2025 Kia Telluride vs 2025 Volkswagen Atlas in Nutley, NJ
In a competitive midsize SUV market, the 2025 Kia Telluride and 2025 Volkswagen Atlas both offer bold styling, three-row seating, and an array of modern features. For SUV buyers in Nutley, NJ—who often need a versatile vehicle for urban commuting, weekend getaways, and challenging weather conditions—both models seem like solid options. But when we break down performance, safety, and interior comfort, the 2025 Kia Telluride emerges as the more refined and confident choice.
Performance and Powertrain
When it comes to overall performance, the 2025 Kia Telluride brings a well-balanced, capable setup that fits New Jersey driving conditions—ranging from highway cruising on the Garden State Parkway to tight residential roads in Nutley. It comes equipped with a 3.8-liter V6 engine producing 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. This powertrain delivers smooth, linear acceleration and performs especially well when fully loaded with passengers or cargo. The available all-wheel-drive (AWD) system further improves traction during snow and heavy rain, which is a strong advantage during Northeast winters.
The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas trades in its previous V6 for a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4, generating 269 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque. While the torque boost helps with off-the-line performance and fuel economy is slightly improved, some drivers may miss the refinement and confidence that a naturally aspirated V6 provides—particularly when towing or merging onto highways. Towing capacity also leans in Telluride’s favor. It can pull up to 5,000 pounds, which is ideal for family camping trips or utility trailers. The Atlas also offers 5,000 pounds when properly equipped, but its power delivery under load isn’t quite as seamless. Overall, Telluride provides a smoother, more robust drive—a tangible benefit for both everyday use and longer weekend adventures outside Nutley.
Safety and Driver Assistance Features
Safety is often a top priority for SUV shoppers in Essex County, where winter weather, school zones, and commuter traffic all demand advanced driver-assistance systems. The 2025 Kia Telluride continues to lead in this area by offering one of the most comprehensive standard safety suites in the segment. Even the base model comes with Forward Collision Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Blind Spot View Monitor, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Avoidance, and Safe Exit Assist. Higher trims build upon this foundation with smart cruise control and a 360-degree camera system that’s incredibly useful in tight parking situations, like those common in Nutley town centers or Montclair shopping areas.
The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas also delivers a competitive list of safety features, including Adaptive Cruise Control, Emergency Braking, and Lane Assist. However, some of these functions are locked behind upper trims or optional packages, meaning customers must spend more to achieve parity with the Telluride's base safety tech. That makes a difference when shopping for maximum value and peace of mind. Crash test scores for the outgoing Telluride earned IIHS Top Safety Pick awards, and the 2025 model is expected to maintain that standing based on minimal structural changes. For the Atlas, safety scores are solid, but slightly trail the Telluride in real-world evaluations. Given the region’s traffic density and fast-changing road conditions, Telluride’s safety-first approach makes it better suited for North Jersey living.
Interior and Comfort
Inside the cabin, the 2025 Kia Telluride continues to impress with a high-end feel, even in lower trims. Premium materials, a user-friendly layout, and upscale design cues give the Telluride a near-luxury feel without the luxury price. Nutley families will appreciate the roomy three-row configuration, with seating for up to eight and second-row captain’s chairs available on select trims for easier access to the third row. Comfort doesn’t stop at layout—the Telluride offers standard synthetic leather upholstery, tri-zone automatic climate control, and a 12.3-inch touchscreen that integrates easily with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The noise insulation is particularly effective, creating a quieter experience on local roads like Franklin Avenue or I-280. Passengers will appreciate the soft-touch surfaces and excellent visibility—critical for maneuvering through tight parking lots or backing out of driveways.
The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas also boasts a spacious interior, with newly refreshed design elements aimed at improving comfort. The Atlas offers standard heated front seats and a larger touchscreen than previous models. However, the third row is slightly more cramped, and while cargo space is generous, the overall interior material quality doesn't quite match the Telluride’s premium feel—especially in base and mid-level trims. Kia's industry-leading 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty also enhances peace of mind. That’s especially relevant for buyers in Nutley who may keep their vehicles longer or face high-mileage commutes into New York City or Newark. The warranty coverage simply outclasses what Volkswagen provides.
The 2025 Kia Telluride and 2025 Volkswagen Atlas are both strong entries in the three-row SUV market, but for buyers in Nutley, NJ, the Telluride stands out with its smooth and capable V6 powertrain, generous safety features across the lineup, and upscale interior comfort. Whether navigating congested highways or heading out for a weekend in the Catskills, the Telluride offers the assurance, flexibility, and comfort that modern families and commuters need. To learn more or schedule a test drive, visit us at Nutley Kia or contact us online today.
Warranties include 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain and 5-year/60,000-mile basic. All warranties and roadside assistance are limited. See retailer for warranty details.