2025 Volkswagen Atlas vs 2024 Kia Seltos

The 2024 Kia Seltos underwent a mid-cycle refresh, resulting in subtle yet effective updates. The exterior featured redesigned headlights and grille, with a light strip connecting the smaller taillight assemblies, giving the vehicle a refreshed appearance without significant cost increases. The test model showcased the new "Pluton Blue" paint, which was particularly striking. Inside, the Seltos introduced two new interior colors, "Gentle Brown" and "Midnight Green," although the test model retained the standard black interior. A prominent change was the large digital panel spanning two-thirds of the dashboard, integrating a fully digital instrument panel and a larger touchscreen infotainment system.

In contrast, the 2025 Volkswagen Atlas offered a more substantial presence with its five trim levels, including the off-road-oriented Peak Edition and the sporty SEL Premium R-Line. The test model, an Atlas SEL Premium R-Line, came in the new "Mountain Lake Blue" with a Shetland Beige leather interior. The Atlas boasted a chiseled, muscular look with polished aluminum detailing, front and rear light bars, and 21-inch wheels. Inside, the Atlas exuded a premium feel with diamond-stitched leather, metallic accents, and artificial wood, creating a warm and inviting environment. However, the touch-sensitive controls for temperature and stereo volume were less satisfying to use, especially without gloves.

The 2024 Kia Seltos offered two engine options. The base engine was a 2.0-liter four-cylinder producing 146 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque, paired with Kia's Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT). The base LX trim came standard with all-wheel drive (AWD), while the S and EX trims offered front-wheel drive (FWD) with optional AWD. The X-Line and SX trims featured a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 195 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque, mated to a new eight-speed automatic transmission. This setup provided noticeable acceleration improvements, especially in Sport mode, despite some turbo lag at lower speeds. The Seltos handled various road conditions well, with responsive steering and minimal body roll.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas, on the other hand, featured a new turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, replacing the previous V6. This engine produced 269 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Despite initial concerns about its performance in a large SUV, the engine proved refined and capable for daily driving tasks. The Atlas returned 15.5 mpg in urban conditions and 19.2 mpg overall during testing, slightly below its EPA ratings. However, the ride quality was less impressive, with a brittle suspension over smaller road imperfections and excessive body motions at highway speeds. The handling was predictable, but the Bridgestone Alenza all-season tires limited its dynamic capabilities.

The 2024 Kia Seltos offered up to 62.8 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded and 26.6 cubic feet with them in use. The SX trim included a hands-free power liftgate. The Seltos provided an upright seating position with ample headroom and good rear legroom, accommodating taller occupants comfortably. The front seating area featured decently sized in-door cupholders and cubbies, while the SX trim included a removable cargo cover.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas excelled in form and function, with a spacious interior designed for comfort. The SEL Premium R-Line model featured heated, ventilated, and massaging front seats, although the leather felt slightly stiff. The second-row bench seat comfortably accommodated three adults, with ample leg-, foot-, and headroom. Access to the third-row seat was outstanding, providing adequate leg support. The Atlas offered 20.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 96.6 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded. Storage space was commendable throughout the cabin, with practical compartments and cupholders.

The 2024 Kia Seltos featured a consistent digital bezel across its trim lineup, with screen sizes varying by trim. The base infotainment system included an 8-inch touchscreen, while higher trims upgraded to a 10.25-inch fully digital instrument panel and touchscreen. The system retained tactile controls for volume and climate, with a responsive screen and logical layout. The SX trim offered an upgraded eight-speaker Bose premium stereo system and Digital Key 2 Touch for smartphone access.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas utilized the VW Group's MIB3 operating system on a 12-inch touchscreen display. However, it lacked traditional knobs and buttons, relying on touch-sensing controls for temperature and volume. The system's native digital voice assistant was an extra-cost option and proved unreliable. Standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto provided a more satisfying experience, with the Harman Kardon audio system delivering excellent sound quality. The MIB3 system suffered from user-experience glitches, making smartphone integration a preferable option.

The 2024 Kia Seltos came equipped with standard driver assistance features, including forward collision avoidance, lane-departure warning, lane-follow assist, automatic high beams, and driver attention warning. The S trim added blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and Safe Exit Warning. The SX trim included smart cruise control, traffic sign recognition, and highway driving assist, enhancing safety and convenience.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas featured the IQ.Drive suite of standard driver-assistance features, including Front Assist, Active Side Assist, Lane Assist, Emergency Assist, and Travel Assist. Adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability and rear cross-traffic alert were also standard. The Atlas earned a five-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and was a 2024 IIHS "Top Safety Pick."