Car and Driver has crowned the 2027 Kia Telluride X-Pro SX Prestige AWD the winner in a head-to-head comparison test against the comprehensively updated 2027 Volkswagen Atlas SEL Premium R-Line 4Motion. Reviewer Rich Ceppos evaluated both loaded mid-size SUVs to see if the new Atlas could dethrone the Telluride, which previously won a seven-vehicle comparison for the publication.
What Was Tested
The test focused on top-spec, all-wheel-drive models. The Telluride X-Pro SX Prestige AWD starts at $58,335, with the tested model reaching $59,580 after adding Terrain Brown matte paint and floor mats. It features a standard 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 274 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque. The X-Pro trim adds off-road upgrades, including an additional 1.7 inches of ground clearance, a limited-slip rear differential, 18-inch Continental CrossContact ATR all-terrain tires, a ground-view camera, and recovery hooks.
The Atlas SEL Premium R-Line 4Motion starts at $58,135, totaling $59,126 with optional second-row captain’s chairs and mats. It relies on a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine delivering 282 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, paired with standard suspension and 21-inch Hankook Dynapro HPX all-season tires. Both SUVs feature eight-speed automatic transmissions, heated and ventilated first- and second-row seats, head-up displays, dual wireless phone chargers, and seven USB-C ports.
Exterior and Interior Design
According to the review, the Atlas presents a conservative evolution of its previous generation, while the Telluride introduces a complete departure with an avant-garde design, slab sides, and a blacked-out grille. Despite the Telluride appearing larger, it is 3.9 inches shorter in overall length than the Atlas, which has a 0.4-inch-longer wheelbase. Both vehicles share an identical width.
2027 Kia Telluride X-Pro SX Prestige AWD
Car and Driver lists the Telluride's highs as being "comfortable in the extreme, equipped like a luxury SUV, not scared of some soft-roading." Its lows include a "somber all-black interior" and the lack of a massage function for the front passenger seat. The publication's verdict calls it a "cool-looking, roomy, and comfy" capable all-arounder.
Inside, the Telluride offers 158 cubic feet of passenger volume. The reviewer noted its second row feels slightly airier than the Atlas, though its higher rear floor pushes third-row riders' knees higher. It features a 12.3-inch infotainment display integrated with a 12.3-inch instrument cluster, which Ceppos found more intuitive to operate thanks to physical and haptic buttons. The cabin includes faux leather, synthetic suede, "engineered carbon" trim, and separate front and rear glass sunroofs.
2027 Volkswagen Atlas SEL Premium R-Line 4Motion
The review highlights the Atlas's "lively powertrain, luxury-car interior trimmings, murmuration-inspired light show" as its highs. The lows note that a rugged-looking model would be a nice addition, alongside "unique HMI quirks" and a visual overhaul that is "more evolution than revolution." The verdict praises it as a serious mid-size SUV player with a credible luxury vibe.
The Atlas provides 154 cubic feet of passenger volume and takes the overall cargo lead when seats are folded, offering 95 cubic feet behind the first row compared to the Telluride's 89. Its interior features a 15.0-inch center screen, a 10.3-inch digital cluster, nappa leather, wood trim, and a single large glass sunroof. The cabin's backlit perforated door panels evoke flocking birds and change color based on HVAC temperature adjustments.
Powertrain and Performance
In Car and Driver's testing, the 4,852-pound Telluride reached 60 mph in 7.5 seconds, while the 4,740-pound Atlas took 7.6 seconds. The Telluride completed the quarter-mile in 15.7 seconds at 89 mph, closely followed by the Atlas at 15.8 seconds at 91 mph. However, the Atlas proved quicker in the 5-to-60-mph rolling start, beating the Kia by 0.7 seconds. The Atlas also leads in EPA combined fuel economy with 23 mpg, compared to the Telluride's 19 mpg.
Driving Experience
Ceppos observed that the Atlas feels more athletic and peppier off the line, though its tauter suspension and 21-inch tires can feel brittle over rough roads. The Telluride drives more fluidly, offering a softer ride and a quieter cabin at a 70-mph cruise (67 decibels versus the Atlas's 69 decibels). However, the Telluride's all-terrain tires hampered its handling, resulting in a 0.76 g skidpad result and a 182-foot stop from 70 mph, while the Atlas managed 0.84 g and a 165-foot stop.
Specifications Comparison
| Specification | 2027 Kia Telluride X-Pro SX Prestige AWD | 2027 Volkswagen Atlas SEL Premium R-Line 4Motion |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 2.5L Turbocharged Inline-4 | 2.0L Turbocharged Inline-4 |
| Power | 274 hp @ 5800 rpm | 282 hp @ 6500 rpm |
| Torque | 311 lb-ft @ 1700 rpm | 258 lb-ft @ 1900 rpm |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Curb Weight | 4852 lb | 4740 lb |
| 0-60 mph | 7.5 sec | 7.6 sec |
| 1/4-Mile | 15.7 sec @ 89 mph | 15.8 sec @ 91 mph |
| Braking (70-0 mph) | 182 ft | 165 ft |
| Roadholding (300-ft Skidpad) | 0.76 g | 0.84 g |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 19 mpg | 23 mpg |
Why the Kia Telluride Won the Comparison
Car and Driver awarded the victory to the 2027 Kia Telluride X-Pro SX Prestige AWD. The reviewer concluded that its smoother ride, quieter cabin, and more user-friendly infotainment system provided enough of an advantage to edge out the competition. However, the publication noted that the 2027 Volkswagen Atlas is now a serious contender that buyers should consider if they are shopping for a three-row, mid-size SUV.
