With over two decades of experience right here in the Missouri car market, I’ve helped thousands of Sunset Hills families find vehicles that last. My philosophy is simple: a car should adapt to your life, not the other way around. I’ve watched the Subaru brand grow from a niche all-wheel-drive specialist into a powerhouse of family safety and longevity.

I’ve spent 20 years listening to moms and dads talk about what keeps them up at night—reliability, safety ratings, and resale value. In my time, I’ve seen how Subaru engines are built for the long haul, often staying on the road well past the 200,000-mile mark. If you have questions about which trim fits your budget, feel free to Call us at (314) 476-9638 and ask for me personally.

In St. Louis, we experience all four seasons—sometimes in a single week. When the freezing rain hits Watson Road, the difference between Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and the Kia Telluride’s on-demand system becomes immediately apparent. Subaru’s system is always engaged, sending power to all four wheels simultaneously. This provides an inherent balance and immediate traction that simply can’t be matched by systems that ‘wait’ for wheel slip to occur.

The Kia Telluride typically operates as a front-wheel-drive vehicle until sensors detect a loss of traction. While this is fine for dry pavement, that split-second delay when you’re trying to merge onto a slick I-44 ramp can be nerve-wracking. In the Ascent, the power is already there, keeping you planted and confident.

Furthermore, the Ascent’s Boxer engine sits lower in the chassis, creating a lower center of gravity. This mechanical advantage helps the Ascent feel more car-like and stable during quick lane changes, whereas the Telluride’s taller V6 configuration can lead to more body roll. For Sunset Hills families navigating the winding backroads near Laumeier Sculpture Park, the Ascent offers a level of composure that the Kia struggles to replicate.

Don’t just take my word for it—if you’re driving an older vehicle that struggles in the winter, now is the time to Get your value trade and upgrade to the confidence of a Subaru.

The 2026 Ascent features the latest version of EyeSight Driver Assist Technology. Unlike Kia’s radar-heavy system, EyeSight uses dual color cameras to act as a second pair of eyes, monitoring traffic movement and optimizing cruise control. It’s exceptionally smooth during school drop-offs at Lindbergh Schools.

Subaru’s high-tensile steel reinforcement frame is legendary. It’s designed to divert crash energy away from the passenger cabin. While the Kia Drive Wise system is impressive, the physical structural integrity of the Ascent provides a passive safety net that few in the class can touch.

Subaru designs their pillars to be thin and their glass to be expansive. When you’re backing out of a busy driveway in Sunset Hills, you’ll notice the Ascent has far fewer blind spots than the stylishly high-belted Kia Telluride.

Let’s talk about the ‘Costco Test.’ If you’re heading to the South County Costco on a Saturday, you need a vehicle that can handle a massive haul without breaking a sweat. The 2026 Ascent offers up to 76 cubic feet of cargo space with the seats down, but it’s the little details that matter.

With 19 cupholders, every passenger—from the toddler in the car seat to the teenager in the third row—has a place for their hydration. The available StarTex® water-repellent upholstery is a game-changer for Missouri families with muddy dogs or spill-prone kids. It’s durable, easy to wipe down, and doesn’t get as hot as the Kia’s leatherette in our humid St. Louis summers. To get a head start on your purchase, you can Contact us to discuss financing options right from your phone.

Subaru keeps physical knobs for volume and tuning, and hard buttons for climate control. When you’re driving 65mph on I-270, you don’t want to be digging through three screen menus to turn down the heat.

The vertical orientation of the Subaru Starlink screen mimics a smartphone, making it intuitive for navigation. It supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto across all trims, keeping your cockpit wire-free.

The Ascent’s available DriverFocus Distraction Mitigation System is like having a co-pilot. It alerts you if you’re looking away from the road too long—a safety feature that puts the Ascent miles ahead of the Kia.

Missouri roads can be harsh. Between the road salt in winter and the pothole season in spring, your SUV needs a robust maintenance plan. One of the biggest advantages of choosing the Ascent is the proximity of our world-class service center. We aren’t just a dealership; we are your partners in vehicle longevity.

Because Subarus share many mechanical components across their lineup, we keep a vast inventory of genuine parts in stock. If you ever need a repair, you won’t be waiting weeks for a component to ship from overseas. We make it easy to keep your car in top shape; you can Schedule Service and Diagnostics online in seconds. Don’t forget to check our Current Service and Parts Specials before you visit.

One of the best ways to lower your monthly payment is to leverage the equity in your current vehicle. Our trade-in tool provides a transparent, fair-market offer in minutes. Get your value trade today and see how much you can put toward your new Ascent.

At Sunset Hills Subaru, we work with a wide network of lenders to find the best rates for our Missouri neighbors. Whether you have perfect credit or are rebuilding, our team is here to help. Contact us to discuss financing options and walk into the showroom with confidence.

We live and work where you do. We know the local schools, the local traffic patterns, and the local weather. That expertise is built into every recommendation we make.

Our technicians are Subaru-certified, meaning they know your Ascent better than anyone. From oil changes to major repairs, we do it right the first time.

We believe in giving back to Sunset Hills. Through the Subaru Love Promise, we support local charities and organizations that make St. Louis a better place.