What To Know
- In terms of fuel economy, the Explorer gets an EPA-estimated 20 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway with the four-cylinder engine and 18 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway with the V6 engine.
- The Atlas gets an EPA-estimated 21 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway with the four-cylinder engine and 17 mpg in the city and 23 mpg on the highway with the V6 engine.
- The VW Atlas has a slightly better fuel economy than the Ford Explorer, with an EPA-estimated 21 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway with the four-cylinder engine and 17 mpg in the city and 23 mpg on the highway with the V6 engine.
The Ford Explorer and VW Atlas are two of the most popular midsize SUVs on the market. Both offer a spacious interior, powerful engines, and a variety of features. But which one is the better choice? In this blog post, we’ll compare the Ford Explorer and VW Atlas in terms of performance, features, safety, and price to help you decide which one is right for you.
Performance: Power and Efficiency
The Ford Explorer comes standard with a 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. The VW Atlas comes standard with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 235 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. Both SUVs are available with a V6 engine, with the Explorer producing 365 horsepower and 380 lb-ft of torque and the Atlas producing 276 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque.
In terms of fuel economy, the Explorer gets an EPA-estimated 20 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway with the four-cylinder engine and 18 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway with the V6 engine. The Atlas gets an EPA-estimated 21 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway with the four-cylinder engine and 17 mpg in the city and 23 mpg on the highway with the V6 engine.
Features: Technology and Comfort
The Ford Explorer and VW Atlas both offer a variety of features, including a touchscreen infotainment system, a premium audio system, and a panoramic sunroof. The Explorer also offers a number of features that the Atlas doesn’t, such as a heated steering wheel, a wireless charging pad, and a hands-free liftgate.
In terms of comfort, the Explorer and Atlas both offer a spacious interior with plenty of legroom and headroom. The Explorer has a slightly larger cargo area than the Atlas, with 18.2 cubic feet of space behind the third row of seats and 87.8 cubic feet of space with the second and third rows folded down. The Atlas has 17.6 cubic feet of space behind the third row of seats and 96.8 cubic feet of space with the second and third rows folded down.
Safety: Protecting What Matters Most
The Ford Explorer and VW Atlas both come standard with a variety of safety features, including airbags, a rearview camera, and blind-spot monitoring. The Explorer also offers a number of additional safety features, such as lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and a collision warning system.
In terms of crash test ratings, the Explorer received a five-star overall rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), while the Atlas received a four-star overall rating. However, both SUVs received a five-star rating for side crash protection.
Price: Value for Your Money
The Ford Explorer has a starting price of $33,225, while the VW Atlas has a starting price of $31,545. However, the Explorer offers more standard features than the Atlas, so the price difference is justified.
Which SUV is Right for You?
The Ford Explorer and VW Atlas are both great midsize SUVs with a lot to offer. The Explorer has a more powerful engine, more standard features, and a better safety rating. However, the Atlas has a lower starting price and a more spacious cargo area. Ultimately, the best SUV for you depends on your individual needs and preferences.
The Verdict: A Close Call, But the Ford Explorer Wins
The Ford Explorer and VW Atlas are both excellent midsize SUVs, but the Explorer is the better choice overall. It has a more powerful engine, more standard features, and a better safety rating. While the Atlas has a lower starting price and a more spacious cargo area, the Explorer’s advantages make it the better value.
Common Questions and Answers
Q: Which SUV has a better fuel economy, the Ford Explorer or the VW Atlas?
A: The VW Atlas has a slightly better fuel economy than the Ford Explorer, with an EPA-estimated 21 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway with the four-cylinder engine and 17 mpg in the city and 23 mpg on the highway with the V6 engine.
Q: Which SUV has a more spacious interior, the Ford Explorer or the VW Atlas?
A: The Ford Explorer has a slightly more spacious interior than the VW Atlas, with 18.2 cubic feet of space behind the third row of seats and 87.8 cubic feet of space with the second and third rows folded down. The Atlas has 17.6 cubic feet of space behind the third row of seats and 96.8 cubic feet of space with the second and third rows folded down.
Q: Which SUV has a better safety rating, the Ford Explorer or the VW Atlas?
A: The Ford Explorer has a better safety rating than the VW Atlas, with a five-star overall rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), while the Atlas received a four-star overall rating. However, both SUVs received a five-star rating for side crash protection.