Kia
Telluride
Volkswagen
Atlas
Kia Telluride vs Volkswagen Atlas: 2023 Comparison
The short answer
Based on available data, the Kia Telluride comes out ahead of the Volkswagen Atlas on power. Check the specs table and owner sentiment below for the full comparison before deciding between the two. Both are covered by real owner reports on CarWizz.
Specs side by side
What owners say
Telluride
Overall
Mixed to positive sentiment overall, with a clear generational divide. The Telluride is widely praised for its spacious and functional third row, high-quality interior materials, boxy and attractive exterior styling, strong value proposition, and comprehensive standard features. The naturally aspirated 3.8L V6 engine is frequently cited as a mature, reliable, and simple powertrain, especially when compared to newer turbocharged or hybrid alternatives.
Best version to buy
Insufficient owner data available to declare a consensus "best" trim. Discussions mention various trims (SX, EX, Calligraphy) without a clear, repeated preference for one over another.
Known issues
- ⚠Engine oil consumption: reports of excessive oil consumption requiring top-ups between changes and, in isolated cases, engine replacement. Frequency: recurrent.
- ⚠Underpowered 3.8L V6 engine: described as lethargic, slow, lacking responsiveness, and struggling with acceleration compared to turbocharged rivals. Frequency: very frequent.
- ⚠Dealer/service department problems: poor customer service, difficulty getting warranty repairs approved, lack of respect for customers, and general service quality concerns. Frequency: very frequent.
Atlas
Overall
Mixed to negative sentiment overall, with a sharp divide between satisfied and dissatisfied owners. The vehicle is consistently praised for its exceptionally spacious and comfortable interior, smooth ride quality, and practical family-friendly layout, including easy-to-use third-row seating. Positive experiences highlight good long-term reliability with proper maintenance, particularly with the V6 engine.
Best version to buy
Insufficient owner data available to declare a definitive "best" trim or version. Feedback suggests the V6 engine (3.6L) is preferred over the 2.0L turbo four-cylinder for adequate power, especially in earlier model years.
Known issues
- ⚠Severe infotainment/software glitches: system freezes, failure to connect to phones, loss of audio, random reboots required, forgotten satellite radio subscriptions, unresponsive touchscreen. Frequency: very frequent.
- ⚠General electrical/electronic malfunctions: random activation of windshield wipers, faulty hands-free liftgate sensors, backup camera failures, battery drain issues. Frequency: recurrent.
- ⚠Higher maintenance and repair costs: more expensive parts and labor compared to mainstream Asian and American brands, cited as a general ownership characteristic. Frequency: very frequent.
The verdict
The Kia Telluride is the better choice for most buyers.
It has more power on its best-equipped version than the Volkswagen Atlas, based on the data above. If efficiency matters more to you than outright power, the Volkswagen Atlas is worth a closer look instead.
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Frequently asked questions
Which is more reliable, the Kia Telluride or the Volkswagen Atlas?
Owner reports show similar reliability sentiment for the Kia Telluride and the Volkswagen Atlas. Check the known issues listed above for specific differences between the two.
Which is better for families, the Kia Telluride or the Volkswagen Atlas?
The Kia Telluride seats more passengers than the Volkswagen Atlas on its catalogued best-equipped version. Body type also differs: the Kia Telluride is classed as a SUV, the Volkswagen Atlas as a SUV.
Which has better fuel economy, the Kia Telluride or the Volkswagen Atlas?
Fuel consumption data is limited for one or both models. Check the specs table above for the figures available on each catalogued version.
Which is cheaper to maintain, the Kia Telluride or the Volkswagen Atlas?
Exact maintenance costs aren't in our data, but owner reports mention cost-related concerns more often for the Volkswagen Atlas than the Kia Telluride. See the known issues comparison above.