VW Atlas vs. Kia Telluride: Boulder Comparison
The all-new 2027 Atlas and the redesigned Kia Telluride are two of the most cross-shopped three-row SUVs in Colorado. Here is an honest, spec-by-spec look at how they compare for Boulder families.
The short version
Atlas versus Telluride, at a glance
The Telluride and Atlas are two of the most cross-shopped three-row SUVs in Colorado, and the all-new 2027 Telluride raises the stakes with a fresh turbo lineup and a first-ever hybrid. The Atlas answers with more cargo, better gas efficiency and a bigger available screen.
The all-new 2027 Atlas brings a 282-hp turbo, up to a 15-inch display and 96.6 cubic feet of cargo. The redesigned Telluride counters with a $39,190 starting price, available 8-seat capacity, a 329-hp hybrid and Kia’s 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. Below is an honest, spec-by-spec look.
2027 Atlas vs. Kia Telluride: the numbers
| Spec | VW Atlas (2027) | Kia Telluride (2027) |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | $41,610 FWD / $43,610 4MOTION | $39,190 FWD / $41,190 AWD |
| Base engine | 282 hp / 258 lb-ft turbo | 274 hp / 311 lb-ft turbo |
| Hybrid option | Not offered | 329-hp turbo-hybrid (up to 33 mpg) |
| EPA combined MPG (gas) | 25 FWD / 23 4MOTION | 22 FWD / 20 AWD |
| Seating | 7 | 8 (LX); 7 on most trims |
| Max cargo (seats folded) | 96.6 cu ft | 89.3 cu ft |
| Max towing | 5,000 lb | 5,000 lb (turbo) |
| Touchscreen | 12.9-inch (15-inch available) | 12.3-inch |
Specifications and pricing from Volkswagen of America, Kia and fueleconomy.gov; subject to change and excluding destination, tax, title and dealer charges. VW has not published 2027-specific Atlas cargo; the redesign carries over the current body (96.6 cu ft). The Telluride leads on price, a hybrid option, seating and warranty; the Atlas leads on cargo, gas efficiency and screen size.
Where each pulls ahead
Longer bars are better. The Atlas leads on cargo and screen size; the Telluride’s available hybrid leads on fuel economy. Its lower price and warranty don’t chart here but count.
Three reasons Boulder buyers pick the Atlas
96.6 cubic feet of maximum cargo tops the Telluride’s 89.3 — more room for the family’s gear.
25/23 mpg on gas and an available 15-inch touchscreen beat the Telluride’s 22/20 and 12.3-inch.
282 hp and a composed European driving character, with 4MOTION standard on every Atlas at Emich.
Where the Kia Telluride makes its case
The all-new Telluride is a genuinely excellent SUV and a value standout. It starts at $39,190 — about $2,400 under the Atlas — seats eight in its base LX, and now offers a 329-hp turbo-hybrid rated up to 33 mpg combined that the Atlas can’t answer.
Kia also backs it with a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty and a cabin whose materials and feature-per-dollar value lead the segment. For value-focused Boulder buyers, the Telluride is a formidable pick.
The Atlas responds with more maximum cargo (96.6 vs 89.3 cubic feet), better gas fuel economy (25/23 vs 22/20 mpg), a larger available 15-inch touchscreen, and a more premium European driving feel. Every new Atlas at Emich is 4MOTION. If space and driving feel matter more than price, the Atlas holds its ground.
Which one is right for you?
- You want more cargo and a bigger available screen.
- You prefer a premium, European driving feel.
- Better gas fuel economy and standard 4MOTION matter.
- You want the lower price and available 8-seat capacity.
- A hybrid option and a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty matter.
- Segment-leading cabin materials and value top your list.
Drive the Atlas in Boulder
We are at 2470 49th Street, minutes off the Diagonal. Come drive a Atlas on real Boulder roads and compare for yourself.
Specifications and pricing are sourced from Volkswagen of America, Kia and fueleconomy.gov and are subject to change. MSRP excludes destination, taxes, title, registration, options and dealer charges. Comparison prepared by Emich Volkswagen of Boulder; not affiliated with or endorsed by Kia.