When you need a capable third-row SUV for your busy Lexington lifestyle, you may end up stuck between two formidable choices: The 2023 Kia Telluride and the 2023 Subaru Ascent. Both of these SUVs bring power, technology, and versatility to the table, but only one will be the best fit for you and your crew’s day-to-day driving needs. Learn more about these two SUVs and see which you prefer in Spitzer Kia Mansfield’s 2023 Kia Telluride vs. Subaru Ascent comparison.
2023 Telluride vs. Ascent: Performance
When choosing between the Telluride or Ascent, performance can play a big part in your decision. Luckily, both the Telluride and Ascent only come with one engine option, so you know exactly the kind of power to expect across each model’s lineup.
While the standard SUBARU BOXER® engine on the Ascent is a capable engine, the Kia Telluride comes standard with a 3.8L V6, boasting more horsepower and towing capacity than the Ascent can manage. See the details between the two engines below:
2023 Kia Telluride 3.8L V6 Engine:
- 291 hp
- 262 lb-ft of torque
- 8-speed automatic transmission
- 5,500-pound towing capacity
2023 2.4L SUBARU BOXER® Turbocharged 4-Cylinder Engine
- 260 hp
- 277 lb-ft of torque
- Lineartronic® continuously variable transmission
- 5,000-pound towing capacity
2023 Telluride vs. Ascent: Interior Dimensions
If you’re searching for third-row SUVs near Shelby, the amount of space in the cabin will be an important factor. Whether you choose the Telluride or Ascent, you’ll have access to seating capacities of seven or eight, along with folding rear rows and optional cargo storage. That said, the 2023 Kia Telluride manages to provide more comfortable seating across the board, as well as having more than 10 cubic feet of cargo space over the Subaru Ascent. Take a look at the Kia Telluride vs. Subaru Ascent dimensions here:
Kia Telluride Interior Dimensions (without sunroof options)
- Max Passenger Capacity: 8
- Headroom (First/Second/Third Row): 40.9 inches / 40.2 inches / 38.1 inches
- Shoulder Room (First/Second/Third Row): 61.6 inches / 61.2 inches / 55.3 inches
- Leg Room (First/Second/Third Row): 41.4 inches / 42.4 inches / 31.4 inches
- Cargo Room (Behind Third/Second/First Rows): 21 cubic feet / 46 cubic feet / 87 cubic feet
Subaru Ascent Interior Dimensions (without moonroof options)
- Max Passenger Capacity: 8
- Headroom (First/Second/Third Row): 41.2 inches / 40 inches / 36.2 inches
- Shoulder Room (First/Second/Third Row): 61.1 inches / 60.3 inches / 57 inches
- Leg Room (First/Second/Third Row): 42.2 inches / 38.6 inches / 31.7 inches
- Cargo Room (Behind Second/First Rows): 43 cubic feet / 75.6 cubic feet
2023 Telluride vs. Ascent: Highlighted Features
Stay safe and entertained on your Ashland drives with either the Telluride or Ascent, both equipped with infotainment systems, standard safety suites, and more. When you choose the 2023 Kia Telluride, though, you’ll have access to these standard features that are either optional or not available on the base Subaru Ascent trim:
- Rear Passenger Automatic Climate Control
- 12.3-inch Touchscreen Display with Kia Connect
- Built-In Navigation
- Wi-Fi Hotspot
- Third-row USB-C Fast Charging Ports
Test Drive a 2023 Kia Telluride in Mansfield!
Now that you’ve seen the differences between the 2023 Kia Telluride vs. Subaru Ascent, do you know which you prefer? Spitzer Kia Mansfield has a guess! If you’d like to test drive the impressive 2023 Telluride, contact us and our team of experts will set you up with a test drive in Mansfield. To learn more about the Telluride, or other Kia models you may be interested in, visit our Kia Research Hub. We’re always updating it with the latest information to keep you informed about your next Kia purchase.
