2025 Volkswagen Atlas Vs. 2025 Kia Telluride: Compare Midsize SUVs

When you're looking to get your family into a new three-row SUV, comparing the Kia Telluride vs. Volkswagen Atlas is the first step to take. They're both newer names to the industry, yet within a decade, they've both shown the rest what a value-packed, massively capable SUV can and should be.

Despite this, the VW Atlas is a longer-running name with several desirable advantages over the Kia Telluride; learn more with this 2025 Kia Telluride comparison, and come by Gunther Volkswagen Daytona Beach to explore the many benefits of a VW Atlas with a test drive.

2025 Kia Telluride vs. Volkswagen Atlas Specs

Volkswagen Atlas vs. Kia Telluride performance specs begin with the Telluride making 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque from its 3.8-liter V-6 engine. The VW Atlas has a smaller but still potent powertrain: a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 269 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque.

Torque can seem like a rather mysterious figure on a vehicle's spec sheet, but in essence, it's the power figure that actually gets you moving and can provide stronger city-road-speed acceleration.

When you compare Kia Telluride vs. Volkswagen Atlas fuel efficiency, you'll find that the numbers are similar. The VW Atlas delivers up to an EPA-estimated 20/26/22 MPG (City/Highway/Combined).¹ The Kia Telluride matches this with its own EPA-estimated 20/26/22 MPG (City/Highway/Combined).²

The 2025 Atlas pulls ahead when you consider an AWD setup, however, netting an EPA-estimated 19/26/21 MPG (City/Highway/Combined) fuel economy rating.³ Choose the Telluride and you get an EPA-estimated 18/23/20 MPG (City/Highway/Combined).²

When comparing Kia Telluride vs. Volkswagen Atlas, their drivetrains include a standard eight-speed automatic transmission and FWD. Both models will have several drive modes and an advanced torque distribution system when equipped with their available AWD layouts.

A base-configuration max towing capacity of 5,000 pounds^4,5 accompanies both SUVs, but the Atlas has standard 12.2-inch vented rear brake rotors for enhanced performance, while the Telluride has 12-inch solid rear brake rotors as standard.

Kia Telluride vs. Volkswagen Atlas Size

Compare Kia Telluride to Volkswagen Atlas SUV models with size and space in mind. This will be your family's on-road home, so having it be a spacious place to relax is crucial to the experience.

Starting with the new Volkswagen Atlas for sale, you'll find an exterior that measures 200.7 inches long, 78.3 inches wide without mirrors, and 70.4 inches tall. The base Kia Telluride has the same width but is 196.9 inches long and 68.9 inches tall. This difference matters a lot on the inside.

The roomier VW Atlas gives you 96.6 cubic feet of maximum cargo volume, while the Kia Telluride only has 87 cubic feet of maximum cargo space. As for Kia Telluride vs. Volkswagen Atlas seat space, third-row passengers in a VW Atlas will get 33.7 inches of legroom, while those in the third row of a Kia Telluride will get 31.4 inches of legroom.

The VW Atlas also has 0.3 inches of extra first-row legroom, 0.4 inches of extra first-row headroom, and 0.2 inches of extra second- and third-row headroom over the Kia Telluride (all without a sunroof).

2025 Kia Telluride LX vs. 2025 VW Atlas SE Comparison Chart

← Drag to scroll →

2025 Kia Telluride LX	vs.	2025 VW Atlas SE
3.8L V-6	Engine	2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder
291	Horsepower	269
262 lb-ft	Torque	273 lb-ft
FWD or AWD	Drivetrain	FWD or AWD
8-speed automatic	Transmission	8-speed automatic
20 / 26 / 222	EPA-Estimated MPG (City / Hwy / Combined)	20 / 26 / 221
5,000 pounds5	Towing Capacity	5,000 pounds4
196.9 in / 78.3 in / 68.9 in	Dimensions (Length / Width / Height)	200.7 in / 78.3 in / 70.4 in
31.4 in / 38.1 in	Third-Row Legroom / Headroom	33.7 in / 38.3 in
87 cu ft	Maximum Cargo Capacity	96.6 cu ft

2025 Volkswagen Atlas vs. 2025 Kia Telluride Features

Our Volkswagen Atlas lease deals offer what drivers want without having to upgrade. To compare the standard Kia Telluride vs. Volkswagen Atlas comfort features, let's start with the VW Atlas SUV's highlights and see if the Kia Telluride has them:

• Climatronic three-zone automatic climate control
• Heated and ventilated front seats
• Eight-way power adjustable driver's seat with power lumbar
• Perforated V-Tex leatherette upholstery
• Leatherette-wrapped heated steering wheel
• Auto-dimming rearview mirror

The base-trim 2025 Kia Telluride LX, meanwhile, has a standard six-way manual adjustable driver's seat. Its steering wheel is not heated, it does not have an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and its front seats have neither heating nor ventilation as standard.

Participating in the Volkswagen Atlas competition is difficult for any other SUV. Moving on to technology, we see the entry-level VW Atlas provides the following:

• 12-inch touchscreen infotainment display
• VW App-Connect (with wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ capability)
• Multicolor VW Digital Cockpit Pro gauge cluster display
• Wireless device charging
• myVW App remote features subscription (includes remote engine start)

The Kia Telluride LX has wired Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ and does not have standard wireless device charging or a fully digital gauge cluster like the VW Digital Cockpit Pro, instead using a 4.2-inch display flanked by analog gauges. Even past years for a used Volkswagen Atlas for sale included a standard fully digital gauge cluster.

To round off this Kia vs. Volkswagen SUV comparison, let's look at some highlights included among the VW Atlas SUV's standard safety features:

• Adaptive Cruise Control
• Travel Assist (semi-autonomous capabilities for Adaptive Cruise Control)
• Lane change system with Side Assist, Rear Traffic Alert, and Exit Warning system
• Lane Assist
• Front Assist (Forward Collision Warning & Autonomous Emergency Braking with Pedestrian & Cyclist Monitoring)
• Anti-Theft Alarm System with Engine Immobilizer
• Electronic Stability Control

Other thoughtful safety-enhancing amenities on the Atlas include rain-sensing windshield wipers; however, despite tying for most of the above-listed features, the base-trim Telluride lacks rain-sensing wipers.

There's a lot more to see in the 2025 Volkswagen Atlas comparison, so if you'd like to discover its many other advantages and desirable driving benefits, visit Gunther Volkswagen Daytona Beach for a tour by our Volkswagen SUV experts, and learn about Kia vs. Volkswagen reliability, accessories, lease deals, and more.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is bigger: the VW Atlas or Kia Telluride?

The VW Atlas is bigger than the Kia Telluride. It measures 200.7 inches long, 78.3 inches wide, and 70.4 inches tall, making this SUV 3.8 inches longer and 1.5 inches taller than the Telluride; their widths are equal. The VW Atlas offers 96.6 cubic feet of maximum cargo volume; the Telluride offers 87 cubic feet.

Which is better: the Kia Telluride or VW Atlas?

The VW Atlas offers better specs than the Kia Telluride, including more torque, AWD fuel efficiency, max cargo room, and third-row legroom and headroom. The VW Atlas also offers standard heated and ventilated front seats, 10-way power driver's seat adjustability, wireless device charging, a heated steering wheel, and a Digital Cockpit Pro; none of these features are standard on the Telluride.

Which has more power: the VW Atlas or Kia Telluride?

The Kia Telluride has more horsepower but less torque than the VW Atlas. Specifically, the Kia Telluride has a 3.8-liter V-6 engine that makes 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. In comparison, the VW Atlas has a 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder engine with 269 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. The VW Atlas is also more efficient with AWD.

What's the price difference between the Kia Telluride and VW Atlas?

Kia Telluride vs. Volkswagen Atlas pricing is very similar. You'll find that models like the top-trim VW Atlas SEL Premium R-Line can be yours for a starting price that's slightly lower than that of the top-trim Kia Telluride SX Prestige X-Pro. Our VW dealership offers competitive finance and lease deals and allows you the option to trade in a vehicle to lower your overall costs.

Summer Rose

16.01.2024

Julio was amazing and very knowledgeable! The whole process was very smooth and quick! We are in love with our new Atlas!

View Other New Volkswagen Models For Sale:

¹20 city/26 highway mpg (2025 VW Atlas 2.0-liter four-cylinder, 8-speed automatic). EPA estimates. Your mileage will vary and depends on several factors, including your driving habits and vehicle condition.

²Based on EPA estimates. Actual mileage will vary with options, driving conditions, driving habits and your vehicle's condition. See www.fueleconomy.gov.

³19 city/26 highway mpg (2025 VW Atlas 2.0-liter four-cylinder, 8-speed automatic). EPA estimates. Your mileage will vary and depends on several factors, including your driving habits and vehicle condition.

⁴Maximum tow rating when equipped with 2.0-liter turbo engine and factory-installed towing hitch. Vehicle load, other accessories, and options may reduce maximum towing capacity. See vehicle Owner's Manual for details.

⁵Towing requires additional equipment. See Owner's Manual for towing capacity, additional instructions and warnings. Always use caution while towing.