Compare the2024 Volkswagen AtlasVS 2024 Kia EV9

The Atlas has a standard Automatic Post-Collision Braking System, which automatically applies the brakes in the event of a crash to help prevent secondary collisions and prevent further injuries. The EV9 doesn’t offer a post collision braking system: in the event of a collision that triggers the airbags, more collisions are possible without the protection of airbags that may have already deployed.

The Atlas has standard Car-Net, which uses a global positioning satellite (GPS) receiver and a cellular system to remotely unlock your doors if you lock your keys in, help track down your vehicle if it’s stolen or send emergency personnel to the scene if any airbags deploy. The EV9 doesn’t offer a GPS response system, only a navigation computer with no live response for emergencies, so if you’re involved in an accident and you’re incapacitated help may not come as quickly.

Both the Atlas and the EV9 have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning, available all wheel drive and around view monitors.

The Volkswagen Atlas achieved a “Top Safety Pick” rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) for the 2024 model year. This recognition was based on its impressive performance in the small overlap frontal crash test, updated side impact crash test, headlight evaluations, and pedestrian crash prevention testing. The EV9 has not yet been evaluated by the IIHS for 2024.

The Atlas’ corrosion warranty is 2 years longer than the EV9’s (7/100,000 vs. 5/100,000).

Volkswagen pays for scheduled maintenance on the Atlas for 2 years and 20,000 miles. Volkswagen will pay for oil changes, tire rotations, air filter replacements, cabin filter replacement, brake fluid replacement, inspections, and any other required maintenance. Kia doesn’t pay scheduled maintenance for the EV9.

The Atlas’ 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder produces 68 more horsepower (269 vs. 201) and 15 lbs.-ft. more torque (273 vs. 258) than the EV9 Light Long Range’s standard electric motor. The Atlas’ 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder produces 54 more horsepower (269 vs. 215) and 15 lbs.-ft. more torque (273 vs. 258) than the EV9 Light’s standard electric motor.

The Atlas’ standard front and rear disc brakes are vented to help dissipate heat for shorter stops with less fading. The rear discs on the EV9 are solid, not vented.

The Atlas has a standard space-saver spare tire so you can replace a flat tire and drive to have the flat repaired or replaced. A spare tire isn’t available on the EV9; it requires you to depend on roadside assistance and your vehicle will have to be towed.

The Volkswagen Atlas may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 750 to 1150 pounds less than the Kia EV9.

The Atlas has .1 inches more front headroom, .3 inches more front legroom, .6 inches more rear headroom, .7 inches more rear hip room, .5 inches more rear shoulder room, 2.9 inches more third row legroom and 3.2 inches more third row hip room than the EV9.

The Atlas’ cargo area provides more volume than the EV9.

Heated windshield washer nozzles are standard on the Atlas SEL to prevent washer fluid and nozzles from freezing and help continue to keep the windshield clear in sub-freezing temperatures. The EV9 doesn’t offer heated windshield washer nozzles.

To help drivers avoid possible obstacles, the Atlas offers optional cornering lights to illuminate around corners when the turn signals are activated. The EV9 doesn’t offer cornering lights. The Atlas also has standard adaptive headlights to illuminate around corners automatically by reading vehicle speed and steering wheel angle.

The Atlas has a standard heated steering wheel to take the chill out of steering on extremely cold winter days before the vehicle heater warms up. A heated steering wheel costs extra on the EV9.

The Volkswagen Atlas outsold the Kia EV9 by almost 86 to one during 2023.