2027 Volkswagen Atlas vs 2027 Kia Telluride: Which 3-Row SUV Should You Buy?

The 2027 Volkswagen Atlas produces 282 hp and returns 25 mpg combined, compared with the 2027 Kia Telluride’s 274 hp and 19 mpg combined. The Atlas also adds a standard 15-inch touchscreen on upper trims, real wood décor, and seven USB-C ports across all three rows. This page compares both SUVs side by side so you can find the right fit, with Atlas inventory available now at Volkswagen of Milwaukee North in Glendale.

The Short Answer

For families who prioritize fuel economy, a premium interior from the entry trim, and a comprehensive selection of standard driver assistance features, the 2027 Volkswagen Atlas is a compelling choice. The Atlas returns up to 6 mpg more combined than the Telluride’s standard turbocharged engine and provides real wood décor, dual wireless Qi2 charging, and heated and ventilated front seats without requiring a higher trim level.

The 2027 Kia Telluride offers an available eight-passenger bench configuration, longer confirmed warranty coverage, and a wider cargo hold. Buyers who prioritize maximum cargo volume, long-term powertrain coverage, or the X-Pro off-road package may prefer the Telluride.

2027 Volkswagen Atlas features and trims

Specs Head-to-Head

Specification 2027 Volkswagen Atlas 2027 Kia Telluride
Engine 2.0L turbocharged inline-four 2.5L turbocharged inline-four
Horsepower 282 hp 274 hp
Torque 258 lb-ft 311 lb-ft
Transmission Eight-speed automatic Eight-speed automatic
Drivetrain FWD standard; 4MOTION® AWD available FWD standard; AWD available
Towing 5,000 lbs 5,000 lbs
EPA MPG (FWD) 22 city / 29 highway / 25 combined 20 city / 26 highway / 22 combined
EPA MPG (AWD) 20 city / 27 highway / 23 combined 18 city / 24 highway / 19 combined on most AWD trims
Seating Seven Seven or eight
Cargo Behind Third Row Volkswagen has not yet released the official 2027 figure 22.3 cu ft
Cargo Behind Second Row Volkswagen has not yet released the official 2027 figure 48.7 cu ft
Maximum Cargo Volkswagen has not yet released the official 2027 figure 86.9 cu ft
Basic Warranty 4 yr / 50,000 mi 5 yr / 60,000 mi
Powertrain Warranty Volkswagen has not yet released the 2027 coverage details 10 yr / 100,000 mi

Performance and Powertrain

The Atlas provides 8 more horsepower at peak output, with 282 hp compared with the Telluride’s 274 hp. That additional output supports confident merging and highway acceleration, including during winter travel around Milwaukee and Glendale when equipped with 4MOTION® all-wheel drive.

The Telluride’s 2.5-liter turbocharged engine produces 311 lb-ft of torque from 1,700 rpm, supporting responsive acceleration from lower engine speeds. The Atlas produces 258 lb-ft of torque from its 2.0-liter engine. Its updated EA888 Evo5 engine is rated up to 2 mpg higher on the highway and combined than the outgoing Atlas engine.

The Atlas FWD returns an EPA-estimated 25 mpg combined, while the Telluride FWD returns 22 mpg combined. On AWD models, the Atlas is rated at 23 mpg combined, compared with 19 mpg combined for most Telluride AWD trims. For a Glendale family covering 15,000 miles each year, the Atlas’s higher EPA estimates can mean fewer fuel stops over time. Actual mileage will vary and depends on several factors, including driving habits and vehicle condition.

Both vehicles offer a 5,000 lb towing capacity when properly equipped. Neither vehicle currently offers a hybrid powertrain in the standard U.S. gasoline lineup covered by these specifications.

Volkswagen Atlas powertrain details

2027 Volkswagen Atlas performance and powertrain

Interior, Space, and Cargo

2027 Volkswagen Atlas interior space and cargo

Both SUVs seat seven as standard. The Telluride adds an eight-passenger bench configuration on select trims, providing another option for larger families. The Telluride offers 86.9 cubic feet of maximum cargo space and 22.3 cubic feet behind the third row. Volkswagen has not yet released the official 2027 Atlas cargo measurements, so a direct cargo-volume comparison is not available at the time this page was written.

The Atlas emphasizes premium interior appointments across its trim levels. Every 2027 Atlas includes real wood décor, 10-color ambient interior lighting, heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, rear-window sunshades, three-zone automatic climate control, and a power liftgate with Easy Open and Close. Availability of comparable features varies by Telluride trim.

The Atlas interior redesign centers on a dashboard loop that visually stretches the cabin’s width. The gear selector moves to the steering column, freeing center-console space for dual side-by-side Qi2 wireless phone chargers and a large storage shelf. The Telluride also offers dual wireless charging pads as standard equipment across its lineup, giving both vehicles useful charging options for connected families.

The Atlas provides seven USB-C ports distributed across all three rows. The Telluride also distributes USB-C fast-charging ports across all three rows, helping passengers keep compatible devices charged.

Technology and Safety

The Atlas equips every trim with a 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit Pro instrument cluster and a 12.9-inch central touchscreen on the SE. Upper trims add a 15-inch infotainment display. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard on both vehicles.

The Atlas adds natural voice control and includes a one-year trial of the Premium Speech generative AI assistant across all trims. The Telluride also offers a generative AI voice assistant through its “Hey, Kia” system. The Atlas includes a three-month trial of the myVW+ In-Vehicle Premium plan, covering navigation, Premium Radio with more than 30,000 stations, Wi-Fi hotspot capability, and garage connectivity.

The 2027 Atlas includes IQ.DRIVE® driver assistance technology on every trim. Features include Forward Collision Warning with pedestrian and bicyclist detection, Automatic Emergency Braking, Adaptive Cruise Control, lane-centering assistance, blind-zone steering intervention, Rear Traffic Alert, automatic high beams, front and rear parking sensors, Travel Assist with driver-initiated lane changes, Emergency Assist, and seven airbags, including a new front-center airbag.

Telluride SX and higher trims add Highway Driving Assist 2, a hands-on semi-automated freeway driving system, along with a 360-degree surround-view monitor and Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist. The Atlas includes Travel Assist with lane-change capability, while the 360-degree Area View Camera is included on the SEL Premium R-Line.

Both SUVs now include a front-center airbag as standard equipment across the lineup.

Driver assistance features are not substitutes for attentive driving. See the applicable owner’s manual for important limitations and additional information.

Value and Ownership

2027 Volkswagen Atlas value and ownership

The Atlas includes a 4-year/50,000-mile basic warranty, while the Telluride includes a 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty. Kia has announced 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain coverage for the Telluride. Volkswagen has not yet released the official 2027 Atlas powertrain warranty details.

The Atlas adds value through its standard features. Heated and ventilated front seats, real wood décor, dual wireless Qi2 charging, 10-color ambient lighting, rear sunshades, and a power liftgate are included from the SE trim. Buyers can therefore access these interior and convenience features without moving through multiple trim levels.

Both SUVs offer up to 5,000 lbs of towing capacity when properly equipped, giving families options for towing a boat or camper on summer trips from Glendale and around the greater Milwaukee area.

The Telluride offers 10 trims, providing buyers with a wide range of configurations. The more focused Atlas lineup includes SE FWD, SE with 4MOTION® all-wheel drive, SEL R-Line with 4MOTION, and SEL Premium R-Line with 4MOTION. Volkswagen 4MOTION all-wheel drive is designed to support traction and control as road conditions change.

Which One Should You Buy?

Buy the 2027 Volkswagen Atlas if you:

  • Want higher horsepower in this comparison, with 282 hp and higher EPA-estimated fuel economy
  • Value premium interior appointments from the entry trim
  • Want a large 15-inch display and generative AI functionality on upper trims
  • Need available 4MOTION® all-wheel drive for changing Wisconsin road conditions
  • Prefer a focused, well-equipped trim structure

Buy the 2027 Kia Telluride if you:

  • Need available eight-passenger bench seating
  • Prioritize Kia’s announced 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty
  • Want confirmed cargo-volume figures for the 2027 model
  • Are interested in the X-Pro variant and its 9.1 inches of ground clearance

See the 2027 Volkswagen Atlas at Volkswagen of Milwaukee North in Glendale

The 2027 Volkswagen Atlas brings 282 hp, an EPA-estimated 25 mpg combined, premium interior appointments, and a comprehensive selection of standard driver assistance features. Serving Glendale and the broader Milwaukee area, Volkswagen of Milwaukee North has Atlas inventory available to view, compare, and test-drive. Check current inventory and find the trim that fits your family.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the 2027 Volkswagen Atlas get better gas mileage than the 2027 Kia Telluride?

The Atlas FWD is EPA-rated at 25 mpg combined, compared with 22 mpg combined for the Telluride FWD. On AWD models, the Atlas is rated at 23 mpg combined, while most Telluride AWD trims are rated at 19 mpg combined. Actual mileage will vary and depends on several factors, including driving habits and vehicle condition. Atlas EPA fuel economy

Which has more horsepower, the 2027 Atlas or the 2027 Telluride?

The 2027 Volkswagen Atlas produces 282 hp, compared with 274 hp from the 2027 Kia Telluride. The Telluride produces more torque, with 311 lb-ft compared with the Atlas’s 258 lb-ft.

Do both the Atlas and Telluride seat seven passengers?

The 2027 Volkswagen Atlas seats seven as standard. The Telluride seats seven or eight depending on trim, with eight-passenger bench seating available on select models.

Which SUV has the longer warranty?

The Kia Telluride carries a 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty and announced 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain coverage. The Volkswagen Atlas includes a 4-year/50,000-mile basic warranty. Volkswagen has not yet released the official 2027 Atlas powertrain warranty details, so a complete powertrain-coverage comparison is not currently available.

Does the 2027 Volkswagen Atlas have a standard infotainment screen?

Yes. Every Atlas SE includes a 12.9-inch central touchscreen. The SE with Technology package and higher trims add a 15-inch touchscreen. All trims include wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Can the 2027 Volkswagen Atlas tow as much as the Telluride?

Both the 2027 Atlas and 2027 Kia Telluride are rated to tow up to 5,000 lbs when properly equipped. Actual towing capacity depends on vehicle configuration, equipment, cargo, and other factors.

Is the 2027 Atlas available with all-wheel drive?

Yes. Volkswagen 4MOTION® all-wheel drive is available on the SE and standard on the SEL R-Line and SEL Premium R-Line. The system is designed to support traction and control during changing road conditions around Glendale and Milwaukee.

Where can I see the 2027 Volkswagen Atlas in person near Milwaukee?

Volkswagen of Milwaukee North in Glendale carries 2027 Atlas inventory. Use the inventory link on this page to check current availability and schedule a test drive.

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