1. Introduction

Popularity of the three-row SUVs has grown in recent years. It does not come as a surprise because the car ticks the box in many ways beyond the satisfaction of the average car lover. One car that recently came on board, joining the league of the three-row SUV is the 2020 Kia Telluride. For a first entrant, it does impressively well, making it a force to lookout for by other cars in the category.  Filled with masterpieces from top automakers, the three-row SUV segment is very competitive, making some of its players to get lost in the crowd. To sieve through the noise, Naijacarnews puts the 2020 Kia Telluride side by side the 2019 Volkswagen Atlas.

2. Kia Telluride 2020 vs Volkswagen Atlas 2019: The matchup

This comparison is not between cars from different worlds with nothing in common. Taking a close look at the 2020 Kia Telluride and 2019 Volkswagen Atlas, one is tempted to think that both cars are from the same automaker as their similarities are almost beyond a coincidence.

In terms of length, they are almost the same with the Atlas taking the lead by just two inches. The Telluride boasts of a 96.9 length. The competition in terms of width is a tie as both of them are the same with 78.3 inches. Both cars provide adequate storage space with 21 cubic feet. Their engines are also similar as both of them come with a V-6 engine which complements their automatic transmission of eight speed. Towing 500 pounds each, both cars return 24 mpg on a fuel economy test of 75 mph.

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3. Kia Telluride 2020 Vs Volkswagen Atlas 2019: Road performance

Drag racing is not a yardstick in measuring the effectiveness of a three-row SUV, however, a few extra kicks do not look good. Kia mirrors this thought as it ensures that its Telluride of 4440 pound finishes the dash of zero-to-60-pmh in not more than 7.1 seconds. This is faster than the Atlas by a second. Kia also takes the lead in the quarter mile doing 15.4 seconds pass in just 94 mph in comparison to the 16.1 seconds the Volkswagen does in 90 mph.

Regardless of the empirical evidence on ground, when it comes to driving on the field, both cars have good response to throttle commands. It is difficult to decipher which is more powerful or quicker than the other as their inputs are the same. When taken for spirited run on back roads, driving on the same speed levels, both cars move at the same speed, without either of them giving the other a long distance.

Paying close attention, you will notice indecision in the powertrain of the Telluride, however, it offers better shift streamlining and is less busy than the gearbox of the Atlas. The Atlas constantly pushes to top gear in a bid to help users save money on fuel.

4. Kia Telluride 2020 Vs Volkswagen Atlas 2019: Interior

First, it is important to note that both cars show that their automakers put a lot of thought in designing their interiors. This is evident in the choice of materials used and design arrangements.

The interior of the Telluride has a fine look of luxury

The Atlas takes the route of a clinical minimalism while the Telluride keeps it chic in a casual manner. The Telluride offers soft touch plastics that are a favorite any day any time, and this gives it a slight edge over those offered by the Atlas. There is a row of analogue silver buttons that passes through the center stage of the Telluride’s console. You will find embossed lettering labels on them, but daytime light causes an obstruction while driving.

In the front seats of the Kia lay a ventilation control and single button heating. Right behind the front seats are storage pockets that are phone sized and USB outlets. These make the overall ride in the Kia comfortable for occupants.

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Gaining access to the third-row seat in some third-row SUVs is a lot of work. Both automakers paid attention to this challenge often experienced, and made it easy for occupants to gain access to their third-rows. This is made possible by folding the second-row seats, and making a forward slide of the base. These functions can be carried out independently. In terms of comfort for adults, both cars are close.

Seats of the Atlas are spacious without being too tight for comfort

Passengers may have some luggage to carry on their journeys. Both cars put this into consideration at the manufacturing stage as they provide ample space to ensure that a number of boxes are comfortably placed behind the third-row. When you make the second row of the Atlas flat, it has the capacity of accommodating up to 38 carry-ons, placing it ahead of the 35 carry-ons the Telluride can accommodate.

5. Kia Telluride 2020 Vs Volkswagen Atlas 2019: Pricing

The 2020 Kia Telluride starts at $30,555 (₦10.9m) while the 2019 Volkswagen Atlas starts at $31,890 (₦11.4m).

Clearly, you don't need our advice on this. If the budget is a bit tight, just opt for Kia. Its maintenance cost and fuel economy can also save you more in the long run.

6. Our verdict

It is rare to see two cars with the same exact features and capacities. Each offers some unique benefits. You might prefer the 2020 Kia Telluride for its strong and bold outlook similar to a Range Rover, or you might pick the 2019 Volkswagen Atlas instead for its rackish backlight, it is totally up to you.

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