Comparing 3-Row SUVs: 2025 VW Atlas vs Kia Telluride vs Hyundai Palisade vs Jeep Grand Cherokee

The Volkswagen Atlas is known for its spacious interior and Germanic driving dynamics, making it a popular choice in the three-row SUV segment. As the 2025 model arrives at dealerships, drivers may be wondering what distinguishes it from the outgoing 2024 version. Both generations offer the practicality families seek, but key updates to the 2025 model year bring several noteworthy changes. 

Whether you’re in the market for a new Atlas or simply curious about the evolution of VW’s best-selling SUV in North America, Low Country Volkswagen–your local VW dealer–is here to tell you everything you need to know about the differences between these model years.

Trims

(All Base-Level Trims)

2025 Volkswagen Atlas

2025 Kia Telluride

2025 Hyundai Palisade 

2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee 

MSRP*

$38,625

$36,190

$36,800

$37,035

Body Style

3-Row Midsize SUV

3-Row Midsize SUV

3-Row Midsize SUV

3-Row Midsize SUV

Drivetrain

FWD 

(AWD options available)

FWD 

(AWD options available)

FWD 

(AWD options available)

FWD 

(AWD options available)

Engine

Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded I-4 2.0 L/121

Regular Unleaded V-6 3.8 L/231

Regular Unleaded V-6 3.8 L/231

Regular Unleaded V-6 3.6 L/220

Transmission

8-Speed Shiftable Automatic

Automatic

Automatic

Automatic

Horsepower

269 hp @ 5500 rpm

291 hp @ 6000 rpm

291 hp @ 6000 rpm

293 hp @ 6400 rpm

Torque

273 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm

262 lb-ft @ 5200 rpm

262 lb-ft @ 5200 rpm

257 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm

Fuel Type

Unleaded Gas

Unleaded Gas

Unleaded Gas

Unleaded Gas

Fuel (MPG)

20 city / 27 hwy / 23 combined

20 city / 26 hwy

19 city / 26 hwy

19 city / 26 hwy

Tank Capacity

18.6 gallon

18.8 gallon

18.8 gallon

23.0 gallon

Space & Comfort

Seating Capacity

7

8

8

5

Front Headroom

41.3 in.

40.9 in.

40.7 in.

39.9 in.

Front Legroom

41.7 in.

41.4 in.

44.1 in.

41.3 in.

Rear Headroom

40.4 in.

40.2 in.

40.1 in.

39.4 in.

Rear Legroom

37.6 in.

42.4 in.

42.4 in.

38.2 in.

Max Cargo Capacity

96.6 cu.ft.

21 cu.ft.

18 cu.ft.

37.7 cu.ft.

Cargo Volume to Seat 1 

(all rear seats folded down)

96.6 cu. ft.

87 cu. ft.

86.4 cu. ft.

70.8 cu. ft.

Cargo Volume to Seat 2 

(only the second-row seats are in place)

55.5 cu. ft.

46 cu. ft.

45.8 cu. ft.

37.7 cu. ft.

Cargo Volume to Seat 3 

(third-row seats are upright; trunk space)

20.6 cu. ft.

21 cu. ft.

18 cu. ft.

37.7 cu. ft.

Size & Dimensions

Height

70.4 in.

68.9 in.

68.9 in.

70.8 in.

Length

200.7 in.

196.9 in.

196.7 in.

193.5 in.

Width, Max w/o mirrors

78.3 in.

78.3 in.

77.8 in.

77.5 in.

Turning Diameter

40.0 ft.

38.8 ft.

38.7 ft.

38.0 ft.

Wheelbase

117.3 in.

114.2 in.

114.2 in.

116.7 in.

Curb Weight

4,317 lbs.

4,134 lbs.

4,171 lbs.

4,238 lbs.

Max Trailer Capacity

5,000 lbs.

5,000 lbs.

5,000 lbs.

6,200 lbs.

Wheels

20-inch black aluminum-alloy wheels 

18-20″ wheels

18-20″ wheels

17-20″ wheels

Trims

SE, SE with Technology, SEL and SEL Premium R-Line

(also Peak Edition sub trim available)

LX, S, EX, SX and SX Prestige.

SE, SEL, XRT, SEL Premium, Limited, Calligraphy, and Calligraphy

 Laredo, Altitude, Limited, Overland and Summit.

The Good & Bad: Atlas vs Telluride vs Palisade vs Grand Cherokee


2025 VW Atlas Advantages

  • Large cabin
  • Comfortable third row
  • Impressive warranty

Possible Disadvantages 

  • Atlas Hybrid is not part of the lineup

Kia Telluride Advantages

  • Ride and handling are both balanced
  • Boasts an impressive list of standard amenities
  • The infotainment system is easy to use

Possible Disadvantages 

  • Fuel economy is lackluster
  • No hybrid or four-cylinder options
  • Some driver assistance features are too sensitive

Hyundai Palisade Advantages

  • Interior is comfortable, well-built, and spacious
  • Luxury features without luxury price tag
  • Ride quality is gentle

Possible Disadvantages 

  • Fuel economy is unimpressive
  • Extremely narrow door storage pockets are impractical 
  • Wind noise is audible through the doors

Jeep Grand Cherokee Advantages

  • Off-road ready
  • Ride quality is excellent
  • Agile handling

Possible Disadvantages 

  • The V8 engine option was discontinued as of 2025
  • Higher trims are more expensive than competitors
  • Interior materials look basic up close

Get to Know the 2025 Volkswagen Atlas


Recognition

Atlas:

Atlas Cross:

Best Trim

If you’re looking for the trim that provides the most value, we recommend the SE model with technology. This trim package is affordable and offers convenient tech features like the power tailgate, remote start, parking sensors, and additional USB ports. 

An honorable mention is the SEL model, which is outfitted with plenty of family-friendly features like heated first- and second-row seating, six USB-C ports, a panoramic sunroof, and a power hands-free tailgate. In addition, you’ll enjoy a heated steering wheel, innovative head-up display, ventilated front seats, adaptive cruise control, and more! 

Trim Levels MSRP

SE FWD $38,625

SE AWD $41,525

SE w/ Technology FWD $43,730

SE w/ Technology AWD $45,630

Peak Edition SE w/ Technology AWD $48,080

SEL AWD $49,625

Peak Edition SEL w/ Technology AWD $50,870

SEL Premium R-Line AWD $54,630

SE Trim (Basic, but well-equipped)

  • 18-inch alloy wheels
  • Adaptive LED headlights
  • Heated exterior mirrors
  • Keyless entry and ignition
  • Three-zone automatic climate control
  • Heated steering wheel 
  • Power-adjustable driver seat
  • Synthetic leather upholstery 
  • Heated and ventilated front seats
  • 60/40-split second-row bench seat
  • 50/50-split third-row bench
  • Digital instrument cluster 
  • 12-inch touchscreen
  • Every row has USB ports
  • Six-speaker audio system
  • Wireless connectivity with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
  • Wireless smartphone charging pad
  • Voice controls
  • Volkswagen IQ.DRIVE® Advanced Driver Assistance Technology

SE with Technology (More Tech and Features)

  • 20-inch wheels
  • Front and rear LED light bars
  • Illuminated VW badges
  • Hands-free power liftgate
  • Remote ignition
  • Manual rear window sunshades
  • Second-row 115-volt AC outlet
  • A towing hitch with up to 5,000-pound towing capacity
  • Front and rear parking sensors
  • Available panoramic sunroof

Peak Edition SE with Technology (Off-road ready)

  • 18-inch wheels including all-terrain tires
  • Black exterior trim
  • Panoramic sunroof
  • Restyled front and rear bumpers
  • Adjustable ambient cabin lighting

SEL (Luxury & comfort upgrades)

  • Upgraded headlights
  • Panoramic sunroof
  • Driver seat memory settings
  • Power-adjustable passenger seat
  • Heated second-row seats
  • Leather upholstery
  • Adjustable ambient cabin lighting
  • Integrated navigation system 
  • Safe exit warning (warns rear passenger if a car is approaching from behind when they are about to open a door)
  • Head-up display on the windshield

Peak Edition SEL (Luxury Off-Road Combo)

  • 18-inch wheels with all-terrain tires
  • Black-painted exterior trim
  • Durable synthetic leather seats 

SEL Premium R-Line (Top-of-the-Line)

  • 21-inch wheels
  • Leather-wrapped steering wheel
  • Diamond-pattern inserts on seats
  • 12-speaker Harman Kardon premium audio system
  • Automated parking system
  • 360-degree camera (provides a top-down view for tight parking situations)

What’s New for the 2025 Atlas?

The 2025 VW Atlas is expected to be released in Fall 2024. Here are some of the updates we can expect:

  • Mountain Lake Blue exterior paint is now available
  • Avocado Green and Pure Grey are offered on non–Peak Edition trims
  • Automatic high beams and a wireless charging pad are now standard
  • SEL Premium R-Line gets updated upholstery, four-way lumbar support, and massaging front seats
  • Peak Edition SEL is discontinued

Performance

  • Engine & Power:
    • 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine
    • 8-speed automatic transmission
    • Provides 269 horsepower and 273 lb.-ft. of torque
  • Drive Options:
    • Front-wheel drive (FWD) is standard
    • 4Motion All-Wheel Drive (AWD) offered on most trims
  • Acceleration:
    • AWD version goes from 0-60 MPH in 7.5 seconds
  • Fuel Efficiency:
    • FWD models: 20 MPG city, 27 MPG highway
    • AWD models: 18-19 MPG city, 24-26 MPG highway, depending on the trim

Technology Features

  • Infotainment:
    • 12-inch touchscreen display
    • Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity
  • Charging & Connectivity:
    • Wireless smartphone charging pad
    • Up to six USB ports throughout the entire cabin
  • Digital Displays:
    • 10.2-inch digital gauge cluster displaying key driving information
    • Higher trims include a head-up display, which projects data directly onto the windshield
  • Premium Features:
    • Harman Kardon premium audio system is available
    • 360-degree camera
    • Multicolor interior ambient lighting

 

 

Appearance

Interior

  • Space & Seating:
    • The interior is very spacious, especially in the third row
    • Sliding and tilting second-row seats provide easy access to the third row
    • Driver’s seat offers limited adjustments, but it’s still easy to find a comfortable position
    • The third-row headrests don’t block your view, so you have open visibility all around
  • Cargo Space:
    • 20.6 cubic feet of storage space behind the third row 
    • Up to 96.6 cubic feet of cargo room with second and third rows folded flat
    • The second and third rows are not power-folding
  • Storage & Convenience:
    • There are several small storage spaces up front and in the third row
    • Door pockets add storage to the second row
    • Child safety seats are easy to install thanks to the large doors and spacious second row
  • Interior Colors:
    • Titan Black
    • Shetland Beige

Exterior

  • Front-End Design:
    • The headlight design is larger and blends into a sleek LED bar and the edges of the front end
    • The larger grille design creates a bolder look
    • Interconnected bumper intakes make the exterior look sportier
    • The illuminated VW emblem adds modernity
  • Overall Profile:
    • The athletic and sophisticated design was carried over from previous years
    • Chrome accents throughout the body add a premium touch
  • Rear-End Style:
    • The tail lights are connected by chrome
  • New Colors: 
    • Mountain Lake Blue and Avocado Green Pearl
  • Exterior Colors: 
    • Mountain Lake Blue 
    • Avocado Green Pearl
    • Pure White
    • Opal White
    • Silver Mist Metallic
    • Platinum Gray Metallic
    • Deep Black Pearl
    • Aurora Red Metallic 
    • Pure Gray

Safety

  • Safety Ratings:
  • Volkswagen IQ.DRIVE® Advanced Driver Assistance Technology:
    • IQ.DRIVE® comes standard on all 2024 and 2025 Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport models
    • Includes various safety features, such as travel assist, front assist, active side assist, rear traffic alert, adaptive cruise control (ACC) stop and go, lane assist, and emergency assist
    • The 360-degree camera uses front and rear radar, a front camera, and ultrasound sensors for a near-360 view
    • Hands-on semi-automated capability
    • Lane centering and touch-sensitive steering wheel for highway driving
    • Alerts for sudden obstacles and surroundings 
    • Forward collision warning with vehicles, bicycles, and pedestrian detection
    • Automatic emergency braking with pedestrian monitoring
  • Additional Advanced Safety Features:
    • Standard exit warning
    • Available park distance control, park assist, dynamic road sign display, and Head-up Display
  • Passive Safety Features:
    • Anti-lock brakes (ABS)
    • Stability control
    • Front-impact airbags
    • Side-impact airbags
    • Overhead airbags
    • Pretensioners for seatbelts
  • Security Features:
    • Intrusion detection security system, includes ignition disable device for unauthorized key detection

Warranty

  • New Vehicle Warranty
    • Bumper-to-Bumper Limited Warranty:
      • 4 years or 50,000 miles, whichever comes first
      • Covers most vehicle repairs 
  • Scheduled Maintenance
    • Carefree Maintenance:
      • Covers the first 2 years or 20,000 miles, whichever comes first
      • Includes manufacturer-recommended services for the first two years
  • Roadside Assistance
    • 24/7 Roadside Assistance:
      • Available 24/7
      • Provides assistance in case of breakdowns, flat tires, or other roadside emergencies
  • Remote Vehicle Features
    • myVW App:
      • Control your vehicle remotely, including:
        • Starting the car (if equipped with Remote Start)
        • Locking and unlocking doors
        • Setting speed and boundary alerts
        • Locating your car in a parking lot
      • Requires activation of VW Car-Net through myVW enrollment
  • Extended Protection
    • Vehicle Service Protection:
      • Extends coverage up to 10 years or 150,000 miles
      • Covers up to 1,500 parts in case of mechanical breakdown
      • Includes 24/7 roadside assistance
  • Parts & Accessories Warranty
    • Genuine Volkswagen Accessories:
      • Covered for 12 months or 12,000 miles, whichever comes first
      • Coverage may be extended if installed during the New Vehicle Limited Warranty period
    • Replacement Parts Warranty:
      • Batteries Sold Before 2015:
        • 24-month full warranty
        • Prorated coverage for up to 5 years
      • Batteries Sold After 2015:
        • 36-month full warranty
        • Prorated coverage for up to 5 years

View Volkswagen Warranty

 

Ready to Shop for a Volkswagen SUV, Shop Low Country Volkswagen Near Charleston Today!

If you’re in the market for a new Volkswagen SUV, let the friendly team at Low Country Volkswagen help you find the right one! Our Mount Pleasant VW dealership is stocked with new and pre-owned Atlas models for you to test drive and take home! Stop by our lot today or start shopping online now.

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Disclaimer by Low Country Volkswagen:

Low Country Volkswagen believes the information and specifications in this website to be correct at the time of publishing. 

Model specifications provided may vary based on selected trim, options, and installed accessories. Specifications, standard features, options, fabrics, accessories, colors, and other features related to the vehicles are subject to change without notice. Values are based on MSRP and exclude taxes, fees, and adjustments. Please visit certified dealers for more accurate pricing.

Images of vehicles are for illustrative purposes only. Please see the dealer for details and availability.