2025 Kia Telluride vs 2026 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport

$36,390 · Crossover

$38,300 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Kia Telluride bursts onto the scene boasting a robust 291 hp, offering immediate engagement, while the 2026 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport leans into torque-rich efficiency with 273 lb-ft and superior cargo utility. The Telluride showcases its power advantage with 22 more horsepower than the Atlas Cross Sport's 269 hp, making it feel tangibly quicker off the line. Conversely, the VW counters with a higher combined fuel economy of 23 MPG compared to the Kia’s 22 MPG, using regular unleaded in both cases. While the Telluride starts at a competitive $36,390 MSRP, slightly undercutting the Atlas Cross Sport’s $38,300 entry price, the VW offers a cavernous 40.3 cu ft of cargo space versus the Telluride's 21 cu ft, despite being negligibly shorter in length at 195.6 inches compared to the Kia’s 196.9 inches. This comparison pits raw power against superior hauling capability.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport

The 2026 Atlas Cross Sport wins for commuters due to its slightly better 23 combined MPG efficiency.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport

Families will overwhelmingly prefer the VW Atlas Cross Sport for its nearly double cargo capacity of 40.3 cu ft versus the Telluride's 21 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Kia Telluride

Enthusiasts will lean toward the 2025 Telluride because it delivers a higher peak output of 291 horsepower.

💰 Best Value

2025 Kia Telluride

The Kia Telluride offers a better value proposition by starting at a lower MSRP of $36,390.

Choose the Kia Telluride if...

You prioritize outright engine power, as the 2025 Telluride delivers 291 hp.
Your budget is tight, with the Telluride starting at $36,390, making it $1,910 cheaper.
You prefer the slightly taller stance provided by the Telluride's 68.9-inch height.

Choose the Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport if...

You frequently haul gear, benefitting from the massive 40.3 cu ft of cargo space.
Maximizing efficiency is key, as the Atlas Cross Sport achieves 27 highway MPG.
You prefer a vehicle with more low-end grunt, evidenced by its 273 lb-ft of torque.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Kia Telluride	Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport
Length	196.9"	195.6"
Width	78.3"	78.3"
Height	68.9"	68.1"
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	20/27 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	22 MPG	23 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	376.0/488.8 mi.	372.0/502.2 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	—	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	—	✓
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.	39.4 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.	37.8 in.
Rear Leg Room	42.4 in.	40.4 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	61.2 in.	60.4 in.
Rear Hip Room	58.0 in.	58.7 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 2026 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport.

How does the power difference between the 2025 Kia Telluride and the 2026 VW Atlas Cross Sport affect driving?

The Telluride has a noticeable advantage with 291 hp compared to the Atlas Cross Sport's 269 hp, meaning the Kia should feel quicker during acceleration and passing maneuvers. However, the VW compensates slightly with higher torque (273 lb-ft vs. 262 lb-ft), which aids in initial responsiveness.

Which crossover is better for hauling cargo on a road trip?

The 2026 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport is the clear winner for cargo volume, offering 40.3 cu ft. This nearly doubles the Kia Telluride’s 21 cu ft capacity, making the VW far superior for families or weekend adventurers packing bulky items.

Is there a significant difference in fuel economy between these two FWD models?

The fuel economy figures are very close, but the Atlas Cross Sport holds a marginal lead with a combined 23 MPG versus the Telluride’s 22 MPG. Both utilize regular unleaded gasoline for fueling.

Which vehicle has the higher starting price?

The 2026 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport has the higher starting MSRP at $38,300. The 2025 Kia Telluride undercuts this by nearly $2,000, starting at $36,390.

How do the physical dimensions compare for parking and maneuverability?

These crossovers are similarly sized, but the Atlas Cross Sport is slightly shorter overall at 195.6 inches compared to the Telluride's 196.9 inches. They share the exact same width (78.3 inches), so maneuverability and garage fit will be almost identical.