The Ford Explorer Vs Atlas Cross Sport: The Ultimate Midsize Suv Showdown 2023

In the realm of midsize SUVs, two titans stand tall, captivating the hearts of drivers with their rugged capabilities and versatile performance. The Ford Explorer and Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport, each a testament to engineering excellence, offer a compelling blend of power, comfort, and technology. This comprehensive comparison delves into the intricacies of these two automotive marvels, exploring their strengths, similarities, and distinctions to help discerning buyers make an informed decision.

Performance Prowess: Unleashing Unstoppable Power

1. Engine Options and Configurations:

• The Ford Explorer boasts a range of powertrains, including a turbocharged 2.3L EcoBoost inline-four, a twin-turbocharged 3.0L EcoBoost V6, and a hybrid powertrain.
• The Atlas Cross Sport offers two engine choices: a turbocharged 2.0L inline-four and a powerful 3.6L VR6.

2. Horsepower and Torque:

• The Explorer’s 2.3L engine delivers 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, while the 3.0L EcoBoost V6 generates an impressive 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque.
• The Atlas Cross Sport’s 2.0L engine produces 235 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, while the 3.6L VR6 generates 276 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque.

3. Towing and Payload Capacity:

• The Ford Explorer, when properly equipped, can tow up to 5,600 pounds and carry a payload of up to 1,800 pounds.
• The Atlas Cross Sport, with its robust construction, can tow up to 5,000 pounds and carry a payload of up to 1,573 pounds.

Interior Comforts and Amenities: A Haven of Luxury and Convenience

1. Seating Configurations and Passenger Space:

• The Explorer offers seating for up to seven passengers, with ample legroom and headroom in all three rows.
• The Atlas Cross Sport seats up to five passengers, providing generous space in the front and second rows.

2. Cargo Capacity:

• The Explorer’s spacious cargo area offers 18.2 cubic feet behind the third row, 47.9 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a cavernous 87.8 cubic feet with both rear rows folded.
• The Atlas Cross Sport provides 20.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row and a maximum of 40.3 cubic feet with the second row folded.

3. Infotainment and Connectivity:

• The Explorer features a user-friendly SYNC 3 infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a premium audio system.
• The Atlas Cross Sport comes equipped with a MIB III infotainment system with a 10.1-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a Fender premium audio system.

Safety and Driver Assistance Features: Prioritizing Protection and Peace of Mind

1. Standard Safety Features:

• Both the Explorer and Atlas Cross Sport offer a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including airbags, ABS, traction control, and stability control.

2. Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS):

• The Explorer provides a range of ADAS features, such as adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking.
• The Atlas Cross Sport offers similar ADAS features, including adaptive cruise control, lane assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert.

3. Crash Test Ratings:

• The Ford Explorer has earned a 5-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
• The Atlas Cross Sport has also received a 5-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the IIHS.

Fuel Efficiency and Environmental Impact: Balancing Power and Sustainability

1. Fuel Economy:

• The Ford Explorer’s fuel economy varies depending on the powertrain and drivetrain configuration. The 2.3L EcoBoost engine with rear-wheel drive achieves an EPA-estimated 21 MPG in the city and 28 MPG on the highway.
• The Atlas Cross Sport’s fuel economy also varies based on the engine and drivetrain options. The 2.0L engine with front-wheel drive achieves an EPA-estimated 23 MPG in the city and 29 MPG on the highway.

2. Hybrid Powertrain:

• The Ford Explorer offers a hybrid powertrain option that combines a 3.3L V6 engine with an electric motor and battery pack, delivering improved fuel efficiency and reduced emissions.

3. Environmental Impact:

• Both the Explorer and Atlas Cross Sport are equipped with features that minimize their environmental impact, such as auto start-stop technology and regenerative braking.

Off-Road Capability: Embracing Adventure and Uncharted Territories

1. Terrain Management Systems:

• The Ford Explorer features a Terrain Management System with selectable drive modes for different terrains, including Normal, Snow/Gravel/Grass, Sand, Mud/Ruts, and Rock Crawl.
• The Atlas Cross Sport offers a 4MOTION all-wheel drive system with Active Control, allowing drivers to choose between On-Road, Off-Road, and Snow modes.

2. Ground Clearance:

• The Explorer provides 8.3 inches of ground clearance, enabling it to tackle rugged terrains with confidence.
• The Atlas Cross Sport has a ground clearance of 8.1 inches, making it capable of handling off-road adventures.

3. Towing and Payload Capacity:

• Both vehicles offer impressive towing and payload capacities, making them suitable for hauling heavy loads and recreational equipment.

Pricing and Trim Levels: Tailoring Options to Suit Individual Needs

1. Trim Levels:

• The Ford Explorer is available in six trim levels: XLT, Limited, Timberline, ST, King Ranch, and Platinum.
• The Atlas Cross Sport comes in five trim levels: S, SE, SEL, SEL R-Line, and SEL Premium R-Line.

2. Base Prices:

• The Ford Explorer’s starting price ranges from $36,675 for the XLT trim to $63,370 for the Platinum trim.
• The Atlas Cross Sport’s base price starts at $38,595 for the S trim and goes up to $51,795 for the SEL Premium R-Line trim.

3. Features and Amenities:

• Each trim level offers a unique combination of features, amenities, and technologies, allowing buyers to choose the vehicle that best aligns with their preferences and budget.

Summary: Unveiling the Ultimate Choice

The Ford Explorer and Atlas Cross Sport stand as formidable contenders in the midsize SUV segment, each offering a compelling blend of performance, comfort, and capability. The Explorer excels in power and towing capacity, while the Atlas Cross Sport impresses with its sleek design and user-friendly infotainment system. Ultimately, the choice between these two automotive powerhouses depends on individual preferences, driving needs, and budget considerations.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

1. Which vehicle has a more spacious interior?

• The Ford Explorer offers more passenger and cargo space than the Atlas Cross Sport, making it a better choice for families and those who require ample storage.

2. Which vehicle is more fuel-efficient?

• The Atlas Cross Sport has a slight edge in fuel economy compared to the Explorer, particularly with the 2.0L engine and front-wheel drive configuration.

3. Which vehicle offers better off-road capability?

• The Ford Explorer, with its Terrain Management System and higher ground clearance, is better suited for off-road adventures and challenging terrains.

4. Which vehicle has more advanced safety features?

• Both vehicles offer a comprehensive suite of safety features, but the Explorer provides a slightly more extensive range of ADAS features, including adaptive cruise control and lane departure warning.

5. Which vehicle offers better warranty coverage?

• The Ford Explorer and Atlas Cross Sport both come with a 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty.