Three-Row SUV Comparison
Volkswagen Atlas Vs. Kia Telluride Vs. Toyota Highlander
The Volkswagen Atlas leads on cabin ergonomics and cargo access. The Kia Telluride and Toyota Highlander answer with an extra seat and their own tech and safety strengths.
Volkswagen Atlas: a roomy three-row SUV built around family comfort, easy cargo loading, and long road trips out of Akron.
Kia Telluride: a three-row SUV with a turbocharged engine and a big-screen infotainment setup.
Toyota Highlander: a three-row SUV that puts passenger comfort and standard safety tech first.
Seat Count Is the First Split
All three are three-row SUVs, but they don't hold the same number of people.
Seating and Capacity
Three SUVs, Side by Side
The same eight decision points for the Atlas, Telluride, and Highlander.
| Decision Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Vehicle Type | Three-row midsize SUV |
| Powertrain | Gas engine with an 8-speed Tiptronic transmission |
| Drive System | Front-wheel drive standard; all-wheel drive available |
| Passenger and Cargo Fit | Three rows with a folding split-bench for flexible cargo space |
| Technology | Wireless phone connectivity and a 6-speaker audio system |
| Driver Assistance | Electronic Stability Control and Brake Assist, plus the IQ.DRIVE suite |
| Defining Strength | Cabin ergonomics and easy cargo access |
| Best Match | Larger families and busy carpools |
| Decision Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Vehicle Type | Three-row midsize SUV |
| Powertrain | 2.5L Turbo GDI with an 8-speed automatic |
| Drive System | Front-wheel drive standard; all-wheel drive available |
| Passenger and Cargo Fit | Three rows with SynTex leatherette seating |
| Technology | 12.3-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto |
| Driver Assistance | Vehicle Stability Management and ESC |
| Defining Strength | Big-screen infotainment and turbocharged power |
| Best Match | Families who rank screen tech near the top of the list |
| Decision Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Vehicle Type | Three-row midsize SUV |
| Powertrain | Gas engine with an 8-speed automatic |
| Drive System | All-wheel drive across the 2026 lineup |
| Passenger and Cargo Fit | Three rows with manual fold-flat rear seats |
| Technology | Wireless phone connectivity and 6 speakers |
| Driver Assistance | Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ standard |
| Defining Strength | Standard safety suite and passenger comfort |
| Best Match | Families who want driver aids and all-wheel drive on every trim |
Category Winners and Ties
How the Atlas, Telluride, and Highlander split the categories that matter for Akron commutes and family hauling.
Space and Usability
Start with people and cargo. That's why most Akron families shop for a three-row SUV in the first place.
Maximum Seating
Ergonomics and Cargo Access
Powertrains and Safety Suites
Two more categories where the Atlas, Telluride, and Highlander take different routes.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Comparison Category | Engine and transmission |
| Advantage | Depends on your priorities |
| Why | All three use eight-speed automatics. The Telluride adds a 2.5L turbo and, new for its redesign, a hybrid option. |
| Configuration Caveat | Both the Atlas and Telluride were redesigned for 2027, so powertrain details depend on the model year you're shopping. |
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Comparison Category | Standard safety and driver-assist suites |
| Advantage | Close across all three |
| Why | The Atlas has IQ.DRIVE, the Highlander has Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, and the Telluride pairs Vehicle Stability Management with ESC. |
| Configuration Caveat | Higher trims add more aids, so compare window stickers trim-for-trim. |
Recent Redesigns and Updates
Two of these three SUVs just started a new generation. That matters when you compare them on the lot.
New for 2027
The Atlas and Telluride both got full redesigns for the 2027 model year.
Volkswagen Atlas
Kia Telluride
Smaller Updates Worth Knowing
The Highlander's current lineup and the Atlas's updated driver aids.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Change Area | Drivetrain and standard safety |
| Earlier Model Year | Older Highlanders were sold with front-wheel drive on some trims. |
| Later Model Year | 2026: all-wheel drive and Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ on every trim. |
| Buyer Impact | On a current Highlander, there's no AWD trim to hunt for. |
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Change Area | IQ.DRIVE Travel Assist and Emergency Assist |
| Earlier Model Year | Emergency Assist could slow the Atlas to a stop in its lane and turn on the hazards. |
| Later Model Year | 2027: Travel Assist adds driver-initiated lane changes, and Emergency Assist can guide the Atlas to the roadside. |
| Buyer Impact | More useful help on long highway stretches like I-77. |
Living With Each SUV in Akron
How the Atlas, Telluride, and Highlander handle everyday life in Akron, OH.
Weekday Jobs
School runs and phone-heavy commutes around Akron.
Carpools and School Runs
Phone and Screen Use
Commutes and Weekend Loads
Highway miles on I-77 and cargo-heavy weekends.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Use Case | Daily highway driving in and out of Akron |
| Best Match | Volkswagen Atlas or Toyota Highlander |
| Reason | IQ.DRIVE and Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ both bring highway driver aids as standard. |
| What to Test | Take each one on I-77 and compare ride comfort, cabin noise, and visibility. |
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Use Case | Sports gear, coolers, and big shopping trips |
| Best Match | All three, with the Atlas easiest to load |
| Reason | Each folds its rear seats for bigger loads. The Atlas's cargo access is its defining strength. |
| What to Test | Fold the third row in each and load a stroller or cooler to compare. |
Our Verdict: Which Three-Row SUV Fits Best?
For most Akron families, the Volkswagen Atlas strikes the best balance of space, safety, and everyday usability. Its cabin ergonomics, easy cargo access, and room for three car seats in the redesigned 2027 model make carpools and road trips easier.
Need an eighth seat? Look at the Telluride or Highlander. The Telluride's new hybrid and big screen will appeal to tech-focused buyers, and the Highlander comes standard with all-wheel drive.
Book an Atlas test drive at Volkswagen of Akron and take it out on I-77 to judge ride comfort and visibility.
Research Sources
- 2026 Volkswagen Atlas Model Overview — Background on the Atlas specs used in this comparison.
- 2027 Kia Telluride Model Overview — Background on the redesigned Telluride.
- 2026 Toyota Highlander Model Overview — Background on the current Highlander lineup.
- Volkswagen of Akron Homepage — Atlas inventory, specials, and contact details in Akron.
Please note: Seating, drivetrain, and safety features vary by trim and model year. Confirm the details on a specific vehicle at our Akron dealership.
Three-Row SUV Questions From Akron Families
Quick answers on Atlas, Telluride, and Highlander seating, engines, safety, and cargo.
Atlas
Who is the Volkswagen Atlas best suited for?
The Volkswagen Atlas is a three-row SUV for larger families and carpools that want minivan-like space without driving a minivan.
Telluride
What engine does the Kia Telluride use?
Gas Telluride models use a 2.5L turbocharged four-cylinder with an 8-speed automatic. The redesigned 2027 Telluride also adds the first Telluride hybrid.
Highlander
What safety technology comes standard on the Toyota Highlander?
Every 2026 Toyota Highlander comes with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+. Many configurations also add a 12.3-inch touchscreen.
Seating
Do all three SUVs have three rows of seating?
Yes. The Volkswagen Atlas seats up to seven, and the Kia Telluride and Toyota Highlander seat up to eight, depending on configuration.
Atlas Safety
What braking and stability features does the Volkswagen Atlas have?
The Volkswagen Atlas has four-wheel disc brakes with Brake Assist, Hill Hold Control, and Electronic Stability Control. The IQ.DRIVE driver-assistance suite is standard too.
Off-Road
What sets the Kia Telluride X-Pro apart?
The Kia Telluride X-Pro adds trail-focused hardware, including more ground clearance and an electronic limited-slip differential.
Cargo
Are these SUVs good for hauling cargo?
Yes. The Atlas, Telluride, and Highlander all fold their rear seats to make room for weekend gear or big shopping trips.
Next Step
Where can I see the Volkswagen Atlas in Akron, OH?
Volkswagen of Akron in Akron has Volkswagen Atlas inventory to see in person. The team can also show you what changed with the redesigned 2027 Atlas.