Page 40 - Motor Trend (May 2020)

THE BIG TEST I 3-Row SUVs

LAYOUT, KIA TELLURIDE

68.9”

67.2” 67.6” 114.2”
78.3” 196.9”

delivers 260 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque,
2020 Kia Telluride
and it’s the only three-row SUV in this Positioning the
USB ports on the
HEADROOM, F/M/R 39.5/38.8/37.8 in group that carries a CVT. But that’s not
Kia’s seat backs
LEGROOM, F/M/R 44.1/42.4/31.4 in necessarily a bad thing; the transmission allows second-
SHOULDER ROOM, F/M/R 61.6/59.9/55.3 in and the engine work very well together, row passengers
to sit in a normal
CARGO VOLUME BEHIND 87.0/46.0/21.0 cu ft delivering power to the wheels with little position when
F/M/R lag. And just like we’ve experienced with their phones are
charging.
CURB WEIGHT; DIST, F/R 4,510 lb; 55/45% the newest Subarus, ride and handling are
GROUND CLEARANCE 8.0 in some of the Ascent’s best traits. Walton
APPROACH/DEPART ANGLE 17.0/20.9 deg complimented its sporty-for-the-segment
ride, and Yekikian noted its composure not to drive the Atlas home that night.
TURNING CIRCLE 38.8 ft
and stability at high speeds. Although the Rechtin noted more head toss than in
TOWING CAPACITY 5,000 lb
Ascent won’t raise your eyebrows for how other SUVs, and every judge commented
complete and utter lack of steering feel.” quick it is, Rechtin said its acceleration felt on the lack of steering feel. “The lack of
Despite the harsh comments on the quicker than what its 0–60 time indicated. engineering excellence, quality, attention
powertrain, we applauded the Highland- If speed is your priority, the Volkswagen to detail, and design—all hallmarks of
er’s suspension, which delivered a smooth Atlas is not for you. It took 7.8 seconds to global VW products like the Golf—are
ride even through the tumbling, slow- get to 60 mph—1.6 seconds behind the truly galling in the American Atlas,”
motion landslide of Portuguese Bend. Pilot. Its 3.6-liter V-6 produces 276 hp and Seabaugh said.
The Subaru Ascent delivers lots of 266 lb-ft of torque, but it doesn’t get along With its 2.3-liter turbo-four engine
low-end torque, and its chassis tuning with its jerky eight-speed gearbox. Then coupled to a 10-speed automatic, the
stood out during our road test. With a there’s its ride—Yekikian felt carsick after Ford Explorer makes 300 hp and 310 lb-ft
2.4-liter turbo-four engine, the Ascent he finished the 50-minute loop and begged of torque. Ford offered us an Explorer

40 MOTORTREND.COM MAY 2020