Ford Explorer vs. Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport
When we compare the Ford Explorer to the Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport, the Ford Explorer has the advantage in the areas of interior volume and base engine power. The Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport has the advantage in the area of new vehicle base pricing Based on this comparison of the Ford Explorer versus the Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport, the Ford Explorer is a better car than the Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport.
Ford Explorer versus Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport Pricing
For a new model, the Ford Explorer's price is between $39,880 and $61,047, with the Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport priced between $36,435 and $53,873.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison
For engine performance, the Ford Explorer’s base engine makes 300 horsepower, and the Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport base engine makes 235 horsepower.
Passenger Space Comparison
While both models are crossover/midsize SUVs, the Ford Explorer has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front head room, front shoulder room, front leg room, rear head room and rear shoulder room. The Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport has the advantage in the areas of rear leg room trunk space.
Hauling, Towing, and Off-Road Capabilities Comparison
The Ford Explorer has the advantage of offering higher ground clearance and payload capacity than the Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport.
Safety Ratings Comparison
When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, both the Ford Explorer and the Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport have the same average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars. When comparing IIHS evaluations, the Ford Explorer has the advantage with a Top Safety Pick+ award.
Pricing
New Asking Price:
$39,880 - $61,047
Used Asking Price:
$25,524 - $40,893
5-Year Depreciation (lower is better):
46.2%
Pricing
New Asking Price:
$36,435 - $53,873
Used Asking Price:
-
5-Year Depreciation (lower is better):
46.4%
iSeeCars Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.5 / 10
Reliability:
8.4 / 10
Retained Value:
7.1 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
iSeeCars Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
Not available
Reliability:
Not available
Retained Value:
7.1 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
iSeeCars Rankings
Ranking
4 out of / 25Ranking
5 out of / 31Ranking
5 out of / 25Ranking
5 out of / 15Ranking
6 out of / 61Ranking
6 out of / 25Ranking
7 out of / 61Ranking
7 out of / 61Ranking
7 out of / 31Ranking
7 out of / 28Ranking
7 out of / 25Ranking
7 out of / 21Ranking
9 out of / 31Ranking
13 out of / 31Ranking
43 out of / 61iSeeCars Rankings
Ranking
10 out of / 25Ranking
14 out of / 25Ranking
22 out of / 61Ranking
50 out of / 61Summary Review
The Ford Explorer is one of the defining vehicles of its segment. This three-row SUV is big, tough, and versatile. Ford redesigned its Explorer for 2020, switching it back to a rear-wheel-drive-based vehicle with a more rugged foundation.
Summary Review
Not yet available
Pros and Cons
- Passenger Space
- Advanced 4X4 all-wheel-drive system available
- Class-leading engines on many trims, including a hybrid
- Older models lack some basic advanced safety systems common for their model years
- No 8-passenger seating option for 2021
Pros and Cons
Not yet available
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Drivetrain Options
Flex Fuel, Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Trim Levels
Base, Limited, ST-Line, ST, Platinum, King Ranch, Police Interceptor Utility, XLT, Timberline
Trim Levels
SEL 4Motion, V6 SEL 4Motion, SE, V6 SEL Premium R-Line 4Motion, SE 4Motion, V6 SE 4Motion, V6 SE, SEL R-Line Black 4Motion, V6 SEL R-Line Black 4Motion
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
3 years / 36000 miles
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
TOP SAFETY PICK +
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specifications
Horsepower:
300 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque:
310 foot-lbs @ 3500 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.069 hp per pound
Towing Capacity:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specifications
Horsepower:
235 hp @ 5400 rpm
Torque:
258 foot-lbs @ 1600 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.057 hp per pound
Towing Capacity:
Not yet available
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2.3 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
RWD / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway/Combined MPG):
Not yet available
Range (city/hwy):
Not yet available
Recommended Fuel Type:
Not yet available
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway/Combined MPG):
21 / 25 / 23
Range (city/hwy):
391 / 465 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Standard/Optional Features
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Heated Seats:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Standard/Optional Features
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Heated Seats:
Standard
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Navigation System:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Safety Equipment
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Safety Equipment
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Available
Lane Keeping Assist:
Available
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
40.7 inches
Front Leg Room:
43 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
61.8 inches
Rear Head Room:
40.5 inches
Rear Leg Room:
39 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
61.9 inches
Cargo Space:
18.2 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
87.8 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
170.9 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
39.4 inches
Front Leg Room:
41.7 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
61.5 inches
Rear Head Room:
37.8 inches
Rear Leg Room:
40.4 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
60.6 inches
Cargo Space:
40.3 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
77.8 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
152.3 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
4345 lbs
Width:
89.3 inches
Height:
69.9 inches
Length:
198.8 inches
Wheelbase:
119.1 inches
Ground Clearance:
7.9 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
4123 lbs
Width:
78.4 inches
Height:
67.8 inches
Length:
195.5 inches
Wheelbase:
117.3 inches
Ground Clearance:
7.1 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
18.0 x 7.5 inches
Wheel Type:
painted aluminum
Tire Size:
255/65R18
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
18.0 x 8.0 inches
Wheel Type:
alloy
Tire Size:
P245/60R18
