2027 Volkswagen Atlas Performance & Competitive Analysis

Midsize Three-Row Segment

Evaluating a three-row SUV requires a side-by-side comparison of layout, infotainment, interior comfort, and powertrain efficiency. This comparative analysis examines how the 2027 Volkswagen Atlas compares with key market rivals: the Kia Telluride, Hyundai Palisade, Subaru Ascent, and Honda Pilot.

Compiled by NYE VW of Rome, the technical data below contrasts key dimensions, trim options, and EPA fuel economy estimates to simplify your vehicle evaluation.

Turns out you can have it all,
and fit it all, in the 2027 Atlas
STANDARD AVAILABLE NOT AVAILABLE
2027 Volkswagen Atlas 2027 Kia Telluride 2027 Hyundai Palisade 2027 Subaru Ascent 2026 Honda Pilot
Fits your family
Wireless charging*
3rd row legroom 34.1″ 32.1″ 32.1″ 31.7″ 32.5″
Cargo volume (cu. ft.)**
Behind 1st row / 2nd row / 3rd row		 95.4 / 55.9 / 21.2 89.3 / 48.7 / 22.3 86.7 / 46.3 / 19.1 75.6 / 43.5 / 17.8 87 / 48.5 / 18.6
2nd row ventilated seats
Fits your style
Touchscreen size 12.9″ – 15″ 12.3″ 12.3″ 11.6″ 12.3″
Ventilated front seats
Massaging front seats
Real wood decor
Fits your wallet
MPG***
City / Highway / Combined		 FWD – (22 / 29 / 25)
AWD – (20 / 27 / 23)		 FWD – (20 / 26 / 22)
AWD – (18 / 24 / 20)		 FWD – (19 / 26 / 22)
AWD – (18 / 24 / 20)		 FWD – N/A
AWD – (19 / 26 / 22)		 FWD – (19 / 27 / 22)
AWD – (19 / 25 / 21)

Based on manufacturers’ data available at time of publication.

*Wireless charging requires compatible device.

**With seats folded.

***22 city/29 highway/25 combined mpg (2027 Atlas 2.0L FWD, 8-speed automatic transmission) and 20 city/27 highway/23 combined (2027 Atlas 2.0L AWD, 8-speed automatic transmission). EPA estimates. Your mileage will vary and depends on several factors, including your driving habits and vehicle condition. Comparison excludes Hybrid vehicles.

Maximum cargo volume

Cubic feet behind the first row, seats folded

  • 2027 Volkswagen Atlas
    95.4 cu ft
  • 2027 Kia Telluride
    89.3 cu ft
  • 2026 Honda Pilot
    87.0 cu ft
  • 2027 Hyundai Palisade
    86.7 cu ft
  • 2027 Subaru Ascent
    75.6 cu ft

Third-row legroom

Inches of legroom for third-row passengers

  • 2027 Volkswagen Atlas
    34.1″
  • 2026 Honda Pilot
    32.5″
  • 2027 Kia Telluride
    32.1″
  • 2027 Hyundai Palisade
    32.1″
  • 2027 Subaru Ascent
    31.7″

Based on manufacturers’ data available at time of publication.

Device Integration

A wireless smartphone charging pad is standard equipment on both the Atlas and Telluride, while higher trim levels are required to access this feature on the Palisade, Ascent, and Pilot.

Cabin Equipment and Interior Features

Standard and available interior features showcase distinct levels of luxury and comfort across the segment:

  • Front-Seat Amenities: The Atlas comes standard with ventilated front seats, a feature offered only as an option on all four competitors. Massaging front seats can be added to the Atlas, Telluride, and Palisade, but are not available on the Ascent or Pilot.
  • Second-Row Seating: Ventilated second-row seats are available on the Atlas, Telluride, and Palisade, but omitted from the Ascent and Pilot lineups.
  • Premium Trim & Accents: Genuine wood interior accents come standard on the Atlas and are available on the Palisade, but are entirely absent on the Telluride, Ascent, and Pilot.

Multimedia Displays & Connectivity

Center touchscreen dimensions vary noticeably across models in this segment:

  • Volkswagen Atlas: Standard and available touchscreens range from 12.9 to 15.0 inches.
  • Competitor Interfaces: The Telluride, Palisade, and Pilot feature 12.3-inch screens, while the Ascent provides an 11.6-inch interface.

EPA-Estimated Fuel Economy

EPA-estimated fuel economy: 2027 Volkswagen Atlas vs. competitors
Model FWD AWD
2027 Volkswagen Atlas2.0L Turbo 25COMBINED22 city / 29 hwy 23COMBINED20 city / 27 hwy
2027 Kia Telluride 22COMBINED20 city / 26 hwy 20COMBINED18 city / 24 hwy
2027 Hyundai Palisade 22COMBINED19 city / 26 hwy 20COMBINED18 city / 24 hwy
2027 Subaru Ascent Not offered 22COMBINED19 city / 26 hwy
2026 Honda Pilot 22COMBINED19 city / 27 hwy 21COMBINED19 city / 25 hwy

EPA estimates for non-hybrid configurations. Your mileage will vary and depends on several factors, including your driving habits and vehicle condition.

Model Considerations

Each three-row competitor delivers distinct strengths. Buyers prioritizing maximum cargo capacity, superior third-row legroom, standard front-seat ventilation, and higher EPA fuel economy estimates will find strong baseline value in the 2027 Volkswagen Atlas.