Telluride vs Ascent

[critrider]

So wanted to buy a Telluride but could not wait for them to come out. Bought an Ascent instead, thinking if they were more to my liking Id just bite the bullet and flip it for a Telluride.

I managed to compare the two today but unfortunately did not get to drive one...some quick observations:

Funny that I pulled up right next to the Telluride so it was easy to compare the two. They are really very different in style.The Ascent looks much bigger when in fact it is nearly identical in most dimensions. The Telluride is very nice looking but it is NOT a Range Rover clone. I like the understated lines and the somewhat boxy looks. The Ascent is an acquired taste probably, it has a lot more going on, not all of it good, I'd give the edge to the KIA, but not as much as I thought before actually seeing them side by side.

The interiors could not be more different. The Telluride is more horizontal , a lot like a Q7 in style. I like it, it should age well. The Ascent again has a lot going on. Its move vertical and there are nooks and crannies everywhere. Its upscale Subaru. Both are nice but Id give the edge to The KIA.

Performance and ride will be the deciders for me. Ill make time to test drive an EX next week and decide from there. The Ascent is very quick with a lot of low end torque and full time AWD. I'm anxious to compare the two and will post my thoughts after a drive.

 

[mrmac]

This morning I got to drive a Subaru Ascent Touring and a Telluride SX prestige, back to back.

The comfort of the SX is incredible. Blew away the Ascent.

The Telluride has slightly better acceleration. The extra 30hp and being 120 pounds lighter was evident. However, the Ascent reached max torque sooner and seemed much noisier, giving the illusion of more pep. The Telluride was whisper quiet.

I am extremely glad we didn’t bite on buying the Ascent last year.

 

[CAsuKiHy]

Looking forward to it I’m still waiting on with the decision between the 3.

 

[Big T]

I checked out the Subaru Ascent last year and ended up with a BMW X3 M40i...a very fast, smaller SUV. The small intermediate size, and uncomfortable seats have now put us back in the market for the new Telluride; sports car handling and speed is fun for short runs, but for longer trips, we need space and comfort. Drove an EX AWD Telluride earlier this week, and actually liked it better than a new 2019 BMW X5 that I drove yesterday! We will wait a few months for the hype to settle down, then order a SX AWD Prestige in pearl white.

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[I Tell I Ride]

Telluride has more features than Ascent like power folding side mirrors, dedicate button for power thigh support, buttons to fold 2nd row. Even fully loaded top trim ascent does not have these

 

[mhensel]

We tested an Ascent before buying the Telluride... the Ascent just felt like a slightly bigger Forester (which we also have). Slightly disappointed. I was also annoyed they kept the four cylinder engine for the Ascent. I still love my Forester, but dear god I’m enjoying being able to merge and switch lanes easily with the Telluride (the Sport mode is zippy)

 

[Sal Collaziano]

We tested an Ascent before buying the Telluride... the Ascent just felt like a slightly bigger Forester (which we also have). Slightly disappointed. I was also annoyed they kept the four cylinder engine for the Ascent. I still love my Forester, but dear god I’m enjoying being able to merge and switch lanes easily with the Telluride (the Sport mode is zippy)

The Ascent is a pretty big vehicle for its only power plant to be a four cylinder...

 

[mhensel]

Yep. And it’s sluggish in the same places the Forester is. They claim it’s a “turbo” but it still groaned pulling out onto a hill. I can’t imagine towing anything with it, let alone just hauling luggage to our camp in the mountains. Going to be a hard sell for Subie when other third-rows are at least a six. Was a huge deciding factor for us.
And then there’s the whole oil burning issue that I’m not convinced they’ve addressed

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[critrider]

Test Drive

Finally got the chance to drive an EX FWD.

I found the T-ride very quiet with a ride bordering on soft/plush. Interestingly the Ascent is probably faster 0-30, or more accurately its quicker when you need a jump to freeway merge or want to pass. Probably this is due to better low end torque on the Ascent. or how the Ascent CVT handles the initial start. The Kia handles nicely, id say the Ascent is twitchier/quicker on its steering response and the Telluride sounds nicer when its working hard. There's really not that much difference between the two but for sure the Ascent 4 CY is not the liability everyone is claiming. No advantage either way unless you are at altitude then advantage the Ascent turbo.

The T-ride interior is really well done. Love the way the infotainment is set up, and especially the general dash layout. Its simple and intuitive, as is the Ascent. But I prefer the Kia. I think it will age well.

The Telluride drove as nicely as I thought it would . Its not a game changer but at its price point its a formidable competitor. Would I flip the Ascent for a Telluride? Probably not, at least not until the dealers get over themselves. I do spend a lot of time at altitudes over 7000 ft so the NA engine power loss is also an issue.

 

[mrmac]

Test Drive

Finally got the chance to drive an EX FWD.

I found the T-ride very quiet with a ride bordering on soft/plush. Interestingly the Ascent is probably faster 0-30, or more accurately its quicker when you need a jump to freeway merge or want to pass. Probably this is due to better low end torque on the Ascent. or how the Ascent CVT handles the initial start. The Kia handles nicely, id say the Ascent is twitchier/quicker on its steering response and the Telluride sounds nicer when its working hard. There's really not that much difference between the two but for sure the Ascent 4 CY is not the liability everyone is claiming. No advantage either way unless you are at altitude then advantage the Ascent turbo.

The T-ride interior is really well done. Love the way the infotainment is set up, and especially the general dash layout. Its simple and intuitive, as is the Ascent. But I prefer the Kia. I think it will age well.

The Telluride drove as nicely as I thought it would . Its not a game changer but at its price point its a formidable competitor. Would I flip the Ascent for a Telluride? Probably not, at least not until the dealers get over themselves. I do spend a lot of time at altitudes over 7000 ft so the NA engine power loss is also an issue.

Check out the front passenger seat on both. The Ascent is a torture chamber.