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All five are three-row family SUVs. Here's where the all-new 2027 Atlas leads on space, screen, and standard comfort — and where each rival genuinely has the edge.
Part of our Volkswagen Atlas research hub: trims, prices, specs, inventory and FAQs in one place.
Volkswagen rebuilt the Atlas for 2027 on an all-new platform, and it shows up most in the numbers that matter to a three-row buyer: interior volume, third-row room, and screen size. This comparison uses Volkswagen's published competitive data, then adds an honest look at what the Kia, Hyundai, Honda, and Subaru do better.
| 2027 Atlas | Kia Telluride | Hyundai Palisade | Honda Pilot | Subaru Ascent | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Max cargo (cu ft) | 95.4 | 89.3 | 86.7 | 87.0 | 75.6 |
| Cargo behind 2nd row | 55.9 | 48.7 | 46.3 | 48.5 | 43.5 |
| Cargo behind 3rd row | 21.2 | 22.3 | 19.1 | 18.6 | 17.8 |
| 3rd-row legroom | 34.1" | 32.1" | 32.1" | 32.5" | 31.7" |
| Largest touchscreen | 15" | 12.3" | 12.3" | 12.3" | 11.6" |
| Ventilated front seats | Standard | Available | Available | Available | Not offered |
| 2nd-row ventilated seats | Available | Available | Available | Not offered | Not offered |
| Real wood decor | Yes | No | Available | No | No |
| EPA combined MPG (AWD) | 23 | 20 | 20 | 21 | 22 |
Green = best in this group. Figures from manufacturers' published data at time of writing; see notes below.
This is the Atlas's clearest win. With up to 95.4 cubic feet of cargo volume and 55.9 cubic feet behind the second row, it swallows more gear than any rival here, and its 34.1 inches of third-row legroom is the most in the group — the difference between a back row adults tolerate and one they'll actually ride in. One nuance worth knowing: with all three rows up, the Telluride edges it for behind-the-third-row cargo (22.3 vs. 21.2 cu ft).
On headcount, the Atlas seats seven in a 2-3-2 layout, or six with the available second-row captain's chairs. The Pilot, Telluride, and Palisade can seat eight with a second-row bench, so if maximum seats is the priority, they have an answer the Atlas doesn't.
Step inside and the gap widens again. The Atlas offers a 15-inch center touchscreen — larger than anything in the Telluride, Palisade, Pilot, or Ascent — alongside the standard Digital Cockpit Pro digital gauge cluster. It's also the only SUV here that makes ventilated front seats standard; the others charge for them or, in the Ascent's case, don't offer them. Real wood cabin trim, available massaging front seats, and up to 30-color ambient lighting push the top Atlas trims toward near-luxury territory.
Every Atlas uses a 282-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder. It trades a little peak horsepower against the V6 Telluride, Palisade, and Pilot, but it returns it at the pump: front-drive models are EPA-rated up to 29 mpg highway, and all-wheel-drive models at 20/27/23 — the best combined AWD rating in this group. 4MOTION all-wheel drive is optional on SE trims and standard from SEL R-Line up.
No SUV wins everything. If one of these matters more to you than cargo and screen size, it's worth a serious look — and we'll tell you so.
Kia and Hyundai back their SUVs with a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, well beyond Volkswagen's 4-year/50,000-mile coverage. For a long-term, high-mileage owner, that's a real consideration.
The all-new 2027 Telluride and the redesigned Palisade both offer a 329-hp turbocharged hybrid, and the Palisade adds a rugged XRT Pro trim. If you want the efficiency of a hybrid three-row, the Atlas has no direct answer — it's gas-only.
The Pilot seats eight and offers a genuine off-road TrailSport with a torque-vectoring all-wheel-drive system, extra ground clearance, and all-terrain tires — plus Honda's strong reputation for resale value.
Every Ascent includes symmetrical all-wheel drive and Subaru's EyeSight safety suite as standard, usually at a lower starting price. On an Atlas SE or SE with Technology, all-wheel drive is a paid option.
If your priority is interior space, third-row comfort, screen size, and standard luxury features, the 2027 Atlas is the strongest pick in this group. If you weigh warranty length, a hybrid option, eight-seat capacity, or standard all-wheel drive at the lowest price above all else, one of the rivals may suit you better — and the honest way to know is to drive them back to back.
In total cargo volume, yes. The 2027 Atlas offers up to 95.4 cu ft versus 89.3 for the Telluride and 86.7 for the Palisade, and it has the most third-row legroom in the class at 34.1 inches. The Telluride does hold slightly more cargo behind the third row (22.3 vs. 21.2 cu ft).
No. The 2027 Atlas is gas-only, using a 282-hp turbocharged four-cylinder. Among these rivals, the all-new 2027 Kia Telluride and the Hyundai Palisade both offer a 329-hp hybrid. The Atlas counters with the best combined all-wheel-drive fuel economy of the gas models here (20/27/23).
The Atlas, with an available 15-inch center touchscreen. The Telluride, Palisade, and Pilot top out at 12.3 inches and the Ascent at 11.6 inches. The Atlas also includes a standard digital driver's display.
The Telluride and Palisade, through Kia's and Hyundai's 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranties. Volkswagen covers the Atlas with a 4-year/50,000-mile new-vehicle limited warranty. Coverage terms vary; confirm current details with the manufacturer.
Seven in its standard 2-3-2 layout, or six with the available second-row captain's chairs. The Pilot, Telluride, and Palisade can seat eight with a bench second row.
All five offer all-wheel drive. The Subaru Ascent includes it on every trim; the Atlas offers 4MOTION on SE trims and makes it standard from SEL R-Line up. For foothill and mountain driving, we'd recommend an all-wheel-drive Atlas — stop by Elk Grove Volkswagen and we'll set up a test drive.
The spec sheet only tells part of the story. Come drive the all-new Atlas at Elk Grove Volkswagen and feel the space and the step up in technology for yourself.
Elk Grove Volkswagen · 9776 W Stockton Blvd, Elk Grove, CA 95757 · Sales 916-460-8489 · Serving Sacramento, Stockton, Folsom & the Central Valley
Specs, features, pricing, and what's new on the all-new Atlas.
TrimsSE, SE Technology, SEL R-Line, and SEL Premium R-Line compared.
ColorsAll eight exterior colors, including two new for 2027.
One rival at a time, with an honest look at where each one wins.
Comparison based on manufacturers' published specifications and competitive data available at the time of writing; features, specifications, and availability are subject to change and may vary by trim and configuration. Figures are based on preliminary manufacturer information and are subject to change. Competitor model years referenced reflect current publicly available data. Warranty terms are summaries only; see each manufacturer for complete coverage details. EPA-estimated mileage is for comparison only and will vary. Confirm all details with Elk Grove Volkswagen and the respective manufacturers.
