Compare the 2025 Ascent to the Competitors

2025 Subaru Ascent vs. the Competition

Family space with adventure built in

Three-row SUVs have become the family default, and the 2025 Subaru Ascent makes a strong case for being more than just a people-mover. With standard all-wheel drive, generous ground clearance, and Subaru's signature focus on safety and visibility, the Ascent stands out when matched against competitors like the Kia Telluride and Toyota Grand Highlander. Inside and out, the Ascent blends family comfort with a readiness for exploration.

Subaru Ascent vs. Kia Telluride vs. Toyota Grand Highlander

Subaru Ascent

Kia Telluride

Toyota Grand Highlander

            
Subaru AscentKia TellurideToyota Grand Highlander
DrivetrainAll wheel driveAll wheel driveAll wheel drive
Engine Power260 hp @ 5,600 rpm291 hp @ 6,000 rpm265 hp @ 6,000 rpm
Engine torque277 lb-ft @ 2,000 rpm262 lb-ft @ 5,200 rpm310 lb-ft @ 1,700 rpm
TransmissionContinuously variable-speed automatic8-speed automatic8-speed automatic
Driving Range (city/hwy)19 / 25 / 21 MPG18 / 23 / 20 MPG20 / 26 / 22 MPG
Fuel Capacity19.3 gal.18.8 gal.17.8 gal.

*Comparison source: Edmunds (https://www.edmunds.com/car-comparisons/).

Interior and Comfort

The Ascent is designed to carry up to eight passengers with comfort and flexibility. Its cabin is airy, thanks to large windows and excellent visibility, traits that make a difference in tight parking lots or on long trips. Standard tri-zone climate control and wide-opening rear doors make it easy for families to get in and out, while available captain's chairs in the second row transform the Ascent into a true road-trip machine.

  • Subaru Ascent: Seating for 7 or 8, wide rear doors, standard tri-zone climate, available panoramic moonroof, up to 86 cubic feet of cargo space.
  • Kia Telluride: Upscale interior finishes, but tighter third-row space and less visibility out back.
  • Toyota Grand Highlander: Generous seating, especially in the third row, but less headroom and narrower openings compared to the Ascent.

Exterior and Ground Clearance

On the outside, the Ascent leans into its Subaru identity: rugged, approachable, and ready for real-world driving. Where some three-row SUVs emphasize luxury styling, the Ascent balances refinement with function. The 8.7 inches of ground clearance gives it a serious advantage over most competitors in snow, gravel, or mild off-road conditions, traits that align perfectly with Subaru's adventurous DNA.

  • Subaru Ascent: 8.7 inches of ground clearance, standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, roof rails standard across trims.
  • Kia Telluride: More premium, squared-off SUV styling; ground clearance around 8.0 inches, AWD optional.
  • Toyota Grand Highlander: Sleek design, optional AWD, but less ground clearance than the Ascent.

Technology and Safety

The 2025 Ascent is loaded with technology that's practical and intuitive. Standard across every model is the EyeSight Driver Assist suite, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and pre-collision braking. A large 11.6-inch portrait touchscreen dominates the dash, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Subaru also includes thoughtful touches like Cabin Connect, which uses the audio system to help drivers speak clearly to passengers in the third row.

  • Subaru Ascent: Standard EyeSight Driver Assist, 11.6-inch touchscreen, wireless smartphone integration, available 360-degree camera system.
  • Kia Telluride: Strong tech suite with dual 12.3-inch screens in higher trims, but some driver assists are optional.
  • Toyota Grand Highlander: Plenty of screens and available hybrid powertrain, though safety features vary by trim.

Why Choose the Subaru Ascent

Where the Kia Telluride leans luxury and the Toyota Grand Highlander stretches size, the Subaru Ascent finds its strength in balance. It gives families confidence in poor weather, flexibility in daily life, and advanced safety without forcing them into the highest trim levels. The Ascent is as comfortable handling school drop-offs as it is taking the family to the mountains.

Schedule a Test Drive at Gengras Subaru Torrington

If you're comparing three-row SUVs, the 2025 Subaru Ascent makes a compelling case against the Kia Telluride and Toyota Grand Highlander with its all-weather traction, class-leading ground clearance, and family-focused features. Schedule your test drive at Gengras Subaru Torrington and see how the Ascent blends space, technology, and Subaru's adventurous spirit into one capable package.

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