Are you shopping around for a midsize three-row SUV for your family? Two top choices are the Kia Telluride and Volkswagen Atlas. See how the SUVs stack up in this 2022 Kia Telluride vs. 2022 VW Atlas comparison. With its many advantages, the Telluride tops the Atlas. 

2022 Kia Telluride vs. 2022 VW Atlas

In our 2022 Kia Telluride vs. 2022 VW Atlas comparison, we evaluated several areas. This includes performance, efficiency, towing, off-road capabilities, safety, passenger and cargo space, warranty coverage, reliability, and price.

Telluride vs. Atlas: Performance, efficiency, and towing

On the performance front, all 2022 Kia Telluride models feature a 3.8-liter V6 engine, which generates 291 hp. In comparison, the 2022 VW Atlas offers two engine options, but neither of them surpasses the output of the engine in the Telluride: a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder (235 hp) and a 3.6-liter V6 (276 hp).

For efficiency, the Telluride and Atlas are fairly evenly matched. The Telluride gets an estimated fuel economy of up to 20 city/26 highway mpg, while the Atlas gets a gas mileage of up to 21 city/25 highway mpg. 

Telluride vs. Atlas: Towing and off-road capabilities

For off-road action, the Telluride and Atlas have a similar level of capabilities. Both SUVs offer a traction-enhancing all-wheel drive system and have ground clearance of 8.0 inches. 

Do you have a camping trailer or a boat to tow? Both the Telluride and Atlas have a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds.

Telluride vs. Atlas: Safety

The Telluride has the advantage for safety. Unlike the Atlas, the Telluride earned an IIHS Top Safety Pick award.

Telluride vs. Atlas: Passenger and cargo space

The Telluride provides more passenger space. It can seat up to eight people, with a total passenger volume of 178.1 cu-ft. In comparison, the Atlas can seat up to seven people, with a total passenger volume of 154.0 cu-ft. However, the Atlas provides more storage space. It has a maximum cargo capacity of 96.8 cu-ft, compared to 87.0 cu-ft for the Telluride.

Telluride vs. Atlas: Warranty coverage and reliability

For warranty coverage, the Telluride has the advantage. It has the backing of a 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty and a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. In comparison, the Atlas has a 4-year/50,000-mile basic warranty and a 4-year/50,000-mile powertrain warranty. 

Also, the Telluride is more reliable than the Atlas. It earned a J.D. Power reliability rating of 85/100, compared to 70/100 for the Atlas.

Telluride vs. Atlas: Price

Which SUV costs more: the 2022 Telluride or the 2022 Atlas? The starting prices of the 2022 Telluride range from $33,090 MSRP for the LX trim up to $42,990 MSRP for the SX trim. In comparison, the starting prices of the 2022 Atlas range from $33,900 MSRP for the SE trim up to $51,070 MSRP for the V6 SEL Premium R-Line trim.

2022 Kia Telluride vs. 2022 VW Atlas: Which SUV is better?

In our 2022 Kia Telluride vs. 2022 VW Atlas comparison, the Telluride has more advantages. This includes advantages for performance, safety, passenger space, warranty coverage, reliability, and price. For the 2022 Atlas, the only advantage that it has is cargo space.