Kia
Telluride
Owner report available
Subaru
Ascent
Owner report available
Kia Telluride vs Subaru Ascent
The short answer
Based on available data, the Kia Telluride comes out ahead of the Subaru Ascent on fuel economy and power. Check the specs table and owner sentiment below for the full comparison before deciding between the two. Both are covered by real owner reports on CarWizz.
Specs side by side
What owners say
Telluride
Overall
Mixed to positive sentiment overall, with a clear generational divide. The Telluride is widely praised for its spacious and functional third row, high-quality interior materials, boxy and attractive exterior styling, strong value proposition, and comprehensive standard features. The naturally aspirated 3.8L V6 engine is frequently cited as a mature, reliable, and simple powertrain, especially when compared to newer turbocharged or hybrid alternatives.
Best version to buy
Insufficient owner data available to declare a consensus "best" trim. Discussions mention various trims (SX, EX, Calligraphy) without a clear, repeated preference for one over another.
Known issues
- Engine oil consumption: reports of excessive oil consumption requiring top-ups between changes and, in isolated cases, engine replacement. Frequency: recurrent.
- Underpowered 3.8L V6 engine: described as lethargic, slow, lacking responsiveness, and struggling with acceleration compared to turbocharged rivals. Frequency: very frequent.
- Dealer/service department problems: poor customer service, difficulty getting warranty repairs approved, lack of respect for customers, and general service quality concerns. Frequency: very frequent.
Ascent
Overall
Mixed sentiment with a clear generational divide. The vehicle is widely praised for its safety, all-weather capability with standard symmetrical all-wheel drive, spacious and usable third row, strong towing capacity for the class, and car-like handling. The turbocharged 2.4L FA24 engine is frequently noted for being robust and providing good power.
Best version to buy
Model year 2021 or newer. Specific feedback on trims is limited, but the Limited trim is mentioned positively for its feature set.
Known issues
- CVT transmission reliability: failures, recalls, whining noise, inability to handle heavy load or towing, concerns about long-term durability. Primarily affects 2019-2020 models. Frequency: very frequent.
- Disappointing fuel economy: real-world combined mileage reported around 22 MPG, which is considered poor for the class. Frequency: very frequent.
- Interior build quality and materials: interior rattles, use of hard plastics, compromises to meet price point. Frequency: recurrent.
The verdict
The Kia Telluride is the better choice for most buyers.
It has better fuel economy on its best-equipped version than the Subaru Ascent, based on the data above. If power matters more to you than running costs, the Subaru Ascent is worth a closer look instead.
Explore further
Common problems by model year
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Frequently asked questions
Which is more reliable, the Kia Telluride or the Subaru Ascent?
Owner reports show similar reliability sentiment for the Kia Telluride and the Subaru Ascent. Check the known issues listed above for specific differences between the two.
Which is better for families, the Kia Telluride or the Subaru Ascent?
Data on family-specific factors like cargo space is limited for one or both models, but based on available reports, both are positioned as practical daily drivers. Check the specs table above for seating and body type.
Which has better fuel economy, the Kia Telluride or the Subaru Ascent?
The EPA rates the 2027 Kia Telluride at 19–35 mpg combined and the 2027 Subaru Ascent at 21–22 mpg, depending on the version.
Which is cheaper to maintain, the Kia Telluride or the Subaru Ascent?
Exact maintenance costs aren't in our data, but owner reports mention cost-related concerns more often for the Subaru Ascent than the Kia Telluride. See the known issues comparison above.