Three-row SUV comparison · Delray Beach, Florida
2027 Ascent or 2027 Telluride: which three-row SUV fits you?
The 2027 Ascent is the stronger shortlist choice for shoppers who want seven- or eight-passenger seating, standard all-wheel drive, 8.7 inches of ground clearance, and up to 22 combined AWD MPG at a lower manufacturer-published starting MSRP than an AWD Telluride. The redesigned 2027 Telluride may suit drivers who prefer more gas-engine output, an eight-speed automatic, a larger standard center display, or its newly available hybrid powertrain. Compare the exact seating layout and drivetrain you would buy because the Telluride's passenger capacity and AWD availability change by trim.
Which three-row SUV belongs on your shortlist?
Choose the 2027 Ascent if you prioritize:
- Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and standard X-MODE on every trim
- A choice of seven or eight seats at the same Premium-trim starting MSRP
- 8.7 inches of ground clearance and up to 22 combined AWD MPG
- A lower starting MSRP than any AWD 2027 Telluride
Choose the 2027 Telluride if you prioritize:
- 274 horsepower, 311 lb-ft of torque, and an eight-speed automatic in the gas model
- A standard 12.3-inch center display across the gas lineup
- A newly available hybrid powertrain in addition to the gas lineup
- The X-Pro model's 9.1 inches of clearance and trail-focused equipment at a higher trim and price
Eight-passenger AWD models: a like-for-like comparison
These figures apply to the exact gas configurations named in the column headers. The Telluride EX AWD is the first 2027 gas Telluride configuration that combines eight-passenger seating with AWD.
| Decision point | 2027 Subaru Ascent Premium 8-Passenger 2.4L turbo / CVT / AWD | 2027 Kia Telluride EX 2.5L turbo / 8-speed automatic / AWD |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP before destination | $40,795 | $45,790 |
| Engine output | 260 hp / 277 lb-ft | 274 hp / 311 lb-ft |
| Transmission | Lineartronic continuously variable transmission | 8-speed automatic |
| Seating | 8 passengers; second-row bench | 8 passengers; second-row bench |
| EPA-estimated MPG, city / highway / combined | 19 / 26 / 22 | 18 / 24 / 20 |
| Ground clearance | 8.7 inches | 7.4 inches |
| Maximum towing capacity | 5,000 pounds | 5,000 pounds |
| Standard center display | 11.6-inch Subaru Multimedia touchscreen | 12.3-inch display with navigation |
Manufacturer-published starting MSRPs exclude destination, taxes, title, license, options, and other charges. Kia lists a $1,545 destination charge for the 2027 Telluride. Dealer selling prices vary. EPA estimates are for comparison; actual mileage varies. Schumacher Subaru of Delray can provide itemized pricing for an exact Ascent; we do not quote or verify dealer pricing, incentives, or payments for Kia vehicles.
How much does all-wheel drive change the comparison?
Every 2027 Ascent includes Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. The Premium 7-Passenger and Premium 8-Passenger both start at $40,795 before destination. Kia's $39,190 entry price applies to the eight-passenger Telluride LX with front-wheel drive; AWD is not offered on that trim.
A seven-passenger Telluride S AWD starts at $44,090. For eight-passenger seating with AWD, the Telluride EX AWD starts at $45,790. That makes the Ascent Premium especially relevant for a household that wants AWD without moving into a higher-priced seating configuration. Compare equipment as well as the $4,995 MSRP difference between the two eight-passenger AWD models in the table.
Power, efficiency, and the hybrid question
The gas Telluride has the higher published output: 274 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque, compared with 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft in the Ascent. It also uses a conventional eight-speed automatic. The Ascent Premium AWD counters with higher official fuel-economy estimates: 19 city, 26 highway, and 22 combined MPG versus 18 city, 24 highway, and 20 combined for Telluride S or EX AWD.
Kia also offers a separate 2027 Telluride Hybrid lineup. The 2027 Ascent lineup is gasoline-only. A hybrid shopper should compare the Telluride Hybrid as its own configuration rather than applying its output, fuel economy, price, or equipment to the gas Telluride in this table. Drivers who prefer the Ascent's standard AWD layout, clearance, seating value, and Subaru controls should evaluate those qualities on an actual drive.
Seven seats, eight seats, and the space your family uses
Ascent lets Premium shoppers choose a seven-passenger layout with second-row captain's chairs or an eight-passenger layout with a second-row bench at the same starting MSRP. Telluride seating is tied more closely to trim: LX and EX use eight-passenger bench seating, while S, SX, X-Line, X-Pro, and SX-Prestige configurations use seven-passenger captain's chairs.
The Telluride is longer and wider on paper and Kia publishes 22.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind its third row. Subaru publishes up to 75.6 cubic feet behind the first row for Ascent Premium. Those are different loading conditions, so do not treat them as a direct comparison. Keep every seat you normally use upright, then load a stroller, beach gear, luggage, sports bags, or pet equipment before deciding.
Ground clearance, towing, and South Florida driving
Ascent provides 8.7 inches of ground clearance on every trim, along with standard X-MODE and Hill Descent Control. Most gas Telluride trims have 7.4 inches of clearance; X-Pro models increase that to 9.1 inches and add trail-focused equipment at a higher price. Both of the eight-passenger AWD models in the table have a published maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds when properly equipped.
For everyday South Florida use, compare outward visibility, parking dimensions, climate controls, third-row access, and ride quality instead of choosing from off-road numbers alone. AWD can help distribute power when traction changes, but it cannot make standing or moving floodwater safe. Avoid flooded roads and follow official closures during heavy rain.
Comfort and technology: compare the exact trim
Ascent Premium includes an 11.6-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, StarTex upholstery, an eight-way power driver's seat, a power rear gate, Blind-Spot Detection, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, and Reverse Automatic Braking.
Telluride EX adds equipment that some shoppers will value, including its 12.3-inch display with navigation, SynTex seating, heated and ventilated front seats, power-adjustable front seats, rear side-window shades, and a hands-free power liftgate. The larger MSRP comparison reflects more than the drivetrain, so sit in both configurations and decide which features you would actually use.
Build a useful three-row SUV test drive in Delray Beach
Shoppers from Delray Beach, Boca Raton, Boynton Beach, and Lake Worth can use one visit to answer the questions that specifications cannot:
- Seat your household in all three rows and let the people who will use the third row test entry, exit, legroom, vents, and device charging.
- Compare the seven- and eight-passenger Ascent layouts before assuming captain's chairs or a bench will work better.
- Check low-speed visibility and parking comfort, then evaluate merging response, transmission behavior, lane-assistance settings, and road noise at normal speeds.
- Ask for itemized Subaru pricing for the exact Ascent year, trim, stock number, accessories, and optional trade you are considering.
Schumacher Subaru of Delray is at 2102 South Federal Highway, Suite C, Delray Beach, FL 33483. Call Sales at 561-760-1512 or contact the team before traveling so vehicle availability and test-drive timing can be confirmed.
Compare the Ascent before choosing your next three-row SUV
Before you choose a Telluride or another three-row SUV, compare the exact year, drivetrain, seating layout, manufacturer-published MSRP, equipment, visibility, passenger access, cargo fit, and controls with the Subaru alternative. Our Delray team can demonstrate an available Ascent and provide itemized pricing for the Subaru we sell. You do not need to own a Kia or have a trade to use this comparison.
2027 Ascent vs. Telluride questions
Which 2027 three-row SUV has standard AWD?
Every 2027 Ascent includes Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. The Telluride LX is front-wheel drive only; AWD is optional on S and EX and standard on X-Line, X-Pro, and SX-Prestige configurations. Telluride SX is front-wheel drive, while X-Line SX and X-Pro SX include AWD.
What is the starting MSRP for an AWD 2027 Ascent or Telluride?
The 2027 Ascent Premium starts at $40,795 before destination with AWD and either seven or eight seats. The least-expensive AWD gas Telluride is the seven-passenger S AWD at $44,090. The eight-passenger Telluride EX AWD starts at $45,790. These are manufacturer-published MSRPs, not dealer selling-price quotes.
Which 2027 SUV has better AWD fuel-economy estimates?
The Ascent Premium AWD is rated at 19 city, 26 highway, and 22 combined MPG. Gas Telluride S and EX AWD models are rated at 18 city, 24 highway, and 20 combined MPG. The Telluride Hybrid uses a different powertrain and should be compared separately. Actual mileage varies.
Can the 2027 Ascent and Telluride seat eight passengers?
Yes, in specific configurations. Ascent Premium and Limited offer eight-passenger second-row bench configurations. The gas Telluride LX and EX use an eight-passenger bench; the other listed gas trims use seven-passenger captain's chairs. Confirm the individual vehicle before visiting.
Does the 2027 Telluride have more power?
The gas Telluride is rated at 274 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque, compared with 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft in the Ascent. The Ascent counters with standard AWD, higher AWD fuel-economy estimates, more standard ground clearance than most Telluride trims, and a lower AWD starting MSRP. Drive an actual Ascent to decide which combination matters more.
Does Schumacher Subaru quote Kia prices?
No. This guide uses current manufacturer-published Kia MSRP and specification information for research. Schumacher Subaru of Delray can provide current inventory and itemized dealer pricing only for the Subaru vehicles it sells. Kia dealer pricing, fees, incentives, availability, and payments require confirmation from a Kia retailer.
Put an available Ascent on your shortlist
Browse available 2027 Ascents or tell our Delray sales team which seating layout, trim, color, and stock number you want to see. An optional trade valuation is available if you are replacing a vehicle, but a trade is not required. Availability changes, and an inquiry does not reserve a vehicle or confirm an appointment.
Continue with the 2027 Subaru Ascent research guide or return to the Subaru vehicle comparison library.
