2023 Volkswagen Atlas vs. 2023 Kia Telluride
If you’re looking for a new vehicle, the Volkswagen Atlas and Kia Telluride are two midsized SUVs with diverse trim levels and a range of standard equipment. With either, you’ll get the convenience of a third row of seats, as well as an impressive powertrain. However, there are a few differences between these two Volkswagen and Kia models. To find the best one for your requirements, check out this comparison.
Images via vw.com and kia.com
Exterior and Dimensions
The Atlas is available in five trims: the SE, SE with technology, SEL, SEL R-Line Black, and SEL Premium R-Line. Each brings its own personality, whether adding black styling or R-Line performance features. Meanwhile, Kia has expanded the Telluride to 10 trims: the LX, S, EX, EX X-Line, SX, SX X-Line, SX X-Pro, SX Prestige, SX Prestige X-Line, and SX Prestige X-Pro. Wheel sizes range from 18 to 20 inches, whereas the Atlas SEL Premium R-Line has 21-inch wheels in 9- or 8-inch diameters.
The 2023 Telluride’s many trim levels might seem exciting, but the new X-Line versions only add the new X-Line styling, which is a pricey way to add 20-inch wheels, a different grille, and roof rails. With certain trim levels, though, you can add dual sunroofs. The X-Pro versions add 18-inch alloy wheels and all-terrain tires to take things in an off-road direction.
The Atlas has clean lines that blend well with the classy, time-tested design. It’s easy to find an Atlas with features such as a hands-free remote power rear liftgate, a power tilting/sliding panoramic sunroof, silver or black roof rails, and even an adaptive front lighting system with dynamic cornering lights and heated washer nozzles.
Regarding exterior dimensions, the 2023 Volkswagen Atlas is 200.7 inches in length, 78.3 inches in width, and 70.1 inches in height, with 8 inches of ground clearance and a 117.3-inch wheelbase. The Telluride is 196.9 inches in length, 78.3 inches in width, and 69.3 inches in height. Ground clearance is also 8 inches, but the wheelbase is 114.2 inches. The larger size and longer wheelbase lead to a roomier cabin and a more confident appearance for the Volkswagen. All told, we think most drivers will prefer the Atlas for its size and simple but diverse trim-level options.
Engine and Performance
The Volkswagen Atlas has two engine options, but the Telluride has the same engine across the board. The Atlas’ first pick is a 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder with 235 horsepower. Alternatively, you can opt for a 3.6L V-6 engine with 276 horsepower. The engine in the Telluride is a 3.8L V-6 with 291 horsepower. Both crossovers come with an eight-speed automatic transmission.
The Atlas and the Telluride get similar gas mileage and towing capacities. The Atlas’ standard engine gets up to 25 mpg on the highway and 21 mpg in the city, while the optional engine achieves 24 mpg on the interstate and 18 mpg in the city. When properly equipped, the Atlas can tow up to 5,000 lbs. The Telluride’s V-6 gets 26 mpg on the highway and 20 mpg in the city, and its max towing capacity ranges from 5,000 to 5,500 lbs.
Interior Space
The interior of Telluride is sophisticated and cozy. However, the Atlas brings a similar level of luxury while having more cup holders on most trims and a simpler control arrangement. The main distinction between the 2023 Volkswagen Atlas and the Kia Telluride interiors, though, is the passenger and cargo volume. Cabin size is frequently a decisive issue for SUV owners, especially families, so check out the dimensions for both vehicles:
2023 Volkswagen Atlas Interior Dimensions
- Headroom in the first, second, and third rows: 41.3, 40.4, and 38.3 inches.
- Legroom in the first, second, and third rows: 41.7, 37.6, and 33.7 inches.
- Cargo capacity: 20.6 cubic feet, 55.5 with the third row down, and 96.8 at most.
2023 Kia Telluride Interior Dimensions
- Headroom in the first, second, and third rows without the sunroof: 40.9, 40.2, and 38.1 inches.
- Headroom with a sunroof: 39.5, 40.2, and 38.1 inches.
- Headroom with dual sunroofs: 39.5, 38.8, and 37.8 inches.
- Legroom: 41.4. 42.4, and 31.4 inches.
- Cargo capacity: 21 cubic feet, 46 with the third row down, and 87 at most.
Technology
The infotainment system in the Telluride includes a 10.25-inch touch screen, six-speaker audio, and a navigation system. To keep your second-row passengers entertained on long trips, you can add 10-speaker audio, wireless device charging, and a rear-seat entertainment system, among other amenities, but it may cost you more than a similar Atlas model.
The Atlas’ standard configuration gives you a six-speaker stereo and a 6.5-inch touch screen, but you can also get an 8-inch infotainment display, along with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. You can even upgrade to HD radio for a 12-speaker stereo system. Both vehicles include various connectivity features as standard, including Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth. These crossovers also provide numerous USB connections, allowing you to charge your electronic devices while on the go.
Safety Features
As with the infotainment and audio features, both crossovers boast a slew of standard and optional safety technology. You’re bound to get frontal collision warning, automated emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert as standard. In addition, the Telluride has a driver attention monitor, rear parking sensors, and a rear-seat alert to remind you to check for children or pets before exiting.
As for options, you can install a surround-view parking camera mode in both vehicles to provide you with an aerial view as you maneuver into position. You can add traffic sign recognition, adaptive cruise control, and front and rear parking sensors to the Atlas at an affordable price.
Visit Volkswagen of Marion for Your Next Purchase
While similar in terms of technology, power, and performance, the Atlas outperforms the Telluride in terms of exterior style and interior dimensions. Chances are that a luxurious model such as the SEL Premium R-Line is more affordable than an upper-level Telluride, especially when you shop with a Volkswagen dealership like ours.
If you’re still deciding between the 2023 Volkswagen Atlas and Telluride, why not take the former for a spin down a few Illinois roads? Please contact our Marion office or browse our live inventory to book a test drive. Alternatively, we invite you to see other Volkswagen models compared so you don’t miss out on a vehicle that may be an even better fit. Visit our model research hub or contact us to learn more about the Atlas and other Volkswagen cars.