Looking for a midsize, three-row SUV for your family? The 2027 Volkswagen Atlas and 2027 Kia Telluride may be two of the options on your radar, and if so, maybe you’re wondering how these SUVs compare.
Both share many similarities, but each offers its own distinct advantages and driving experience. Learn more about both midsize SUVs below in our 2027 Volkswagen Atlas vs. 2027 Kia Telluride comparison and see which one sounds like your ideal fit!
2027 Volkswagen Atlas vs. Kia Telluride: Quick Comparison
| Feature | 2027 Volkswagen Atlas | 2027 Kia Telluride |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 2.0L EA888 evo5 turbocharged 4-cylinder | 2.5L turbocharged 4-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 282 hp | 274 hp |
| Torque | 258 lb-ft | 311 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Seating | Up to 7 passengers | Up to 8 passengers |
| Maximum Cargo Space | 95.4 cu. ft. | 89.3 cu. ft. |
| Towing Capacity | Up to 5,000 lbs. (when properly equipped) | Up to 5,000 lbs. (when properly equipped) |
| Available AWD | Yes | Yes |
| Largest Available Touchscreen | 15 inches | 12.3 inches |
| Hybrid Model Available | No hybrid announced | Yes |
Performance and Powertrain
Both SUVs are equipped with a turbocharged engine, but each offers different horsepower and torque numbers.
The 2.0-liter EA888 evo5 turbocharged four-cylinder engine in the 2027 Volkswagen Atlas delivers 282 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque — in fact, this is the most horsepower an Atlas has ever produced!
The 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine in the 2027 Kia Telluride delivers 274 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque. While the Atlas boasts the most horsepower of the two models, the Telluride delivers more torque.
Both engines are matched with an eight-speed automatic transmission, and both SUVs give you the option of available all-wheel drive and offer a towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped.
When it comes to fuel economy, the 2027 Volkswagen Atlas offers an EPA-estimated 22/29/25 MPG (city/highway/combined)1 with front-wheel-drive models and an EPA-estimated 20/27/23 MPG (city/highway/combined)1 with all-wheel-drive models.
The 2027 Kia Telluride, on the other hand, offers an EPA-estimated 20/26/22 MPG (city/highway/combined)2 with front-wheel-drive models and an EPA-estimated 18/24/20 MPG (city/highway/combined)2 with select all-wheel-drive models and an EPA-estimated 17/22/19 MPG (city/highway/combined)2 with other select all-wheel-drive models.
Interior Space, Seating, and Cargo
How much space do you need? The 2027 Volkswagen Atlas is designed to seat up to seven, offering standard 60/40-split second-row bench seating with a 14-degree backrest recline function and a 7.7-inch sliding range for ultimate cabin flexibility. You can also fit up to three child safety seats on the second-row bench seat.
Higher trim levels offer two captain’s chairs in the second row, which come with height-adjustable armrests. And in the way back, the 50/50-split third-row bench seat accommodates two passengers.
The Atlas offers 21.2 cubic feet of cargo space when all of the seats are up. When you need extra cargo space, you can fold down the third row and get 55.9 cubic feet of cargo space. Or fold down all of the rear seats and take advantage of up to 95.4 cubic feet of cargo volume.
How does the Telluride’s space compare?
The 2027 Kia Telluride offers seating for up to eight and features standard 60/40 split-folding second-row bench seats with one-touch tilt/slide on the passenger side and fold/slide on the driver side. It also features standard 60/40 split-folding and reclining third-row seats. Higher trim levels come with second-row captain’s chairs that tilt and slide forward.
Behind the third row of the Telluride, you’ll get 22.3 cubic feet of cargo space, behind the second row, you’ll get 48.7 cubic feet, and behind the first row, you’ll get 89.3 cubic feet.
Both SUVs offer adaptable cabins, but if you need seating for eight, the Telluride can accommodate. If you want extra cargo space, however, the Atlas delivers.
Comfort and Convenience
2027 Volkswagen Atlas
Inside the redesigned 2027 Atlas, you’ll be treated to next-level style and comfort with standard features like real wood décor, ambient lighting, three-zone Climatronic® automatic climate control, a heated steering wheel, and heated and ventilated leatherette front seats.
Available luxuries include Varenna leather seating surfaces, quilted Nappa leather seats, heated and ventilated outboard second-row seats, massaging front seats, and a panoramic sunroof.
2027 Kia Telluride
The 2027 Telluride, in contrast, offers engineered wood trim in only two of its higher trim levels and ambient lighting only in higher trim levels. While the Telluride does come with standard tri-zone auto climate control with an auto de-fog system, a heated steering wheel and heated and ventilated front seats do not come standard.
A power sunroof and dual sunroofs are available for the Telluride, as are heated and ventilated outboard second-row seats, but you won’t find any leather seating options in the lineup.
Safety and Technology Behind the Wheel
Both SUVs are equipped with modern technology features, which are designed to enhance your driving experience by adding protection and convenience on the go.
Standout safety and driver-assistance features in the 2027 Volkswagen Atlas include:
- IQ.DRIVE® advanced driver assistance technology:
- Travel Assist (semi-automated driving assistance with assisted lane changing)
- Front Assist (Forward Collision Warning and Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Monitoring)
- Active Side Assist (Blind Spot Monitor)
- Rear Traffic Alert
- Adaptive Cruise Control Stop and Go
- Lane Assist (Lane Keeping System)
- Emergency Assist Plus (semi-automated vehicle assistance in a medical emergency)
- New front center airbag
- Exit Warning
- Park Distance Control
- Light Assist (High Beam Control for headlights)
- Available Park Assist Plus (Parking Steering Assistant)
- Available Dynamic Road Sign Display
- Available Head-Up Display
- Available Predictive ACC
- Available Area View (Overhead View Camera).
Safety and driver-assistance features in the 2027 Kia Telluride include:
- Blind-Spot Collision Warning with Parallel Exit
- Driver Attention Warning
- Forward Collision Warning (Auto Emergency Braking Technology)
- Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist 1.5 (Auto Emergency Braking Technology) with Pedestrian, Cyclist, and Junction Turning Detection
- Highway Driving Assist
- In-Cabin Camera Monitoring System
- Intelligent Speed Limit Assist
- Lane Departure Warning
- Lane Keeping Assist
- Lane Following Assist 2
- Navigation-Based Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go - Curve
- Park Distance Warning - Front and Rear
- Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Warning
- Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist
- Rear Occupant Alert with Radar Sensors
- Safe Exit Assist
- Available 12-inch Head-Up Display
- Available X-Pro Ground View Monitor
- Available X-Pro Off Road Display
Other 2027 Volkswagen Atlas tech highlights include:
- New dual wireless phone charging
- Seven USB-C ports
- Wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™
- Configurable 10.25-inch digital gauge cluster.
- Standard 12.9-inch floating infotainment display
- Available 15-inch floating infotainment display
- Standard nine speakers
- Available 14-speaker Harman Kardon® Premium Audio System
- Available generative AI in-vehicle voice assistant
Other 2027 Kia Telluride tech highlights include:
- 12.3-inch touchscreen with navigation
- Wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™
- Dual wireless phone charger
- Seven USB-C ports
- Standard 8-speaker audio system
- Available 14-speaker Meridian™ Premium Audio System
- Standard 4.2-inch Instrument Display
- Available 12.3-inch Instrument Display
- 5-inch Climate Display
- Passenger Talk
While both SUVs offer an impressive array of technology features, including standard dual wireless charging, the 2027 Volkswagen Atlas offers a larger standard infotainment screen than the Telluride and an even larger available infotainment screen.
The Telluride does, however, offer a 5-inch climate display and Passenger Talk, a feature which lets front-seat passengers easily communicate with backseat passengers through a microphone and speakers.
Pricing, Value, and Ownership
The 2027 Volkswagen Atlas price starts at $41,610,3 while the 2027 Kia Telluride price starts at $39,190.4
Beyond the starting price, each SUV offers warranty coverage for your peace of mind.
Volkswagen Atlas Warranty & Benefits5
- Scheduled maintenance at 1 year/10,000 miles and 2 years/20,000 miles
- 4-year/50,000-mile New Vehicle Limited Warranty
- 3-year/36,000-mile Roadside Assistance
Kia Telluride Warranty & Benefits6
- 10-year/100,000-mile Powertrain Limited Warranty
- 5-year/60,000-mile New Vehicle Limited Warranty
- 5-year/60,000-mile Roadside Assistance
While the Telluride’s warranty coverage is longer, the Atlas includes scheduled maintenance at 1 year/10,000 miles and 2 years/20,000 miles at no additional charge with its Carefree Maintenance Program.
Making the Choice: Atlas or Telluride
So which of these two midsize, three-row SUVs will complement your life best?
2027 Volkswagen Atlas Lineup
- SE
- SE with Tech
- SEL R-Line
- SEL Premium R-Line
2027 Kia Telluride
- LX
- S
- EX
- X-Line EX
- SX
- X-Line SX
- X-Pro SX
- SX Prestige
- X-Line SX Prestige
- X-Pro SX Prestige
While the Kia Telluride offers a more extensive list of trim levels, the Atlas makes choosing simpler with a smaller number of trim levels to choose from. And while these two SUVs offer many similar features, they also have different strengths that appeal to different drivers.
If you want better fuel efficiency, more horsepower, more maximum cargo volume, and a larger infotainment screen, the Atlas might be right for you. If you want seating for up to eight, more torque, and longer warranty coverage, you may be happier with the Kia Telluride.
No matter your preferences, test-drive both models to determine which one is the ideal fit for your needs.
Find the VW Atlas Near Atlanta at Hoover Volkswagen
The team at your trusted Volkswagen Atlas dealer in Lithia Springs is here to help you upgrade to the right SUV for your lifestyle.
If you’re interested in the all-new 2027 Volkswagen Atlas and want to compare it with the 2027 Kia Telluride, browse our new Volkswagen inventory and contact our team at Hoover VW to learn about the Atlas SUV’s availability at our dealership and when you can take it for a test drive.
We’ll be happy to answer any questions you may have!
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. The 2027 Volkswagen Atlas is designed with three rows of seating that fit up to seven occupants.
The 2027 Volkswagen Atlas offers more maximum cargo space than the 2027 Kia Telluride. You’ll get 95.4 cubic feet of maximum cargo volume in the Atlas and 89.3 cubic feet of maximum cargo volume in the Telluride.
The 2027 Volkswagen Atlas offers more horsepower than the Telluride, but the Telluride produces more torque. The Atlas produces 282 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, while the Telluride produces 274 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque.
When properly equipped, most of the Atlas trim levels can tow up to 5,000 pounds. When properly equipped, the base trim level can tow up to 2,000 pounds.
Yes. The 2027 Volkswagen Atlas lineup offers the option of front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive.
No. The 2027 Volkswagen Atlas is equipped with a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine and does not offer a hybrid option.
The 2027 Atlas offers the larger touchscreen, with a standard 12.9-inch floating infotainment display and an available 15-inch floating infotainment display. The Telluride only offers a 12.3-inch touchscreen.
This will depend on your needs. If seating for seven is enough for your family and you would like more cargo space, the Atlas is the best choice. If you need seating for eight, the Telluride will be a better fit.
You can test-drive a Volkswagen Atlas here at Hoover Volkswagen! Contact us today to learn more about the 2027 Volkswagen Atlas SUV’s availability at our dealership.
Disclaimers
1EPA estimates. Your mileage will vary and depends on several factors including your driving habits and vehicle condition.
2Based on EPA estimates. Actual mileage will vary with options, driving conditions, driving habits, and your vehicle’s condition. For more information, please see www.fueleconomy.gov.
3Starting MSRP of $41,610 for a 2027 Volkswagen Atlas SE 2.0L TSI® with 8-speed automatic transmission. Pre-production vehicle shown. Prices exclude transportation, taxes, title, other options, and dealer charges. Dealer sets actual price.
4"Starting MSRP" is the manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) for the lowest model trim. MSRP excludes destination and handling charges, taxes, title, license, options, and dealer charges. Actual price are set by dealer and may vary. See “Build and Price” section for the MSRP of the model shown and applicable destination and handling charges. Vehicles shown with optional equipment. Some color, package, and option selections may include, exclude, or require the purchase of additional options and packages. See "Features & Specifications" and "Options" pages for details. Kia America, Inc. reserves the right to make changes at any time as to vehicle availability, destination, and handling fees, colors, materials, specifications, features, accessories, packages, and models. All exterior and interior images and specifications contained on this website are based on the latest product information available at the time of posting and may vary from actual product. See retailer for details.
5The Carefree Maintenance Program provides the 10,000- and 20,000-mile scheduled maintenance services or scheduled maintenance services for two years (whichever occurs first) as stated in the vehicle’s maintenance booklet. See dealer or owner’s literature for provided services, exclusions, and time and other limitations. The Carefree Maintenance Program does not provide tire rotations, or other services or parts not specified in the owner’s literature.
3 years/36,000 miles (whichever occurs first) Roadside Assistance provided by a third party. May require additional payment for services rendered. 4 years/50,000 miles (whichever occurs first) New Vehicle Limited Warranty. See owner’s literature or dealer for warranty, maintenance program, and roadside assistance limitations and details.
6Kia’s New Vehicle Limited Warranty includes a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain limited warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile basic limited warranty. All warranties and roadside assistance are limited. See your Warranty and Consumer Information Manual or your Kia retailer for warranty details.