2021 Volkswagen Atlas vs. 2020 Kia Sorento

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas is available with two power plant options. Base models will have a turbocharged 2.0-liter, inline four-cylinder engine under the hood that will make 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. Compass VW customers who require more performance can choose a naturally aspirated 3.6-liter, V-6 engine – producing 276 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque. Both Volkswagen engines use an eight-speed automatic transmission. Kia also offers a four-cylinder and a V-6 engine for the 2020 Sorento. The entry-level four-cylinder engine will make 185 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque, and the V-6 will make 290 horsepower. However, both vehicles have the same maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds – when the vehicles are properly equipped. 

Both the 2021 Atlas and 2020 Sorento offer three rows of seats that can hold up to seven people each. The driver and front passenger in either vehicle will have very similar legroom dimensions. 

On the other hand, Volkswagen makes more legroom available to passengers in the second and third rows of seats versus what is found in the corresponding space in the 2020 Sorento. Cargo volume is really where the 2021 Atlas pulls away from its Kia rival. When the Atlas is properly configured, it will be able to offer up to 96.8 cubic-feet, compared to just 73 cubic-feet.