2023 VW Atlas vs. 2023 Kia Telluride

The Volkswagen Atlas and Kia Telluride are two mid-sized SUVs with a lot to offer if you’re after a new vehicle. If you need the extra convenience of a third row of seats and a strong power train to haul passengers or cargo, you’ll be well-served by either crossover. But how do the Atlas and Telluride stack up against each other? And what’s the best choice for your needs? Our team here at Capistrano VW will review both vehicles to answer these questions and more.

Atlas vs. Telluride: Engine and Performance

The Volkswagen Atlas offers you two engine options to choose from, while the Telluride uses the same one throughout its lineup. The Atlas’ base engine is a 235-horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder unit. Alternatively, you can upgrade to a 3.6-liter V-6 that can churn out 276 horsepower. The Telluride’s engine is a 3.8-liter V-6 that cranks out 291 horsepower. Both crossovers come with eight-speed automatic transmission throughout their lineups.

The gas mileage numbers are about the same for both the Atlas and Telluride. The Atlas’ base engine achieves up to 25 mpg on the highway and 21 mpg on city roads, while the Telluride’s V-6 achieves 26 mpg at highway speeds and 20 mpg in the city. The Atlas’s optional engine manages 24 mpg on the highway and 18 mpg in the city.

Both vehicles have a strong towing capacity of 5,000 pounds, which should be enough to pull a decent-sized camper out of town. Tow packages are available with the Atlas and Telluride to improve your vehicle’s performance when you have a trailer at the rear.

Atlas vs. Telluride: Cargo and Passenger Space

Cargo space in these vehicles is about the same, but the Atlas has a slight advantage when both rear rows are folded flat. The Atlas also offers more versatility in the cabin configuration since you can choose between a three-row or two-row version depending on your seating requirements. If you opt for the three-row version, you get 20.6 cubic feet of space for your cargo behind the rear row compared with 21 cubic feet in the Telluride. The two-row Atlas Cross Sport offers over 40 cubic feet of space at the rear.

If you’re transporting bulkier items, the Atlas offers around 96 cubic feet with both rear rows folded flat. That compares favorably with the 87 cubic feet available in the Telluride.

In terms of seating, the Telluride has a maximum capacity of eight, while the Atlas can carry up to seven. Both vehicles lose one seat from their capacity if you opt for captain’s chairs in the second row instead of the standard bench seat. If you choose the two-row Atlas Cross Sport, your seating capacity will be five. Synthetic leather upholstery comes standard in both vehicles, and there are many seating upgrades on offer as you move up through the trims.

Atlas vs. Telluride: Infotainment and Safety Features

The Telluride’s infotainment system features a 10.25-inch touch screen, a six-speaker stereo, and a navigation system. In the Atlas’ base setup, you get a six-speaker stereo and 6.5-inch touch screen. Both vehicles come with a range of connectivity options, such as Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth. These crossovers also have multiple USB ports in their standard setup, meaning you’ll be able to keep your electronic devices charged while you’re on the go.

The Atlas’ optional upgrades are a premium 12-speaker stereo, an 8-inch infotainment display, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. You can also add a navigation system and HD radio. The Telluride offers a 10-speaker stereo, wireless device charging, and a rear-seat infotainment system to keep your second-row passengers occupied.

Both crossovers offer a long list of standard and optional safety features. The standard features that both vehicles offer are forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Telluride also offers a driver attention monitor, rear parking sensors, and a rear-seat alert to remind you to check for kids before you get out.

You can add traffic sign recognition, adaptive cruise control, and front and rear parking sensors in the Atlas. The Telluride offers rain-sensing windshield wipers and front parking sensors. You can also equip both vehicles with a surround-view parking camera to give you an aerial view of your vehicle as you maneuver it into position.

Atlas vs. Telluride: Trims and Pricing

Kia offers the Telluride in four trims, while the Atlas is sold in five. The Telluride’s trims are 60, S, EX, and SX. The Atlas’ trims are the SE, SE with Technology, SEL, SEL R-Line Black, and SeL Premium R-Line. Pricing for both vehicles is comparable, with the Telluride having an MSRP of around $32,700 and the Atlas costing $33,910.

The Atlas’ SE with Technology trim gives you access to a hands-free power liftgate and the 8-inch infotainment screen. If you want a heated steering wheel, a sunroof, and all-wheel drive, these features come standard in the SEL trim. You can also add second-row captain’s chairs. Finally, the range-topping SEL Premium R-Line comes with leather seats, ventilated front seats, a 12-speaker stereo, and heated second-row seats.

Stepping up to the Telluride S gets you second-row captain’s chairs, power adjustments for the driver’s seat, and heated front seats. The EX gets you genuine leather seats, a hands-free liftgate, and ventilated front seats. Finally, the SX offers memory settings for the driver’s seat, a 10-speaker stereo, and LED headlights and fog lights.

These two vehicles are very closely matched, but the Atlas has a slight edge due to its more versatile cabin, which offers more total cargo space and a larger variety of seating options. Both crossovers are neck and neck when it comes to engine performance and infotainment, which means your final choice may ultimately come down to personal taste.

If you’d like to find out more about any of the Atlas’ features, our team here at Capistrano Volkswagen would be delighted to help. We can talk you through the Atlas’ trim and configuration options, answer questions about the infotainment system, or arrange a test drive in Orange County. If you require help getting auto financing for your purchase, feel free to inquire with our friendly finance team.