2023 Kia Telluride vs 2022 Subaru Ascent

The 2022 Subaru Ascent introduced a new Onyx Edition trim level, which featured a trendy blacked-out exterior trim. This edition sat in the middle of the Ascent lineup, offering a sporty appearance that the SUV previously lacked. Buyers could choose from various trim levels, including Convenience, Touring, Onyx Edition, Limited, and Premier, with prices ranging from $37,295 to $51,795, excluding a $1,875 destination fee in Canada. The Onyx Edition, priced at $44,995, included unique design elements such as black 20-inch aluminum wheels, a distinctive grille, and water-repellant StarTex synthetic leather seats. While the gray two-tone interior was appreciated, the StarTex material had a tendency to trap sweat, making ventilated seats a desirable feature, though only available on the Premier trim.

In contrast, the 2023 Kia Telluride received fresh styling updates, including new front and rear designs, updated headlights and taillights, and new wheel designs. The Telluride offered new paint colours like Midnight Lake Blue, Dawning Red, and Jungle Green, along with interior colours such as Terracotta, Navy, and Sage Green. The X-Line and X-Pro models replaced the Nightfall Edition, featuring raised suspensions, unique grille designs, and black 20-inch wheels. The X-Pro went further with exclusive 18-inch wheels and all-terrain tires. Inside, the Telluride boasted a digital instrumentation panel and a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, providing a modern and futuristic feel. The interior changes included new colours, minor trim updates, and a more functional centre console. The Telluride's trim levels in Canada included EX, SX, SX Limited, X-Line, and X-Pro, with prices starting at $50,195 and reaching $62,795, plus a $1,950 destination charge.

The 2022 Subaru Ascent was equipped with a turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque. It featured a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and standard all-wheel drive (AWD). The Ascent's fuel consumption was rated at 10.5 litres per 100 kilometres combined, with our testing averaging 11.5 L/100 km. The flat-four engine design contributed to a lower centre of gravity, enhancing handling. The CVT offered eight programmed ratios and manual shift control, providing brisk acceleration and commendable passing power. The Ascent's towing capacity reached up to 2,270 kilograms (5,000 pounds), and its X-Mode off-road traction control system, hill descent control, and 22 centimetres of ground clearance added to its off-roading capabilities. However, the lane-keeping and lane-centring assistance technologies sometimes created an uncertain driving experience.

The 2023 Kia Telluride retained its 3.8-litre V6 engine, delivering 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. Drivers could choose from Eco, Comfort, Smart, Sport, and Snow driving modes, with the AWD system offering a low-speed Lock setting. The Telluride's fuel efficiency averaged 9.8 litres per 100 kilometres in the X-Line, while the X-Pro returned 11.5 L/100 km, including off-roading. The Telluride's suspension was raised by 10 mm, improving ground clearance to 21.3 mm, and the traction control system was modified for better off-road performance. The X-Pro model featured 18-inch wheels, all-terrain tires, and an improved cooling system, increasing towing capacity to 2,495 kilograms (5,500 pounds). The Telluride excelled in off-road conditions and provided a smooth, quiet ride on highways, though the steering in Sport mode felt overly firm.

The 2022 Subaru Ascent accommodated up to eight passengers with a second-row bench seat, though the third row was best suited for children. The Ascent offered a comfortable driving position and was equipped for winter weather with features like heated front seats, heated side mirrors, and a wiper de-icer. The second-row seats were easy to access, and captain's chairs were available on most trims. The Ascent provided ample storage, including a dashboard shelf and large cupholders. Cargo space measured 458 litres behind the third row, 1,193 litres behind the second row, and 2,061 litres with both rows folded down.

The 2023 Kia Telluride offered seating for seven or eight passengers, with premium Nappa leather upholstery and power-adjustable front seats. The second-row captain's chairs were heated and ventilated, and the third-row seat was more comfortable than many competitors. The Telluride featured manual side-window sunshades, USB ports, and storage pockets. The smart power tailgate and automatic closing function made loading cargo easy. Cargo space was generous, with 601 litres behind the third row, 1,304 litres with the third row folded, and 2,455 litres with both rear rows folded.

The 2022 Subaru Ascent came with a standard 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, HD Radio, satellite radio, and a CD player. The Touring trim added an 8-inch display with Starlink connected services. The system's voice recognition technology needed improvement, and the Onyx Edition's standard stereo speakers lacked sonic quality. Additional technology features, such as a digital rearview mirror and a 180-degree-view front camera, were reserved for the Premier trim.

The 2023 Kia Telluride featured a new 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and Kia Connect services. The system supported over-the-air updates and Bluetooth pairing for two devices simultaneously. The Telluride included Driver Talk and Quiet Mode, a wireless phone charger, and a 10-speaker Harman Kardon audio system. New digital-key technology and a Full Display rear-view mirror were available. The optional head-up display (HUD) had a larger viewing area, and the Leading Vehicle Departure Alert system was a standout feature.

The 2022 Subaru Ascent received a "Top Safety Pick+" award from the IIHS and five-star crash-test ratings from the NHTSA, except for a four-star rating in rollover resistance. The Ascent featured Subaru's EyeSight driver-assist technology, including adaptive cruise control and lane-centring technology. However, the system's performance was affected by direct sunlight, and the adaptive cruise control lacked refinement. Additional safety features included steering responsive LED headlights and reverse automatic braking.

The 2023 Kia Telluride offered a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including forward-collision warning, pedestrian and cyclist detection, and automatic emergency braking. The Telluride also included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, and lane-centring assist. The adaptive cruise control system could reduce speed based on navigation data, and Highway Drive Assist provided semi-autonomous driving assistance. The Telluride received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS.