Subaru Crosstrek vs Kia Telluride

It is hard to believe that the little Subaru Crosstrek has been with us for 11 years, but here we are, looking at the 2024 model. It has come a long way since 2013, and in its third generation, we benefit from multiple engine options, a dazzling touchscreen, upgraded safety features, and a new Wilderness trim level that increases the tough little SUV's capability off-road. And, because this is Subaru, you can bet that it comes standard with symmetrical all-wheel drive (AWD).

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Family-friendly, midsize three-row SUVs are a favorite of Americans, and nearly every mainstream car company offers one. Kia has three, and the Telluride is the largest of its gas-powered models (the electric-only EV9 is slightly larger). The Telluride debuted in 2020 to critical acclaim and commercial success, and since then has received several updates but not a redesign. We took a 2025 Kia Telluride on a 1,200-mile family road trip to Northern California and Yosemite, and remain impressed with this stylish and capable Kia.

Verdict: Aging technology caused some irritation during a five-day road trip in the 2025 Kia Telluride. Otherwise, the Telluride was perfectly suited to long-distance travel–whether rolling down an Interstate, roaming a major city, or romping down trails near a national park.