2025 Kia Telluride vs 2025 Volkswagen Atlas

$36,390 · Crossover

$38,200 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The primary performance divergence between the 2025 Kia Telluride and the 2025 Volkswagen Atlas is horsepower, where the Telluride leads by 22 hp (291 hp vs. 269 hp), despite the Atlas producing 11 lb-ft more torque (273 lb-ft vs. 262 lb-ft). Both vehicles share an identical 22 MPG combined fuel economy rating using regular unleaded fuel. The Atlas is physically larger, measuring 200.7 inches long compared to the Telluride's 196.9 inches, and offers slightly more overall interior height at 70.4 inches against the Telluride's 68.9 inches. However, the Telluride secures a marginal advantage in dedicated storage, boasting 21 cubic feet of cargo capacity versus the Atlas’s 20.6 cu ft. Pricing is a key factor, with the Telluride starting at $36,390, which is $1,810 less than the Atlas's base MSRP of $38,200. These precise metrics determine the better fit for varying consumer priorities.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Kia Telluride

The Kia Telluride wins for commuters due to its lower $36,390 MSRP, resulting in a better initial value proposition for daily driving.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Volkswagen Atlas

The Volkswagen Atlas is favored for families due to its superior dimensions, offering 70.4 inches of height compared to the Telluride's 68.9 inches.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Kia Telluride

The 2025 Kia Telluride is the enthusiast choice because it produces 291 hp, a measurable 22 hp advantage over the Atlas’s 269 hp.

💰 Best Value

2025 Kia Telluride

The Telluride offers better initial value, starting at $36,390 versus the Atlas’s $38,200 starting price for comparable FWD utility.

Choose the Kia Telluride if...

You prioritize outright engine output, as the Telluride delivers 291 hp.
Your budget is firm, utilizing the Telluride's lower base MSRP of $36,390.
You prefer slightly more dedicated rear cargo space at 21 cu ft versus 20.6 cu ft.

Choose the Volkswagen Atlas if...

You need maximized vertical cabin space, supported by the Atlas's 70.4-inch height.
You value slightly higher torque output for low-end pull, as the Atlas provides 273 lb-ft.
You prefer a longer overall vehicle footprint, with the Atlas measuring 200.7 inches in length.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Kia Telluride	Volkswagen Atlas
Length	196.9"	200.7"
Width	78.3"	78.3"
Height	68.9"	70.4"
Wheelbase	114.2"	117.3"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Kia	Volkswagen
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	✓	✓
Driver Attention Alert	✓	—
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	✓
Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	—
Front Head Airbags	✓	✓
Rear Head Airbags	✓	✓
Third Row Head Airbags	✓	✓
Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation	✓	✓
Electronic Stability Control	✓	✓
Traction Control System	✓	✓
LATCH System	✓	✓
Rear Door Child Safety Locks	✓	✓
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)	4-Wheel	4-Wheel
Front Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Headrests	3	3
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Brake Preparation System	—	✓
Adaptive Headlights	—	✓
Cornering Lights	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Kia	Volkswagen
Base Engine Displacement	3.8 L	2.0 L
Number of Cylinders	V6	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	291 hp @ 6000 rpm	269 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque	262 lb-ft @ 5200 rpm	273 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm
Number of Valves	24	16
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓

Drive Train

Feature	Kia	Volkswagen
Transmission Type	8-speed automatic	8-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	front wheel drive
Hill Descent Control	✓	—

Fuel

Feature	Kia	Volkswagen
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	20/26 MPG	20/26 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	22 MPG	22 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	376.0/488.8 mi.	372.0/483.6 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	18.8 gal.	18.6 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Kia	Volkswagen
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	✓	—
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
3rd Row Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	✓	—
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry	✓	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	—
Three Zone Climate Control	✓	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control	✓	✓
Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling	✓	—
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	✓
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	—	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	—	✓
Leatherette Steering Wheel	—	✓
Heated Steering Wheel	—	✓
Interior Air Filtration	—	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Kia	Volkswagen
Infotainment Display	12.3 in	12.0 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	6	6
Android Auto (Wired)	✓	—
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	✓	—
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	3 months	3 months
Android Auto (Wireless)	—	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	—	✓

Power Feature

Feature	Kia	Volkswagen
One-Touch Power Windows	4	—
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Kia	Volkswagen
Front Head Room	40.9 in.	41.3 in.
Front Leg Room	41.4 in.	41.7 in.
Front Shoulder Room	61.6 in.	61.5 in.
Front Hip Room	58.9 in.	58.4 in.
Seat Material: Leatherette	✓	✓
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Manual Adjustments	6-way	—
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	6-way	6-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	—	8-way
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	—	Power
Driver Seat Heating	—	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	—	Multi-level
Driver Seat Ventilation	—	✓
Passenger Seat Ventilation	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	Kia	Volkswagen
Rear Head Room	40.2 in.	40.4 in.
Rear Leg Room	42.4 in.	37.6 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	61.2 in.	60.5 in.
Rear Hip Room	58.0 in.	58.6 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Kia	Volkswagen
Wheel Material	Alloy	—
Wheel Size	18 x 7.5 in	18 x 8.0 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	P245/60R18	245/60R18
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	—
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	—
Wheel Finish	—	Painted Alloy

Suspension

Feature	Kia	Volkswagen
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	✓
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓
Rear Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓

Warranty

Feature	Kia	Volkswagen
Basic Warranty	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	10 yr./ 100000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	5 yr./ 100000 mi.	7 yr./ 100000 mi.
Roadside Assistance	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	—	2 yr./ 20000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Kia Telluride and 2025 Volkswagen Atlas.

Does the difference in horsepower between the two crossovers translate to better fuel economy?

No, both the 2025 Kia Telluride and the 2025 Volkswagen Atlas share an identical combined fuel economy rating of 22 MPG (20 City/26 Highway). Both utilize regular unleaded fuel, minimizing ongoing operational cost differences.

Which vehicle has a significant advantage in physical size?

The Volkswagen Atlas is longer at 200.7 inches compared to the Telluride's 196.9 inches, suggesting a slightly larger external footprint. However, the Telluride offers marginally more cargo capacity at 21 cu ft versus the Atlas's 20.6 cu ft.

How much cheaper is the base model Telluride compared to the Atlas?

The 2025 Kia Telluride starts at $36,390, presenting an immediate cost saving of $1,810 against the 2025 Volkswagen Atlas's starting MSRP of $38,200.

Is the Atlas or the Telluride more powerful in terms of torque?

The Volkswagen Atlas produces slightly more torque, delivering 273 lb-ft compared to the Telluride’s 262 lb-ft. This difference of 11 lb-ft may slightly influence low-speed acceleration feel.

Both models are FWD; do they use the same transmission type?

Both vehicles utilize an 8-speed automatic transmission. The Telluride uses a standard 8-speed automatic, while the Atlas specifies an 8-speed shiftable automatic, though the core operation is very similar.

If I carry tall passengers, which vehicle offers more headroom potential?

The Volkswagen Atlas has a noted height advantage, standing at 70.4 inches, which is 1.5 inches taller than the Kia Telluride’s 68.9 inches, potentially translating to marginally more vertical cabin space.