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Comparing the Volkswagen Atlas vs. Kia Telluride is natural when you're shopping for a sizable SUV that blends advanced features, striking style, an accommodating interior, and capable performance. If you've already checked out our Volkswagen Atlas overview, you know this spacious SUV is built for family adventures. Now, the redesigned 2027 Atlas has arrived, and it compares favorably to the Kia Telluride in more ways than one, as you'll discover below.
If you're seeking a family-sized three-row SUV that's stylish, sporty, and enjoyable to drive, our Volkswagen Atlas vs. Kia Telluride guide is designed to help you decide between these two compelling choices. Both offer a unique blend of performance, utility, comfort, safety, and technology, so you'll want to see how these sport-utes stack up in key areas before you decide to buy or lease. Jim Ellis Volkswagen of Kennesaw is here to help with our detailed Atlas vs. Telluride SUV showdown below.
When choosing between the 2027 VW Atlas and the Kia Telluride, the main differences come down to performance, cargo volume, and passenger comfort. The 2027 VW Atlas leads with higher turbocharged horsepower, greater overall cargo space, and more generous third-row legroom for growing families.
| 2027 VW Atlas | 2027 Kia Telluride | |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 2.0L I-4 turbo | 2.5L I-4 turbo |
| Horsepower | 282 | 274 |
| Torque | 258 lb-ft | 311 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic w/ Tiptronic | 8-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | FWD or 4MOTION AWD | FWD or AWD |
| Max Towing Capacity | 5,000 lbs1 | 5,000 lbs2 |
| EPA-Est. MPG (Cty / Hwy) |
|
|
| Seating Capacity | 7 | 7 or 8 |
| Cargo Capacity ( Behind 1st / 2nd / 3rd Row) | 95.4 / 55.9 / 21.2 cu ft | 89.3 / 48.7 / 22.3 cu ft |
| Max Headroom (1st / 2nd / 3rd Row) | 41.3 / 40.4 / 38.3 in | 41.2 / 40.4 / 37.4 in |
| Legroom (1st / 2nd / 3rd Row) | 41.7 / 37.6 / 34.1 in | 41.4 / 43 / 32.1 in |
| Length | 203.1 in | 199.2 in |
| Wheelbase | 117.3 in | 116.9 in |
When you upgrade to the redesigned 2027 Atlas at Jim Ellis Volkswagen of Kennesaw or your local VW dealer, you'll enjoy impressive power, fuel efficiency, and towing capacity. That's because this SUV pairs a robust 2.0-liter turbocharged engine with an eight-speed automatic transmission and available 4MOTION all-wheel drive to deliver 282 horsepower, a maximum tow rating of 5,000 pounds,1 and an EPA-estimated 22/29 MPG (City/Highway)3 when equipped with FWD.
Front-wheel drive comes standard, but many drivers seek the added control and confidence of the advanced Volkswagen 4MOTION AWD system when looking for their ideal family-ready adventure SUV.
Likewise, the Kia Telluride has standard front-wheel drive or optional AWD with its 2.5-liter turbo engine. Because some Telluride models limit your choice (like the FWD-only LX trim), we've aligned our comparison around mid-tier configurations. Starting with the SE Volkswagen Atlas trim level and comparing it directly to the Telluride S ensures an even match, since both offer available AWD.
The Telluride S trails the VW Atlas SE in both horsepower and fuel economy, topping out at 274 horsepower and an EPA-estimated 20/26 MPG (City/Highway).5 For peak power and gas mileage when comparing the Kia Telluride vs. Volkswagen Atlas, opt for the latter at your local VW dealer.
Any proper Volkswagen Atlas vs. Kia Telluride comparison must cover the differences in cargo volume, seating capacity, and overall size of these dueling sport-utes. Luckily for SUV buyers, the comparison is fairly straightforward: one model excels, while the other falls behind in the dimensions that matter most.
The 2027 VW Atlas tops the Telluride in a range of exterior and interior measurements and capacities. Opt for the Atlas to enjoy more space in the following areas:
Thanks to its roomy, inviting interior fit for up to seven occupants and its 95.4 cubic feet of maximum cargo capacity (compared to just 89.3 cubic feet in the Telluride), the Atlas is the more accommodating choice for both passenger comfort and cargo-hauling capabilities.
Though both are midsize, three-row SUVs, the Atlas offers a larger footprint inside and out, spanning 203.1 inches in length compared to 199.2 inches for the Telluride.
Both of these sizable SUVs have been recently redesigned to deliver what drivers and families want: more capability, comfort, and tech. We've already covered some of the interior advantages of the Atlas, like its roomier three-row cabin, but how do these models stack up in terms of technology? Let's have a look.
Every new Telluride gets a 12.3-inch touchscreen display, while the 2027 Atlas gives SUV shoppers a choice of a larger 12.9-inch touchscreen or an even more sizable 15-inch center display. The customizable Volkswagen Digital Cockpit Pro is a digital instrument cluster that puts you in control with personalized options to display full-screen navigation maps, driver-assist features, and more.
Both SUVs come with a strong lineup of standard safety and driver-assistance technologies. However, the redesigned 2027 VW Atlas might be the more impressive offering once again, as it brings systems like:
The Telluride also brings plenty of driver aids and safety technologies, but some require an upgrade to a pricier trim. The Telluride S does have the following systems, though:
If you feel compelled to treat your family to the more spacious and powerful VW SUV after following our comparison guide, view our extensive Volkswagen Atlas inventory and schedule a test spin. We're confident that once you get behind the wheel of the redesigned Atlas, you'll fully appreciate the advantages it presents.
Better yet, see our Volkswagen Atlas specials as you shop for your ideal next SUV, so you can enjoy enticing incentives when you upgrade.
Our knowledgeable VW sales professionals are here, eager to assist you online, over the phone, or in person with your SUV search and acquisition.
The 2027 Volkswagen Atlas is bigger than the 2027 Kia Telluride. The recently redesigned Atlas SUV measures 203.1 inches long, with a 117.3-inch wheelbase. Its closest Kia competitor, the Telluride, is slightly smaller, measuring 199.2 inches in total length with a 116.9-inch wheelbase.
When comparing the Kia Telluride vs. VW Atlas cargo space, the 2027 Atlas has more room behind the first and second rows. The Atlas offers 95.4 cubic feet of maximum cargo capacity (or 55.9 cubic feet behind the second row), compared with the 89.3 cubic feet (or 48.7 cubic feet behind the second row) for the Telluride.
The Volkswagen Atlas has the edge in horsepower, with this VW SUV producing more output than its Kia rival. The 2027 Atlas produces 282 horsepower from its turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder, beating the larger 2.5-liter turbo engine of the Telluride, which delivers only 274 horsepower.
Whether you're transporting passengers in the third row or folding those seats to carry more cargo, the VW Atlas offers more third-row space than the Kia Telluride. The Atlas presents an extra 2 inches of third-row legroom (34.1 inches vs. 32.1 inches), along with substantially more cargo volume behind its second row than the Telluride.
No, the redesigned 2027 Volkswagen Atlas is not available as a hybrid. However, with its robust power and impressive fuel efficiency, the Atlas lineup doesn't need a complex hybrid system to provide the all-around performance you want in a family-sized SUV. For instance, Atlas AWD models earn up to an EPA-estimated 20/27 MPG (City/Highway)4
1Maximum tow rating when properly equipped with towing accessories. Vehicle load, other accessories and options may reduce maximum towing capacity. See vehicle owner's manual for details.
2Towing requires additional equipment. See Owner's Manual for towing capacity, additional instructions and warnings. Always use caution while towing.
322 city/29 highway mpg (2027 Atlas 2.0-liter turbo, eight-speed automatic, FWD). EPA estimates. Your mileage will vary and depends on several factors, including your driving habits and vehicle condition.
420 city/27 highway mpg (2027 Atlas 2.0-liter turbo, eight-speed automatic, AWD). EPA estimates. Your mileage will vary and depends on several factors, including your driving habits and vehicle condition.
5Based on EPA estimates. Actual mileage will vary with options, driving conditions, driving habits and your vehicle's condition. See https://www.fueleconomy.gov.
