2020 Kia Telluride vs 2019 Subaru Ascent

There are certain vehicle types every major automaker needs to offer if they plan to be taken seriously. The largest automakers are able to offer a full spread of vehicles, from sports cars to full-size trucks. Not every automaker will be able to fulfill every vehicle segment, but if you are a growing automaker, offering a 3-row family-hauling SUV is a must.

Because of this, the 3-row segment is getting pretty saturated. From cornerstone vehicles like the Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot, Nissan Pathfinder, and Ford Explorer to alternatives like the Kia Sorento, Buick Enclave, Chevy Traverse, Dodge Durango, Mazda CX-9, Volkswagen Atlas, and Hyundai Santa Fe, the list of 3-row SUVs seems exhaustive… because it is!

Enter the 2019 Subaru Ascent. Like all the vehicles listed here, it is a midsize SUV capable of seating 7 or 8 passengers, depending on the configuration. It's clearly designed for families, and it begs the question: How does this newcomer stand out in such a crowded space?

Usually, when I step out of an SUV and feel great, there's a luxury nameplate on the tailgate. Not this time. The Telluride grabbed me from the moment my white-over-grey test car arrived. And after 500 miles, the Telluride proved how impressive it is against every SUV in the $30,000 to $50,000 range.

Kia hasn't made a truly big SUV since the 2009 Borrego, which it quickly canceled after bad reviews while a nation reeled from record-high gas prices. The smaller Sorento took over as Kia's 3-row SUV, except it wasn't roomy enough for six or seven people (and still isn't). That's not to say we don't like the Sorento—it's one of our highest-rated cars—but for families who want the most space, technology, and amenities, the 2020 Telluride is Kia's new champ.