Subaru Ascent vs Kia Telluride: Which 3-Row SUV Is Better for Connecticut Families?

Is the Subaru Ascent Better Than the Kia Telluride?

Neither is better across the board. The Subaru Ascent includes standard all-wheel drive and a turbocharged engine that suits Connecticut winters, while the Kia Telluride offers a smooth V6, more cargo room behind the third row, and available all-wheel drive. The right pick depends on your weather priorities, cargo needs, and driving feel.

• Seating: Both seat seven or eight passengers, depending on trim and second-row layout
• Drivetrain: Ascent includes standard all-wheel drive; Telluride offers front-wheel drive or available all-wheel drive
• Engines: Ascent uses a 2.4-liter turbo four-cylinder; Telluride uses a 3.8-liter V6
• Cargo Behind the Third Row: Telluride offers roughly 21 cubic feet; Ascent offers roughly 18
• Towing: Both are rated up to roughly 5,000 pounds when properly equipped

👉 Browse All Used Subaru Inventory in Manchester, CT at DriveMax

Choosing a three-row SUV is a big decision for families in Manchester, East Hartford, South Windsor, Vernon, and Glastonbury. Between school drop-offs, youth sports, and snowy commutes on I-84 and I-384, the vehicle has to handle real life every day. The Ascent and Telluride are two popular answers.

At DriveMax, we carry both brands at our Manchester lot, so we have no reason to steer you toward one badge. If you are searching for a used car dealership near me that welcomes a side-by-side drive, browse our used SUVs in Manchester, then read on for the details that matter.

Exterior Styling

The Ascent leans rugged and upright, with a tall greenhouse, a bold grille, and roof rails that hint at weekend adventures. The Telluride goes boxier and more traditional, with a long hood, squared-off fender flares, and distinctive lighting that stands out in any Manchester driveway.

Buyers who like a friendly, outdoorsy personality often gravitate toward the Ascent, while buyers who want a bolder presence often prefer the Telluride. Both come in several trims and colors, so see them in person.

Styling Highlights for Both SUVs:

• Ascent: Upright shape and tall greenhouse for visibility and rear headroom
• Telluride: Boxy, confident stance with a commanding hood line
• Both: Alloy wheel options and multiple exterior colors across trims

Interior Comfort & Features

Both offer seven- or eight-passenger layouts, and upper trims add second-row captain's chairs for easier third-row access. Many reviewers note that the Telluride makes getting in and out of the way-back a bit easier, while the Ascent's third row is wide and nicely contoured once you are settled.

Cargo separates them slightly. The Telluride offers more space behind the third row, which helps with strollers and hockey bags, while the two are nearly even with every row folded. Both offer heated seats, tri-zone climate control on many trims, and plenty of USB ports for passengers in back.

Interior Highlights for Both SUVs:

• Ascent: Abundant cupholders and storage cubbies across all three rows
• Telluride: Easier third-row access and more cargo room behind it
• Both: Leather, heated seats, and sunroof options depending on trim

Performance & Capability

The Ascent pairs a turbocharged four-cylinder, rated around 260 horsepower, with a continuously variable transmission, delivering strong low-rpm torque for merging onto I-84. The Telluride uses a V6 with roughly 291 horsepower and an eight-speed automatic, which feels smooth and unhurried at highway speeds.

Weather is the other big difference. Every Ascent has Subaru's Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and about 8.7 inches of ground clearance, which is reassuring on unplowed side streets in Bolton or Vernon. The Telluride comes with front-wheel drive or available all-wheel drive, so confirm the drivetrain on any unit you consider.

Capability Highlights for Both SUVs:

• Ascent: Standard all-wheel drive and punchy turbo torque
• Telluride: Smooth V6 power and available all-wheel drive
• Both: Towing up to roughly 5,000 pounds when properly equipped

Here is how the two SUVs line up on the priorities Connecticut families mention most:

Family Priority	Strong Fit	Why It Matters in Connecticut
Winter Traction	Subaru Ascent	All-wheel drive is standard on every unit
Cargo Behind Row Three	Kia Telluride	Extra room for strollers and sports bags with all seats in use
Highway Feel	Both SUVs	Turbo punch or V6 smoothness, based on taste

Technology & Safety

Both support Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and include driver-assistance technology built for busy family life. Subaru's EyeSight system is standard on every Ascent, while the Telluride includes forward collision-avoidance assist and lane-keeping assist, with extras like blind-spot monitoring varying by trim.

Each has earned top IIHS recognition in certain model years, so check the specific year you are considering. Equipment changes from year to year, which is why our team confirms the exact features on any vehicle during your visit.

Technology Highlights for Both SUVs:

• Ascent: EyeSight driver-assist suite standard on every trim
• Telluride: Available larger touchscreen and premium audio on upper trims
• Both: Backup cameras and driver-assistance features that vary by trim and year

Value & Ownership Costs

Both hold their value well. Some industry comparisons show the Telluride with a slight resale edge, while the Ascent benefits from Subaru's loyal owner base. The Ascent often posts slightly better EPA estimates, roughly 21 city and 27 highway mpg, versus a couple of mpg less for most all-wheel-drive Tellurides.

Ownership usually comes down to maintenance history and remaining coverage rather than the badge. Factory coverage varies by model year and owner history, so ask us to confirm what remains on any unit, and try our car loan calculator to see how a purchase fits your budget.

Value Highlights for Both SUVs:

• Ascent: Standard all-wheel drive with slightly better fuel economy
• Telluride: Strong resale reputation and a feature-rich cabin
• Both: Ask about vehicle history and remaining factory coverage

5 Manchester, CT Drives and Destinations Perfect for Your 3-Row SUV

1. Wickham Park – Spread out picnic gear on the lawns and gardens along the Manchester–East Hartford line
2. Lutz Children's Museum – An easy weekend stop for kids ages two to ten on South Main Street
3. Cheney Brothers Historic District – Stroll the old silk-mill neighborhood and its brick streets
4. Case Mountain Recreation Area – Load up hiking gear for wooded trails stretching toward Glastonbury
5. Valley Falls Park in Vernon – Bring the family for pond-side paths, picnic spots, and a swimming beach

Why Buy from DriveMax?

✔️ A multi-brand Manchester lot, so you can compare Subaru and Kia SUVs under one roof
✔️ Complete documentation and a free vehicle history report with every vehicle
✔️ Flexible financing options for a wide range of credit situations
✔️ Free appraisals and trade-in offers for your current vehicle
✔️ A friendly local team serving Hartford, East Hartford, Vernon, South Windsor, Glastonbury, and Enfield

Both are excellent three-row SUVs, and the better one is the one that fits your family. If winter traction tops your list, the Ascent's standard all-wheel drive is hard to ignore. If cargo room and a smooth V6 matter most, the Telluride is a strong fit. When you are ready, view all car for sale inventory on our site, then schedule a test drive near me at 512 W Center St in Manchester and let your family decide.

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