2024 Kia Telluride vs 2025 Volkswagen Atlas

The 2024 Kia Telluride in Canada was available in five trims: EX, SX, SX Limited, X-Line, and X-Pro, all featuring standard all-wheel drive. The X-Line trim added a centimetre of ground clearance and improved approach and departure angles, while the X-Pro trim enhanced off-road capabilities with 18-inch matte-black wheels and heavy-duty engine cooling, increasing towing capacity to 2,495 kilograms. Prices ranged from $53,433 to $66,133, including a destination charge. The Telluride's design, with its attractive proportions and optional Wolf Gray paint, appealed to many, though some found last year’s styling updates less appealing. Inside, the test model featured a black interior with premium Nappa leather seats, though other colour options like Mahogany brown and Sage Green were available, complementing the simulated open-pore wood trim.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas was offered in four trims: Comfortline, Peak Edition, Highline, and Execline, with the Execline being the most equipped and sporty-looking. The Atlas Cross Sport variant provided a more rakish design. Prices ranged from $50,995 to $60,995, excluding destination charges. The Atlas Execline, tested in Mountain Lake Blue with a Shetland Beige leather interior, showcased polished aluminum detailing, light bars, and 21-inch wheels, giving it a muscular and upscale appearance. Inside, the Atlas featured diamond-stitched leather, metallic accents, and artificial wood, creating a warm environment. However, the touch-sensitive controls for temperature and stereo volume were less satisfying to use, especially in colder conditions.

The 2024 Kia Telluride was powered by a 3.8-litre V6 engine, delivering 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque through an eight-speed automatic transmission. It offered a towing capacity of 2,268 kilograms, with the X-Pro trim increasing it to 2,495 kilograms. The Telluride featured a locking centre differential and various driving modes, including Snow, Comfort, Sport, and Smart. Ground clearance was 20.3 centimetres, rising to 21.3 centimetres in the X-Line and X-Pro trims. While acceleration was smooth, fuel efficiency was a concern, with an average of 12.4 L/100 km on a mountainous loop and 13.4 L/100 km in city driving. Despite this, the Telluride provided a refined driving experience with responsive steering and effective brakes, though the ride felt firm at lower speeds.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas replaced its previous engine options with a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 269 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and VW’s 4Motion AWD system, offered a 2,268-kilogram towing capacity. While initially sceptical, the engine proved refined and satisfying for daily driving, especially in Sport mode. However, fuel economy was less impressive, with 15.2 L/100 km in city conditions and 12.3 L/100 km overall. The Atlas's ride quality was a drawback, with a brittle suspension over road imperfections and excessive body motions at highway speeds. Despite this, handling was predictable, and the brakes performed well under stress.

The 2024 Kia Telluride offered a comfortable interior, especially in higher trims with premium Nappa leather, heated and ventilated seats, and a dual sunroof. The controls were user-friendly, with a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system and physical buttons. Thoughtful details included a digital instrumentation panel with changing landscapes and generous storage space. The hands-free power liftgate was convenient, though sometimes undesirable. Cargo space was ample, with 594 litres behind the third row, expanding to 2,463 litres with seats folded, and useful roof rails on the X-Line and X-Pro trims.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas excelled in form and function, with a spacious interior and comfortable third-row seating. The Execline model featured heated, ventilated, and massaging front seats, though the leather felt stiff. Visibility was excellent, aided by a surround-view camera system. The second-row bench seat offered ample space, and access to the third row was easy. Storage was commendable across all rows, with 583 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 2,735 litres with seats folded. While slightly less accommodating than some competitors, the Atlas provided a comfortable and practical interior.

The 2024 Kia Telluride featured a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, though Apple CarPlay and Android Auto required a cable connection. A Kia Connect trial subscription was included, with various plans available post-trial. Standard features included satellite radio, wireless charging, and a Harman Kardon audio system. Thoughtful tech features included a blue-light filter, Quiet Mode, and a digital key function. A camera-based rearview mirror and a 10-inch head-up display were also available, enhancing safety and convenience.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas used VW’s MIB3 operating system on a 12-inch touchscreen display, with Car-Net connected service plans. The lack of traditional controls was a drawback, with touch-sensitive buttons for temperature and volume. The native digital voice assistant was unreliable, though wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto provided a better experience. The Harman Kardon audio system delivered excellent sound quality, but the MIB3 system had user-experience glitches, making smartphone integration a more satisfying option.

The 2024 Kia Telluride impressed with its standard driver assistance features, including collision avoidance, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring. Highway Driving Assist provided semi-autonomous driving, with upgrades available depending on the trim. The Telluride earned a five-star overall crash test rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, ensuring optimum protection in case of a collision.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas featured IQ.Drive, encompassing Front Assist, Side Assist, Lane Assist, Emergency Assist, and Travel Assist. Adaptive cruise control and rear cross-traffic alert were standard. The Atlas also included an eight-year subscription to Car-Net Safe & Secure services. The IQ.Drive systems were accurate and trustworthy, with minimal need to disable features. The Atlas earned a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and was a 2024 IIHS Top Safety Pick.