What To Know
- Both the Ford Explorer and the Volkswagen Atlas offer a wide range of features to keep you and your passengers entertained and comfortable on your journeys.
- The Atlas comes standard with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, a Wi-Fi hotspot, a six-speaker audio system, and a power liftgate.
- The Explorer boasts impressive performance and fuel efficiency, while the Atlas counters with a lower price tag and a more extensive list of standard features.
When it comes to 7-seater SUVs, two of the most popular options on the market are the Ford Explorer and the Volkswagen Atlas. Both vehicles offer spacious interiors, powerful engines, and a variety of features that make them ideal for families and adventurers alike. But which one is the better choice for you? To help you decide, we’ve compared the Ford Explorer and the Volkswagen Atlas in terms of performance, features, safety, and price.
Performance:
Under the hood, the Ford Explorer offers a choice of two engines: a 2.3-liter EcoBoost turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that produces 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, and a 3.0-liter EcoBoost turbocharged V6 engine that generates 365 horsepower and 380 lb-ft of torque. The Volkswagen Atlas, on the other hand, comes standard with a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that produces 235 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. A 3.6-liter V6 engine that produces 276 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque is also available.
In terms of fuel efficiency, the Ford Explorer with the 2.3-liter engine gets an EPA-estimated 20 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway, while the Explorer with the 3.0-liter engine gets 18 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway. The Volkswagen Atlas with the 2.0-liter engine gets an EPA-estimated 21 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway, while the Atlas with the 3.6-liter engine gets 17 mpg in the city and 23 mpg on the highway.
Features:
Both the Ford Explorer and the Volkswagen Atlas offer a wide range of features to keep you and your passengers entertained and comfortable on your journeys. Standard features on the Explorer include a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, a Wi-Fi hotspot, a six-speaker audio system, and a power liftgate. The Atlas comes standard with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, a Wi-Fi hotspot, a six-speaker audio system, and a power liftgate.
Available features on the Explorer include a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a Bang & Olufsen premium audio system, a panoramic sunroof, and a hands-free liftgate. Available features on the Atlas include a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, a Fender premium audio system, a panoramic sunroof, and a hands-free liftgate.
Safety:
The Ford Explorer and the Volkswagen Atlas have both earned 5-star overall safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Both vehicles also come standard with a variety of safety features, including airbags, anti-lock brakes, traction control, and electronic stability control.
Available safety features on the Explorer include adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Available safety features on the Atlas include adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert.
Price:
The Ford Explorer has a starting price of $33,225, while the Volkswagen Atlas has a starting price of $37,745. However, the price of both vehicles can vary depending on the trim level and options chosen.
Which One Should You Choose?
The Ford Explorer and the Volkswagen Atlas are both excellent 7-seater SUVs that offer a variety of features and capabilities. The Explorer has a more powerful engine and better fuel efficiency, while the Atlas has a lower starting price and more standard features. Ultimately, the best choice for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences.
Recommendations:
So, which 7-seater SUV is the ultimate champion? It’s a tough call, as both the Ford Explorer and the Volkswagen Atlas offer their unique strengths and weaknesses. The Explorer boasts impressive performance and fuel efficiency, while the Atlas counters with a lower price tag and a more extensive list of standard features. Ultimately, the decision between these two formidable contenders hinges on your specific requirements and preferences. Take the time to thoroughly evaluate each vehicle, weigh the pros and cons, and embark on test drives to experience their capabilities firsthand. Only then will you uncover the true victor in the battle of the 7-seater SUVs: the Ford Explorer versus the Volkswagen Atlas.
Questions You May Have
Q: Which vehicle has a more spacious interior, the Ford Explorer or the Volkswagen Atlas?
A: Both the Ford Explorer and the Volkswagen Atlas offer spacious interiors, with seating for up to seven passengers. However, the Explorer has a slightly larger cargo area, with 18.2 cubic feet of space behind the third row of seats compared to the Atlas’s 17.6 cubic feet.
Q: Which vehicle offers a more comfortable ride, the Ford Explorer or the Volkswagen Atlas?
A: Both the Ford Explorer and the Volkswagen Atlas offer comfortable rides, with well-cushioned seats and a smooth suspension. However, the Atlas may have a slight edge in terms of ride comfort, as it has a more sophisticated suspension system.
Q: Which vehicle has a better infotainment system, the Ford Explorer or the Volkswagen Atlas?
A: Both the Ford Explorer and the Volkswagen Atlas offer user-friendly infotainment systems with a variety of features. However, the Explorer’s infotainment system may be slightly easier to use, as it has a more intuitive interface.