2025 Ford Explorer vs 2025 Volkswagen Atlas
Comparison Overview
Deciding between the 2025 Ford Explorer and the 2025 Volkswagen Atlas often boils down to prioritizing power versus maximum practicality. If you value muscle, the Explorer jumps ahead with 300 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque, significantly outpacing the Atlas's 269 hp output. However, if maximizing cargo space is crucial, the Atlas wins easily, offering 20.6 cubic feet behind the third row compared to the Explorer's 18.2 cu ft. Fuel economy is close, with the Explorer netting a slightly better 24 combined MPG versus the Atlas's 22 combined MPG, though both use regular unleaded. Pricing sees the Atlas starting $1,850 cheaper at $38,200 compared to the Explorer's $40,050 MSRP. The Explorer's rear-wheel-drive platform might appeal to some, while the Atlas sticks to front-wheel drive, making the choice a balance of spirited driving characteristics against ultimate utility.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Ford Explorer
The Explorer offers marginally better fuel efficiency at 24 combined MPG, which translates to slightly lower running costs for daily driving.
2025 Volkswagen Atlas
The Atlas provides superior practical space, boasting 20.6 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Explorer's 18.2 cu ft.
2025 Ford Explorer
The 2025 Ford Explorer is the clear choice here, offering 300 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque versus the Atlas's lower output.
2025 Volkswagen Atlas
The Volkswagen Atlas undercuts the Ford Explorer on starting price by $1,850, beginning at $38,200.
Choose the Ford Explorer if...
- You want the punchier powertrain, featuring 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque.
- You prefer the handling characteristics associated with a rear-wheel-drive platform.
- You desire marginally better fuel economy, achieving 29 MPG on the highway versus 26 MPG.
Choose the Volkswagen Atlas if...
- You need every last cubic foot of storage, as it offers 20.6 cu ft of cargo space.
- You are looking to save nearly $2,000 upfront, with an MSRP of $38,200.
- You prefer a slightly taller stature, as the Atlas is taller at 70.4 inches compared to the Explorer's 69.9 inches.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Ford Explorer | Volkswagen Atlas |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 198.8" | 200.7" |
| Width | 78.9" | 78.3" |
| Height | 69.9" | 70.4" |
| Wheelbase | 119.1" | 117.3" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Ford | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | ✓ | — |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags (with Head Protection Chamber) | ✓ | — |
| Front Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Third Row Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electronic Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Traction Control System | ✓ | ✓ |
| LATCH System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Child Safety Locks | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) | 4-Wheel | 4-Wheel |
| Front Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | — |
| Brake Preparation System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Headrests | 2 | 3 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags | — | ✓ |
| Rear Solid Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Adaptive Headlights | — | ✓ |
| Cornering Lights | — | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | — | ✓ |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Ford | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.3 L | 2.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 300 hp @ 5500 rpm | 269 hp @ 5500 rpm |
| Torque | 310 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm | 273 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 16 | 16 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | ✓ | ✓ |
Drive Train
| Feature | Ford | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 10-speed automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | rear wheel drive | front wheel drive |
Fuel
| Feature | Ford | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 20/29 MPG | 20/26 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 24 MPG | 22 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 358.0/519.1 mi. | 372.0/483.6 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 17.9 gal. | 18.6 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Ford | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | ✓ | — |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| 3rd Row Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | ✓ | — |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Three Zone Climate Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Wireless Charging Pad | — | ✓ |
| Leatherette Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Heated Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | — | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Ford | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 6 | 6 |
| Android Auto (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 3 months | 3 months |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | ✓ | — |
| Infotainment Display | — | 12.0 in |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Ford | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 2 | — |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Ford | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 40.7 in. | 41.3 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 43.0 in. | 41.7 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 61.8 in. | 61.5 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 59.2 in. | 58.4 in. |
| Seat Material: Premium Cloth | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | 8-way |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | 4-way | 6-way |
| Seat Material: Leatherette | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | — | Power |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Heating | — | Multi-level |
| Passenger Seat Heating | — | Multi-level |
| Driver Seat Ventilation | — | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Ventilation | — | ✓ |
Rearseats
| Feature | Ford | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 40.5 in. | 40.4 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 39.0 in. | 37.6 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 61.9 in. | 60.5 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 59.1 in. | 58.6 in. |
| Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | — |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | ✓ | ✓ |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Ford | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Diameter | 18 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | P255/65R18 | 245/60R18 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | — |
| Spare Tire Location | Underbody Mounted | — |
| Wheel Size | — | 18 x 8.0 in |
Suspension
| Feature | Ford | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Ford | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. | 7 yr./ 100000 mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | — | 2 yr./ 20000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Ford Explorer and 2025 Volkswagen Atlas.
Is the 2025 Ford Explorer or the VW Atlas better for highway cruising efficiency?
The Ford Explorer slightly edges out the competition here, achieving 29 MPG highway compared to the Atlas's 26 MPG highway rating. Both vehicles require regular unleaded fuel, minimizing day-to-day running cost differences outside of efficiency.
How much bigger is the cargo area, and does it affect overall size?
The Atlas offers 20.6 cubic feet of cargo capacity, which is 2.4 cubic feet more than the Explorer’s 18.2 cu ft. Despite this interior space advantage, the Atlas is actually slightly longer at 200.7 inches versus the Explorer's 198.8 inches.
Which crossover has the stronger engine for towing or quick acceleration?
The 2025 Ford Explorer is the stronger performer, delivering 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, giving it a clear 31 hp advantage over the Atlas's 269 hp.
What is the price difference between the two base models?
The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas offers a lower barrier to entry, starting at $38,200. The 2025 Ford Explorer has an MSRP of $40,050, making the Atlas $1,850 more budget-friendly initially.
Does the drive type significantly change the driving feel between these two?
Yes, the Explorer utilizes a rear-wheel-drive configuration which often favors a sportier feel or better balance, while the Atlas uses a front-wheel-drive setup which is typically better suited for all-weather traction straight from the factory.
How do their transmissions differ?
The Ford Explorer employs a 10-speed automatic transmission, whereas the Volkswagen Atlas uses an 8-speed shiftable automatic. The Explorer’s extra gears can potentially aid in achieving its slightly better combined 24 MPG rating.
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