2023 Kia Telluride Tops 2023 VW Atlas in Numerous Ways
The Kia Telluride is a very popular choice for the three-row midsize SUV segment. However, it faces competition from other midsize SUVs, such as the Volkswagen Atlas. Find out how the two models compare in this 2023 Kia Telluride vs. 2023 VW Atlas analysis. With its many advantages, the Telluride tops the Atlas in numerous ways.
2023 Kia Telluride vs. 2023 Volkswagen Atlas
In this 2023 Kia Telluride vs. 2023 VW Atlas midsize SUV comparison, we evaluated several areas. This includes performance, gas mileage, towing, off-road capabilities, safety, passenger and cargo space, warranty coverage, and price.
Telluride vs. Atlas: Performance and gas mileage
On the performance front, the 2023 Kia Telluride outmuscles the 2023 Volkswagen Atlas. It comes equipped with a 3.8-liter V-6 engine, which generates 291 horsepower. In comparison, the Atlas offers two engine options, but they both have a lower horsepower output than the one for the Telluride: a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder (235 horsepower) and a 3.6-liter V-6 (276 horsepower).
For gas mileage, the Telluride and Atlas are evenly matched. Both SUVs have an estimated fuel economy of up to 23 combined mpg.
Telluride vs. Atlas: Towing
The 2023 Telluride can tow slightly more than the 2023 Atlas. It has a maximum towing capacity of 5,500 pounds, compared to 5,000 pounds for the Atlas.
Telluride vs. Atlas: Off-road capabilities
Both the Telluride and Atlas offer a traction-enhancing all-wheel drive system — and have ground clearance of up to 8.0 inches. However, with the rugged and adventure-ready X-Line and X-Pro trims, the Telluride has the advantage for off-road use.
Telluride vs. Atlas: Safety
Given its history, the Telluride has the edge for safety. For the previous model year, the Telluride earned an IIHS Top Safety Pick award. However, the Atlas didn’t receive any safety award from IIHS.
Telluride vs. Atlas: Passenger and cargo space
Which midsize SUV is bigger: the 2023 Telluride or the 2023 Atlas? While the official interior specs of the 2023 Telluride are not yet available, we expect them to be similar to the 2022 Telluride, which has a total passenger volume of 178.1 cu-ft and a maximum cargo capacity of 87.0 cu-ft.
In comparison, the 2023 Atlas has a total passenger volume of 154 cu-ft and a maximum cargo capacity of 96.8 cu-ft. Also, while the Atlas has a seven-passenger seating capacity, the Telluride can seat up to eight people.
Telluride vs. Atlas: Warranty coverage
The Telluride has more generous warranty coverage than the Atlas. It’s backed by a 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty and a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, compared to a 4-year/50,000-mile basic warranty and a 4-year/50,000-mile powertrain warranty for the Atlas.
Telluride vs. Atlas: Price
Which midsize SUV costs more: the 2023 Telluride or the 2023 Atlas? The starting price of the 2023 Atlas ranges from $34,600 MSRP for the SE trim up to $51,790 MSRP for the V6 SEL Premium R-Line trim.
For the 2023 Telluride, the official price information is not yet available, but it will likely cost slightly more than the 2022 version. The starting price of the 2022 Telluride ranges from $33,090 MSRP for the LX trim up to $42,990 MSRP for the SX trim.
2023 Kia Telluride vs. 2023 VW Atlas: Which midsize SUV is better?
In this 2023 Kia Telluride vs. 2023 VW Atlas midsize SUV comparison, the 2023 Telluride has most of the advantages. This includes advantages for performance, towing, off-road capabilities, safety, passenger space, and warranty coverage. Conversely, the 2023 Atlas has the advantage for cargo space.
