2026 Volkswagen Atlas Vs. 2027 Kia Telluride: Compare Midsize SUVs

If you're looking to get your family into a new three-row SUV without the full-size exterior dimensions, comparing the Kia Telluride vs. Volkswagen Atlas is a great place to start. Both have become household names, as they highlight what a value-packed, massively capable SUV can and should be. That being said, the VW Atlas has a longer-running history and boasts several desirable advantages over the Kia Telluride. Learn more with this 2027 Kia Telluride comparison from the team here at Gunther Volkswagen of Daytona Beach and explore the many benefits you can expect when choosing the 2026 VW Atlas.

Kia Telluride vs. Volkswagen Atlas Specs

Volkswagen Atlas vs. Kia Telluride performance specs begin with a look at their engines. The Telluride uses a larger, slightly more potent 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder powertrain that produces 274 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque. Though the VW Atlas is motivated by a smaller 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder, its power is far behind that of the Kia SUV: 269 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque.

If sheer output were the only category to consider when comparing these midsize SUVs, we'd have to give the victory to the Kia model, but that's only a portion of performance. For instance, both the Atlas and the Telluride can tow up to 5,000 pounds,^1,2 despite their slight power differences. Additionally, the Atlas has standard 12.2-inch vented rear brake rotors for enhanced performance, while the Telluride uses 12.8-inch solid rear brake rotors in its standard form.

Where the Atlas really starts to shine is in drivetrain availability and fuel efficiency ratings, though. When comparing the 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. However, you can't equip AWD to the entry-level Telluride; any VW Atlas trim can be had with 4MOTION AWD.

When you compare Kia Telluride vs. Volkswagen Atlas fuel efficiency, you'll find that the VW automobile pulls ahead. The 2026 VW Atlas delivers up to an EPA-estimated 20/27/23 MPG (City/Highway/Combined) with FWD.³ The Kia Telluride comes close in its base FWD configuration, achieving an EPA rating of 20/26/22 MPG (City/Highway/Combined).⁴

However, the gap widens when you equip these SUVs with all-wheel drive. The VW Atlas fuel scores hardly drop, actually matching the FWD Telluride at up to an EPA-estimated 20/26/22 MPG (City/Highway/Combined).⁵ If you choose the Kia vehicle with AWD, your fuel efficiency drops to a maximum of 18/24/20 MPG (City/Highway/Combined),⁴ according to the EPA.

Kia Telluride vs. Volkswagen Atlas Size

Now let's compare Kia Telluride to Volkswagen SUV models with size and space in mind. This will be your family's on-road home, so you'll likely want to ensure it's a roomy place to relax for all occupants.

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 199.2 inches long and 69.5 inches tall. These differences may not seem like much, but they matter a lot on the inside, especially in length.

The roomier VW Atlas gives you 96.6 cubic feet of maximum cargo volume while the two back rows are folded down; the Kia Telluride only has 89.3 cubic feet of load space in the same area. As for Kia Telluride vs. Volkswagen Atlas seating measurements, 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 32.1 inches of leg space.

The VW Atlas also has 0.3 inches of extra first-row legroom, 0.1 inches of extra first-row headroom, and similar second- and third-row headroom compared to the Kia Telluride (all measurements are without a sunroof).

2027 Kia Telluride LX vs. 2026 VW Atlas SE Comparison Chart

← Drag to scroll →

2027 Kia Telluride LX	vs.	2026 VW Atlas SE
2.5L turbocharged 4-cyl	Engine	2.0L turbocharged 4-cyl
274	Horsepower	269
311 lb-ft	Torque	273 lb-ft
FWD	Drivetrain	FWD or AWD
8-speed auto	Transmission	8-speed auto
20 / 26 / 224	EPA-Est. MPG (Cty / Hwy / Comb)	20 / 27 / 23 (FWD)3 20 / 26 / 22 (AWD)5
5,000 pounds2	Towing Capacity	5,000 pounds1
199.2 in	Length	200.7 in
78.3 in	Body Width	78.3 in
69.5 in	Height	70.4 in
32.1 in / 37.4 in	Legroom / Headroom (3rd Row)	33.7 in / 38.3 in
89.3 cu ft	Max. Cargo Volume	96.6 cu ft

2026 Volkswagen Atlas vs. 2027 Kia Telluride Features

Our Volkswagen Atlas lease deals give drivers many of the creature comforts, convenience features, and tech appointments they want without having to upgrade trims. To compare the standard Kia Telluride vs. Volkswagen Atlas amenities, let's start with the VW Atlas SUV's highlights, then see if the Kia Telluride can compete:

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

The base-trim 2027 Kia Telluride LX, meanwhile, has a standard six-way manually adjustable driver's seat. Its steering wheel lacks heating, it doesn't have an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and its front seats have neither heating nor ventilation as standard.

Participating in a Volkswagen Atlas competition for entry-level appointments is difficult for just about any competitor's SUV. Moving on to technology, we see that every VW Atlas provides the following:

• 12-inch touchscreen infotainment display
• 10.25-inch VW Digital Cockpit Pro
• VW App-Connect (with wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ capability)
• Multicolor VW Digital Cockpit Pro gauge cluster display
• Wireless device charging

The new Kia Telluride LX does have wireless Apple CarPlay®, Android Auto™, and device charging, but it doesn't have a fully digital gauge cluster as standard like the VW Digital Cockpit Pro, instead using a much smaller 4.2-inch display flanked by analogue gauges. You can even find a fully digital gauge cluster in a used Volkswagen Atlas for sale, as this has been a standard feature for several years and available for even longer.

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

• 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)
• Rearview Camera System
• Emergency Assist
• Light Assist (High Beam Control)
• Electronic Brake Assist
• Electronic Stability Control
• Rain-sensing windshield wipers
• Anti-theft alarm system with engine immobilizer

Despite tying for most of the above-listed systems, the entry-level Telluride lacks rain-sensing wipers.

There's a lot more to see in the 2026 Volkswagen Atlas comparison, so if you'd like to see its many desirable driving advantages, visit Gunther Volkswagen of Daytona Beach for a tour by our VW SUV experts. We can discuss Kia vs. Volkswagen reliability, accessories, lease deals, and any other topics you want to make an informed decision.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is bigger: the VW Atlas or Kia Telluride?

The Atlas is bigger than the Telluride. It's 200.7 inches long, 78.3 inches wide, and 70.4 inches tall. The Telluride is also 78.3 inches wide but only 199.2 inches long; height varies from 69.5 inches to 70.5 inches, depending on the trim. The Atlas offers 96.6 cubic feet of maximum cargo volume, while the Telluride tops out at 89.3 cubic feet.

Which is better: the Kia Telluride or VW Atlas?

Which SUV is better will depend on your priorities. While the Telluride makes slightly more horsepower and torque, the Atlas has improved fuel ratings and AWD available for every trim. The VW SUV also has stronger standard appointments, such as heated and ventilated front seats, 10-way power driver's seat adjustability, a heated steering wheel, and a 10.25-inch digital cluster; these features are not standard on the Telluride.

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

The Kia Telluride produces more horsepower and torque than the VW Atlas with its turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine: 274 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque. In comparison, the VW Atlas has a 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder engine that makes 269 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. However, the VW Atlas is more efficient in both FWD and AWD form.

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:

¹Maximum tow rating when equipped with 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder engine and factory-installed towing hitch. 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.

³20 city/27 highway/23 combined mpg (2026 VW Atlas 2.0-liter turbo 4-cylinder, eight-speed automatic transmission, FWD). EPA estimates. Your mileage will vary and depends on several factors, including your driving habits and vehicle condition.

⁴Based on EPA estimates. Actual mileage will vary with options, driving conditions, driving habits and your vehicle's condition. See https://www.fueleconomy.gov.

⁵20 city/26 highway/22 combined mpg (2026 VW Atlas 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder, eight-speed automatic transmission, AWD). EPA estimates. Your mileage will vary and depends on several factors, including your driving habits and vehicle condition.