Comparing The Volkswagen Atlas Vs. Kia Telluride
We know why you're here for this Volkswagen Atlas vs. Kia Telluride review: You're a smart shopper who's done your research on the best midsize family SUVs, and you want to see how these top contenders stack up. Well, DARCARS Volkswagen Fairfax is here for it, and we've got all the dazzling details. Take a stroll through each crossover's best features, including interior design, technology, safety, and specs in this comprehensive VW Atlas vs. Kia Telluride size comparison. If the chips fall in favor of the Atlas as we predict they will, our dealership will be standing by to coordinate your test drive.
2025 Volkswagen Atlas vs. Kia Telluride at a Glance
- VW Atlas vs. Kia Telluride pricing is neck-in-neck.
- Only the 2025 Atlas has standard wireless device charging in every trim.
- Atlas styling is luxe with high-level amenities standard even in its entry variant, while the Telluride adopts a more practical tone in its base trim.
- Build either SUV with FWD for an identical EPA-estimated 20/26 MPG (City/Highway).1,2
- Choose the new VW Atlas for the most torque, best first- and third-row legroom, highest max cargo space, and most standard interior and exterior features.
- The Kia Telluride has the highest horsepower, one extra passenger space, and 500 additional pounds of towing in certain trims.3
- VW Atlas vs. Kia Telluride reviews are a toss-up; however, many prefer the Atlas for its confident, elegant design and its complimentary Carefree Maintenance.4
Volkswagen Atlas vs. Kia Telluride Space: Which SUV Fits Your Family?
If you're here to scout family vehicles, you likely want a three-row SUV that actually has a usable third row – and that's the new Volkswagen Atlas. The Kia Telluride is disappointing in its dimensions, specifically in its lackluster maximum cargo capacity and its tiny 31.4 inches of third-row legroom that may be uncomfortable for most adult passengers.
Peppy, responsive, and quite agile on city streets, the 2025 VW Atlas is hard to beat in the specs department. Compare Volkswagen Atlas vs. Kia Telluride dimensions, and you'll see that the Atlas SUV is longer, more spacious in all three rows, and has the biggest maximum cargo capacity. In short, all Volkswagen Atlas configurations and trim levels come with thoughtful measurements for a relaxing cabin feel. Better yet, their additional exterior inches don't detract from its nimble performance, meaning the Atlas is just as at home in dense traffic as it is on the open road.
Best Features of the Volkswagen Atlas vs. Kia Telluride: A Quick Comparison
| 2025 Volkswagen Atlas | 2025 Kia Telluride | |
|---|---|---|
| Passenger Seating | 7 | 7 or 8 |
| Max Front Headroom / Legroom | 41.3 / 41.7 in | 40.9 / 41.4 in |
| Standard / Max Cargo Capacity | 20.6 / 96.6 cu ft | 21 / 87 cu ft |
| Standard Wireless Device Charging | Yes | No |
| Standard Interior Features |
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| Standard Exterior Features |
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VW Atlas vs. Kia Telluride Specs: How Does Each SUV Perform?
One spin around this year's VW Atlas vs. Kia Telluride specs, and it's easy to see why these two crossovers are rivals: Though equipped with different engine sizes, they trade first place in horsepower and torque and have the same city and highway fuel economy when configured with FWD. Both come with eight-speed automatic transmissions and offer AWD options. Lease a Volkswagen Atlas to enjoy 5,000 pounds of tow strength across the lineup,5 or choose a Telluride for the same towing power in all but two trims.3
Volkswagen Atlas vs. Kia Telluride Costs: Which SUV Saves You Money?
It's hard to declare a champion in the VW Atlas vs. Kia Telluride specs debate, but one look at safety and maintenance gives the Atlas its winning edge. Both SUVs captured five-star NHTSA ratings thanks to their 2025 safety systems,6,7 but only the Volkswagen crossover comes with Carefree Maintenance4 that includes 10,000- and 20,000-mile scheduled maintenance appointments or scheduled maintenance services for two years.4
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| 2025 Volkswagen Atlas | 2025 Kia Telluride | |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 2.0L turbo 4-cyl w/ Tiptronic | 3.8L V-6 |
| Horsepower | 269 | 291 |
| Torque | 273 lb-ft | 262 lb-ft |
| EPA-Est. FWD MPG (City / Hwy) | 20 / 26 MPG1 | 20 / 26 MPG2 |
| Towing Capacity | 5,000 lbs5 | 5,000 - 5,500 lbs3 |
| NHTSA Safety Rating | 5-star6 | 5-star7 |
| Complimentary Maintenance | Yes4 | No |
VW Atlas vs. Kia Telluride Reviews: How Do Others Rate These SUVs?
As we mentioned above, VW Atlas vs. Kia Telluride reviews are mixed, so you'll need to follow your gut for this comparison. For example, Edmunds gives the Kia model a slightly higher rating of 8.4 compared to the Atlas and its 8.0,8 but consumers rank the Atlas higher overall than they do the Telluride.8 Authorities like J.D. Power also notes that both SUVs deliver great driving experiences.9,10
Build Your New VW Atlas at DARCARS Volkswagen Fairfax
Did the 2025 VW Atlas win your heart like it's already won ours? Visit DARCARS Volkswagen Fairfax to test-drive this gorgeously spacious family SUV and see how our current incentives and lease offers could make your car shopping experience even better. Prefer a pre-owned Volkswagen Atlas? You'll likely find those at our dealership, too!
Featured Customer Review by Ashley regarding her new Volkswagen Atlas
Ashley Scott, 5 stars on
11/25/24
I worked with Jay and Emmanuel to purchase my new Volkswagen Atlas and it is soooo beautiful. I love it! Their customer service and guidance throughout this experience was amazing. They were very knowledgeable, accommodating, and friendly. They made me feel comfortable, happy and secure with my purchase. I truly appreciate this dealership and recommend them to anyone interested in purchasing a new car
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has more cargo space: the VW Atlas or Kia Telluride?
Compare standard Volkswagen Atlas vs. Kia Telluride trunk space, and the Telluride wins by a negligible 0.4 inches. If and when you need to haul large items like moving boxes, furniture, or lumber, the Atlas is your clear champion. With both back seats folded, the Atlas gives you an astounding 96.6 cubic feet of maximum cargo capacity, while the Telluride has only 87 cubic feet.
Do either the VW Atlas or Kia Telluride have wireless charging?
Both the VW Atlas and the Kia Telluride have wireless charging, but only the Atlas gives you this capability as standard in every trim. To gain wireless charging in the Kia SUV, you'll need to purchase or lease a Telluride S trim or higher. The entry-level Telluride also lacks heated and ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel, all of which comes standard in every VW Atlas.
Does the VW Atlas have a third row?
Yes, the VW Atlas and the Kia Telluride have three rows of seating. However, the 31.4 inches of third-row legroom in every Telluride trim will make it nearly impossible to use that back row for anything other than storage. In contrast, the VW Atlas has 33.7 inches of third-row leg space; still tight, but it has enough room to comfortably transport a child or teen.
What colors does the Volkswagen Atlas come in?
The 2025 VW Atlas is available in nine gorgeous paint hues, depending on the trim you go for:
- Mountain Lake Blue Metallic
- Platinum Gray Metallic
- Silver Mist Metallic
- Deep Black Pearl
- Pure White
- Pure Gray
- Avocado Green Metallic
- Aurora Red Metallic
- Opal White
For maximum dramatic effect, we recommend pairing a Pure White exterior with a Shetland Beige interior or the Mountain Lake Blue Metallic paint with Titan Black upholstery.