From Car and Driver · · 3m
Kia Telluride Wins 2027 SUV Test Against VW Atlas
2027 Kia Telluride X-Pro edges out 2027 VW Atlas in Car and Driver's mid-size SUV comparison test.
In brief
2027 Kia Telluride X-Pro edges out 2027 VW Atlas in Car and Driver's mid-size SUV comparison test. The 2027 Kia Telluride X-Pro SX Prestige AWD won Car and Driver's most recent three-row SUV test against seven competitors, beating the 2027 Volkswagen Atlas SEL Premium R-Line 4Motion with better ride quality and…
2027 Kia Telluride X-Pro SX Prestige AWD
Car and Driver's most recent three-row SUV comparison test saw the 2027 Kia Telluride X-Pro SX Prestige AWD win against seven competitors.
2027 Volkswagen Atlas SEL Premium R-Line 4Motion
The 2027 Volkswagen Atlas SEL Premium R-Line 4Motion was still in development when Car and Driver tested the 2026 model instead.
Tested Models
Both vehicles were top-spec trims: the Telluride X-Pro SX Prestige AWD with 274-hp turbocharged four-cylinder and the Atlas SEL Premium R-Line 4Motion with 282-hp turbo four.
Price Comparison
The Telluride X-Pro base price was $58,335 with options totaling $59,580, while the Atlas SEL Premium R-Line 4Motion cost $58,135 with options bringing it to $59,126.
Design Differences
The Telluride features slab sides, a blunt black front end, and a grille filled with shiny black teeth, while the Atlas has a conservative evolution of its previous generation design.
Interior Space
Both SUVs offer similar interior room: the Telluride has 158 cubic feet of passenger volume with the Atlas at 154 cubic feet.
Cargo Space
With the third row folded, the Atlas offers 56 cubic feet of cargo space compared to the Telluride's 49 cubic feet.
Infotainment Systems
The Telluride has a more intuitive infotainment system with a 12.3-inch screen integrated with its instrument cluster, while the Atlas features a 15.0-inch center screen and a 10.3-inch digital cluster.
Powertrain Performance
The Telluride accelerates to 60 mph in 7.5 seconds and completes the quarter-mile in 15.7 seconds at 89 mph, while the Atlas takes 7.6 seconds and 15.8 seconds at 91 mph.
Fuel Efficiency
The Atlas achieves 23 mpg combined EPA fuel economy versus the Telluride's 19 mpg combined EPA rating.
Driving Experience
The Telluride provides a smoother ride and quieter cabin than the Atlas, though the Atlas has better cornering grip and braking performance.
Winner Determined
Car and Driver selected the 2027 Kia Telluride X-Pro SX Prestige AWD as the winner due to its smoother ride, quieter cabin, and more user-friendly infotainment system.
Atlas's Significance
The 2027 Volkswagen Atlas has become a serious contender in the three-row mid-size SUV class, challenging the Kia Telluride's dominance.
Key Specifications
The Telluride X-Pro has a 274-hp turbocharged four-cylinder, 8-speed automatic transmission, and 4852-pound curb weight, while the Atlas has a 282-hp turbo four, 8-speed automatic, and 4740-pound curb weight.
Interior Features
Both vehicles feature premium sound systems, heated and ventilated seating, glass sunroofs, and USB-C ports, with the Telluride offering a more intuitive infotainment system.
Conclusion
The 2027 Kia Telluride X-Pro SX Prestige AWD won Car and Driver's most recent three-row SUV comparison test against seven competitors, proving itself the superior mid-size family SUV.
The key point
The 2027 Kia Telluride X-Pro SX Prestige AWD won Car and Driver's most recent three-row SUV test against seven competitors, beating the 2027 Volkswagen Atlas SEL Premium R-Line 4Motion with better ride quality and infotainment.
