# 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.
- Title: Kia Telluride Wins 2027 SUV Test Against VW Atlas | Shortify
- Summary: 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…
- Keywords: 2027 kia telluride, 2027 vw atlas, car and driver, suv comparison, x-pro trim, sel premium r-line, cars, Kia, Telluride, Wins, 2027, SUV
- Source: Car and Driver — https://caranddriver.com/reviews/comparison-test/a74056001/2027-kia-telluride-vs-volkswagen-atlas-comparison-test
- Published: 2026-10-09T21:37:20+00:00
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: 2027 kia telluride, 2027 vw atlas, car and driver, suv comparison, x-pro trim, sel premium r-line, cars
## 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.
## Key takeaway

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.