Kia Sorento vs. Volkswagen Atlas
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Kia Sorento and Volkswagen Atlas contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the Kia Sorento and the Volkswagen Atlas.
When we compare the Kia Sorento's and the Volkswagen Atlas's specifications and ratings, the Kia Sorento has the advantage in the areas of new vehicle base pricing, typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, and fuel efficiency, reliability, resale value and overall quality score. The Volkswagen Atlas has the advantage in the areas of interior volume and base engine power. Based on this comparison of the Kia Sorento's and the Volkswagen Atlas's specifications and ratings, the Kia Sorento is a better car than the Volkswagen Atlas.
Pricing: A used 2024 Kia Sorento ranges from $33,353 to $48,742 while a used 2024 Volkswagen Atlas is priced between $35,911 to $52,902. For a new model, the Kia Sorento's price is between $33,955 and $48,990, with the Volkswagen Atlas priced between $39,765 and $55,865.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Kia Sorento loses 47.6 percent of its value and the Volkswagen Atlas loses 48.2 percent of its value. This means the Kia Sorento retains 0.7 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Volkswagen Atlas.
Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Kia Sorento is 8.2 out of 10 while the Volkswagen Atlas' quality rating is 7.4 out of 10. This results in the Kia Sorento being ranked 15 out of 39 Best SUVs with 3 Rows and the Volkswagen Atlas being ranked 26 out of 39. Out of 32 Best Midsize SUVs, the Kia Sorento is ranked 17 and the Volkswagen Atlas is ranked 20. The Kia Sorento is also ranked 23 out of 67 Best Crossover SUVs while the Volkswagen Atlas is ranked 44 out of 67.
Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Kia Sorento is 8.2 out of 10. For the Volkswagen Atlas the reliability rating is 5.7 out of 10. This gives the Kia Sorento an advantage in reliability compared to the Volkswagen Atlas.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Kia Sorento’s base engine makes 191 horsepower, and the Volkswagen Atlas base engine makes 269 horsepower. The Sorento is rated to deliver an average of 26 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 549 miles. The Atlas is rated to deliver an average of 23 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 502 miles. This gives the Kia Sorento the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the Volkswagen Atlas. Both models use regular unleaded.
Passenger Space Comparison: While both models are crossover/midsize SUVs, the Volkswagen Atlas has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front head room, front shoulder room, front leg room, rear head room, rear shoulder room, and cargo space. The Kia Sorento has the advantage in the area of rear leg room.
Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, the Volkswagen Atlas has higher safety ratings than the Kia Sorento, with an average rating of 5 out of 5 Stars compared to 4.49 out of 5 Stars. When comparing IIHS evaluations, the Volkswagen Atlas has the advantage with a Top Safety Pick award.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
$33,955 - $48,990
Starting MSRP:
$31,990
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize SUVs)
$37,697
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
$31,990 - $43,320
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
$39,765 - $55,865
Starting MSRP:
$37,995
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize SUVs)
$37,697
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
$31,990 - $43,320
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$40,678
Price Range:
$33,353 - $48,742
Category Avg Price:
(Midsize SUVs)
$47,563
Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
$40,678 - $66,020
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
1,107
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
4,749
# Good or Great Deals:
190
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$43,771
Price Range:
$35,911 - $52,902
Category Avg Price:
(Midsize SUVs)
$47,563
Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
$40,678 - $66,020
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
2,042
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
7,755
# Good or Great Deals:
462
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
$15,421
Depreciation %:
48.2%
Resale Value $:
$16,569
Residual Value %:
51.8%
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Midsize SUVs)
46.3%
Category Depreciation Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
27.5% - 53.5%
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
$18,632
Depreciation %:
49%
Resale Value $:
$19,363
Residual Value %:
51%
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Midsize SUVs)
46.3%
Category Depreciation Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
27.5% - 53.5%
Kia Sorento Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.2 / 10
Reliability:
8.2 / 10
Retained Value:
7.5 / 10
Safety:
9.0 / 10
Volkswagen Atlas Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
7.4 / 10
Reliability:
5.7 / 10
Retained Value:
7.5 / 10
Safety:
9.0 / 10
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Kia Sorento
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
9.1
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Midsize SUVs)
10.4
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
8.6 - 13.7
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
13%
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Volkswagen Atlas
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Midsize SUVs)
10.4
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
8.6 - 13.7
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
5.7
Typical Category Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
3.6
Category Range for Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
1.6 - 14.8
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
3.6
Typical Category Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
3.6
Category Range for Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
1.6 - 14.8
Kia Sorento Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 32Ranking
1 out of / 28Ranking
3 out of / 6Ranking
3 out of / 6Ranking
3 out of / 6Ranking
3 out of / 6Ranking
3 out of / 6Ranking
3 out of / 6Ranking
4 out of / 67Ranking
4 out of / 39Ranking
4 out of / 10Ranking
4 out of / 10Ranking
4 out of / 10Ranking
4 out of / 10Ranking
4 out of / 10Ranking
4 out of / 7Ranking
4 out of / 7Ranking
4 out of / 7Ranking
4 out of / 7Ranking
5 out of / 34Ranking
5 out of / 32Ranking
5 out of / 16Ranking
7 out of / 21Ranking
12 out of / 39Ranking
15 out of / 39Ranking
16 out of / 32Ranking
17 out of / 32Ranking
18 out of / 32Ranking
18 out of / 32Ranking
18 out of / 32Ranking
19 out of / 67Ranking
19 out of / 39Ranking
19 out of / 30Ranking
21 out of / 39Ranking
21 out of / 32Ranking
21 out of / 32Ranking
21 out of / 32Ranking
22 out of / 39Ranking
22 out of / 32Ranking
23 out of / 67Ranking
23 out of / 67Ranking
23 out of / 67Ranking
23 out of / 67Ranking
23 out of / 67Ranking
23 out of / 32Ranking
24 out of / 67Ranking
24 out of / 39Ranking
25 out of / 67Ranking
25 out of / 39Ranking
26 out of / 67Ranking
26 out of / 39Ranking
27 out of / 39Ranking
28 out of / 39Ranking
29 out of / 39Ranking
33 out of / 59Ranking
42 out of / 67Ranking
58 out of / 67Volkswagen Atlas Rankings
Ranking
5 out of / 67Ranking
5 out of / 32Ranking
7 out of / 10Ranking
8 out of / 67Ranking
9 out of / 39Ranking
9 out of / 32Ranking
11 out of / 32Ranking
11 out of / 17Ranking
12 out of / 67Ranking
12 out of / 39Ranking
13 out of / 67Ranking
13 out of / 39Ranking
13 out of / 32Ranking
13 out of / 32Ranking
13 out of / 28Ranking
13 out of / 18Ranking
14 out of / 34Ranking
14 out of / 32Ranking
17 out of / 39Ranking
17 out of / 39Ranking
17 out of / 32Ranking
18 out of / 39Ranking
19 out of / 39Ranking
20 out of / 32Ranking
20 out of / 32Ranking
23 out of / 67Ranking
24 out of / 67Ranking
24 out of / 39Ranking
24 out of / 32Ranking
25 out of / 32Ranking
26 out of / 39Ranking
26 out of / 39Ranking
27 out of / 32Ranking
30 out of / 39Ranking
33 out of / 39Ranking
38 out of / 67Ranking
43 out of / 67Ranking
44 out of / 67Ranking
46 out of / 59Ranking
47 out of / 67Ranking
47 out of / 67Ranking
60 out of / 67Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Kia Sorento Trim Levels
EX, LX, S, SX, X-Line EX, X-Line SX, X-Line SX Prestige, X-Pro SX-Prestige
Volkswagen Atlas Trim Levels
Peak Edition SE 4Motion, Peak Edition SEL 4Motion, SE, SE 4Motion, SEL 4Motion, SEL Premium R-Line 4Motion
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
10 years / 100000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
3 years / 36000 miles
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
4.49 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
TOP SAFETY PICK
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
191 hp @ 6100 rpm
Torque:
181 foot-lbs @ 4000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.050 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
269 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque:
273 foot-lbs @ 1600 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.062 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2.5 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
23 / 31 / 26
Range (city/hwy):
407 / 549 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
20 / 27 / 23
Range (city/hwy):
372 / 502 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Captain's seat:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Paddle Shifters:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Available
Power Lift Gate:
Available
Quad Seats:
Available
Roof Rack:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Wifi:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Internet Radio:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Captain's seat:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Standard
Heated Seats
Standard
Heated Steering Wheel:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Navigation System:
Available
Paddle Shifters:
Standard
Parking Sensors:
Available
Power Lift Gate:
Available
Quad Seats:
Available
Roof Rack:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Standard
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
Available
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Internet Radio:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
40.3 inches
Front Leg Room:
41.4 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
59.1 inches
Rear Head Room:
39.1 inches
Rear Leg Room:
41.7 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
58.1 inches
Cargo Space:
12.6 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
75.5 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
121.3 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
41.3 inches
Front Leg Room:
41.7 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
61.5 inches
Rear Head Room:
40.4 inches
Rear Leg Room:
37.6 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
60.8 inches
Cargo Space:
20.6 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
96.6 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
174.6 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3814 lbs
Width:
74.8 inches
Height:
66.7 inches
Length:
189.6 inches
Wheelbase:
110.8 inches
Ground Clearance:
6.9 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
4343 lbs
Width:
88.5 inches
Height:
70.4 inches
Length:
200.7 inches
Wheelbase:
117.3 inches
Ground Clearance:
6.3 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
17.0 x 7.0 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
235/65R17
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
18.0 x 8.0 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
P245/60R18
Exterior Colors
Black
Ebony Black
Gray
Gravity Gray
Red
Dawning Red
Silver
Everlasting Silver
White
Glacial White Pearl
Exterior Colors
Black
Deep Black Pearl
Gray
Platinum Gray Metallic
Red
Not available
Silver
Silver Mist Metallic
White
Pure White
Interior Colors
Black
Black
Beige
Not available
Interior Colors
Black
Titan Black
Beige
Shetland Beige