The 2024 Ford Explorer and Volkswagen Atlas are 3-row midsize SUVs that stand out if you’re in the market for a vehicle with loads of space and a reasonable price tag.
When it first arrived in the early 1990s, the Explorer pretty much laid the foundation for the modern family-hauling SUV. The Explorer has evolved through multiple generations. Thanks to its ruggedness and versatility, it continues to win legions of fans.
In comparison, the Atlas seems a relative newbie since it first arrived for the 2018 model year. Like its Ford rival, a continual stream of driver aid updates, styling revisions, and tech additions have kept it fully updated to compete in a crowded segment.
Let’s explore some of the best attributes of the Ford Explorer and Volkswagen Atlas.
2024 Ford Explorer
The 2024 Ford Explorer has eight trims: Base, XLT, ST-Line, Limited, Timberline, ST, King Ranch, and Platinum. Pricing starts at $38,455, including any factory-to-dealer charges.
Ford equips the Explorer with one of the more potent base engines among midsize SUVs. Its 300-horsepower turbocharged 2.3-liter 4-cylinder is coupled to a 10-speed automatic transmission. Rear-wheel drive is standard; all-wheel drive is available. During testing, we’ve found this powertrain delivers an excellent blend of straight-line speed and reasonable fuel mileage.
Ford Explorer Highlights
Optional twin-turbo V6: As much as we appreciate the power of the entry-level turbo 4-cylinder, we’d be remiss not to mention the twin-turbo V6 fitted to the ST, King Ranch, and Platinum models. You get 400 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque to work with here, so passing power is never a problem.
Off-road-themed Timberline: The Timberline model comfortably sits in the middle of the Ford Explorer lineup. It comes with all-wheel drive, all-terrain tires, heavy-duty underbody skid plates, retuned shocks, a limited-slip differential, and a carbonized gray-colored front grille. If you plan on taking your Explorer off-road, this is the one to choose.
Fuel economy: A rear-wheel-drive Ford Explorer with a turbo 4-cylinder delivers an EPA-estimated 24 mpg combined average in a mix of city and highway driving. This slightly nudges the Atlas’ best of 23 mpg combined — and let’s not forget, the Ford Explorer enjoys a 31-hp advantage, too.
Mindful mode: This is available with the larger 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen found on higher trims. The goal is to minimize the total amount of information and details displayed on the screen. It’s a great way to reduce eye fatigue while driving.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Explorer models near you.
2024 Volkswagen Atlas
Fresh from a midcycle update, the 2024 Atlas is available in six trims: SE, SE with Technology, SE with Technology Peak Edition, SEL, SEL Peak Edition, and SEL Premium R-Line. This model year’s updates include a reshaped front grill, taillights that now span the width of the rear, new alloy wheel designs, an updated cabin, and more standard features. Pricing starts at $39,420.
Volkswagen Atlas Highlights
New turbo 4-cylinder: A turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder replaces the previous base 4-cylinder and optional V6. This is a win-win situation, considering this engine provides better fuel economy than the discontinued V6 yet has nearly as much horsepower.
More standard features: VW is generous when it comes to packing in plenty of standard mod-cons people love in a new vehicle. Every Atlas comes with a 12-inch touchscreen, 3-zone climate control, heated and ventilated front seats, heated steering wheel, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and wireless device charging. We find it’s always nice not having to tick a dozen option boxes to get a well-appointed vehicle.
Peak Edition: This is another new addition for the 2024 model year. The Peak Edition features unique front and rear styling, 18-inch black alloy wheels, off-road tires, black exterior trim, and extra body cladding. Orange accent stitching and a Peak Edition badge on the steering wheel add some visual kick to the cabin.
More interior space: The Volkswagen Atlas has more third-row legroom and cargo space than the Ford Explorer. It strengthens the VW’s position as one of the most family-friendly options in its competitive segment.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Atlas models near you.
Similarities
The Ford Explorer and Volkswagen Atlas are very evenly matched. They’re adept at daily commuting and routine driving errands and pack a little go-anywhere capability.
Conclusion
In choosing a winner, we’ll start by saying the decision was pretty close. Yet, in the end, this model year’s round of updates has made the Atlas feel the fresher of these two SUVs.
Keep in mind that the Ford Explorer has better towing abilities — its maximum of 5,600 pounds is 600 pounds more than the Atlas. The Explorer also has a slight edge in fuel economy, coupled with a more sizable advantage in 0-60 mph bragging rights — especially with the optional twin-turbo V6.
However, this generation of Ford Explorer has been around since the 2018 model year, and we look forward to the refreshed 2025 model. In the meantime, the Atlas is the more modern and practical option.
| 2024 Ford Explorer | 2024 Volkswagen Atlas | |
| Starting Price | $38,455 | $39,420 |
| Popular Powertrains | ||
| Engine | Turbocharged 2.3-liter 4-cylinder | Turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 300 hp @ 5,500 rpm | 269 hp @ 5,500 rpm |
| Torque | 310 lb-ft @ 3,500 rpm | 273 lb-ft @ 1,600 rpm |
| Transmission | 10-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Fuel economy | 21 city/28 highway/24 combined mpg | 20 city/27 highway/23 combined mpg |
| Also Available | Twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6, AWD | AWD |
| Specs | ||
| Basic Warranty | 3 years/36,000 miles | 4 years/50,000 miles |
| Powertrain Warranty | 5 years/60,000 miles | 4 years/50,000 miles |
| NHTSA Overall Safety | 5 stars | 5 stars |
| Max Seating Capacity | 7 | 7 |
| Wheelbase | 119.1 inches | 117.3 inches |
| Overall Length | 198.8 inches | 200.7 inches |
| Width | 78.9 inches | 78.3 inches |
| Height | 69.9 inches | 70.4 inches |
| Turning Diameter | 38.8 feet | 40.0 feet |
| Headroom, Front | 40.7 inches | 41.3 inches |
| Headroom, 2nd Row | 40.5 inches | 40.4 inches |
| Headroom, 3rd Row | 38.2 inches | 38.3 inches |
| Legroom, Front | 43.0 inches | 41.7 inches |
| Legroom, 2nd Row | 39.0 inches | 37.6 inches |
| Legroom, 3rd Row | 32.2 inches | 33.7 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Front | 61.8 inches | 61.5 inches |
| Shoulder Room, 2nd Row | 61.9 inches | 60.5 inches |
| Shoulder Room, 3rd Row | 54.6 inches | 54.9 inches |
| Cargo Volume | 18.2 cubic feet | 20.6 cubic feet |
