Widely considered the best three-row SUV available, the 2022 Kia Telluride is an excellent vehicle. However, one popular and reliable brand offers a model that rivals it. There’s a lot to like about the 2022 Subaru Ascent, but there are a few reasons to buy the Kia Telluride instead. Here are four reasons to buy a 2022 Kia Telluride, not a 2022 Subaru Ascent.

2022 Kia Telluride is more reliable than the 2022 Subaru Ascent

The first reason to buy a 2022 Kia Telluride instead of a 2022 Subaru Ascent is reliability. One of the most important factors for purchasing any vehicle is reliability. When experts at Consumer Reports rate vehicles, they take into account how reliable that model will be. Historically, the Telluride has suffered from very few, if any, significant problems. However, the story isn’t the same for the Subaru Ascent. Despite a reputation as being very reliable, Subaru missed the mark for this three-row SUV.

The 2022 Subaru Ascent earned CR‘s lowest possible rating for predicted reliability. Moreover, the score is based on how frequently owners have experienced problems in years past. As a result, the Ascent scored poorly thanks to common issues with its engine, transmission, brakes, electronics, etc. These are items you’ll have to pay a pretty penny to repair.

On the other hand, the 2022 Kia Telluride is virtually unproblematic. With the highest overall predicted reliability, the model has only been around since 2020. In the past few model years, it hasn’t had any reliability issues. Although maybe it’s too soon to know, the 2022 Telluride should be very reliable.

2022 Ascent isn’t as well-equipped for the price as the 2022 Telluride

The second reason to buy a 2022 Kia Telluride instead of a 2022 Subaru Ascent is that you’ll get more equipment for the price. Despite very similar starting prices, the Telluride comes with more. For example, the $34,685 Telluride LX base model comes with a 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, simulated leather, dual-zone and rear passenger automatic climate control, plus advanced driver aids. Items like adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitor, forward collision mitigation, and lane-keeping assist

Comparatively, the 2022 Ascent Base model starts at $33,970, which is only slightly cheaper. Like the Telluride, it comes with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, adaptive cruise control, and a lane-keeping system. However, the infotainment screen is 6.5-inches without navigation or touchscreen capability. Additionally, higher trims are required for upgraded upholstery inside, and the same goes for automatic climate control. Overall, the Telluride is more well-equipped out of the gate.

Kia Telluride has a more powerful engine than the Subaru Ascent

Thirdly, buy a 2022 Kia Telluride instead of a 2022 Subaru Ascent because these three-row SUVs come with a single-engine choice. However, one is a better option than the other. Firstly, the 2022 Kia Telluride comes with a 3.8-liter V6 producing 291 horsepower. From top to bottom, every Telluride model comes with the same engine, and it provides plenty of power and a comfortable ride. Although the 2022 Subaru Ascent also rides smoothly and comfortably, the engine isn’t quite as powerful. Each model comes equipped with a 260-horsepower 2.4-liter four-cylinder turbo engine.

We know what you’re thinking, “that’s fine; the Ascent will get better gas mileage.” Although you aren’t wrong, the difference is so minimal it will be unnoticeable to owners. The Ascent gets 14 city and 32 highway mpg for a combined 22 mpg. Contrarily, the Telluride gets 14/30 city/highway for 21 mpg combined. In short, Kia owners get 31 extra horsepower and barely lose one mpg.

2022 Subaru Ascent almost drives as well as the 2022 Kia Telluride

The final reason to buy a 2022 Kia Telluride instead of a 2022 Subaru Ascent is how well they drive. According to Consumer Reports, both of these models drive exceptionally well. CR conducts a road test that consists of different terrains, roads, and much more. In the details, their experts find every little positive and negative of driving each vehicle. Both of these models finished with some of the best road test scores of any model. However, the Kia Telluride scored a bit higher.

One of the negatives about driving the Ascent is its visibility. “The front view is hampered some by thick windshield pillars, but small triangle windows help. The rearmost pillars are quite thick, although the rear window is large,” CR said about its visibility. Alternatively, the publication had very little negative to say about its experience with the three-row Kia SUV. Overall, the Telluride is one of the highest-rated vehicles with just about every reviewer. It’s challenging to find something wrong with it, and it’s the closest we currently have to a perfect SUV.

In conclusion, the 2022 Kia Telluride has advantages over the 2022 Subaru Ascent. It has better reliability ratings, more equipment for the price, a better engine, and outperforms it on the road. These are solid reasons to buy a 2022 Kia Telluride, not a 2022 Subaru Ascent.