature	Kia	Subaru
One-Touch Power Windows	4	2
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Kia	Subaru
Front Head Room	40.9 in.	41.2 in.
Front Leg Room	41.4 in.	42.2 in.
Front Shoulder Room	61.6 in.	61.1 in.
Front Hip Room	58.9 in.	57.8 in.
Seat Material: Leatherette	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Manual Adjustments	6-way	—
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	6-way	4-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	—
Seat Material: Cloth	—	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	—	8-way
Driver Seat Heating	—	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	—	Multi-level

Rearseats

Feature	Kia	Subaru
Rear Head Room	40.2 in.	40.0 in.
Rear Leg Room	42.4 in.	38.6 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	61.2 in.	60.3 in.
Rear Hip Room	58.0 in.	57.5 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	✓	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Kia	Subaru
Wheel Material	Alloy	Alloy
Wheel Size	18 x 7.5 in	18 x 7.5 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	P245/60R18	245/60R
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Underbody Mounted

Suspension

Feature	Kia	Subaru
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	✓
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓
Rear Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓

Warranty

Feature	Kia	Subaru
Basic Warranty	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	10 yr./ 100000 mi.	5 yr./ 60000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	5 yr./ 100000 mi.	5 yr./ unlimited mi.
Roadside Assistance	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Kia Telluride and 2025 Subaru Ascent.

What is the primary mechanical difference between the 2025 Telluride and Ascent drivetrains?

The 2025 Kia Telluride comes standard with Front Wheel Drive (FWD) and an 8-speed automatic transmission. Conversely, the 2025 Subaru Ascent includes standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD) paired with a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission (CVT).

How do the power figures compare between the two crossovers?

The Kia Telluride leads in peak power output with 291 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque. The Subaru Ascent produces less horsepower at 260 hp but generates more pulling force with 277 lb-ft of torque.

Which vehicle offers more usable space behind the third row?

The Kia Telluride is the clear leader in standard cargo capacity, offering 21.0 cubic feet compared to the Subaru Ascent's 17.8 cubic feet.

Are the fuel economy ratings different for the Telluride and the Ascent?

No, both vehicles share identical EPA ratings, achieving 20 MPG in the city, 26 MPG on the highway, and 22 MPG combined, utilizing regular unleaded fuel.

What is the cost separation between these two models?

The 2025 Kia Telluride has a $3,605 lower starting MSRP at $36,390 compared to the 2025 Subaru Ascent, which begins at $39,995.

Do these vehicles differ significantly in exterior dimensions?

Dimensionally, they are very close in length (196.9 in vs 196.8 in), but the Ascent is noticeably taller at 71.6 inches compared to the Telluride's 68.9 inches.