2023 Kia Telluride vs 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport presented a bold and sporty design by eliminating the third row from the standard Atlas model, lowering the roofline by nearly 6 centimetres, and shortening the SUV’s length by 13.2 cm. Despite these changes, the wheelbase remained the same, ensuring a spacious interior for five passengers. However, the reduced cargo space, with 1,141 litres behind the second-row seat and a maximum of 2,203 litres, was a trade-off for its coupe-like appearance. The Execline trim, with its 21-inch machined-finish wheels, emphasized the vehicle's broad-shouldered stance, although the base Comfortline trim's 18-inch wheels seemed undersized. The interior offered various colour combinations, such as Dark Burgundy over Titan Black, but the presence of hard, glossy plastics detracted from the overall quality impression.

In contrast, the 2023 Kia Telluride featured refreshed front and rear styling, updated headlights and taillights, and new wheel designs. The X-Line and X-Pro models, which replaced the Nightfall Edition, offered a raised suspension and unique design elements, enhancing their off-road appeal. The interior updates included a digital instrumentation panel and a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, housed under a curved 24-inch glass piece, giving the Telluride a modern feel. New interior colours and minor trim changes added to the vehicle's appeal, while the X-Line and X-Pro trims featured embossed trim names on the front seatbacks. The Telluride's pricing in Canada started at $50,195 for the EX trim, with the X-Pro topping the range at $62,795.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport offered two engine options: a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, and a 3.6-litre V6 engine producing 276 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque. The V6 engine, which did not require premium fuel, provided a more satisfying driving experience and a towing capacity of 2,268 kilograms. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and VW’s 4Motion all-wheel-drive system, offering various driving modes. The V6 engine in the Execline trim felt more energetic than in the three-row Atlas, although it lacked refinement and averaged 12.3 L/100 km during testing. The suspension tuning was criticized for being too firm at low speeds and too soft at higher speeds, affecting ride quality.

The 2023 Kia Telluride retained its 3.8-litre V6 engine, delivering 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. The Telluride offered Eco, Comfort, Smart, Sport, and Snow driving modes, with an AWD system featuring a low-speed Lock setting. The X-Line model averaged 9.8 L/100 km, while the X-Pro returned 11.5 L/100 km, including off-roading. The Telluride's suspension was raised by 10 mm, improving off-road performance, and the X-Pro model offered a towing capacity of 2,495 kilograms. The Telluride excelled in highway driving, providing a smooth and quiet ride, although the all-terrain tires made it feel slightly squishier in turns.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport shared its wheelbase and track width with the larger seven-passenger model, offering a roomy interior for five adults. The test vehicle featured 10-way power-adjustable front seats, heated and ventilated front and rear seats, and a dual-zone automatic climate control system. A panoramic sunroof enhanced the spacious feel, while various storage spaces were available, albeit unlined, leading to potential rattling noises. The cargo area, though reduced compared to the seven-passenger model, provided ample space for luggage and other items.

The 2023 Kia Telluride accommodated seven or eight passengers, depending on the second-row seating configuration. The test vehicles featured premium Nappa leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats, and heated and ventilated front and second-row captain’s chairs. The second row offered comfort and convenience with manual side-window sunshades, USB ports, and storage pockets. The third-row seating area was accessible via a button on the second-row seats, providing more comfort than some competitors. The Telluride's cargo space was generous, with 601 litres behind the third row and a maximum of 2,455 litres with both rear rows folded down.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport came with a Volkswagen Digital Cockpit, featuring a 10.25-inch screen, and an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system included Bluetooth pairing for two devices, SiriusXM satellite radio, and wireless charging. However, the user experience was often frustrating, with issues related to touchscreen interaction and voice recognition. The Execline trim featured a 12-speaker Fender premium audio system, which was highly praised.

The 2023 Kia Telluride featured a new 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and Kia Connect services. The system passed voice recognition tests with ease, although climate control adjustments required manual input. Over-the-air updates kept the system current, and six USB charging ports were available. The Telluride included Driver Talk and Quiet Mode, a wireless phone charger, and a 10-speaker Harman Kardon audio system. New digital-key technology and a Full Display rear-view mirror were also available, along with an optional head-up display.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport offered a range of safety features, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and an automatic post-collision braking system. Adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and rear cross-traffic alert were standard in Canada. The Execline trim included a semi-autonomous Park Assist system and a 360-degree camera system. While Travel Assist was generally accurate, it occasionally lacked refinement. The Atlas Cross Sport received favourable crash-test ratings but did not earn the highest accolades from safety organizations.

The 2023 Kia Telluride boasted an extensive list of standard safety features, including forward-collision warning, pedestrian and cyclist detection, and a new junction turning system. Blind-spot monitoring, rear parking sensors, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist were also standard. The Telluride featured adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability and Highway Drive Assist 1.5 for semi-autonomous driving. Advanced Highway Drive Assist and additional collision avoidance features were available on higher trims. The Telluride received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, although NHTSA ratings were unavailable.