2025 Ford Explorer vs 2026 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport

$40,050 · Crossover

$38,300 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Deciding between the 2025 Ford Explorer and the 2026 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport often comes down to prioritizing raw power versus sheer utility space. Buyers looking for more muscle will notice the Explorer packs a punch with 300 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque, significantly more than the Atlas Cross Sport's 269 hp. Conversely, the VW dominates in hauling capability, offering a cavernous 40.3 cu ft of cargo space compared to the Explorer's 18.2 cu ft. Fuel economy is neck-and-neck, with both vehicles achieving a combined 24 MPG for the Ford and 23 MPG for the VW, using regular unleaded fuel. Despite the power difference, the Explorer is slightly larger overall at 198.8 inches long, while the Atlas benefits from a lower entry price point starting at $38,300 versus the Explorer's $40,050 MSRP, making the choice hinge on whether that extra $1,750 buys you the driving engagement or if the utility volume is the deciding factor for your daily routine.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Ford Explorer

The Explorer wins for commuters due to its superior 10-speed automatic transmission paired with its stronger 300 hp engine for better merging power.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport

The Atlas Cross Sport is the family winner because it offers more than double the usable cargo space at 40.3 cu ft versus the Explorer's 18.2 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Ford Explorer

The enthusiast will prefer the Explorer's rear-wheel-drive platform and significantly higher torque output of 310 lb-ft.

💰 Best Value

2026 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport

The Atlas Cross Sport presents better initial value by starting $1,750 cheaper, costing $38,300 MSRP compared to $40,050 for the Explorer.

Choose the Ford Explorer if...

You want the slightly better fuel economy, achieving 29 MPG on the highway.
Rear-wheel drive (RWD) handling dynamics are important to you for driving feel.
You need the extra power provided by its 300 hp engine output.

Choose the Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport if...

Maximum hauling space is crucial, as it boasts 40.3 cu ft of cargo capacity.
You prefer a lower upfront cost, with an MSRP of $38,300.
You prefer a front-wheel-drive (FWD) configuration for typical road conditions.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Ford Explorer	Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport
Length	198.8"	195.6"
Width	78.9"	78.3"
Height	69.9"	68.1"
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	20/27 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	24 MPG	23 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	358.0/519.1 mi.	372.0/502.2 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	—	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	—	✓
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.	39.4 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.	37.8 in.
Rear Leg Room	39.0 in.	40.4 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	61.9 in.	60.4 in.
Rear Hip Room	59.1 in.	58.7 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 2026 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport.

How do the driving dynamics differ between the RWD Explorer and the FWD Atlas Cross Sport?

The 2025 Explorer uses a rear-wheel-drive (RWD) setup, which enthusiasts often prefer for better balance and handling feel. The 2026 Atlas Cross Sport uses front-wheel-drive (FWD), which is generally preferred by commuters for more predictable traction in light snow or rain.

Is the difference in horsepower significant for daily driving?

Yes, the Explorer offers a notable 31 hp advantage, producing 300 hp versus the Atlas Cross Sport's 269 hp. This extra power, combined with the Explorer's higher 310 lb-ft of torque, will translate to quicker acceleration during highway passing maneuvers.

Which vehicle offers significantly more storage space?

The 2026 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport is the clear winner for cargo capacity, offering 40.3 cu ft behind the seats. This is more than double the 18.2 cu ft available in the 2025 Ford Explorer.

Are the fuel costs going to be vastly different between these two crossovers?

Not substantially, as both vehicles run on regular unleaded fuel and have similar efficiency ratings. The Explorer ekes out a slight edge with a combined 24 MPG versus the Atlas Cross Sport's 23 MPG combined rating.

If I want the more powerful transmission, which crossover should I pick?

You should lean toward the Ford Explorer, as it features a sophisticated 10-speed automatic transmission, while the Atlas Cross Sport is equipped with an 8-speed shiftable automatic.

How much more expensive is the higher-powered Ford Explorer?

The 2025 Ford Explorer starts at an MSRP of $40,050, making it $1,750 more expensive than the 2026 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport, which begins at $38,300.