Subaru Forester vs. Kia Telluride
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Subaru Forester and Kia Telluride contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the Subaru Forester and the Kia Telluride.
When comparing the Subaru Forester's and the Kia Telluride's specifications and ratings, the Subaru Forester has the advantage in the areas of new vehicle base pricing, typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, and fuel efficiency and resale value. The Kia Telluride has the advantage in the areas of interior volume and base engine power. Based on this comparison of the Subaru Forester's and the Kia Telluride's specifications and ratings, the Subaru Forester is a better car than the Kia Telluride.
Pricing: A used 2025 Subaru Forester ranges from $28,888 to $38,988 while a used 2025 Kia Telluride is priced between $37,995 to $54,695. For a new model, the Subaru Forester's price is between $31,888 and $43,559, with the Kia Telluride priced between $39,299 and $55,243.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Subaru Forester loses 37.2 percent of its value and the Kia Telluride loses 48.8 percent of its value. This means the Subaru Forester retains 11.6 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Kia Telluride.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Subaru Forester’s base engine makes 180 horsepower, and the Kia Telluride base engine makes 291 horsepower. The Forester is rated to deliver an average of 29 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 548 miles. The Telluride is rated to deliver an average of 22 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 489 miles. This gives the Subaru Forester the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the Kia Telluride. Both models use regular unleaded.
Passenger Space Comparison: The Kia Telluride, a crossover/midsize SUV, has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front shoulder room, rear head room, rear shoulder room and rear leg room. The Subaru Forester, a crossover/compact SUV, has the advantage in the areas of front head room, front leg room and cargo space.
Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, both the Subaru Forester and the Kia Telluride have the same average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
31888 - 43559
Starting MSRP:
29995
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Compact SUVs)
28836
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Compact SUVs)
24135 - 30995
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
39299 - 55243
Starting MSRP:
36390
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize SUVs)
38382
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
31990 - 43000
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
33852
Price Range:
28888 - 38988
Category Avg Price:
(Compact SUVs)
32106
Category Avg Price Range:
(Compact SUVs)
28107 - 36583
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
10218
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
837
# Good or Great Deals:
330
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
46049
Price Range:
37995 - 54695
Category Avg Price:
(Midsize SUVs)
45804
Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
36966 - 59949
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
# Good or Great Deals:
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
Depreciation %:
Resale Value $:
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Compact SUVs)
0.43208374
Category Depreciation Range:
(Compact SUVs)
0.30791758 - 0.51647538
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
17879
Depreciation %:
0.49132905
Resale Value $:
18511
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Midsize SUVs)
0.48432299
Category Depreciation Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
0.30530799 - 0.56163117
Subaru Forester Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.6 / 10
Reliability:
8.0 / 10
Retained Value:
8.7 / 10
Safety:
9.0 / 10
Kia Telluride Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
Not available
Reliability:
Not available
Retained Value:
7.9 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Subaru Forester
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
14.2
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Compact SUVs)
11.3
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Compact SUVs)
9.6 - 15.7
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0.208
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Kia Telluride
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Midsize SUVs)
10.9
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
8.7 - 16.6
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
14.991300032850205
Typical Category Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)
2.6
Category Range for Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)
1.6 - 16.1
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
2.859003636172632
Typical Category Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
2.9
Category Range for Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
1.5 - 39.2
Subaru Forester Rankings
Ranking
2 out of / 19Ranking
2 out of / 19Ranking
2 out of / 19Ranking
2 out of / 13Ranking
3 out of / 67Ranking
3 out of / 20Ranking
3 out of / 19Ranking
3 out of / 13Ranking
4 out of / 67Ranking
4 out of / 20Ranking
4 out of / 19Ranking
4 out of / 19Ranking
4 out of / 19Ranking
4 out of / 18Ranking
5 out of / 19Ranking
5 out of / 19Ranking
5 out of / 7Ranking
6 out of / 67Ranking
6 out of / 9Ranking
7 out of / 56Ranking
7 out of / 19Ranking
8 out of / 67Ranking
8 out of / 67Ranking
8 out of / 67Ranking
9 out of / 67Ranking
13 out of / 19Ranking
13 out of / 19Ranking
14 out of / 67Ranking
14 out of / 67Ranking
14 out of / 18Ranking
24 out of / 67Ranking
25 out of / 67Ranking
26 out of / 56Ranking
32 out of / 67Ranking
47 out of / 67Kia Telluride Rankings
Ranking
2 out of / 67Ranking
3 out of / 32Ranking
4 out of / 34Ranking
4 out of / 32Ranking
6 out of / 67Ranking
6 out of / 34Ranking
6 out of / 30Ranking
6 out of / 28Ranking
7 out of / 67Ranking
8 out of / 67Ranking
8 out of / 32Ranking
10 out of / 32Ranking
10 out of / 32Ranking
11 out of / 67Ranking
12 out of / 34Ranking
12 out of / 34Ranking
15 out of / 32Ranking
16 out of / 67Ranking
17 out of / 34Ranking
17 out of / 32Ranking
18 out of / 34Ranking
18 out of / 32Ranking
19 out of / 32Ranking
20 out of / 34Ranking
20 out of / 34Ranking
23 out of / 34Ranking
27 out of / 67Ranking
36 out of / 56Ranking
43 out of / 67Ranking
50 out of / 67Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline, Hybrid
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Subaru Forester Trim Levels
Base, Limited, Premium, Sport, Touring, Wilderness
Kia Telluride Trim Levels
EX, EX X-Line, EX X-Pro, LX, S, SX, SX X-Line, SX-Prestige, SX-Prestige X-Line, SX-Prestige X-Pro
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
10 years / 100000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
5 years / 60000 miles
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
180 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque:
178 foot-lbs @ 3700 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.051 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
291 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque:
262 foot-lbs @ 5200 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.070 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2.5 liters
Engine Configuration:
Flat/Horizontally Opposed
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT Automatic)
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
26 / 33 / 29
Range (city/hwy):
432 / 548 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
3.8 liters
Engine Configuration:
V
Number of Cylinders:
6
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
20 / 26 / 22
Range (city/hwy):
376 / 489 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Internet Radio:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Keyless Ignition:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Paddle Shifters:
Available
Power Lift Gate:
Available
Roadside assistance:
Available
Roof Rack:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Wifi:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Internet Radio:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Navigation System:
Standard
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Power Lift Gate:
Available
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Roof Rack:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Wifi:
Standard
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
Available
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Quad Seats:
Available
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Available
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
41.2 inches
Front Leg Room:
43.3 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
57.7 inches
Rear Head Room:
39.6 inches
Rear Leg Room:
39.4 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
56.7 inches
Cargo Space:
29.6 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
74.4 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
140.4 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
40.9 inches
Front Leg Room:
41.4 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
61.6 inches
Rear Head Room:
40.2 inches
Rear Leg Room:
42.4 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
61.2 inches
Cargo Space:
21 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
87 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
199.1 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3510 lbs
Width:
81.2 inches
Height:
68.1 inches
Length:
183.3 inches
Wheelbase:
105.1 inches
Ground Clearance:
8.7 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
4134 lbs
Width:
78.3 inches
Height:
68.9 inches
Length:
196.9 inches
Wheelbase:
114.2 inches
Ground Clearance:
8 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
17.0 inches
Wheel Type:
painted aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
225/60R17
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
18.0 x 7.5 inches
Wheel Type:
painted aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
P245/60R18
Exterior Colors
Blue
Horizon Blue Pearl
Gray
Magnetite Gray Metallic
Red
Crimson Red Pearl
White
Crystal White Pearl
Black
Not available
Silver
Not available
Exterior Colors
Blue
Not available
Gray
Not available
Red
Not available
White
Glacial White Pearl
Black
Ebony Black
Silver
Everlasting Silver / Panthera Metal
Interior Colors
Gray
Gray
Black
Not available
Interior Colors
Gray
Not available
Black
Black
