Off-Road Tested: Kia Telluride X-Pro vs. Subaru Forester Wilderness vs. Ford Bronco
The popularity of off-road and soft-road driving has grown in recent years, and automakers have responded by adding packages to their everyday vehicles that make them appear more capable when the road runs out. But how do these rugged-looking SUVs actually perform in real-world off-road scenarios? Edmunds conducted a test between the Kia Telluride X-Pro, the Subaru Forester Wilderness, and the Ford Bronco to find out.
Test Scenarios
Edmunds took the trio of SUVs out to five different test scenarios to evaluate their off-road capabilities. These scenarios included a sand wash, a concrete stepped obstacle, a trail with undulating dirt waves, an uphill climb with big ruts, and a steeper but smoother climb.
Sand Wash and Concrete Stepped Obstacle
In the first test, all three SUVs performed quite similarly. The Bronco, Telluride, and Forester had little issue managing power and braking on a dirt surface. However, when it came to climbing a short concrete step pyramid, the roads diverged. The Bronco easily climbed three or more steps without a problem, while the Forester could only manage two steps. The Kia Telluride, with its terrible approach angle, couldn’t even climb one step.
Undulating Dirt Waves and Uphill Climb with Big Ruts
The undulating dirt waves course, also known as “the whoops,” demonstrated another significant difference between the vehicles. The Bronco effortlessly sailed over the waves thanks to its big tires, great approach and departure angles, and long-travel suspension. On the other hand, both the Kia and Subaru had to navigate the course much slower to ensure safety.
The uphill course with big ruts further separated these three SUVs. The Bronco easily tackled the hill as if it were paved, while the Subaru managed to climb it with some wheel spin but eventually found its footing. However, the Kia Telluride failed this test completely. Regardless of the mode it was in, the Telluride couldn’t find enough traction to ascend the hill. None of its on-board systems seemed to help, forcing it to retreat and take on the final test.
Final Test: Putting Down Power on Smooth Ground
The final test involved putting down power on smooth ground, and all three SUVs passed this test without issue. They were able to climb a very steep hill effortlessly. The testers noted that the ruts in the previous test were likely the only thing that stopped the Kia, as it struggled to gain traction throughout the whole climb. However, on smooth ground, all three vehicles showcased their power and capability.
Real-World Application
Despite their off-road capabilities, Edmunds points out that the majority of buyers in the market for these SUVs aren’t actually going off-road. In the rare cases that they do venture off-road, all three vehicles are likely to get most people where they plan to go, albeit at a slower pace for the Subaru and Kia.
Conclusion
The off-road test between the Kia Telluride X-Pro, Subaru Forester Wilderness, and Ford Bronco revealed distinct differences in their capabilities. While the Kia and Subaru may be more style than substance when it comes to off-roading, they still have enough capability to handle mild off-road scenarios. On the other hand, the Ford Bronco proved to be a true off-roader with its impressive performance in all test scenarios.
Ultimately, it’s important for buyers to consider their actual off-road needs before opting for a rugged-looking SUV. For those who rarely venture off-road, the Kia and Subaru will suffice. However, for enthusiasts seeking a genuine off-road experience, the Ford Bronco is the clear winner.
Image Credit: Edmunds