2027 Kia Telluride vs VW Atlas vs Honda Pilot: Three-Row SUV Comparison
The Kia Telluride, Volkswagen Atlas and Honda Pilot often land on the same shortlist for families who need three rows. All three seat seven or more and tow up to around 5,000 lbs, but they take different approaches to power, fuel economy and off-road capability. Here is how the 2027 Telluride compares with the 2027 Atlas and 2026 Pilot, based on each brand’s published specs.
35 MPGEPA-est. combined, Telluride Hybrid EX FWD*
311 lb-ftGas Telluride torque, per Kia
9.1 inTelluride ground clearance on equipped models, per Kia
329 hpTelluride Hybrid combined output, per Kia
Telluride vs Atlas vs Pilot at a glance
| Spec | 2027 Kia Telluride | 2027 VW Atlas | 2026 Honda Pilot |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gas engine | 2.5L turbo, 274 hp, 311 lb-ft | 2.0L turbo, 282 hp, 258 lb-ft | 3.5L V6, 285 hp, 262 lb-ft |
| Hybrid available | Yes, 329 hp, 339 lb-ft | Not listed | Not listed |
| EPA-est. MPG* | 35 (Hybrid EX FWD); 22 gas FWD | 22 city / 29 hwy, per VW | 22 (2WD), 21 most AWD |
| Max towing | 4,500 lbs standard on Hybrid | Up to 5,000 lbs, available | 5,000 lbs AWD, 3,500 lbs 2WD |
| Seating | 7 or 8, depending on trim | Up to 7 | 8 on most trims, 7 on TrailSport |
| Ground clearance | Up to 9.1 in on equipped models | Not listed on VW’s model page | 8.3 in TrailSport, 7.3 in other AWD |
Telluride highlights
A hybrid option
Kia lists the Telluride Hybrid at 329 hp and 339 lb-ft of torque, with an EPA-estimated 35 MPG combined on the EX FWD and an estimated range of 637 miles.* Neither the Atlas nor the Pilot pages we reviewed list a hybrid. For families who drive to Vegas or down the hill often, that range means fewer fuel stops.
Towing with a hybrid
Kia lists a standard 4,500-lb towing capacity on the Telluride Hybrid, with available self-leveling rear suspension. That can handle a small camper or boat with the right equipment.
Torque and ground clearance
The gas Telluride’s 2.5-liter turbo makes 311 lb-ft of torque, more than the Atlas or Pilot gas engines, which helps when merging onto the 15 or climbing the Cajon Pass with a full load. Kia also lists up to 9.1 inches of ground clearance with a Ground View Monitor on equipped models, and the X-Pro trims are built for dirt roads around the High Desert.
Atlas highlights
- Volkswagen lists 282 hp from its 2.0-liter turbo and up to 29 MPG highway.
- Available towing of up to 5,000 lbs.
- Volkswagen lists 95.4 cubic feet of cargo space with the second and third rows folded.
Pilot highlights
- Honda’s 3.5-liter V6 makes 285 hp with a 10-speed automatic.
- Up to 5,000 lbs of towing on AWD models and eight seats on most trims.
- Honda lists 18.6 cubic feet behind the third row, 48.5 behind the second and 87.0 behind the first.
- The TrailSport adds 8.3 inches of ground clearance for off-road use.
The Pilot is sold by our sister store, Valley Hi Honda, also in Victorville, so you can drive both the Telluride and Pilot in the same afternoon.
Which three-row SUV fits your family?
Consider the Telluride if
- You want a hybrid three-row SUV that can still tow
- Fuel economy and long highway range matter most
- You want strong low-end torque and the X-Pro’s ground clearance
Consider the Atlas if
- You want a gas turbo with up to 5,000 lbs of available towing and seven seats
Consider the Pilot if
- You want a V6, eight seats on most trims and up to 5,000 lbs of towing with AWD
Comparing more three-row SUVs? Read our 2027 Telluride vs Hyundai Palisade comparison, our Telluride vs Toyota Grand Highlander comparison and our Telluride Hybrid vs gas guide.
What else do High Desert shoppers ask about these three-row SUVs?
Which is better, the Kia Telluride or VW Atlas?
It depends on your priorities. The 2027 Telluride offers a hybrid that Kia rates at an EPA-estimated 35 MPG combined on the EX FWD, plus 311 lb-ft of torque from its gas turbo. Volkswagen lists the 2027 Atlas with 282 hp, up to 29 MPG highway and up to 5,000 lbs of available towing.
Telluride vs Honda Pilot: which has more towing?
Honda lists the 2026 Pilot at up to 5,000 lbs with AWD. Kia lists the 2027 Telluride Hybrid at a standard 4,500 lbs. Towing requires additional equipment.
Does the Honda Pilot or VW Atlas come as a hybrid?
The current Volkswagen Atlas and Honda Pilot pages we reviewed do not list a hybrid. The 2027 Kia Telluride is offered as a hybrid with a combined 329 hp.
Which of these three-row SUVs has the highest EPA-estimated MPG?
Of the three, the 2027 Telluride Hybrid EX FWD has the highest rating we found, at an EPA-estimated 35 MPG combined, per Kia. Actual mileage will vary.
How many seats do the Telluride, Atlas and Pilot have?
The Telluride seats seven or eight depending on trim, Volkswagen lists the Atlas at up to seven, and Honda lists the Pilot at eight on most trims and seven on the TrailSport.
More from the Valley Hi Kia blog: model guides, comparisons, hybrid and EV tips and High Desert driving advice.
Drive the 2027 Telluride in Victorville
See the Telluride and Telluride Hybrid at Valley Hi Kia, 14644 Valley Center Dr in Victorville, or call (760) 955-0046.
*Based on EPA estimates as published by Kia, Volkswagen and Honda. Actual mileage and range will vary with options, driving conditions, driving habits and vehicle condition. Towing requires additional equipment. Telluride specifications from Kia America for the 2027 model year. Atlas specifications from Volkswagen of America for the 2027 model year. Pilot specifications from American Honda for the 2026 model year. Specifications may change. See Valley Hi Kia for details.
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