Volkswagen Atlas vs Kia Telluride Comparison
Volkswagen Atlas vs. Kia Telluride Comparison
Three-row SUVs have come to dominate the streets of America over the last couple of decades, and it isn’t hard to see why. By offering families a ton of space for seating and storage, plus plenty of power and a laundry list of tech and comfort features, they check all the boxes for drivers who spend a lot of time on the road.
The 2026 VW Atlas is an excellent addition to the three-row SUV segment, but how does it stack up against the competition? Today, we’re finding out by comparing it with the new 2027 Kia Telluride. Strap in, Kansas City shoppers.
| 2026 VW Atlas | 2027 Kia Telluride | |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | $39,310 | $39,190 |
| Fuel economy | 20 mpg city, 27 mpg hwy | 20 mpg city, 26 mpg hwy |
| Available AWD | Yes | Yes |
| Towing capacity | 5,000 lbs | 5,000 lbs |
| 3rd row leg room | 33.7 in | 32.1 in |
| Max cargo volume | 96.6 cu ft | 89.3 cu ft |
| Touch screen size | 12 in | 12.3 in |
| Standard gauge cluster size | 10.25 in | 4.2 in |
| Wireless Apple CarPlay® | Standard | Standard |
| Wireless phone charging | Standard | Standard |
| Wi-Fi hotspot | Available | Available |
Swipe the table horizontally to compare both columns.
VW Atlas vs. Kia Telluride: Engine and Capability
The Atlas is powered by a 2.0-liter turbo 4-cylinder engine with 269 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. It can be optioned with either front-wheel drive or VW’s 4MOTION® all-wheel drive, and when properly equipped, it has a max towing capacity of 5,000 pounds.
The Telluride comes with a 2.5-liter turbocharged engine that puts out 274 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque. It can also be ordered with either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, and like the Atlas, it has a max towing capacity of 5,000 pounds, making them a fairly even match in terms of acceleration and power.
The Telluride lineup also has an available hybrid engine, which boasts a bit more raw power, but has a slightly lower towing capacity.
VW Atlas vs. Kia Telluride: Fuel Economy
The Atlas is rated for up to 20 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway, or 23 mpg combined. Meanwhile, the Telluride gets an estimated 20 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway, or 22 mpg combined, putting them pretty much neck-and-neck in terms of their average fuel economy.
Of course, the Telluride Hybrid gets notably better fuel economy, with up to 35 mpg combined, but shoppers will have to weigh the improved fuel savings against a significantly higher price tag.
VW Atlas vs. Kia Telluride: Size and Dimensions
Now let’s check out a side-by-side comparison of both SUV’s interior dimensions to see which one offers more space for shoppers near Olathe:
| 2026 Atlas | 2027 Telluride | |
|---|---|---|
| Seating capacity | 6 to 7 | 7 to 8 |
| Head room (1st/2nd/3rd row) | 41.3 / 40.4 / 38.3 in | 41.2 / 40.4 / 37.4 in |
| Leg room (1st/2nd/3rd row) | 41.7 / 37.6 / 33.7 in | 41.4 / 43.0 / 32.1 in |
| Cargo volume (behind 3rd row) | 20.6 cu ft | 22.3 cu ft |
| Cargo volume (behind 2nd row) | 55.5 cu ft | 48.7 cu ft |
| Cargo volume (behind 1st row) | 96.6 cu ft | 89.3 cu ft |
Swipe the table horizontally to compare both columns.
As we can see, both have their own unique advantages. The Atlas has quite a bit more total cargo volume behind the first and second rows, as well as a bit more space for passengers in the third row, while the Telluride has far more room for passengers in its second row. However, the Atlas is larger and more versatile as a whole.
VW Atlas vs. Kia Telluride: Interior and Tech
All Atlas models come standard with an extensive list of infotainment features, including a 12-inch floating center touch screen display, Bluetooth, wireless App-Connect® (Apple CarPlay and Android Auto™), wireless device charging, a 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit Pro gauge cluster, 6 USB-C ports, and compatibility with myVW connected services, which includes an available Wi-Fi hotspot, Plus Speech with AI voice assistant, and more. Other available features include a Harmon Kardon® sound system and head-up display.
The Telluride comes standard with a 12.3-inch center touch screen with wireless Apple CarPlay®/Android Auto™, a 5-inch climate display, Bluetooth, 7 USB-C ports, a dual wireless phone charger, and Wi-Fi hotspot, while more expensive trims get a 12.3-inch digital cluster, head-up display, and a Meridian™ audio system.
Overall, both come quite well-equipped with standard and available features, making them solid choices for tech-savvy shoppers.
VW Atlas vs. Kia Telluride: Safety Features
2026 Volkswagen Atlas. Image courtesy of Volkswagen of America.
Both SUVs come standard with a variety of driver assistance systems, including:
However, the 2026 Atlas stands out even further thanks to its safety awards, including a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS, while the Telluride received no award for the same model year. The IIHS hasn’t gotten around to testing the 2027 Telluride just yet.
VW Atlas vs. Kia Telluride: Price and Trims
Finally, let’s take a look at their starting prices to see which one costs more for Kansas City shoppers.
2026 Volkswagen Atlas trims:
2027 Kia Telluride trims:
Both the Atlas and Telluride have very similar price points, with the only real difference being the number of trims offered—the Atlas has 5 to choose from, while the Telluride has double that. This can be a double-edged sword of sorts, with some shoppers enjoying the Telluride’s expanded freedom of choice, while others find the multitude of different trim levels needlessly confusing when shopping for a new SUV.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Volkswagen Atlas or Kia Telluride better for Kansas City families?
Both are practical three-row SUVs for families in Kansas City and Overland Park. The Volkswagen Atlas may be the better fit for shoppers who prioritize maximum cargo capacity and third-row legroom. The Kia Telluride provides more second-row legroom and can seat up to eight people in certain configurations. The right choice will depend on your preferred seating layout, cargo needs, features and driving experience.
Does the Volkswagen Atlas or Kia Telluride have more cargo space?
The 2026 Volkswagen Atlas provides more maximum cargo space. It offers 20.6 cubic feet behind the third row, 55.5 cubic feet behind the second row and up to 96.6 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The 2027 Kia Telluride offers 22.3 cubic feet behind the third row, 48.7 cubic feet behind the second row and up to 89.3 cubic feet of maximum cargo space. The Telluride holds slightly more with every seat in use, while the Atlas provides more room when one or both rear rows are folded.
Which SUV has more third-row legroom?
The 2026 Volkswagen Atlas provides 33.7 inches of third-row legroom, compared with 32.1 inches in the 2027 Kia Telluride. That additional space may make the Atlas more comfortable for families who expect to use the third row regularly.
Are all-wheel drive models available for Kansas City winters?
Yes. The Volkswagen Atlas is available with 4MOTION all-wheel drive, while the Kia Telluride is also available with AWD. Either system can provide additional traction during rain, snow and other slippery conditions. All-wheel drive does not replace the need for appropriate tires, safe speeds and careful winter driving.
Does the Volkswagen Atlas or Kia Telluride get better gas mileage?
Front-wheel-drive versions of the 2026 Volkswagen Atlas are rated for up to 20 mpg in the city, 27 mpg on the highway and 23 mpg combined. The front-wheel-drive 2027 Kia Telluride is rated for up to 20 mpg city, 26 mpg highway and 22 mpg combined. Actual fuel economy will vary based on trim, drivetrain, traffic, weather and driving habits.
Can the Volkswagen Atlas or Kia Telluride tow a trailer?
Yes. Both SUVs can tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped. Before towing a boat, camper or utility trailer for a Kansas City-area or Missouri weekend trip, review the vehicle’s equipment, hitch requirements, passenger load, cargo weight and owner’s manual.
Which SUV has better standard technology?
Both SUVs provide large touchscreens and wireless smartphone connectivity. The 2026 Atlas comes standard with a 12-inch center touchscreen, Volkswagen Digital Cockpit Pro, wireless App-Connect and wireless device charging. The 2027 Telluride comes with a 12.3-inch touchscreen and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Shoppers should compare individual trims because additional displays, audio systems and connected features vary.
Where can I test-drive a Volkswagen Atlas near Overland Park?
Kansas City and Overland Park-area shoppers can test-drive an available Volkswagen Atlas at Molle Volkswagen of Kansas City. A test drive will allow you to compare third-row access, passenger comfort, cargo space, technology and driving feel. Contact us online or call 816-941-9500 to confirm availability and schedule your visit.
Volkswagen Atlas Models for Sale near Overland Park
Both SUVs offer impressively tech-forward cabins and solid performance, but the Volkswagen Atlas comes out on top with its wealth of standard features and cavernous interior, which easily fits the whole family and then some.
At Molle Volkswagen of Kansas City, we have a top-notch selection of new Atlas models for sale, plus new vehicle specials and Atlas lease deals to help you drive off with an affordable monthly payment that fits your budget.
Contact us online or call us at 816-941-9500 to test drive a new Atlas today.