The 2023 Ascent comes standard with a 2.4L turbocharged SUBARU BOXER engine that's capable of generating up to 260 horsepower. It doesn't have any other available engine options, and it's tethered exclusively to Subaru's high-torque Lineartronic CVT. The Kia Telluride also features just one powertrain, a 3.8L V6 Atkinson Cycle that can generate up to 291 horsepower. While that does mean a bit of extra power, it comes tethered to an 8-speed automatic transmission rather than a CVT like the Ascent.

When it comes to technical specifications that you care about, power is important, but you're probably more concerned with fuel economy ratings - especially in larger crossovers like these two. The Ascent manages to achieve up to 20 miles per gallon through the city and 26 mpg on the highway, and the Telluride actually has the exact same ratings when equipped with its front-wheel drive system. Those numbers do get bumped down to 19/24 mpg with the AWD, which the Ascent comes with standard.

Space is hugely important in utility vehicles, especially - once again - ones the size of these two. You probably wouldn't be looking at a vehicle in this segment if you didn't need space for passengers and cargo. The Ascent offers 17.8 cubic feet of space behind its rear seats and up to 75.6 cu. Ft. with the seats folded flat. Unfortunately, the Telluride does offer slightly more space, with 21 and 87 cu. ft. of space respectively. However, the Ascent more than makes up for that with tons of great content, such as EyeSight.