Subaru ascent vs kia carnival: the ultimate battle for family adventure
What To Know
- In the realm of spacious and versatile 3-row SUVs, the Subaru Ascent and Kia Carnival stand out as formidable contenders.
- In terms of performance, the Carnival has a slight edge over the Ascent, offering quicker acceleration and a smoother ride.
- The Carnival comes with a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, while the Ascent has a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty.
In the realm of spacious and versatile 3-row SUVs, the Subaru Ascent and Kia Carnival stand out as formidable contenders. Both vehicles offer a compelling blend of comfort, performance, and family-friendly features. But which one emerges as the ultimate choice for discerning drivers? This comprehensive comparison will delve into the key aspects of the Subaru Ascent vs Kia Carnival to help you make an informed decision.
Space and Comfort
Both the Ascent and Carnival offer ample seating for up to eight passengers. The Ascent features a spacious cabin with generous headroom and legroom in all rows. Its captain’s chairs in the second row provide added comfort and privacy.
The Carnival, on the other hand, boasts a cavernous interior with sliding second-row seats that allow for flexible seating arrangements. Its third-row seats also offer ample legroom and fold flat to create a massive cargo area.
Power and Performance
The Subaru Ascent is powered by a 2.4-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that produces 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. It comes standard with all-wheel drive and a continuously variable transmission (CVT).
The Kia Carnival is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 290 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. It also comes standard with all-wheel drive, but it offers an 8-speed automatic transmission.
In terms of performance, the Carnival has a slight edge over the Ascent, offering quicker acceleration and a smoother ride. However, the Ascent’s superior off-road capabilities make it more suitable for adventuresome families.
Safety and Technology
Both the Ascent and Carnival come equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control.
The Ascent, however, boasts a higher NHTSA safety rating and offers additional driver assistance features such as blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.
In terms of technology, the Carnival features a larger touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. It also offers a premium sound system and a rear-seat entertainment system.
Fuel Efficiency
The Subaru Ascent has a slightly better fuel economy than the Kia Carnival. The Ascent is rated at 21 mpg combined, while the Carnival is rated at 19 mpg combined.
Towing Capacity
The Kia Carnival has a higher towing capacity than the Subaru Ascent. The Carnival can tow up to 3,500 pounds, while the Ascent can tow up to 2,750 pounds.
Price
The Subaru Ascent and Kia Carnival are priced similarly. The Ascent starts at around $33,000, while the Carnival starts at around $32,000.
Which Should You Choose?
Ultimately, the choice between the Subaru Ascent and Kia Carnival depends on your individual needs and preferences.
If you prioritize space, comfort, and towing capacity, the Kia Carnival is an excellent choice. Its cavernous interior and powerful engine make it ideal for large families and those who frequently haul heavy loads.
If you prioritize fuel efficiency, off-road capabilities, and safety features, the Subaru Ascent is a more suitable option. Its turbocharged engine provides ample power while its all-wheel drive and advanced safety systems offer peace of mind for adventure-seeking families.
Frequently Discussed Topics
Q: Which vehicle has a better warranty?
A: The Kia Carnival offers a longer warranty than the Subaru Ascent. The Carnival comes with a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, while the Ascent has a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty.
Q: Which vehicle is better for off-roading?
A: The Subaru Ascent is better for off-roading than the Kia Carnival. The Ascent features standard all-wheel drive and a higher ground clearance, making it more capable of handling rough terrain.
Q: Which vehicle has more cargo space?
A: The Kia Carnival has more cargo space than the Subaru Ascent. With the third row of seats folded down, the Carnival offers 40.2 cubic feet of cargo space, while the Ascent offers 33.5 cubic feet.