We have the Atlas as our family hauler for the last 18 months and so far we are happy with it. It has all the space we need and very practicality. I found out later that the VW Atlas's interior is also very easy to clean. The plastic doesn't scratch and is easy to wipe clean. Important if you have small kid....
Just took my Ascent Premium (18" wheels) on a 900 Mile road trip. I averaged 30.3MPG on that loop through Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula. I'm biased since I own one, but that kinda fuel economy in a fully loaded AWD 3 row SUV is nuts.
subaru needs to make a 6cyl non turbo version of this. I'd love to get one but I don't see many of these turbocharged 4's on the road 8-10 years from now.
@@eisiebuddaie3551 the made the 3.6l 6er for years and decommissioned it for this motor. I am with you on longevity but they are making these turbo 4 and 6s over at ford. Took my buddies fully loaded down f150 eco6 turbo on an 800 mile trip across Texas and back and it drove/cruised with the confidence of a diesel at about 26 mpg...and I mean loaded with 4 grown men mountain bikes and backpacking equipment.
Have you ever tried to use the kia warranty? They love to say how great it is. But when you try and use it they fight you for it. Had to fight for a solid year before kia paid for the engine issue I had. I will never buy a kia again. ( I shop for cars professionally)
Auto shopper I’ve owned four Kia’s. I’ve had few warranty issues but have had no issues with getting those concerns fixed under warranty. I came from a Ford Fusion that had so many issues and was under warranty. After trying 5 different ford service departments, I traded that car in because they couldn’t fix all the issues.
Excellent vehicle !!! Kia is one of the best cara nowadays! I drive a 2016 Soul with 105k miles on it already, low maintenance! Panoramic sunroof!! The Telluride is awesome! The Explorer even tho is great... it lacks space on the 3rd row...
You didn't choose the comparable trim. A ex telluride would make better comparison to the atlas, and cheaper. A fully equipped atlas is more expensive yet less features
@@devinbender8428 We get it, Devin, you love the Ford, but they weren't comparing these to the Ford, only to each other. I'm sure the BMW X7 is "better" than these 3, but it also wasn't in this particular video.
@@devinbender8428 So these all cost the same? And this video was comparing 3 similar vehicles, not every vehicle in the class. I've seen your comments on other threads that laud the Ford Explorer, but the video has nothing to do with the Ford Explorer.
I have been researching this segment very hard the last 8 months, and so far the telluride seems to be the best. You can get it superloaded and the price is still amazing. The Palisade, which is the Telluride's cousin also will be awesome!
Lucas LeCompte they have 2020 in December for gas models and hybrid models in February. They now have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, new colors, new interior all refreshed. 12.3 inch screen for Platinum trim. Toyota did a good job redesigning it now it will be more competitive.
Crash tests don't look too bad. Not sure I like how the cabin integrity seems to be compromised. Frontal impact seems the same if as good as the Atlas. Nothing on the KIA yet. Just not loving that CVT.
I got an Ascent recently after very extensive research, testing and comparison. I must say I was really into the Telluride at first because it's more luxurious and has more gadgets. In the end, the Subaru was definitely more comfortable to me and my wife. It's also a blast to drive. Ton's of low end torque, thanks to the turbo, and Active Torque Vectoring just keeps me grinning as this massive SUV (it's much bigger than it seems in the showroom, make sure it fits in your driveway) is very nimble and responsive. It really feels like you are driving a car. You can go very fast in this SUV and not feel it at all, even in tight winding curves. I was worried about the CVT because a lot of people complain about them. In the end, it's a non issue to me. It's true the second row offers an incredible amount of space: the kids are really in business class! I think the shot where they test the 3rd row does not do the Ascent justice. The 2nd row moves all the way back by default and that's why his knees are right up against the seat back. You can move the 2nd row a few inches forward and still have plenty of legroom for rows 2 and 3. The second row seats recline a lot, and when you do, the view with the moon roof is really pretty. The Ascent's safety package is really good. A note on lane keep "assist": it gives the steering wheel a discrete nudge if you are about to cross over the lines. It works very well and is not intrusive. It won't mind if your "lane center" is not the same as it's center. However you are the driver: if you don't steer at all, it will ping pong from one line to the next. The Kia will keep the centreline by itself so it's more autonomous for lane keeping (but you must still keep your hands on the steering). However, it leaves you less leeway to define your own center line. I did not drive the Telluride at night, but the Ascent's LED headlights are awesome. They make driving at night so relaxing and safe. The low beam are very white, bright and wide and the high beams illuminate very far ahead. I came head to head with a deer at night and saw it way in advance compared to any other car I had. I had plenty of time to slow down and I was going around 40-50 mph. The Subaru won top headlight ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and I can see why. The Ascent is the #1 2019 SUV from Consumer Report. As for reliability, it's important to note the Atlas won the "lemon of the year" award from consumer reports. I also remember when we did the test drive: the frame was creaking all the time. I would not buy an Atlas but you can't go wrong with Ascent or Telluride, both are awesome SUVs and I think it really comes down to personal preference, mission type and taste. Make sure you give both a good long test drive and have time to get a good feel for the automation. Also just sit in them for 20-30 minutes in the showroom to make sure the seats work with your body shape too.
CVTs aren't for everyone, I get that...but these massive SUVs aren't sports cars either. I've had plenty of automatics that hunt and shift funny. Just got a Forester Sport, first subi and first CVT. It is taking a little getting used to, but it is by far smoother and more responsive than the 2013 Rav we came from. Not a single complaint about the CVT from me.
My sister has had two nissans. A 2016 Altima and now murano platinum. She loves them. The cvts now a days are extremely smooth. And they seem just as responsive as every other transmission. I have a Durango and I love my 8spd. But I dont think it's super superior to a cvt. I like it better but I like the shifting. But cvts are extremely smooth in their delivery.
It took me a while to get used to my Subaru with a cut. I don't mind the driving dynamic, just have to learn how to drive it and the benefits become clear.
@@rodneydecormier1504 yes. Every time I driver her murano it's just a different feeling than a traditional auto. It's very smooth though. After a long drive say being on the road 2 hours or so i really stop noticing the never shifting. But it just comes down to personal preference. Had the ascent been released a few months sooner than it was I most likely would have gotten one of them
i too am driving a cvt, with an outback wrapped around it. i too read all the negative comments. i don’t get it. i particularly love the way mine roars up the really big grades, nailing the perfect rpm. now, if i had my way, i’d have subaru nix the imitation shift and give me true cvt.
I love my VW Atlas. But my experience with mpg on the Atlas, feels like I never traded in my Chevy Avalanche. Gas guzzler. I do love that interior, the third row is very comfortable, and we are still able to place a double stroller. Overall happy with my Atlas a bit disappointed with the mpg. We never get the 19mpg advertised
If you have $50K plus to spend, there are a lot of options for those who want more power. But I have to say that they hands down winner in the "family hauler" world has to be the Chrysler Pacifica. It is not as fuel efficient as you think, but it has more than adequate power for driving in town and on the freeways. The storage areas are amazing and work very much like a trunk where people looking in you car cannot see your gear laying around. And it is extremely comfortable to drive. And the only model that I have driven are the base trim levels that are available at the rental car counter. I cannot imagine how good this car can be if it had a handful of luxury features and a proper UConnect infotainment system.
The telluride looks like a refrigerator and the lettering isn't to my taste. It's not as luxurious as you may think, during this video I saw exposed screw heads and is gimmicky. Something I don't expect on a premium vehicle.
My wife has an ascent. Good car overall. Reliable, great electronics, problem free and good in ice and snow…but oh that cvt is absolutely awful. It’s like driving an appliance. No soul, no feel and no fun…no thanks…
The Telluride is the card to buy but there’s one problem you got a wait four months to get one. I’ve got mine ordered will be here in March. By the sales today The Telluride,is winning everyone they make they sell.
Style is good but those letters on the hood not so for my taste. I also think it's a little refrigerator'esq and those exposed screw heads don't say premium finish to me.
Devin Bender the Explorer is nice but it’s not being compared in this video. I’m picking one of the 3 shown. Also it’s better to have a 10 year warranty and fight to get it enforced that only have a 3 or 5 year warranty and runout after 30k miles.
Devin Bender I totally understand where you’re coming from. These days I want a warranty on everything because everything is so expensive to fix. If you’re leasing or keeping it under 5 years, you’ve probably got nothing to worry about but if you’re keeping it 10 years, then probably best to get a Toyota...as long as it passes the visor test ;)
If VW had better service history then it would be keeper but Telluride is as Roman say class above the rest n i don’t mind V6 it reminds me GM Holden old Buick 3.8lt V6. Great review vid👍
Edward Zheng here in Australia VW offer 5 years n unlimited kms warranty n each service get more expensive. My uncle had a Jetta it did two turbos and transmission. Yes VW will fix problems under warranty but over it No n it can be very costly.
@@jamieshields9521 just follow the maintenance schedule. Over 200k miles and the only problem was a leak because the service dept forgot to put the o ring on the oil filtet
I had a chance to drive a 2019 Atlas V6 SEL Premium 4Motion and I have to say I loved the way it drove. Also, the interior is just huge with space. That said, the Telluride looks better and feels more premium than the Atlas, and while I have always been a VW fanboy, i think I would pick Kia over VW in this comparison. Also, a minute of silence to the Ascent. 😉
We test drove the Ascent, Atlas, and the Enclave. We are a family of 5. The car we chose was the Atlas. Rear seating was very important. Price of Enlave and Atlas was very similar with similar rear seating. The Atlas felt less minivanish and will hold value longest. Also Atlas has captain chair option. Kids can slide in the middle. If buying used would buy the Enclave.
Telluride wins hands down. Long warranty, more space, and more luxury features like ventilated rear seats. Plus Kia has traditional 8 speed and nice sounding v6.
naveenthemachine the funny thing is that people compare modern day Kia with 2000 Kia. They are not even comparable. It’s like saying Chevy and ford are reliable. One day they might have been but these days they are cheap trash.
Ian I remember I had a 98 ford escort. It was very reliable. Now some of the new fords w turbo v6s or their powershift DCTs. Ya no they aren’t as reliable.
I have owned a Subaru Ascent Touring Model since December of 2018. My weekly commute averages over 500 miles a week. And I have to say that this is the best commuter vehicle that I've ever owned hands down. With such a long commute that can include miles of bumper to bumper traffic, I find the "Eye Sight" system to be a blessing. For an SUV it's handling is very good, and it also rides well.The turbo gives it very good acceleration, and the gas milage is descent as long as you stay out of the aforementioned turbo. Outward visibility is good, and it drives smaller than it is.My only complaint is that with the third row seating up there's very little storage space behind the third row, maybe enough for a few shopping bags not much else. I don't know why everyone is so down on the CVT, as the artificial shift points are programmed just right, so having one is worth the few extra miles per gallon over an automatic, plus the Subaru can tow over 5,000 pounds. Now I did look at the VW prior to my purchase however it comes as a two wheel drive, with four wheel as an expensive option. I live in the north east where the snow storms can come on fast, and the snow plowing not so fast (N.J.) As far as the KIA, I have friends who have told me about their experience with service/repair and warranty with Hyundai/Kia. So the Kia was never in the running. Also the two tone leather interior that comes with the "Touring" is nicely done, and that rear view "video mirror" is pretty neat.'
Ascent styling is the best looking at the 3 cars from the side hands down IMO. Other two are boxy, not sleek and aerodynamic. Agree that back end of Ascent could use some squaring off, but it looks a lot like a BMW SUV, which is a good thing. Seems like everyone is SUPER impressed that Kia used a strip of aluminum and FAKE wood on their dash, and somehow this makes the vehicle classier and more sophisticated. I'll take the Ascent dash without that ridiculous trendy laptop sticking out in my face, thanks. Looks like the thing is tacked on last minute because they forgot to incorporate it into the dash. Ascent is the smoothest driving of the three. I think the comment about the 'pillow' is totally wrong. Doesn't seem to lag much at all.
Exactly!! Anything that does not have, at least a *SIX CYLINDER* engine in this category, should be *AUTOMATICALLY* dropped off the shopping list. The "power numbers" don't tell the whole story! It is so much more than that!! It also depends on HOW HARD THE ENGINE IS WORKING! AND HOW REFINED, SMOOTH AND LINEAR the power delivery is!! Only TOTAL IDIOTS buy a large heavy SUV with a 4 cylinder engine in it, regardless if it is "supercharged", "turbocharged" or whatever (rollseyes)!!!! And *ONE* mpg more for the Subaru for having that worthless 4 banger?? (rollseyes). I'll bet my left arm, that in the *REAL WORLD,* under normal driving conditions (that is, how NORMAL people drive, not driving it like a 90 year old grandma), the Subaru will actually give *WORSE* gas mileage, because it has to work so much harder, to move all that weight!
Ascent for power, economy, and CVT that extracts the power in the most efficient way due to it's nature. But the best part is the symmetrical AWD and 8.7" ground clearance. That is very important here in New England.
If you want a reliable and long lasting family hauler with good quality interior, easy maintenance and resale value...its no brainer ----> Subaru Ascent (value for money)
They are brand new models you can’t tell me that the Telluride has a better reliability then the Ascent. But Subaru is known for their safety and reliability more so then Kia.
Great comparison and review. We cross shopped these three and also the pilot. In the end we bought the Telluride EX for the sake of the bench middle seat and we couldn't have been happier. Lots of Value for the money especially sub 40k for the EX fwd model.
Headroom is much better in the ascent if you opt out of sunroof. We've been very happy with our ascent and are able to fit 4 kids 4 and under comfortably. In my opinion easier to fit everyone than any minivan we tested. The 2.4l engine is awesome! CVT takes a bit to get used to, but I actually really like it now. Thanks for the comparison!
@@Sevillana2001 same. I got an Ascent Premium with the panoramic roof package and I LOVE it. Best decision I've made. I get 30 mpg on the highway and super comfy. It was also the highest rated vehicle in Consumer Reports history.
I'd take the Telluride over the Ascent, but the Atlas would be last. It's grill looks like an old Chevy Celebrity (pre 86), and that ISN'T a complement.
I own the Atlas, SEL AWD. It is very practical and has never let me down. When it comes to family duty the Atlas makes me happy every time. It handles that like pro. My only grip is it's fuel economy. It's a gas gussler.. you need to be doing a lot of highway driving and hopefully not in elevated areas like Denver, just to get anything close to reasonable mpg. The drive train has been proven to be reliable, the electronics is a time will tell situation...
The tulleride is my personal choice it look nice got the most powerful engine out of the three and you get the best value for the price + I trust kia relaibilty as I still owne couple kia currently with no miner problems one of them is 2013 kia rio and the othere is 2016 kia mohave
@@devinbender8428 I don't think so because I personaly own kia mohave 2016 which is name kia borrego in USA 2009 I also thougt that tulleride was mohave (Borrego) subtitute untill they revaled new mohave concept in south Korea just after the lunch of tulleride look it up on UA-cam Search for kia mohave masterpiece
@@devinbender8428 It depands on what is Kia plans for the upcoming Mohave and In which class it gonna compleate I think they have relased enough midsize SUV's and they need step up and relase full size SUV with good off rod cabilties or just improve Mohave off rod cabilties The v8 4.6 kia mohave 2012 is much better than tayota land cruser prado 2019 as it engine produce more power and higher tourqe but is suck in off road because of the clearance and there is no after market lift kits for it
Joel Bruck According to Alex on Autos, the Kia Telluride has more combined legroom than the Chevy Tahoe/GMC Yukon. m.ua-cam.com/video/ePF2HtqpDZg/v-deo.htmlm52s
It seems that of the car testing video's I've been watching, the testers seem to be looking for "minivan" seating, cargo space, etc from these midsize SUV's. Lets be real. NOTHING will replace what the minivan is. Attempts are commendable but when it comes to long haul driving (trips) and even running to Lowes for bags of mulch or 4x8 sheets of plywood, the minivan still wins. But having said that. I have a 2011 T&C that is getting up there on miles. We are keeping it. It's loaded, almost at 100k miles and hasn't been a problem. But, we want to replace one of the Jeeps (a 02 Liberty) and was looking at the VW Atlas SEL Premium with a few extras tossed in, out the door price is $49k (taxes, registration, money off incentives) . Crash tests are tops. The battery issue (start/stop feature) has been apparently corrected. Not warm to the FCW issues but it can be turned off till VW figures it out. MPG on VW isn't what I would call bragging rights but with all the mid-sized SUV's I've been looking at, what the heck is up with the 18gal fuel tanks? That seems to be the norm. AFWIW, went to look at a KIA and dealer said none will be on the lot for 30 days (or more).
You guys should bring SPRUCE V and the ORI back to your videos! These creative, one of a kind methods to evaluate vehicles, that I haven’t seen anywhere else, would still be invaluable to your videos, and your audience all these years later! They’ll set you even further apart from your peers than you already are! They are truly TFL!
But they put their finger on the scale in the 3rd row tact. They pulled the second row back and starved the 3rd row of leg room. Subaru obviously designed the 2nd row as being used more than the 3rd row.
My pick is the telluride, I think it looks the best and the features included in that SX package are just awesome for the value. If you wanted similar features in the other 2, you'd probably easily be paying $60k+
@@douglashodges545 factor in items like wireless charger, dual sunroofs, heated and cooled front and rear seats, nappa leather, full LED lighting, 19" black painted wheels, HUD, and all that other stuff and you're still only hitting about $46k in the Kia. If I'm not mistaken, a lot of that stuff isn't offered standard on the top Subaru trim or just isn't offered in general
@@GriffXJ the Ascent Touring at $44k has a panoramic roof, heated and cooled front seats (only heated rear), full LED lighting, 20 inch wheels, HUD, plus Eyesight tech. The Kia does have some things the Subaru doesn't though but it's close
I would pick the Telluride, the design is a lot more modern, with better quality materials. Not to mention reliability will be better than the other 2 with a far better warranty.
Yeah it is 2019 Fortana Red Volkswagen Atlas 3.6L v6 235 hp and 258 torque R-Line Fwd 17-24 Suv vs 2020 Dark Moss Kia Telluride SX 3.8L Naturally aspirated V6 291 hp and 262 Torqued Fwd 20-26 Suv vs 2019 Crimson Red Pearl Subaru Ascent 2.4L 4-CYLINDER 260 hp and 277 torque Touring 20-26 Ultimate SubCompact Suv!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I would get Telluride or VW only If I went the lease route.... For me Ascent wins.. there are only few brands that is worth buying ...Subaru, Toyota, Honda and Lexus FYI - I have a fully loaded Ascent limited.. Just AMZG!!!
Subies are Subies and they do what they are supposed to do, but the Ascent just did not come up to my level of expectations last spring when I drove one down south. The Atlas SEL Premium that I drove was frightingly underpowered for a vehicle with a sticer at $50K. The Teluride just came out so I did not look at one of those last year. The two vehicles that I liked that are in this category are the Explorer Sport (the 3.5L EcoBoost is my motor of choice) and the (often ignored) Chrysler Pacifica is an outstanding hauler and has more than enough power to handle big city traffic as well as the the mountain passes that you cross heading into the central valley of California. But at the end of the day my requirements were more power under the hood, more capability off road, more storage compartments around the driver, more utility for my cargo area, and did not need a third row of seats. So this pushed me from the EcoBoost Flex and Explorer Sport to the SuperCrew F150.
@@edwardz5975 And give up all that low end torque that I get from the Gen 2, 3.5L EcoBoost paired with a set of 3.55 gears out back? Even with the Atlas being the automotive equivalent of the Tardis with more room on the inside than what you see on the outside, The F150 came into its own with its ability to haul 1000 lbs of payload in the back and never break a sweat. Three trips to the garden center hauling soil and mulch in my truck would have taken at least 7 in the Atlas and this is a use case that I did not have in mind when I was picking out this vehicle.
Vw atlas hands down. We bought that exact color 2021 v6 r line, se with technology. I really like it! The kia feels smaller, especially in the third row than the atlas. The size is what sold us on the Atlas. The Subaru is not a true three row...seriously, go and sit in one.
I really don't get the CVT gripe. I'm a manual guy. I race as a hobby in autocross and rallycross. I think the modern ZF autos are really well tuned. I think early CVTs were pretty crappy. I think a lot of the harm to CVTs is most are paired to tiny 4 cylinder engines that are NOT fun at all with CVTs. The CVT is actually a fast unit. The biggest problem is the CVT is still run through a torque converter. It's the torque converter that generates the sloppy behavior. The CVT itself is already done and set at a small fraction of a second. You spend more time waiting for engine revs to rise and are softened, in some cases moderately, through the torque converter. A CVT is also a MUCH better experience with a bigger engine. For example, the CVT paired with the Subaru H6 3.6L is very nice. Comparatively to standard autos, I've comparison tested the Jeep Cherokee a few years ago with the 8 speed ZF auto paired with the V6, and that was a good experience. However, a TON of people complained the same transmission paired to the smaller 4. It's the same problem for both platforms, but the CVT is faster and is more exact in that tuning can be infinitely variable and can be tuned precisely to the engine and power delivery targets. It's not something that's appreciated while using a CVT. It's something appreciated when going back to a traditional auto or even manual with fixed ratios. Fundamentally, the CVT is a better system, but it's at the mercy of the tuning, with the engine it's paired to, and still stuck behind a torque converter that may or may not be configured desirably. An interesting thing Toyota has done is pair their CVT with a actual mechanical 1st gear to get around the torque converter behavior, and you end up with a much nicer low speed experience. If I have the choice between an automatic, even a nice ZF automatic, and a CVT with all other design aspects identical, I will always pick the CVT. It can be configured to function EXACTLY like the traditional automatic or deviate from it for different feel and behavior, for better or worse. Manufacturers are still fiddling around with CVT design and tuning, so everything's different and of mixed results. For myself, I'd complain about the engine size paired to it and how the torque converter is configured, long long before I'd complain about the CVT. The downside is we have very few CVT vehicles paired with bigger engines. Most applications with larger engines have traditional autos, and that does skew the results.
Gas tank size shouldn't be a problem. When driving long distances, you should stop every two hours or so to refresh the circulation in your legs. So 300 miles shouldn't matter. My 2019 Sorento has the same size tank and same EPA fuel estimates of 19/24/21 as the Telluride. I just did a trip from Maryland to Detroit over the weekend and I averaged 24.7 and that was traveling 75-80 mph.
I've had the Telluride EX for two months and I'm very happy with my decision. It's very comfortable and very quiet. If you buy it, be prepared to be stared at and have strangers ask you questions about it. No kidding, I had two people at a traffic light who were driving a Sorento applaud the Telluride and give me a thumbs up. Kia has come a long way. I'm waiting for an extensive snow road test vs the competition.
Subaru Ascent just for the reliability, multiple safety features/scored 5 STAR on ALL safety tests, and just because it has that legendary symmetrical awd. Oh yea, and because it has better fuel economy then the kia and vw. Don't forget the premium waterproof cloth seats and the 4G wifi, some stuff that kia and vw doesn't have. Also, I don't really trust vw's reliability and there ugly designs, and Kia's refrigerator boxy non-aerodynamic style, but it still looks pretty good. Edit: Here's my best order, also dont get me wrong I love both Subaru and kia but not vw. P.s. the original 0-60 time for the ascent is 7-7.2secs 1. Subaru Ascent 💯 2. Kia Telluride ✔ 3. Volkswagen Atlas ❌ Edit 2: Subaru Ascent is more larger, and taller, than the telluride/Palisade which is good for the head and legroom, and speaking of that, Subaru ascent has more 1st and 3rd row legroom, than the telluride/Palisade, yes they did sacrifice a little room from the 2nd row, but that was a good idea, bcuz even full size adults could fit there. Also, has better fuel economy, and way better reliability, Subaru is ranked the most reliable car brand in 2019,(1st place) while kia came in 12th place and hyundai at 10th place. www.usatoday.com/story/money/cars/2019/02/21/consumer-reports-best-cars-2019-subaru-toyota-dominate-top-picks/2936504002/ heres some proof. Oh yea, the subaru ascent has also better headroom, and just space in general! Proof: www.autoblog.com/2019/02/08/2020-kia-telluride-comparison/
Subaru Ascent is AWESOME. The Atlas felt cheap and is unreliable, the Telluride is nice but KIA...ugh...you can't beat the Ascent. It scored a 98 on Consumer Reports - their highest ever.
I just bought the 2021 Telluride Nightfall Edition. The interior is classy and expensive looking. When you drive it especially when you throw it in sport mode it’s feels like sport sedan! Also the tech in it is amazing!
@@rightlanehog3151 not true...minivans have no towing or ground clearance and very few have 4x4.... also the highlander does not compete with these 3, it is too small, it competes with the explorer and pathfinder
@@lieutenantcandlewax If they gave me the subaru and VW I'D SELL THEM AND GET THE KIA. This literatelly like comparing a fiat to an S class Mercedes-Benz.
Subaru, but that's because I want all terrain, where I live there are a lot of gravel roads and rain that this Sub will fit better than the other two. That being said, I love the finishes of the Kia, I sat in the high end model and it was so comfortable and luxurious, and in the Atlas I agree with both of you, a good family hauler. If I could have the Sub with the Kia finishes...perfect.
I ended with the Atlas between all three. 5 people voted including a 9 year old and all chose the Atlas. Overall Atlas did everything and had what each would like to have in an SUV. Since this was a Kia sponsored event where they supplied the 3 SUVs this comparison really was apples and oranges and they should have provided top line equals I got my VW Atlas premium for less than what the Kia was as the dealer was asking for above MSRP. Sorry I am not paying such knowing in a few months they will be trying to give it away to make their sales quotas. So far with over 3000 miles on the Atlas I am enjoying a minute driving it. One comment he said there is no spare in the Atlas, he needed to look under the cover and yes it does have a spare but I think it is too late for them to acknowledge such.
4 years later and drove all 3, bot the Ascent. Roman's Analogy was Spot on...Atleast is the Girl that is just Forgetable, does most things fine but nothing Spectacular and she's a bit Chubby. TYourRide is the Girl that always dresses up and gets the Attention right away, but that Flirtatiousness comes at a high price and shallow Charactor. The A Scent is just Right, you start to notice the small Stuff, the Thoughtfulness, the Beauty that is there but not Everyone knows. Thanks TFL
I bought a Telluride, and I am happy with it, but I only have one problem, they need to change the name to Telluwide, because it seems to be wider than any mid size SUV to me.
I must have driven 5 Atlas models. Really wanted that until I drove the Ascent. What can I say I have a Tiguan and I traded in an Outback so I bought an Ascent. Rides nice,power band at low rpms also a plus.
My wife and I are looking at the VW. Its priced well in its class and has an amazing warranty. I really like the tiguan but my wife likes the atlas. We also plan on checking out a few other cars. I am all about american cars, but they have lowered their warranties so much that I just cant get behind them right now. My wifes buick had 70k b2b and my chevy had 50k b2b and 100k pt but now its 36k b2b and 60k pt. When spending 30-50k on a car I want it to last more than 5 years and not have to worry about something breaking.
I like my Atlas because of the practicality, price, and the spacious third row and trunk space. I think male and female reviewer’s preference is clearly different.
It's funny you say that because we own both, my wife prefers the Atlas and I prefer the Telluride. Both great vehicles and it does come down to personal preference.
I got the Ascent. When I ordered my Ascent the Telluride was not available. I considered a large number of vehicles before my purchase. Single guy no kids. But comfort, cargo, tech and value were my main priorities. Ultimately when all things are nearly equal the last thing left to consider was “style” I thought the Atlas was a bit too big. The same with the Chevy Traverse. If the Chrysler Pacifica came with ground clearance and an AWD option I would have gotten that all day every day. The Telluride/Pallisade was a little too “in your face” for my taste. Like comparing a Ford Expedition to a Lincoln Navigator. I would have gotten the Ford. My final two choices came down to the Mazda CX-9 and the Ascent. The Ascent has a friendly 3rd row than the Mazda and better Cargo space. Final choice for me was the Ascent but if the Telluride had been available at the time it would have been a closer call.
Randy Shackleford I cussed out Chrysler up and down because they swore they weren’t going to build an AWD Pacifica. It’s the first vehicle I would have bought no hands down.
Have you done a minivan comparison? My friends and I are minivan owners and are consistently traveling with children and/or need extra cargo room for hauling crafts, groceries, and shopping. We would love to see you guys review some of the newer models for us!!! Love the videos!!!
I actually purchased an atlas this year. I have four kids and there are some consideration in that regard. Number 1 being price. You can get an atlas cheaper if you pay attention to what you need and Don't get excited about the shiny stuff (I like the shiny, but kids will wreck it). My wife drives an out back and I despise the cvt. it took some convicting to get my wife to look at anything but a Subaru, although I think now that we have done it she like the VW better. The VW comes with vinyl seats, not leather, not cloth. Little boys track dirt everywhere and it is less work to wipe off the vinyl than to clean and then condition leather, cloth is a non starter, even with all the scotch guard and stuff. My oldest son is over six foot and he fits in the third row almost comfortably (he couldn't sit in the ascent). I have some reservations about reliability, however I am stickler for frequent maintenance ( first oil change at 500 miles, next at 1500, then 3000, and every three there after). My understanding is that the transmission is made by aisen, and is the same trans as used in the Toyota Highlander. Safety is a huge thing when hauling te family, and getting three car seats in the car is no problem, and the full sized people who have to sit next to them, are not squashed. I like the telluride, and being from Colorado I like the name, but when it came to putting the money down, I thought the atlas was best for my family. I don't think you would go wrong with any of them.
1st pick is the kia for me but I close 2nd is the vw, I'll take an n/a motor as long term keeper over a turbo. style would be liable but practical use will go to the vw.
It’s not just a CVT. Manual transmissions are the only fun transmission. I actually have grown to like a CVT and simply for the reason, it’s not clunky like some auto transmissions, I hated CVTs until I had a car with one..
4 speed autos weren't bad, but the newer 6,8,9,10 speed autos just shift all the time. Always afraid of wearing them out. CVTs just adjust their pulleys and do their thing smoothly
Crazy to me a fully optioned Atlas will push $50k, while the Telluride is quicker and the most luxurious of the bunch, not to mention $3k less. I think i'd have the Subaru though for the awesome safety tech and symmetrical awd.
We have driven all three of these and can still not make a decision on this. Both the Atlas and the Kia, have a 360 camera that we like. But the Atlas is way to big for a person my wife's size. The Subaru is great, but no 360 Camera. The Kia has the most HP and is the quickest and drives nice.. Lol UGH its so hard to decided, i wish i could take something from all three to make one amazing car
My wife who has owned and driven VWs, Toyotas, Mazdas, Hondas and a Gen-1 Porsche Cayenne traded in her Lexus RX Hybrid for a Kia Sportage SX Turbo FWD. She said it is the most fun to drive 4-wheel drive vehicle she has ever owned. (I say 4-wheels, because she used to have a Ducati Monster...) Get the Kia. After buying my 2011 Kia Sorento SX V6 AWD a few years ago, my wife got the 18 Sportage and then I upgraded to the 2016 Kia Sorento SXL Turbo AWD. Kia is underrated and if the Telluride meets your family’s needs you should go for it. I never thought I’d own the exact same car back to back, and you couldn’t have paid me to believe it would be Korean when I did!
1. Ascent 2. Telluride 3. Atlas Ascent first because I like the styling inside and out, like the engine and that its AWD. Telluride second beacause love the interior and exterior, but hate the engine. Atlas third because I dislike the Interior. The exterior is nice. Would like to see it in AWD.
Telluride: 2nd and 3rd row are not powered, they use some kind of spring loaded mechanism. I saw few other review as well calling it wrongfully powered seats where actually they are not.
I don't doubt your comment but I do wonder about the advantage of an electric motor over a spring. The latter has been around for several thousand years and I've yet to see a spring's circuit fail or a spring burn out.
@@stephenhendricks103 I personally don't like powered seats due to slow and failure rate. But my point is people who watch this video may believe it has powered rear seats like other higher end trims.
@@arunkalpy Fair enough, my friend. Like you I'm no fan of the overuse of "powered" features in vehicles. My favorite whipping boy on that score is powered reach and tilt of the steering wheel. Once set I almost never readjust my steering wheel. And even in the car I share with my wife it takes about 5 seconds to re-adjust the reach/tilt of the steering wheel. Compare that inconvenience to the cost of disassembling and repairing a broken powered steering column.
Missed a key point: the Atlas bench is the only of this class able to articulate forward with car seats installed. If you want a bench rather than captains chairs, the Atlas is easily the best choice.
I’m sorry but in I purchased a 2019 4 motion awd Atlas SEL R line and I live in NYC and honestly people stop me about this truck all the time at least 3 times a week . As far as upscale European looks performance and everyday practicality it definitely does the Job. The Subaru does not sell as well as either of them and the Kia is Gimmicky . The Atlas also has masculinity to it that’s assertive when moving amongst higher end SUV’s . I’ve had the honor of owning a Q7 Audi, Mercedes , GLE ,GLC,and R class , Land Rover Range Rover, Yukon Denali, Cadillac Escalade , Chrysler Aspen , Nissan Murano, Lincoln Navigator and Hyundai Santa Fe . I probably love the Atlas more than all of them partly because the majority of my previous brands were luxury vehicles and I don’t feel like I’m missing much of anything that I can’t live without. Bottom line the KIA gets no love in the big apple its design is all over the place and if you ask me it’s ugly.
Let me tellu ride somthin....lol I can't speak for the other 2 vehicles, But the Telluride has options from eco, comfort, sport, snow, and smart. On the hwy with eco...29 to 30 mpg. But with sport mode, I'm sure these guys could have gone faster. Especially if you locked in The all wheel drive. As much as I like Turbo, The vehicle works well without it. So one less thing to breakdown.
@@nitra41 on eco, I can average 29. Of course I'm resetting the computer as soon as I get on the hwy to get that number. Also, I'm driving conservatively. No hypermile, just driving the speed limit and no aggressive acceleration. But even if I didn't do that I'm sure I could still get 26 or 27mpg.
Telluride is the best out of the three, most people dismiss it because they still got that “Oh it’s a Kia” mindset. It’s actually a nice crossover with it’s responsive V6 and you don’t have to suffer at CVT moans.
My buddy's wife has an Ascent and after 4 months he still complains about the inordinate lag when you shift from reverse to drive. When he drives it he now goes to amazing extents to make sure he is backed into parking spots and can exit without reversing. That said the Ascent should hold value best but if your in it for the long haul the Kia's warranty is a nice safety blanket IMO.
@@ThorNjord He did, they gave him a loaner and as he pulled out of the dealership it did the same thing. They told him it was operating normally. Don't get me wrong, it's not like it takes 3 seconds, it just has this tiny unusual lag.
Roman, quote "this car is very honest" was funny regarding the Atlas.. it has fake chrome exhaust tips... so are people getting what they pay for lol... That said, I love the style of it and this video comparison is fantastic.
I agree with Roman concerning the range of the Telluride. I think that type of hauler should be able to go at least 500 miles between fill ups. I know most people (me included) would probably need to stop before that, but it would be a nice option to not have to.
I’ve been test driving higher trim level SUV’s lately. The Ascent is currently topping my list for its smooth, quiet ride. The Atlas uses a bit more hard plastic than most in its interior. The ride is smooth but the sound deadening needs improvement. You can hear every bump you hit more than you can feel it. Think the KIA’s side seat bolsters extend too far forward which made them uncomfortable for my wife who is a narrower person. When the engine auto off feature is used it makes restarts slow and clunky.
Took a close look at the Atlas and a quick look at the Ascent last year when my wife and I were shopping for a midsize crossover. I'm a fan of 4 cylinder turbos in a variety applications but in a two ton plus SUV I think a naturally aspirated V6 is a better, more durable choice. And though I'm not a fanatic about it, I'm not a fan of CVT's so the Ascent was out. I own a GTI so I was pulling for the Atlas. But the SUV is my wife's daily driver and she found it just too damn big. And in the top trim version we considered the price was over $50K. VW has revised their trim levels for 2019 but the price of a V6 AWD with satellite navigation, leather, and other convenience and safety features remains over $50,000. NOT the $39K mentioned in the video for a lower trim FWD version. To be fair, if one needs a truly accommodating third row for regular use by two or three adults, the Atlas is probably the best choice. But as another poster noted, the "average" adult is considerably smaller than the testers. The Telluride wasn't yet on the market when we were shopping last year. But even if it had been we would have gone with the somewhat smaller KIA Sorento, instead. With a family of two adults, a teenage daughter, and a big dog the Sorento's size is perfect. And while we don't use the third row of seats frequently, it's very convenient for chauffeuring a gaggle of teenage girls or going out with six or more passengers when we'd otherwise have to take two vehicles. And surprisingly, the third row seats in the Sorento are nearly as spacious as the Telluride's.
@@sorgster That's not really debatable, I think. It doesn't mean that a low pressure turbo is unacceptable in terms of reliability but an engine component spinning at several thousand rpm will always introduce an element of risk not present in a NA engine. Physics is physics.
Not a big Subaru fan but I've been doing EXTENSIVE research on the Atlas and Telluride. Comparing apples to apples (Telluride SX-L vs Atlas Execline R-Line), the price is pretty much the same but when you start comparing the features, the Kia blows the VW out of the water. The Haulers also forgot to mention on the Telluride that the 3rd row reclines and it also has 2nd row retractable sun shades. If you do your research on the features, you'll realize that you can only compare the Telluride to much more expensive cars like the Q7, X7 or QX80. Telluride all the way... just ordered mine btw.
That Atlas looks great, imo the other two already look dated in comparison. An older Acadia knocked up an older 4Runner and out came the Telluride, no thanks.
I would get a Telluride but either LX or S. Less than 35k you've got a 3rd row suv that has leather seats, keyless go, adaptive cruise and apple carplay. If you pay a bit more and get S then has 20inch rims and a sunroof. Pretty much all I need. Yeah the quilted leather and panoramic roof looks good but I rather keep extra $10k+ and enjoy a fancy vacation with that.
@@devinbender8428 If you're a ford guy then sure. But I hate 4cyl engine and especially with turbo. They don't have as much turbo lags that they used to, but still exists. Refinement wise 4cyl turbo can't beat natural aspirated v6 imo. They claim its more fuel efficient but not to my driving styles. I rather pay for more fuel than suffering 4cyl turbo. Kia/hyundai are normally more reliable than American brand and comes with longer warranty too. Don't take it personal but I wouldn't waste my money on domestic brand. Their fit and finish isn't as sophisticated as Asian brands.
@@devinbender8428 Then go for V6 diesel ones. Should have plenty of torque and good fuel economy. No matter how much torque it has 4bagers are 4. 2.3ecoboost seems to be well made for American 4cyl but shouldn't you prefer a 2.7 or 3.5 ecoboost better?
We have the Atlas as our family hauler for the last 18 months and so far we are happy with it. It has all the space we need and very practicality. I found out later that the VW Atlas's interior is also very easy to clean. The plastic doesn't scratch and is easy to wipe clean. Important if you have small kid....
Just took my Ascent Premium (18" wheels) on a 900 Mile road trip. I averaged 30.3MPG on that loop through Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula.
I'm biased since I own one, but that kinda fuel economy in a fully loaded AWD 3 row SUV is nuts.
That's insane, my CR-V barely gets that.
subaru needs to make a 6cyl non turbo version of this. I'd love to get one but I don't see many of these turbocharged 4's on the road 8-10 years from now.
@@eisiebuddaie3551 the made the 3.6l 6er for years and decommissioned it for this motor. I am with you on longevity but they are making these turbo 4 and 6s over at ford. Took my buddies fully loaded down f150 eco6 turbo on an 800 mile trip across Texas and back and it drove/cruised with the confidence of a diesel at about 26 mpg...and I mean loaded with 4 grown men mountain bikes and backpacking equipment.
@@eisiebuddaie3551 In something this large, I agree.
My tuned GTI gets 34
I’d hands down pick the Telluride. The design is incredible, interior quality and drivetrain warranty is crazy too. All around great SUV.
Have you ever tried to use the kia warranty? They love to say how great it is. But when you try and use it they fight you for it. Had to fight for a solid year before kia paid for the engine issue I had. I will never buy a kia again. ( I shop for cars professionally)
@@PhoenixPreferred true. I used to work in sales at Kia. The entire seevice experience is a nightmare!
Auto shopper I’ve owned four Kia’s. I’ve had few warranty issues but have had no issues with getting those concerns fixed under warranty. I came from a Ford Fusion that had so many issues and was under warranty. After trying 5 different ford service departments, I traded that car in because they couldn’t fix all the issues.
@@PhoenixPreferred yes, Kia and Hyundai are bad at following through on their warranty
Incredible design? They copied the Yukon in the front an XC90 on the side and back interior is a BMW rip-off
The Telluride is in another league, luxury and great value , the design is also awesome.
but bad reliablitity, ive had a kia and it SUCKED
Excellent vehicle !!! Kia is one of the best cara nowadays! I drive a 2016 Soul with 105k miles on it already, low maintenance! Panoramic sunroof!! The Telluride is awesome! The Explorer even tho is great... it lacks space on the 3rd row...
Jesus Borja did you buy a 2000 Kia? Yea those were trash
@@jesusborja7859 10 year warranty should cover reliability
@@devinbender8428 that shit did not even earn good rating in iihs small overlap
You didn't choose the comparable trim. A ex telluride would make better comparison to the atlas, and cheaper. A fully equipped atlas is more expensive yet less features
Either way the Atlas loses so....
I agree.
@@devinbender8428 is it reliable???
@@devinbender8428 We get it, Devin, you love the Ford, but they weren't comparing these to the Ford, only to each other. I'm sure the BMW X7 is "better" than these 3, but it also wasn't in this particular video.
@@devinbender8428 So these all cost the same? And this video was comparing 3 similar vehicles, not every vehicle in the class. I've seen your comments on other threads that laud the Ford Explorer, but the video has nothing to do with the Ford Explorer.
I have been researching this segment very hard the last 8 months, and so far the telluride seems to be the best. You can get it superloaded and the price is still amazing. The Palisade, which is the Telluride's cousin also will be awesome!
How about the Highlander? Great reliability and great resale value!
@@JJustinXu thought about that one but they just came out with a new one. The old ones needed a refresh really badly.
Lucas LeCompte they have 2020 in December for gas models and hybrid models in February. They now have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, new colors, new interior all refreshed. 12.3 inch screen for Platinum trim. Toyota did a good job redesigning it now it will be more competitive.
I bought 2 Ascents. You didn't cover any of the safety features. That's one thing that sells me on Subaru, that and the symmetrical all wheel drive.
Crash tests don't look too bad. Not sure I like how the cabin integrity seems to be compromised. Frontal impact seems the same if as good as the Atlas. Nothing on the KIA yet. Just not loving that CVT.
My wife drove the Ascent and loved the seats and the ride. The car felt well made and solid.
I got an Ascent recently after very extensive research, testing and comparison. I must say I was really into the Telluride at first because it's more luxurious and has more gadgets. In the end, the Subaru was definitely more comfortable to me and my wife. It's also a blast to drive. Ton's of low end torque, thanks to the turbo, and Active Torque Vectoring just keeps me grinning as this massive SUV (it's much bigger than it seems in the showroom, make sure it fits in your driveway) is very nimble and responsive. It really feels like you are driving a car. You can go very fast in this SUV and not feel it at all, even in tight winding curves. I was worried about the CVT because a lot of people complain about them. In the end, it's a non issue to me. It's true the second row offers an incredible amount of space: the kids are really in business class! I think the shot where they test the 3rd row does not do the Ascent justice. The 2nd row moves all the way back by default and that's why his knees are right up against the seat back. You can move the 2nd row a few inches forward and still have plenty of legroom for rows 2 and 3. The second row seats recline a lot, and when you do, the view with the moon roof is really pretty. The Ascent's safety package is really good. A note on lane keep "assist": it gives the steering wheel a discrete nudge if you are about to cross over the lines. It works very well and is not intrusive. It won't mind if your "lane center" is not the same as it's center. However you are the driver: if you don't steer at all, it will ping pong from one line to the next. The Kia will keep the centreline by itself so it's more autonomous for lane keeping (but you must still keep your hands on the steering). However, it leaves you less leeway to define your own center line. I did not drive the Telluride at night, but the Ascent's LED headlights are awesome. They make driving at night so relaxing and safe. The low beam are very white, bright and wide and the high beams illuminate very far ahead. I came head to head with a deer at night and saw it way in advance compared to any other car I had. I had plenty of time to slow down and I was going around 40-50 mph. The Subaru won top headlight ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and I can see why. The Ascent is the #1 2019 SUV from Consumer Report. As for reliability, it's important to note the Atlas won the "lemon of the year" award from consumer reports. I also remember when we did the test drive: the frame was creaking all the time. I would not buy an Atlas but you can't go wrong with Ascent or Telluride, both are awesome SUVs and I think it really comes down to personal preference, mission type and taste. Make sure you give both a good long test drive and have time to get a good feel for the automation. Also just sit in them for 20-30 minutes in the showroom to make sure the seats work with your body shape too.
CVTs aren't for everyone, I get that...but these massive SUVs aren't sports cars either. I've had plenty of automatics that hunt and shift funny. Just got a Forester Sport, first subi and first CVT. It is taking a little getting used to, but it is by far smoother and more responsive than the 2013 Rav we came from. Not a single complaint about the CVT from me.
My sister has had two nissans. A 2016 Altima and now murano platinum. She loves them. The cvts now a days are extremely smooth. And they seem just as responsive as every other transmission. I have a Durango and I love my 8spd. But I dont think it's super superior to a cvt. I like it better but I like the shifting. But cvts are extremely smooth in their delivery.
It took me a while to get used to my Subaru with a cut. I don't mind the driving dynamic, just have to learn how to drive it and the benefits become clear.
@@rodneydecormier1504 yes. Every time I driver her murano it's just a different feeling than a traditional auto. It's very smooth though. After a long drive say being on the road 2 hours or so i really stop noticing the never shifting. But it just comes down to personal preference. Had the ascent been released a few months sooner than it was I most likely would have gotten one of them
i too am driving a cvt, with an outback wrapped around it. i too read all the negative comments. i don’t get it. i particularly love the way mine roars up the really big grades, nailing the perfect rpm. now, if i had my way, i’d have subaru nix the imitation shift and give me true cvt.
I love my VW Atlas. But my experience with mpg on the Atlas, feels like I never traded in my Chevy Avalanche. Gas guzzler.
I do love that interior, the third row is very comfortable, and we are still able to place a double stroller. Overall happy with my Atlas a bit disappointed with the mpg. We never get the 19mpg advertised
Should make a video comparing different types of family haulers.
Crew cab truck, Minivan, Full size van, SUV, Crossover, Sedan, or Wagon...
@@pryme2013 FORD FLEX
@@pryme2013 it has doors that can be easily opened with a handle
@@pryme2013 NOOOO!!!!
If you have $50K plus to spend, there are a lot of options for those who want more power. But I have to say that they hands down winner in the "family hauler" world has to be the Chrysler Pacifica. It is not as fuel efficient as you think, but it has more than adequate power for driving in town and on the freeways. The storage areas are amazing and work very much like a trunk where people looking in you car cannot see your gear laying around. And it is extremely comfortable to drive. And the only model that I have driven are the base trim levels that are available at the rental car counter. I cannot imagine how good this car can be if it had a handful of luxury features and a proper UConnect infotainment system.
Spoken like a true cretin.
The Ascent's styling is really lacking compared to the Telluride and Atlas. But every time Subaru redesigns their products, I'm never really amazed.
Fuel Economy Subaru is not laking
Modern Subaru designs are trash. Their last good design was the Impreza WRX hatchback earlier this decade
@Dale III The Ascent is built in Indiana, the Atlas is built in Tennessee, and the Telluride is built in Georgia.
The telluride looks like a refrigerator and the lettering isn't to my taste. It's not as luxurious as you may think, during this video I saw exposed screw heads and is gimmicky. Something I don't expect on a premium vehicle.
How? it's the most sylistic out of the three Tested.
My wife has an ascent. Good car overall. Reliable, great electronics, problem free and good in ice and snow…but oh that cvt is absolutely awful. It’s like driving an appliance. No soul, no feel and no fun…no thanks…
The Telluride is the card to buy but there’s one problem you got a wait four months to get one. I’ve got mine ordered will be here in March. By the sales today The Telluride,is winning everyone they make they sell.
Telluride is a way better pick than the atlas or the ascent. That's why we bought one!
Exactly, Couldn't agree more that's why I got one too!! Which model you get?
Style is good but those letters on the hood not so for my taste. I also think it's a little refrigerator'esq and those exposed screw heads don't say premium finish to me.
@@MrVizziato23 EX snow white pearl with grey inside
iVlogBuzz just pull the letters off the front. It’s a maybe 10 minute fix
iVlogBuzz one persons car came in off the truck without the letters applied! Would be been a win win for you 😜
Telluride 👌👍
Telluride. Looks good. Big. And 10 year warranty
Devin Bender the Explorer is nice but it’s not being compared in this video. I’m picking one of the 3 shown. Also it’s better to have a 10 year warranty and fight to get it enforced that only have a 3 or 5 year warranty and runout after 30k miles.
Devin Bender if it’s a CVT or a German vehicle... or a fiat Chrysler then yes, I expect catastrophic failure... Toyota, not so much.
Devin Bender I totally understand where you’re coming from. These days I want a warranty on everything because everything is so expensive to fix. If you’re leasing or keeping it under 5 years, you’ve probably got nothing to worry about but if you’re keeping it 10 years, then probably best to get a Toyota...as long as it passes the visor test ;)
Kia is trash
@@armandocortez9995 and you've owned a kia before?
If VW had better service history then it would be keeper but Telluride is as Roman say class above the rest n i don’t mind V6 it reminds me GM Holden old Buick 3.8lt V6. Great review vid👍
VW offer the 6yr/72000mils bumper to bumper warranty right?
Edward Zheng here in Australia VW offer 5 years n unlimited kms warranty n each service get more expensive. My uncle had a Jetta it did two turbos and transmission. Yes VW will fix problems under warranty but over it No n it can be very costly.
@@jamieshields9521 just follow the maintenance schedule. Over 200k miles and the only problem was a leak because the service dept forgot to put the o ring on the oil filtet
The freaking atlas is 3 years old,how can you say anything about service? Besides I guarantee it's better warranty then the other 2!
I had a chance to drive a 2019 Atlas V6 SEL Premium 4Motion and I have to say I loved the way it drove. Also, the interior is just huge with space. That said, the Telluride looks better and feels more premium than the Atlas, and while I have always been a VW fanboy, i think I would pick Kia over VW in this comparison. Also, a minute of silence to the Ascent. 😉
We test drove the Ascent, Atlas, and the Enclave. We are a family of 5. The car we chose was the Atlas. Rear seating was very important. Price of Enlave and Atlas was very similar with similar rear seating. The Atlas felt less minivanish and will hold value longest. Also Atlas has captain chair option. Kids can slide in the middle. If buying used would buy the Enclave.
Telluride wins hands down. Long warranty, more space, and more luxury features like ventilated rear seats. Plus Kia has traditional 8 speed and nice sounding v6.
naveenthemachine the funny thing is that people compare modern day Kia with 2000 Kia. They are not even comparable. It’s like saying Chevy and ford are reliable. One day they might have been but these days they are cheap trash.
Ian I remember I had a 98 ford escort. It was very reliable. Now some of the new fords w turbo v6s or their powershift DCTs. Ya no they aren’t as reliable.
naveenthemachine I had one of those too. Small world
I have owned a Subaru Ascent Touring Model since December of 2018. My weekly commute averages over 500 miles a week. And I have to say that this is the best commuter vehicle that I've ever owned hands down. With such a long commute that can include miles of bumper to bumper traffic, I find the "Eye Sight" system to be a blessing. For an SUV it's handling is very good, and it also rides well.The turbo gives it very good acceleration, and the gas milage is descent as long as you stay out of the aforementioned turbo. Outward visibility is good, and it drives smaller than it is.My only complaint is that with the third row seating up there's very little storage space behind the third row, maybe enough for a few shopping bags not much else. I don't know why everyone is so down on the CVT, as the artificial shift points are programmed just right, so having one is worth the few extra miles per gallon over an automatic, plus the Subaru can tow over 5,000 pounds. Now I did look at the VW prior to my purchase however it comes as a two wheel drive, with four wheel as an expensive option. I live in the north east where the snow storms can come on fast, and the snow plowing not so fast (N.J.) As far as the KIA, I have friends who have told me about their experience with service/repair and warranty with Hyundai/Kia. So the Kia was never in the running. Also the two tone leather interior that comes with the "Touring" is nicely done, and that rear view "video mirror" is pretty neat.'
Ascent styling is the best looking at the 3 cars from the side hands down IMO. Other two are boxy, not sleek and aerodynamic. Agree that back end of Ascent could use some squaring off, but it looks a lot like a BMW SUV, which is a good thing. Seems like everyone is SUPER impressed that Kia used a strip of aluminum and FAKE wood on their dash, and somehow this makes the vehicle classier and more sophisticated. I'll take the Ascent dash without that ridiculous trendy laptop sticking out in my face, thanks. Looks like the thing is tacked on last minute because they forgot to incorporate it into the dash. Ascent is the smoothest driving of the three. I think the comment about the 'pillow' is totally wrong. Doesn't seem to lag much at all.
Good father/son review! Like to see these. Telluride is my choice!
Exactly!! Anything that does not have, at least a *SIX CYLINDER* engine in this category, should be *AUTOMATICALLY* dropped off the shopping list. The "power numbers" don't tell the whole story! It is so much more than that!! It also depends on HOW HARD THE ENGINE IS WORKING! AND HOW REFINED, SMOOTH AND LINEAR the power delivery is!!
Only TOTAL IDIOTS buy a large heavy SUV with a 4 cylinder engine in it, regardless if it is "supercharged", "turbocharged" or whatever (rollseyes)!!!! And *ONE* mpg more for the Subaru for having that worthless 4 banger?? (rollseyes). I'll bet my left arm, that in the *REAL WORLD,* under normal driving conditions (that is, how NORMAL people drive, not driving it like a 90 year old grandma), the Subaru will actually give *WORSE* gas mileage, because it has to work so much harder, to move all that weight!
Compared, bought an Ascent. Have been thrilled. Can't give a stronger recommendation to any other car I have ever owned.
@@devinbender8428owned one. Fuel economy and lack of difference in power between the two made me pick the Ascent. Explorer is good, Ascent best.
Thanks, but I have exactly what I want. Ford lost my business a long time ago, and their actions then temper my feelings now.
Too bad, you missed Telluride.
Albert Lilly. Are you still happy with the Ascent? I'm thinking about purchasing one.
@@terence4427, absolutely! Love it! It has served us very well!
Ascent for power, economy, and CVT that extracts the power in the most efficient way due to it's nature. But the best part is the symmetrical AWD and 8.7" ground clearance. That is very important here in New England.
If you want a reliable and long lasting family hauler with good quality interior, easy maintenance and resale value...its no brainer ----> Subaru Ascent (value for money)
They are brand new models you can’t tell me that the Telluride has a better reliability then the Ascent. But Subaru is known for their safety and reliability more so then Kia.
Great comparison and review. We cross shopped these three and also the pilot. In the end we bought the Telluride EX for the sake of the bench middle seat and we couldn't have been happier. Lots of Value for the money especially sub 40k for the EX fwd model.
Headroom is much better in the ascent if you opt out of sunroof. We've been very happy with our ascent and are able to fit 4 kids 4 and under comfortably. In my opinion easier to fit everyone than any minivan we tested. The 2.4l engine is awesome! CVT takes a bit to get used to, but I actually really like it now. Thanks for the comparison!
I’m rather impressed by the KIA Tellurides size, comfort and value, it’s the first KIA I’d consider buying.
Until engine catches fire while driving on the highway.....
Eh, that might be fun too.
honeybadgerl39 I’m too tall, I couldn’t fit in the Stinger 😂
alfa zulu those were only the 4 cylinders 😂 there’s plenty of v6’s on the Kia owners groups on Facebook 200+k miles.
makes no sense to compare different trims and then gush over the styling/interior
I would buy the Ascent. I'm not a big fan of Kia. And between the VW and Subaru I will go with the Subaru. It's just enough.
Marius Peter we got an Ascent limited about 3 months ago and it continues to impress us - definitely recommend!
@@Sevillana2001 same. I got an Ascent Premium with the panoramic roof package and I LOVE it. Best decision I've made. I get 30 mpg on the highway and super comfy. It was also the highest rated vehicle in Consumer Reports history.
I love my Durango. Out of these 3 I'd pick Ascent, Telluride, then Atlas. Not saying anything wrong with atlas for 3rd but I like the other 2 better
I'd take the Telluride over the Ascent, but the Atlas would be last.
It's grill looks like an old Chevy Celebrity (pre 86), and that ISN'T a complement.
I own the Atlas, SEL AWD. It is very practical and has never let me down. When it comes to family duty the Atlas makes me happy every time. It handles that like pro. My only grip is it's fuel economy. It's a gas gussler.. you need to be doing a lot of highway driving and hopefully not in elevated areas like Denver, just to get anything close to reasonable mpg. The drive train has been proven to be reliable, the electronics is a time will tell situation...
The tulleride is my personal choice it look nice got the most powerful engine out of the three and you get the best value for the price
+ I trust kia relaibilty as I still owne couple kia currently with no miner problems one of them is 2013 kia rio and the othere is 2016 kia mohave
Devin Bender that’s a different class of vehicle.
@@devinbender8428 I belive the next Kia Mohave(Borrego) maight compeat with explorer or maybe higher they just announced the Concept in south Korea
@@devinbender8428 I don't think so because I personaly own kia mohave 2016 which is name kia borrego in USA 2009
I also thougt that tulleride was mohave (Borrego) subtitute untill they revaled new mohave concept in south Korea just after the lunch of tulleride look it up on UA-cam
Search for kia mohave masterpiece
@@devinbender8428 It depands on what is Kia plans for the upcoming Mohave and In which class it gonna compleate I think they have relased enough midsize SUV's and they need step up and relase full size SUV with good off rod cabilties or just improve Mohave off rod cabilties
The v8 4.6 kia mohave 2012 is much better than tayota land cruser prado 2019 as it engine produce more power and higher tourqe but is suck in off road because of the clearance and there is no after market lift kits for it
You can recline the 3rd row in the Telluride a bit. The Telluride has the most space total in it's segment
Joel Bruck According to Alex on Autos, the Kia Telluride has more combined legroom than the Chevy Tahoe/GMC Yukon. m.ua-cam.com/video/ePF2HtqpDZg/v-deo.htmlm52s
It seems that of the car testing video's I've been watching, the testers seem to be looking for "minivan" seating, cargo space, etc from these midsize SUV's. Lets be real. NOTHING will replace what the minivan is. Attempts are commendable but when it comes to long haul driving (trips) and even running to Lowes for bags of mulch or 4x8 sheets of plywood, the minivan still wins. But having said that. I have a 2011 T&C that is getting up there on miles. We are keeping it. It's loaded, almost at 100k miles and hasn't been a problem. But, we want to replace one of the Jeeps (a 02 Liberty) and was looking at the VW Atlas SEL Premium with a few extras tossed in, out the door price is $49k (taxes, registration, money off incentives) . Crash tests are tops. The battery issue (start/stop feature) has been apparently corrected. Not warm to the FCW issues but it can be turned off till VW figures it out. MPG on VW isn't what I would call bragging rights but with all the mid-sized SUV's I've been looking at, what the heck is up with the 18gal fuel tanks? That seems to be the norm.
AFWIW, went to look at a KIA and dealer said none will be on the lot for 30 days (or more).
You guys should bring SPRUCE V and the ORI back to your videos! These creative, one of a kind methods to evaluate vehicles, that I haven’t seen anywhere else, would still be invaluable to your videos, and your audience all these years later! They’ll set you even further apart from your peers than you already are! They are truly TFL!
Ascent all the way. Awd is everything
Wait I must be lost, TFL not bashing the Subaru?!
They knocked it for the styling and CVT in the beginning.
But they put their finger on the scale in the 3rd row tact. They pulled the second row back and starved the 3rd row of leg room.
Subaru obviously designed the 2nd row as being used more than the 3rd row.
My pick is the telluride, I think it looks the best and the features included in that SX package are just awesome for the value. If you wanted similar features in the other 2, you'd probably easily be paying $60k+
the top of the line accent is only $44K and you can have USB through out for about another $200
@@douglashodges545 factor in items like wireless charger, dual sunroofs, heated and cooled front and rear seats, nappa leather, full LED lighting, 19" black painted wheels, HUD, and all that other stuff and you're still only hitting about $46k in the Kia. If I'm not mistaken, a lot of that stuff isn't offered standard on the top Subaru trim or just isn't offered in general
@@GriffXJ the Ascent Touring at $44k has a panoramic roof, heated and cooled front seats (only heated rear), full LED lighting, 20 inch wheels, HUD, plus Eyesight tech. The Kia does have some things the Subaru doesn't though but it's close
Atlas decked out rolls in at around 44
I would pick the Telluride, the design is a lot more modern, with better quality materials. Not to mention reliability will be better than the other 2 with a far better warranty.
I enjoyed watching this. I've really been eyeing the telluride. I feel you get more bang for you buck. Thanks guys!
Yeah it is 2019 Fortana Red Volkswagen Atlas 3.6L v6 235 hp and 258 torque R-Line Fwd 17-24 Suv vs 2020 Dark Moss Kia Telluride SX 3.8L Naturally aspirated V6 291 hp and 262 Torqued Fwd 20-26 Suv vs 2019 Crimson Red Pearl Subaru Ascent 2.4L 4-CYLINDER 260 hp and 277 torque Touring 20-26 Ultimate SubCompact Suv!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Atlas 2.0T is 235hp/258torq. The V6 makes 276hp/266torq.
I would get Telluride or VW only If I went the lease route....
For me Ascent wins.. there are only few brands that is worth buying ...Subaru, Toyota, Honda and Lexus
FYI - I have a fully loaded Ascent limited.. Just AMZG!!!
I Love the Kia Telluride and that's why I got the EX model!! It's sexy, nicely designed and packed with lots of Great features.
Subies are Subies and they do what they are supposed to do, but the Ascent just did not come up to my level of expectations last spring when I drove one down south. The Atlas SEL Premium that I drove was frightingly underpowered for a vehicle with a sticer at $50K. The Teluride just came out so I did not look at one of those last year. The two vehicles that I liked that are in this category are the Explorer Sport (the 3.5L EcoBoost is my motor of choice) and the (often ignored) Chrysler Pacifica is an outstanding hauler and has more than enough power to handle big city traffic as well as the the mountain passes that you cross heading into the central valley of California.
But at the end of the day my requirements were more power under the hood, more capability off road, more storage compartments around the driver, more utility for my cargo area, and did not need a third row of seats. So this pushed me from the EcoBoost Flex and Explorer Sport to the SuperCrew F150.
Maybe you should get the 2.0T Atlas, cheaper and more torque @ low rpm....
@@edwardz5975 And give up all that low end torque that I get from the Gen 2, 3.5L EcoBoost paired with a set of 3.55 gears out back? Even with the Atlas being the automotive equivalent of the Tardis with more room on the inside than what you see on the outside, The F150 came into its own with its ability to haul 1000 lbs of payload in the back and never break a sweat. Three trips to the garden center hauling soil and mulch in my truck would have taken at least 7 in the Atlas and this is a use case that I did not have in mind when I was picking out this vehicle.
@@garyblatt8925 Yeah, the 3.5 eco has more power but you give up the mpg. I will take it if I live in TX but I live in CA with $4/gal.....
Vw atlas hands down. We bought that exact color 2021 v6 r line, se with technology. I really like it! The kia feels smaller, especially in the third row than the atlas. The size is what sold us on the Atlas. The Subaru is not a true three row...seriously, go and sit in one.
I really don't get the CVT gripe. I'm a manual guy. I race as a hobby in autocross and rallycross. I think the modern ZF autos are really well tuned. I think early CVTs were pretty crappy. I think a lot of the harm to CVTs is most are paired to tiny 4 cylinder engines that are NOT fun at all with CVTs. The CVT is actually a fast unit. The biggest problem is the CVT is still run through a torque converter. It's the torque converter that generates the sloppy behavior. The CVT itself is already done and set at a small fraction of a second. You spend more time waiting for engine revs to rise and are softened, in some cases moderately, through the torque converter. A CVT is also a MUCH better experience with a bigger engine. For example, the CVT paired with the Subaru H6 3.6L is very nice. Comparatively to standard autos, I've comparison tested the Jeep Cherokee a few years ago with the 8 speed ZF auto paired with the V6, and that was a good experience. However, a TON of people complained the same transmission paired to the smaller 4. It's the same problem for both platforms, but the CVT is faster and is more exact in that tuning can be infinitely variable and can be tuned precisely to the engine and power delivery targets. It's not something that's appreciated while using a CVT. It's something appreciated when going back to a traditional auto or even manual with fixed ratios. Fundamentally, the CVT is a better system, but it's at the mercy of the tuning, with the engine it's paired to, and still stuck behind a torque converter that may or may not be configured desirably. An interesting thing Toyota has done is pair their CVT with a actual mechanical 1st gear to get around the torque converter behavior, and you end up with a much nicer low speed experience. If I have the choice between an automatic, even a nice ZF automatic, and a CVT with all other design aspects identical, I will always pick the CVT. It can be configured to function EXACTLY like the traditional automatic or deviate from it for different feel and behavior, for better or worse. Manufacturers are still fiddling around with CVT design and tuning, so everything's different and of mixed results. For myself, I'd complain about the engine size paired to it and how the torque converter is configured, long long before I'd complain about the CVT. The downside is we have very few CVT vehicles paired with bigger engines. Most applications with larger engines have traditional autos, and that does skew the results.
I love my Atlas, especially the lines and the design. That being said, I've driven german vehicles for well over 30 year.
I can't lie Kia is definitely stepping up on design cuz that Kia is dope
Gas tank size shouldn't be a problem. When driving long distances, you should stop every two hours or so to refresh the circulation in your legs. So 300 miles shouldn't matter. My 2019 Sorento has the same size tank and same EPA fuel estimates of 19/24/21 as the Telluride. I just did a trip from Maryland to Detroit over the weekend and I averaged 24.7 and that was traveling 75-80 mph.
Same experience in my 2018 Sorento even with a slightly less efficient six speed transmission and the same 3.3L V6.
Kia Telluride all the way
Trash
I've had the Telluride EX for two months and I'm very happy with my decision. It's very comfortable and very quiet. If you buy it, be prepared to be stared at and have strangers ask you questions about it. No kidding, I had two people at a traffic light who were driving a Sorento applaud the Telluride and give me a thumbs up. Kia has come a long way.
I'm waiting for an extensive snow road test vs the competition.
Vincent O'Dowd im thinking of leasing one, how is the MPG overall ?
Mo Klar Did you consider Highlander? It has the best mpg in the class and there is hybrid version!
I have an SX. People keep thinking I have a Volvo or land rover.
Mo Klar About 21 mpg
Justin Xu Yes, the interior was too small for my needs. Telluride is significantly larger.
Subaru Ascent just for the reliability, multiple safety features/scored 5 STAR on ALL safety tests, and just because it has that legendary symmetrical awd. Oh yea, and because it has better fuel economy then the kia and vw. Don't forget the premium waterproof cloth seats and the 4G wifi, some stuff that kia and vw doesn't have. Also, I don't really trust vw's reliability and there ugly designs, and Kia's refrigerator boxy non-aerodynamic style, but it still looks pretty good.
Edit: Here's my best order, also dont get me wrong I love both Subaru and kia but not vw. P.s. the original 0-60 time for the ascent is 7-7.2secs
1. Subaru Ascent 💯
2. Kia Telluride ✔
3. Volkswagen Atlas ❌
Edit 2:
Subaru Ascent is more larger, and taller, than the telluride/Palisade which is good for the head and legroom, and speaking of that, Subaru ascent has more 1st and 3rd row legroom, than the telluride/Palisade, yes they did sacrifice a little room from the 2nd row, but that was a good idea, bcuz even full size adults could fit there. Also, has better fuel economy, and way better reliability, Subaru is ranked the most reliable car brand in 2019,(1st place) while kia came in 12th place and hyundai at 10th place. www.usatoday.com/story/money/cars/2019/02/21/consumer-reports-best-cars-2019-subaru-toyota-dominate-top-picks/2936504002/ heres some proof. Oh yea, the subaru ascent has also better headroom, and just space in general! Proof: www.autoblog.com/2019/02/08/2020-kia-telluride-comparison/
Subaru Ascent is AWESOME. The Atlas felt cheap and is unreliable, the Telluride is nice but KIA...ugh...you can't beat the Ascent. It scored a 98 on Consumer Reports - their highest ever.
I think you need another letter in your line-up, W, for Warranty.
And as an adjunct, R, for Roadside Assist. Hard to beat.
Kia Telluride Hands down 🙌 and waiting for the Palisade. And never get a car has a CVT
Same waiting for palisade
Why shouldn't someone get a car with a CVT?
@@tubemember21 because it feels weird while driving and it makes the engine sound so loud and it's not refined like normal automatic transmission
John Asaad “it feels weird while driving?” What does that even mean?
@@petrospapi the weird feeling is the rubber band feeling and it's droning
I just bought the 2021 Telluride Nightfall Edition. The interior is classy and expensive looking. When you drive it especially when you throw it in sport mode it’s feels like sport sedan! Also the tech in it is amazing!
I'm sorry
The Highlander Hybrid is the best current choice for general commuting as well as adventure trips to the multiplex and mega-mall.
Isn't the 3rd row a bit tighter than the competition though?
@@RobHnasko The tightness depends on how often the third row is used. Families that really need a 3 row CUV actually need a minivan ;)
Right Lane Hog the highlander isn’t a cuv
Rob Hnasko yes it is, but the cargo is excellent, the hybrid model with the mpg is excellent!
@@rightlanehog3151 not true...minivans have no towing or ground clearance and very few have 4x4.... also the highlander does not compete with these 3, it is too small, it competes with the explorer and pathfinder
Telluride SX prestige VS Land Rover Discovery that would be a hell of a comparison.
Yes it would two junk autos vs each other.
The KIA looks like a 2019 SUV, the other ones look like they from 2005. Outdated designs
The KIA copied the 2015 Yukon and 2016 XC90 so no it doesn't look new
How do they look like they are from 2005? Are you stupid?
I agree
@@lieutenantcandlewax If they gave me the subaru and VW I'D SELL THEM AND GET THE KIA. This literatelly like comparing a fiat to an S class Mercedes-Benz.
@@RenaissanceBro your just a ignorant nigga
Subaru, but that's because I want all terrain, where I live there are a lot of gravel roads and rain that this Sub will fit better than the other two. That being said, I love the finishes of the Kia, I sat in the high end model and it was so comfortable and luxurious, and in the Atlas I agree with both of you, a good family hauler. If I could have the Sub with the Kia finishes...perfect.
You won't know how good Kia is Telluride one!
Subaru has Ascent to another level with this one!
VW, Atlas we meet again...
I ended with the Atlas between all three. 5 people voted including a 9 year old and all chose the Atlas. Overall Atlas did everything and had what each would like to have in an SUV. Since this was a Kia sponsored event where they supplied the 3 SUVs this comparison really was apples and oranges and they should have provided top line equals I got my VW Atlas premium for less than what the Kia was as the dealer was asking for above MSRP. Sorry I am not paying such knowing in a few months they will be trying to give it away to make their sales quotas. So far with over 3000 miles on the Atlas I am enjoying a minute driving it. One comment he said there is no spare in the Atlas, he needed to look under the cover and yes it does have a spare but I think it is too late for them to acknowledge such.
4 years later and drove all 3, bot the Ascent. Roman's Analogy was Spot on...Atleast is the Girl that is just Forgetable, does most things fine but nothing Spectacular and she's a bit Chubby. TYourRide is the Girl that always dresses up and gets the Attention right away, but that Flirtatiousness comes at a high price and shallow Charactor. The A Scent is just Right, you start to notice the small Stuff, the Thoughtfulness, the Beauty that is there but not Everyone knows. Thanks TFL
I bought a Telluride, and I am happy with it, but I only have one problem, they need to change the name to Telluwide, because it seems to be wider than any mid size SUV to me.
I must have driven 5 Atlas models. Really wanted that until I drove the Ascent. What can I say I have a Tiguan and I traded in an Outback so I bought an Ascent. Rides nice,power band at low rpms also a plus.
My wife and I are looking at the VW. Its priced well in its class and has an amazing warranty. I really like the tiguan but my wife likes the atlas. We also plan on checking out a few other cars. I am all about american cars, but they have lowered their warranties so much that I just cant get behind them right now. My wifes buick had 70k b2b and my chevy had 50k b2b and 100k pt but now its 36k b2b and 60k pt. When spending 30-50k on a car I want it to last more than 5 years and not have to worry about something breaking.
I like my Atlas because of the practicality, price, and the spacious third row and trunk space. I think male and female reviewer’s preference is clearly different.
It's funny you say that because we own both, my wife prefers the Atlas and I prefer the Telluride. Both great vehicles and it does come down to personal preference.
I just picked up the Atlas. traded an explorer in for a 22. so far, love it.
I got the Ascent. When I ordered my Ascent the Telluride was not available. I considered a large number of vehicles before my purchase. Single guy no kids. But comfort, cargo, tech and value were my main priorities. Ultimately when all things are nearly equal the last thing left to consider was “style” I thought the Atlas was a bit too big. The same with the Chevy Traverse. If the Chrysler Pacifica came with ground clearance and an AWD option I would have gotten that all day every day. The Telluride/Pallisade was a little too “in your face” for my taste. Like comparing a Ford Expedition to a Lincoln Navigator. I would have gotten the Ford. My final two choices came down to the Mazda CX-9 and the Ascent. The Ascent has a friendly 3rd row than the Mazda and better Cargo space. Final choice for me was the Ascent but if the Telluride had been available at the time it would have been a closer call.
The new Pacifica has AWD, as well as the upcoming Sedona. I think those two are worth a look.
Randy Shackleford I cussed out Chrysler up and down because they swore they weren’t going to build an AWD Pacifica. It’s the first vehicle I would have bought no hands down.
I agree with you Tommy. Although it looks like the Highlander, it's very durable.
Kia Tulluride classy,sexy and high tech SUV.
Have you done a minivan comparison? My friends and I are minivan owners and are consistently traveling with children and/or need extra cargo room for hauling crafts, groceries, and shopping. We would love to see you guys review some of the newer models for us!!! Love the videos!!!
I actually purchased an atlas this year. I have four kids and there are some consideration in that regard. Number 1 being price. You can get an atlas cheaper if you pay attention to what you need and Don't get excited about the shiny stuff (I like the shiny, but kids will wreck it). My wife drives an out back and I despise the cvt. it took some convicting to get my wife to look at anything but a Subaru, although I think now that we have done it she like the VW better. The VW comes with vinyl seats, not leather, not cloth. Little boys track dirt everywhere and it is less work to wipe off the vinyl than to clean and then condition leather, cloth is a non starter, even with all the scotch guard and stuff. My oldest son is over six foot and he fits in the third row almost comfortably (he couldn't sit in the ascent). I have some reservations about reliability, however I am stickler for frequent maintenance ( first oil change at 500 miles, next at 1500, then 3000, and every three there after). My understanding is that the transmission is made by aisen, and is the same trans as used in the Toyota Highlander. Safety is a huge thing when hauling te family, and getting three car seats in the car is no problem, and the full sized people who have to sit next to them, are not squashed. I like the telluride, and being from Colorado I like the name, but when it came to putting the money down, I thought the atlas was best for my family. I don't think you would go wrong with any of them.
1st pick is the kia for me but I close 2nd is the vw, I'll take an n/a motor as long term keeper over a turbo. style would be liable but practical use will go to the vw.
The Telluride looks rugged and aggressive, unlike your typical soccer mom's SUV!
It’s not just a CVT. Manual transmissions are the only fun transmission. I actually have grown to like a CVT and simply for the reason, it’s not clunky like some auto transmissions, I hated CVTs until I had a car with one..
4 speed autos weren't bad, but the newer 6,8,9,10 speed autos just shift all the time. Always afraid of wearing them out. CVTs just adjust their pulleys and do their thing smoothly
Heck, I haven't been blessed, or cursed, with kids, and I would pick the Telluride.
Crazy to me a fully optioned Atlas will push $50k, while the Telluride is quicker and the most luxurious of the bunch, not to mention $3k less. I think i'd have the Subaru though for the awesome safety tech and symmetrical awd.
I'll take a traditional auto over CVT anyday. I'm not sold on their long-term reliability yet.
I can at least speak to 73,000 on one with no problems. I have warranty to 100k then goodbye to the cvt. After warranty I don't want the risk.
A CVT with planetary gear sets (IVT) is OK, any CVT that uses a pulley system with chains or belts will not yield reliability over the long haul.
We have driven all three of these and can still not make a decision on this. Both the Atlas and the Kia, have a 360 camera that we like. But the Atlas is way to big for a person my wife's size. The Subaru is great, but no 360 Camera. The Kia has the most HP and is the quickest and drives nice.. Lol UGH its so hard to decided, i wish i could take something from all three to make one amazing car
My wife who has owned and driven VWs, Toyotas, Mazdas, Hondas and a Gen-1 Porsche Cayenne traded in her Lexus RX Hybrid for a Kia Sportage SX Turbo FWD. She said it is the most fun to drive 4-wheel drive vehicle she has ever owned. (I say 4-wheels, because she used to have a Ducati Monster...)
Get the Kia. After buying my 2011 Kia Sorento SX V6 AWD a few years ago, my wife got the 18 Sportage and then I upgraded to the 2016 Kia Sorento SXL Turbo AWD. Kia is underrated and if the Telluride meets your family’s needs you should go for it. I never thought I’d own the exact same car back to back, and you couldn’t have paid me to believe it would be Korean when I did!
1. Ascent
2. Telluride
3. Atlas
Ascent first because I like the styling inside and out, like the engine and that its AWD.
Telluride second beacause love the interior and exterior, but hate the engine.
Atlas third because I dislike the Interior. The exterior is nice. Would like to see it in AWD.
Telluride: 2nd and 3rd row are not powered, they use some kind of spring loaded mechanism. I saw few other review as well calling it wrongfully powered seats where actually they are not.
I don't doubt your comment but I do wonder about the advantage of an electric motor over a spring. The latter has been around for several thousand years and I've yet to see a spring's circuit fail or a spring burn out.
true, they never did a test of it retracting back up by itself
Theyre powered by kinetic energy ;)
@@stephenhendricks103 I personally don't like powered seats due to slow and failure rate. But my point is people who watch this video may believe it has powered rear seats like other higher end trims.
@@arunkalpy Fair enough, my friend. Like you I'm no fan of the overuse of "powered" features in vehicles. My favorite whipping boy on that score is powered reach and tilt of the steering wheel. Once set I almost never readjust my steering wheel. And even in the car I share with my wife it takes about 5 seconds to re-adjust the reach/tilt of the steering wheel. Compare that inconvenience to the cost of disassembling and repairing a broken powered steering column.
Missed a key point: the Atlas bench is the only of this class able to articulate forward with car seats installed. If you want a bench rather than captains chairs, the Atlas is easily the best choice.
I’m sorry but in I purchased a 2019 4 motion awd Atlas SEL R line and I live in NYC and honestly people stop me about this truck all the time at least 3 times a week . As far as upscale European looks performance and everyday practicality it definitely does the Job. The Subaru does not sell as well as either of them and the Kia is Gimmicky . The Atlas also has masculinity to it that’s assertive when moving amongst higher end SUV’s . I’ve had the honor of owning a Q7 Audi, Mercedes , GLE ,GLC,and R class , Land Rover Range Rover, Yukon Denali, Cadillac Escalade , Chrysler Aspen , Nissan Murano, Lincoln Navigator and Hyundai Santa Fe . I probably love the Atlas more than all of them partly because the majority of my previous brands were luxury vehicles and I don’t feel like I’m missing much of anything that I can’t live without. Bottom line the KIA gets no love in the big apple its design is all over the place and if you ask me it’s ugly.
Let me tellu ride somthin....lol
I can't speak for the other 2 vehicles, But the Telluride has options from eco, comfort, sport, snow, and smart. On the hwy with eco...29 to 30 mpg. But with sport mode, I'm sure these guys could have gone faster. Especially if you locked in The all wheel drive. As much as I like Turbo, The vehicle works well without it. So one less thing to breakdown.
Also, less frequent oil changes and cheaper maintenance costs without the turbo.
Do you have a telluride? Are you getting 29-30 mpg?
@@nitra41 on eco, I can average 29. Of course I'm resetting the computer as soon as I get on the hwy to get that number. Also, I'm driving conservatively. No hypermile, just driving the speed limit and no aggressive acceleration. But even if I didn't do that I'm sure I could still get 26 or 27mpg.
@@nitra41 this is just hwy. City is not great. 20 to 22 mpg.
The VW Atlas has the similar array of drive mode options.
Lol...family hauler. I’m a single 21 year old and I would love an Atlas for myself. Some of those things moded out look sweet
Telluride is the best out of the three, most people dismiss it because they still got that “Oh it’s a Kia” mindset. It’s actually a nice crossover with it’s responsive V6 and you don’t have to suffer at CVT moans.
KIA! Also, Telluride is fastest 0-60 by a significant margin.
My buddy's wife has an Ascent and after 4 months he still complains about the inordinate lag when you shift from reverse to drive. When he drives it he now goes to amazing extents to make sure he is backed into parking spots and can exit without reversing.
That said the Ascent should hold value best but if your in it for the long haul the Kia's warranty is a nice safety blanket IMO.
I have no such problem. Maybe he should get it checked out?
@@ThorNjord He did, they gave him a loaner and as he pulled out of the dealership it did the same thing. They told him it was operating normally. Don't get me wrong, it's not like it takes 3 seconds, it just has this tiny unusual lag.
Roman, quote "this car is very honest" was funny regarding the Atlas.. it has fake chrome exhaust tips... so are people getting what they pay for lol... That said, I love the style of it and this video comparison is fantastic.
I agree with Roman concerning the range of the Telluride. I think that type of hauler should be able to go at least 500 miles between fill ups. I know most people (me included) would probably need to stop before that, but it would be a nice option to not have to.
I’ve been test driving higher trim level SUV’s lately. The Ascent is currently topping my list for its smooth, quiet ride. The Atlas uses a bit more hard plastic than most in its interior. The ride is smooth but the sound deadening needs improvement. You can hear every bump you hit more than you can feel it. Think the KIA’s side seat bolsters extend too far forward which made them uncomfortable for my wife who is a narrower person. When the engine auto off feature is used it makes restarts slow and clunky.
Telluride! Safety when I researched it was great.
telluride is beautiful. cant compare to others for now.
Took a close look at the Atlas and a quick look at the Ascent last year when my wife and I were shopping for a midsize crossover. I'm a fan of 4 cylinder turbos in a variety applications but in a two ton plus SUV I think a naturally aspirated V6 is a better, more durable choice. And though I'm not a fanatic about it, I'm not a fan of CVT's so the Ascent was out.
I own a GTI so I was pulling for the Atlas. But the SUV is my wife's daily driver and she found it just too damn big. And in the top trim version we considered the price was over $50K. VW has revised their trim levels for 2019 but the price of a V6 AWD with satellite navigation, leather, and other convenience and safety features remains over $50,000. NOT the $39K mentioned in the video for a lower trim FWD version. To be fair, if one needs a truly accommodating third row for regular use by two or three adults, the Atlas is probably the best choice. But as another poster noted, the "average" adult is considerably smaller than the testers.
The Telluride wasn't yet on the market when we were shopping last year. But even if it had been we would have gone with the somewhat smaller KIA Sorento, instead. With a family of two adults, a teenage daughter, and a big dog the Sorento's size is perfect. And while we don't use the third row of seats frequently, it's very convenient for chauffeuring a gaggle of teenage girls or going out with six or more passengers when we'd otherwise have to take two vehicles. And surprisingly, the third row seats in the Sorento are nearly as spacious as the Telluride's.
Smaller turbocharged engines will always be less reliable than naturally aspirated v6 or any
@@sorgster That's not really debatable, I think. It doesn't mean that a low pressure turbo is unacceptable in terms of reliability but an engine component spinning at several thousand rpm will always introduce an element of risk not present in a NA engine. Physics is physics.
Not a big Subaru fan but I've been doing EXTENSIVE research on the Atlas and Telluride. Comparing apples to apples (Telluride SX-L vs Atlas Execline R-Line), the price is pretty much the same but when you start comparing the features, the Kia blows the VW out of the water.
The Haulers also forgot to mention on the Telluride that the 3rd row reclines and it also has 2nd row retractable sun shades. If you do your research on the features, you'll realize that you can only compare the Telluride to much more expensive cars like the Q7, X7 or QX80.
Telluride all the way... just ordered mine btw.
That Atlas looks great, imo the other two already look dated in comparison. An older Acadia knocked up an older 4Runner and out came the Telluride, no thanks.
I would get a Telluride but either LX or S. Less than 35k you've got a 3rd row suv that has leather seats, keyless go, adaptive cruise and apple carplay. If you pay a bit more and get S then has 20inch rims and a sunroof. Pretty much all I need. Yeah the quilted leather and panoramic roof looks good but I rather keep extra $10k+ and enjoy a fancy vacation with that.
@@devinbender8428 If you're a ford guy then sure. But I hate 4cyl engine and especially with turbo. They don't have as much turbo lags that they used to, but still exists. Refinement wise 4cyl turbo can't beat natural aspirated v6 imo. They claim its more fuel efficient but not to my driving styles. I rather pay for more fuel than suffering 4cyl turbo. Kia/hyundai are normally more reliable than American brand and comes with longer warranty too. Don't take it personal but I wouldn't waste my money on domestic brand. Their fit and finish isn't as sophisticated as Asian brands.
@@devinbender8428 Then go for V6 diesel ones. Should have plenty of torque and good fuel economy. No matter how much torque it has 4bagers are 4. 2.3ecoboost seems to be well made for American 4cyl but shouldn't you prefer a 2.7 or 3.5 ecoboost better?