Ford Explorer vs VW Atlas Specs
If you're looking to haul the entire family around with ease, the potent and varied engine lineup of the Ford Explorer is a superior choice compared to the more subdued powertrains found in the Volkswagen Atlas.
The Explorer gives you three different powertrains to consider. Each is strong and the top-end power of the 3.0L EcoBoost® V6 is more than capable of moving the family and all their gear.
In total, the Ford Explorer offers three engine options:
- 3.0L EcoBoost® V6: generates up to 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque
- 2.3L EcoBoost® 4-cylinder: generates up to 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque
- 3.3L hybrid: generates up to 318 horsepower and 322 lb-ft of torque
Comparing these specifications to the Volkswagen Atlas is night and day. The only two engines offered in the VW are a 2.0L Turbo 4-cylinder making 235 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque and a 3.6L V6 generating up to 276 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque.
Ford vs Volkswagen: Fuel Economy Estimates
Having enough power to get your SUV up to speed to merge onto highways or during 2-lane passing maneuvers is key. So is going as far as possible on a single tank of gas.
Volkswagen and Ford have been developing new-age technologies that significantly ramp up the efficiency of heavy vehicles. While both have made strides, the Explorer shows that the Ford technology is ahead of the systems in the VW Atlas.
At best, the VW Atlas can return an EPA-estimated 21 city/24 highway MPG. Ford outperforms this estimate with an EPA-estimated 27 city/29 highway MPG.
Bring a Trailer Along for the Ride
Continuing with the theme of performance, many families and solo drivers rely on their large SUVs to tow trailers, boats, ATVs, and other things. What's impressive about the Ford Explorer is that no matter which engine you choose, your towing ability will match or surpass that of the VW Atlas.
The peak towing capacity of the VW Atlas reaches just 5,000 pounds when properly equipped. To achieve that capacity, you'll need to choose the 3.6L V6 motor. Ford delivers more towing power with the standard 2.3L EcoBoost® 4-cylinder, which reaches 5,300 pounds of towing capacity when the vehicle is properly equipped.
If you move to the 3.0L EcoBoost® V6 engine, you can enjoy a maximum towing capacity of 5,600 pounds when properly configured, the highest figure within the Explorer lineup. Finally, even when choosing the 3.3L hybrid engine to receive the best fuel economy possible, your SUV can still hitch up to 5,000 pounds and be on the way when properly equipped!
Picking a Performance-Oriented Trim Level
As Ford shifts further toward SUVs, they haven't forgotten about the brand's performance roots.
The performance option in many of their models is the ST trim, which you can choose for the Explorer. The VW Atlas doesn't have a comparable trim and focuses heavily on on-roading ability.
With the Ford Explorer ST, the 3.0L EcoBoost® V6 motor goes from producing 365 horsepower and 380 lb-ft of torque to 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque. The result is a practical SUV with space and safety that can also reach a ludicrous top speed of 143 MPH.
Explorer vs Atlas: Driver-Assistive Technologies
Whether navigating crowded city streets or sweeping rural roads, the Explorer will give you a sense of protection that the VW Atlas simply can't provide.
Much of the safety in the Ford Explorer comes from the comprehensive Ford Co-Pilot360â„¢ suite, which consists of five standard advanced driver-assistive features, including:
- Auto High-Beam Headlamps
- BLIS® (Blind Spot Information System) with Cross-Traffic Alert
- Lane-Keeping System
- Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking
- Rear View Camera with Washer
It's not that the VW Atlas doesn't prioritize safety. Their Light Assist is similar to the Auto High-Beam Headlamps system found in the Explorer. However, the Atlas doesn't provide the same standard protection that you'll find while driving the Explorer.
VW Atlas vs Ford Explorer: Off-Roading Abilities
While certain aspects of the Ford Explorer vs. VW Atlas debate seem to be almost identical, the off-roading prowess and overall capability of the Explorer is where the gap widens considerably.
If you find yourself going on road trips through the mountains or down to the beach, Ford Explorer features, such as standard Trailer Sway Control, available Hill Descent Controlâ„¢, and available Intelligent 4WD will certainly come in handy.
Additionally, the Explorer offers the available Terrain Management Systemâ„¢, which allows you to select from seven driving modes, depending on your surrounding conditions. On top of on-pavement options, like Normal, Sport, Tow/Haul, and Eco modes, this system offers several off-road-ready modes:
- Trail
- Deep Snow/Sand
- Slippery
When you put all the features of the Explorer together, you quickly find that the VW Atlas is lacking in comparable capability. While still giving you the chance to switch between various drive modes, these available modes are less specific: Snow, On-Road, Off-Road, and Off-Road Custom.
Rather than generalizing the driving dynamics, the Explorer's setup is favorable because it directly addresses the type of surface you may be traveling over, something only the Snow mode does for the Volkswagen.
Ford Explorer Bests Volkswagen Atlas
Those in Glen Allen, Ashland, and Rockville, Virginia, can test drive the Ford Explorer and see for yourself how this model goes above and beyond in ways the Volkswagen Atlas can't.
To do this, simply get in touch with your friends at Richmond Ford West by contacting us online today!
Â
If you're looking to haul the entire family around with ease, the potent and varied engine lineup of the Ford Explorer is a superior choice compared to the more subdued powertrains found in the Volkswagen Atlas.
Continuing with the theme of performance, many families and solo drivers rely on their large SUVs to tow trailers, boats, ATVs, and other things. What's impressive about the 
Whether navigating crowded city streets or sweeping rural roads, the Explorer will give you a sense of protection that the VW Atlas simply can't provide.