2025 Volkswagen Atlas vs. Kia Telluride

Picking between the 2025 Kia Telluride vs. Volkswagen Atlas isn’t easy. Both are capable and spacious three-row SUVs with cutting-edge safety tech. In this head-to-head breakdown, we’ll cover everything you and your family need to know about these two SUVs. We’ll look at pricing, performance specs, interior space, tech features, and safety ratings. Finally, we’ll recommend why you might want to choose the Volkswagen Atlas as your next SUV for adventures in San Juan Capistrano.

What’s New for the 2025 Model Year?

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas carries forward the main elements of last year’s redesign. However, there are some minor changes for 2025, including an upgraded wireless device charger, new luxury features on higher trims, and new color options.

For 2025, the Kia Telluride did not get any major changes. The Telluride had its last styling refresh in 2023, so the current model has modern design and tech features.

Pricing and Value

The Volkswagen Atlas starts at $38,200 for the SE. The Peak Edition is in the middle of the lineup at $46,655, and the SEL Premium R-Line is the highest trim, starting at $53,205. For the Telluride, the base LX costs $36,390, and the midrange SX begins at $46,190. The SX Prestige trim begins at $53,390.

Both models offer value that extends beyond the sticker price. The Telluride offers a 5-year or 60,000-mile limited warranty, and the Atlas has a 4-year or 50,000-mile limited warranty.

Performance and Power

The Telluride runs a 3.8-liter V-6 with an eight-speed automatic transmission that outputs 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. In comparison, the Atlas uses a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder producing 269 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque.

Gas mileage is nearly a tie. The Telluride gets 20/26 mpg (city/highway) with front-wheel drive, and its efficiency drops to 18/23 mpg with all-wheel drive. For front-wheel-drive models, the Atlas matches the Telluride’s 20/26 mpg. The Atlas’s all-wheel-drive versions achieve up to 19/26 mpg.

When it comes to towing, the Telluride has only a slight advantage. It can tow up to 5,500 pounds with the X-Pro package, while the other trims can handle 5,000 pounds. The Atlas can tow up to 5,000 pounds when using a trailer that has brakes. Otherwise, the SE models have a towing capacity of 2,000 pounds.

Off-Roading Capabilities

If you’re interested in light off-roading, both SUVs are capable when you choose the right upgrades. The Telluride’s X-Pro models come with all-terrain tires and 8.4 inches of ground clearance. In contrast, the Atlas Peak Edition is equipped with all-terrain tires and roof rails. All Volkswagen Atlas trims have 6.3 inches of ground clearance.

Interior Space and Practicality

The Volkswagen Atlas can seat seven people across three rows, and the Telluride accommodates up to eight. Both offer a decent amount of legroom in each row. With the Atlas, you’ll get 41.7 inches, 37.6 inches, and 33.7 inches across rows one, two, and three, respectively. The Telluride has 41.4 inches in the first row, 42.4 inches in the second, and 31.4 inches in the third.

If your family needs cargo space for hauling sports gear or vacation luggage, you’ll love the Atlas. It provides 20.6 cubic feet behind the third row, 55.5 cubic feet behind the second, and 96.6 cubic feet with all seats down. The Telluride offers 21 cubic feet of cargo space behind row three, 46 cubic feet behind row two, and 87 cubic feet with the back rows folded. Overall, the Atlas can carry about 10 cubic feet more cargo than the Telluride.

Technology and Infotainment Systems

You’ll find similar tech setups in each SUV. Both include Apple CarPlay and Android Auto standard. The Telluride has a slightly larger 12.3-inch touch screen, while the Atlas features a 12-inch display. One difference between these two is that all trims of the Atlas come with a 10.25-inch digital gauge cluster. The lower trims of the Telluride come with a 4.2-inch instrument display, but you can choose to upgrade to a 12.3-inch display.

Safety Features and Ratings

Both SUVs have a variety of standard safety tech, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. The Atlas and Telluride also achieved outstanding safety ratings. They each received a five-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave the Atlas a Top Safety Pick award and the Telluride a Top Safety Pick+ award.

Which SUV Is Best for You: Telluride vs. Atlas?

The biggest advantage that the Atlas has over the Telluride is cargo space. If your family needs extra room for your outings and adventures, the Atlas is an excellent choice. Otherwise, both SUVs are comparable when it comes to value, performance, tech, and safety.

Check Out the Volkswagen Atlas at Capistrano Volkswagen

Are you interested in learning more about the 2025 Volkswagen Atlas? If so, we invite you to visit our dealership in San Juan Capistrano, California, for a test-drive. Our friendly staff can help you find the right setup for your family’s needs and budget, and we can answer any questions you have. Contact us today to schedule a visit and learn more.