As your family grows, buying or leasing a three-row SUV such as the 2025 Volkswagen Atlas is a smart choice to make. The Atlas received a makeover last year, making it one of the freshest in the segment. For 2025, the Atlas receives some minor tweaks to make it even better, as well as some funky new colors to pick. So, it’s a compelling choice, but there’s plenty of competition. One of the most formidable competitors is the 2025 Kia Telluride.
To save you from having to compare these three-row SUVs, we’ve done it for you right here. Our Volkswagen versus Kia match-up will examine each vehicle’s safety, interior, and performance characteristics. Then, you’ll easily identify the most suitable model to select. But if you’d like to experience that signature Volkswagen experience of family friendliness and luxury, contact us at Volkswagen of Ocala. We’ll explain the available 2025 Atlas trims, and help you make a great choice.
The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas and the 2025 Kia Telluride bring serious interior features to the table, but their distinct approaches cater to different preferences. Let’s take a closer look at what makes these SUVs stand out inside.
The Volkswagen Atlas offers a spacious cabin with the flexibility to seat up to seven passengers or opt for a five-seat configuration with the Atlas Cross Sport. The front seats provide generous comfort, especially for taller drivers. The Atlas has one of the largest cargo areas in its class, perfect for road trips or big grocery hauls. Standard features like a 12-inch touchscreen and wireless device charging deliver high-tech appeal. The Atlas shines with thoughtful touches like available multicolor ambient lighting and a panoramic sunroof to elevate the cabin experience.
On the other hand, the Kia Telluride is all about luxurious comfort and practicality. With room for seven or eight passengers, it pampers occupants with available Nappa leather, heated and ventilated seats for the first two rows, and plenty of legroom across the board. Though not cavernous, the third row can accommodate adults for shorter rides and kids. Kia offers a 12.3-inch touchscreen with an intuitive interface and physical controls for convenience. The Telluride’s cargo space is impressive, too, though it falls slightly behind the Atlas in maximum capacity.
Ultimately, the choice comes down to your priorities. If you’re seeking an SUV that delivers unmatched cargo space, cutting-edge technology, and a design that’s as versatile as your lifestyle, the Volkswagen Atlas is the clear winner. While the Kia Telluride offers comfort and passenger accommodations, the Atlas raises the bar with its expansive interior, impressive tech features, and bold practicality. When it comes to combining utility and innovation, the Atlas confidently takes the lead, ready to elevate every drive.
The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas uses a powerful and efficient 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine. The engine is rated for 269 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque. It is connected to a smooth 8-speed automatic gearbox. Buyers can choose front-wheel drive or Volkswagen’s 4MOTION all-wheel drive system. The latter includes Active Control and a variety of drive modes. Meanwhile, the Peak Edition gets all-terrain tires and lower side cladding.
The 2025 Kia Telluride has a 3.8-liter naturally aspirated V6. The engine develops 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. Front-wheel drive and an 8-speed automatic transmission are standard. All-wheel drive is optional.
The 2025 Atlas can tow up to 5,000 pounds. Most trims include a trailer hitch as well. Meanwhile, the 2025 Telluride has a similar towing capacity. But a trailer hitch is an optional extra.
The Volkswagen Atlas takes safety seriously, with a suite of advanced features designed to keep you and your passengers secure. Standard across the lineup are forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Its available Travel Assist system adds adaptive cruise control, lane-centering assist, and hands-on semi-autonomous driving capabilities, giving you an extra layer of confidence on long highway journeys.
The 2025 Kia Telluride doesn’t skimp on safety, either. Standard features include forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Kia takes it a step further with available features like Highway Driving Assist 2, which combines adaptive cruise control and lane-following technology for a semi-autonomous driving experience that feels almost futuristic.
While the Kia Telluride offers a polished safety package with a few standout extras, the Volkswagen Atlas stands tall with its robust feature set and exceptional driving confidence. If spacious practicality combined with top-tier safety is your priority, the Atlas has your back (and sides and front!). Both SUVs shine, but the Atlas ensures every mile feels just a little more secure.
Our tests show that the best three-row SUV in Ocala, FL, is the 2025 Volkswagen Atlas. It’s not hard to see why; with its versatile and luxurious interior, it will win the entire family’s hearts. Then, you’ve got a powerful but efficient turbocharged engine, a sure-footed all-wheel drive system, and plenty of safety features. All that remains is to come to Volkswagen of Ocala and get behind the wheel of a 2025 Atlas.