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Two all-new three-row SUVs, both redesigned for 2027. Here's how they compare on space, power, technology and warranty — including the one area where the Telluride has an answer the Atlas doesn't.
Part of our Volkswagen Atlas research hub: trims, prices, specs, inventory and FAQs in one place.
Volkswagen and Kia both rebuilt their family haulers for 2027, and they landed in different places. The Atlas leans into interior space and standard comfort; the Telluride leans into powertrain choice and warranty. Below is a side-by-side using each manufacturer's published figures, followed by an honest look at where the Kia is the better buy.
| 2027 VW Atlas | 2027 Kia Telluride | |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 2.0L turbo-4, 282 hp / 258 lb-ft | 2.5L turbo-4, 274 hp / 311 lb-ft |
| Hybrid option | Not offered | Yes — 329 hp / 339 lb-ft |
| EPA combined MPG (gas, AWD) | 23 | 20 |
| Seating | 7 (6 with captain's chairs) | 7 or 8 |
| Max cargo (cu ft) | 95.4 | 89.3 |
| Cargo behind 2nd row | 55.9 | 48.7 |
| Cargo behind 3rd row | 21.2 | 22.3 |
| 3rd-row legroom | 34.1" | 32.1" |
| Largest touchscreen | 15" | 12.3" |
| Ventilated front seats | Standard | Available |
| Max towing (lb) | 5,000 | 5,000 (hybrid 4,500) |
| Powertrain warranty | 4 yr / 50,000 mi | 10 yr / 100,000 mi |
Green = better on that line. Figures from manufacturers' published data at time of writing; see notes below.
The Atlas is the bigger box. Fold everything down and it holds 95.4 cubic feet against the Telluride's 89.3, and behind the second row the gap is even wider (55.9 vs. 48.7 cu ft) — that's the configuration most families actually use for a Costco run or a Tahoe weekend. Third-row legroom is where the Atlas pulls clearly ahead: 34.1 inches versus 32.1, enough that adults can ride back there without negotiating.
The Telluride wins two space details. With every seat in use it holds a little more behind the third row (22.3 vs. 21.2 cu ft), and it can be configured for eight passengers with a second-row bench. The Atlas seats seven, or six with second-row captain's chairs.
Both use turbocharged four-cylinders now. The Atlas makes a little more horsepower (282 vs. 274); the Telluride's larger 2.5-liter makes more torque (311 vs. 258 lb-ft). On the EPA cycle the Atlas is the more efficient gas SUV, rated 20/27/23 mpg with 4MOTION all-wheel drive against the Telluride's 20 combined with AWD. Front-drive Atlas models reach 29 mpg highway.
The bigger story is that the 2027 Telluride adds a hybrid. Its 329-hp hybrid system is the most powerful Telluride yet and is rated in the low-to-mid 30s mpg combined. Volkswagen does not offer an Atlas hybrid, so if electrified efficiency is the priority, that's a real point for the Kia. Both tow up to 5,000 pounds (4,500 for the Telluride hybrid).
The Atlas offers a 15-inch center touchscreen, the largest in the segment, alongside a standard digital driver display. The Telluride uses a 12.3-inch screen. Ventilated front seats are standard on every Atlas and optional on the Telluride, and upper Atlas trims add real wood trim, massaging front seats and multi-color ambient lighting. Both carry a full suite of driver-assistance features.
On price, the Telluride starts a little below the Atlas SE ($43,135 MSRP). Equipment levels differ trim to trim, so compare the trims you'd actually buy — our Atlas trim guide lays out what each level adds.
The Atlas doesn't win every line, and the Telluride is a strong SUV. Here's where it genuinely leads.
The 2027 Telluride offers a 329-hp hybrid with much better fuel economy than any gas three-row. The Atlas is gas-only.
Kia covers the powertrain for 10 years/100,000 miles and the whole vehicle for 5 years/60,000. Volkswagen's new-vehicle warranty is 4 years/50,000 miles.
The Telluride can seat eight and holds slightly more behind the third row when every seat is up.
Choose the 2027 Atlas if you want the most interior space and third-row comfort, the biggest screen and standard ventilated seats, with better gas fuel economy. Choose the Telluride if you want a hybrid, need eight seats, or weigh a 10-year powertrain warranty above everything else.
Every new Atlas bought from Elk Grove Volkswagen includes our Knight4Life lifetime engine warranty, which covers vital engine components for as long as you own the vehicle (terms apply). It sits on top of Volkswagen's 4-year/50,000-mile new-vehicle limited warranty and 2-year/20,000-mile Carefree scheduled maintenance.
Yes, in total cargo volume and third-row room. The Atlas offers up to 95.4 cu ft of cargo space versus 89.3 for the Telluride, and 34.1 inches of third-row legroom versus 32.1. The Telluride holds slightly more behind the third row (22.3 vs. 21.2 cu ft).
No. The 2027 Atlas uses a 282-hp turbocharged four-cylinder only. The 2027 Telluride offers both a 274-hp turbo four and a 329-hp hybrid.
Among gas models, the Atlas. It is EPA-rated at 23 mpg combined with all-wheel drive versus 20 for the gas Telluride AWD. The Telluride hybrid is more efficient than either gas model.
The Telluride. Kia offers a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty and 5-year/60,000-mile basic coverage; Volkswagen covers the Atlas for 4 years/50,000 miles plus 2 years/20,000 miles of scheduled maintenance. Atlas buyers at Elk Grove Volkswagen also receive the Knight4Life lifetime engine warranty (terms apply).
The Atlas seats seven, or six with second-row captain's chairs. The Telluride seats seven or eight depending on configuration.
Yes. The all-new 2027 Atlas is in stock at Elk Grove Volkswagen, 9776 W Stockton Blvd in Elk Grove. Call 916-460-8489 to book a test drive.
The best way to choose between the Atlas and the Telluride is to drive them. Book a test drive at Elk Grove Volkswagen and bring your family, your car seats and your gear.
Elk Grove Volkswagen · 9776 W Stockton Blvd, Elk Grove, CA 95757 · Sales 916-460-8489 · Serving Sacramento, Stockton, Folsom & the Central Valley
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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. Atlas pricing shown is manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) for the base trim and excludes destination, taxes, title, license, registration, dealer documentation fees and optional equipment; competitor pricing is described only in general terms. Knight4Life benefits are provided by Elk Grove Volkswagen, not Volkswagen of America; see dealer for terms and exclusions.
