Close 2026 Subaru Ascent vs 2027 Kia Telluride
2027 Kia Telluride vs. 2026 Subaru Ascent
If you are comparing three-row family SUVs, the 2027 Kia Telluride and 2026 Subaru Ascent represent two different approaches to midsize practicality. This page brings together pricing, performance, passenger space, towing, cargo room, fuel economy, and safety highlights so you can compare them side by side before deciding which SUV better fits your needs.
At McCarthy Subaru of Lawrence, we know many shoppers in this segment want room for family, gear, and road trips without giving up confidence in changing weather and daily drivability. The Subaru Ascent stands out for standard all-wheel drive, quicker tested acceleration in the comparison data you supplied, strong highway efficiency in testing, and a family-friendly cabin with Subaru safety features. The Kia Telluride counters with a higher expert rating, more cargo room, and longer warranty coverage.
View our new Subaru Ascent inventory, explore our finance department, schedule service, or contact our team when you are ready for the next step.
Quick Comparison
| Category | 2027 Kia Telluride | 2026 Subaru Ascent |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $40,735 | $42,245 |
| Car and Driver Expert Rating | 9.5/10 | 6/10 |
| Rank In Segment | #1 in Best Mid-Size 3-Row SUVs | #17 in Best Mid-Size 3-Row SUVs |
| Fuel Economy (EPA Est. MPG) | 20 combined on AWD version noted in source summary | 22 combined / 19 city / 26 highway |
| Seating Capacity | 8 | 7 |
| Maximum Towing Capacity | 5,000 lbs | 5,000 lbs |
| Basic Warranty | 5 years / 60,000 miles | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
| Blind Spot Monitor | Yes | Yes |
Key Differences
The 2027 Kia Telluride brings the higher expert rating, more third-row cargo space, and a stronger warranty package in the comparison details you shared. It also seats up to eight passengers, which can matter for families that need maximum seating flexibility.
The 2026 Subaru Ascent responds with standard all-wheel drive, quicker acceleration in the test numbers you provided, slightly better efficiency in the listed EPA figures, and a lighter curb weight. Buyers choosing between these two will often decide whether they value the Telluride's stronger ratings and roomier cargo packaging or the Ascent's Subaru-style all-weather confidence and solid real-world performance.
What You Need to Know
2027 Kia Telluride
The redesigned 2027 Kia Telluride is positioned as one of the strongest entries in the midsize three-row SUV segment. In the comparison details you provided, it earned a 9.5 out of 10 rating, seats up to eight, and uses a turbocharged 2.5-liter engine making 274 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque.
The Telluride also offers more cargo room behind the third row and a longer warranty, which helps explain why it ranks so highly. For buyers who want a highly rated, family-focused SUV with generous features and packaging, the Telluride makes a strong case.
2026 Subaru Ascent
The 2026 Subaru Ascent stays focused on standard all-wheel drive, family usability, and solid everyday performance. In the comparison summary you supplied, the Ascent's turbocharged 2.4-liter flat-four makes 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque, and it reached 60 mph in 6.8 seconds in testing, quicker than the Telluride.
The Ascent also returned 28 mpg in the 75-mph highway test referenced in the source summary and includes Subaru's EyeSight safety suite along with an 11.6-inch touchscreen and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. For drivers who want a three-row SUV with standard AWD and Subaru familiarity, the Ascent remains a practical choice.
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | Telluride | Ascent |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Capacity | 19.0 gallons | 19.3 gallons |
| Fuel Economy (EPA Est. MPG) | 20 combined on AWD version noted in source summary | 22 / 19 / 26 |
| 75-mph Highway Test | Noted at 30 mpg in source summary | 28 mpg |
Warranty
| Coverage | Telluride | Ascent |
|---|---|---|
| Roadside Assistance | 5 years / 60,000 miles | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
| Basic Warranty | 5 years / 60,000 miles | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
| Drivetrain | 10 years / 100,000 miles | 5 years / 60,000 miles |
| Corrosion | 5 years / 100,000 miles | 5 years / unlimited miles |
Interior & Storage Space
| Measurement | Telluride | Ascent |
|---|---|---|
| Seating Capacity | 8 | 7 |
| Front Leg Room | 41.4 in | 42.2 in |
| Cargo Volume Behind Third Row | 22 cu ft | 18 cu ft |
| Cargo Volume Behind Second Row | 48.7 cu ft | 43.5 cu ft |
| Cargo Volume Behind First Row | 89.3 cu ft | 75.6 cu ft |
Specifications
| Specification | Telluride | Ascent |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 274 | 260 @ 5600 |
| Torque | 311 | 277 @ 2000 |
| Drivetrain | Front-Wheel Drive | All-Wheel Drive |
| Engine Displacement | 2.5 L / 152 cu in | 2.4 L / 146 cu in |
| Turning Diameter | 39.2 ft | 38.0 ft |
| Minimum Ground Clearance | 7.4 in | 8.7 in |
Safety Ratings & Features
| Feature | Telluride | Ascent |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | Yes | Yes |
| Rear Collision Mitigation | Yes | Yes |
| Front Collision Mitigation | Yes | Yes |
| Lane Departure Warning | Yes | Yes |
| NHTSA Overall Safety Rating | Not listed in the comparison details provided | 5 stars |
Why McCarthy Subaru of Lawrence?
McCarthy Subaru of Lawrence offers a straightforward place to research, compare, and shop for the 2026 Subaru Ascent. From new Subaru inventory and online finance tools to service support and trade-in resources, our dealership is built to help local and regional shoppers move from research to ownership with confidence.
Our Why McCarthy message emphasizes customer satisfaction and values such as teamwork, opportunity, integrity, adaptability, and community. If the Ascent's standard all-wheel drive, quicker tested performance, and practical family-focused design fit what you want from a three-row SUV, our team can help you compare trims, review availability, value your trade, and explore financing options.
Learn more on our Why McCarthy page, shop new Ascent inventory, or get started with our finance department.
Helpful Links
Continue your research with these helpful pages: Ascent inventory | Finance | Service | Contact | Subaru showroom
External Sources
This comparison page was informed by the following source: Car and Driver comparison tool
Frequently Asked Questions
Which SUV seats more passengers, the 2027 Kia Telluride or 2026 Subaru Ascent?
In the comparison details you provided, the 2027 Kia Telluride seats up to eight passengers, while the 2026 Subaru Ascent comparison trim seats seven.
Which SUV is quicker?
Based on the testing figures you shared, the 2026 Subaru Ascent is quicker. It reached 60 mph in 6.8 seconds, while the 2027 Kia Telluride reached 60 mph in 7.4 seconds.
Which SUV has better warranty coverage?
The 2027 Kia Telluride has the stronger warranty package in the comparison information you supplied, with longer basic, roadside assistance, and powertrain coverage than the 2026 Subaru Ascent.
Does the 2026 Subaru Ascent come with all-wheel drive?
Yes. In this comparison, the 2026 Subaru Ascent includes all-wheel drive, while the 2027 Kia Telluride trim shown uses front-wheel drive.
Which SUV has more cargo room?
The 2027 Kia Telluride has more cargo room in the cargo volume figures you provided, both behind the third row and with the rear seats folded.
Can I shop 2026 Subaru Ascent inventory online?
Yes. You can explore new 2026 Subaru Ascent inventory online at McCarthy Subaru of Lawrence, then contact our team for trim availability, financing questions, and next-step help.
Where is McCarthy Subaru of Lawrence located?
McCarthy Subaru of Lawrence is located at 2101 W 29th Terrace, Lawrence, KS 66047. You can reach the dealership at (785) 503-3297 for sales, service, finance, and inventory support.