Ford Flex vs. Volkswagen Atlas
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Ford Flex and Volkswagen Atlas contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the Ford Flex and the Volkswagen Atlas.
When we compare the Ford Flex's and the Volkswagen Atlas's specifications and ratings, the Ford Flex has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, reliability, interior volume, overall quality score and base engine power. The Volkswagen Atlas has the advantage in the areas of fuel efficiency and resale value. Based on this comparison of the Ford Flex's and the Volkswagen Atlas's specifications and ratings, the Ford Flex is a better car than the Volkswagen Atlas.
Pricing: A used 2019 Ford Flex ranges from $16,900 to $28,967 while a used 2019 Volkswagen Atlas is priced between $18,929 to $30,998.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Ford Flex loses 50.3 percent of its value and the Volkswagen Atlas loses 48.2 percent of its value. This means the Volkswagen Atlas retains 2 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Ford Flex.
Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Ford Flex is 8.3 out of 10 while the Volkswagen Atlas' quality rating is 7.4 out of 10. This results in the Ford Flex being ranked 14 out of 39 Best SUVs with 3 Rows and the Volkswagen Atlas being ranked 26 out of 39. Out of 67 Best Crossover SUVs, the Ford Flex is ranked 22 and the Volkswagen Atlas is ranked 44.
Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Ford Flex is 9.2 out of 10. For the Volkswagen Atlas the reliability rating is 5.7 out of 10. This gives the Ford Flex a substantial advantage in reliability compared to the Volkswagen Atlas.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Ford Flex’s base engine makes 287 horsepower, and the Volkswagen Atlas base engine makes 235 horsepower. The Flex is rated to deliver an average of 19 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 428 miles. The Atlas is rated to deliver an average of 22 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 484 miles. This gives the Volkswagen Atlas the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the Ford Flex. Both models use regular unleaded.
Passenger Space Comparison: The Ford Flex has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front head room, rear head room and rear leg room. The Volkswagen Atlas has the advantage in the areas of front shoulder room, front leg room, rear shoulder room, and cargo space.
Safety Ratings: The Volkswagen Atlas has an average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars based on NHTSA's crash test ratings.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
$30,575
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Large SUVs)
$50,691
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Large SUVs)
$30,575 - $85,165
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
$30,895
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize SUVs)
$30,316
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
$23,245 - $35,310
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$22,644
Price Range:
$16,900 - $28,967
Category Avg Price:
(Large SUVs)
$37,588
Category Avg Price Range:
(Large SUVs)
$22,644 - $65,412
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
270
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
83,895
# Good or Great Deals:
79
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$25,051
Price Range:
$18,929 - $30,998
Category Avg Price:
(Midsize SUVs)
$24,868
Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
$16,878 - $34,673
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
676
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
79,400
# Good or Great Deals:
202
Ford Flex Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.3 / 10
Reliability:
9.2 / 10
Retained Value:
7.4 / 10
Safety:
Not available
Volkswagen Atlas Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
7.4 / 10
Reliability:
5.7 / 10
Retained Value:
7.5 / 10
Safety:
9.0 / 10
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Ford Flex
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
5.2
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Large SUVs)
5.2
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Large SUVs)
4.7 - 8.5
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
50.5%
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Volkswagen Atlas
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Midsize SUVs)
5.5
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
3.6 - 8.7
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
1.8
Typical Category Recalls:
(Large SUVs)
2
Category Range for Recalls:
(Large SUVs)
1.4 - 6.1
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
11.7
Typical Category Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
3.2
Category Range for Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
1 - 33.1
Ford Flex Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 10Ranking
1 out of / 10Ranking
1 out of / 10Ranking
1 out of / 10Ranking
1 out of / 6Ranking
1 out of / 6Ranking
1 out of / 6Ranking
1 out of / 6Ranking
1 out of / 6Ranking
1 out of / 1Ranking
1 out of / 1Ranking
1 out of / 1Ranking
2 out of / 67Ranking
2 out of / 6Ranking
3 out of / 67Ranking
3 out of / 13Ranking
3 out of / 10Ranking
4 out of / 13Ranking
5 out of / 67Ranking
5 out of / 39Ranking
5 out of / 13Ranking
7 out of / 13Ranking
9 out of / 13Ranking
10 out of / 13Ranking
11 out of / 39Ranking
13 out of / 67Ranking
13 out of / 13Ranking
14 out of / 39Ranking
16 out of / 39Ranking
22 out of / 67Ranking
22 out of / 67Ranking
22 out of / 39Ranking
27 out of / 39Ranking
28 out of / 39Ranking
63 out of / 67Volkswagen Atlas Rankings
Ranking
5 out of / 67Ranking
5 out of / 32Ranking
7 out of / 10Ranking
8 out of / 67Ranking
9 out of / 39Ranking
9 out of / 32Ranking
11 out of / 32Ranking
11 out of / 17Ranking
12 out of / 67Ranking
12 out of / 39Ranking
13 out of / 67Ranking
13 out of / 39Ranking
13 out of / 32Ranking
13 out of / 32Ranking
13 out of / 28Ranking
13 out of / 18Ranking
14 out of / 34Ranking
14 out of / 32Ranking
17 out of / 39Ranking
17 out of / 39Ranking
17 out of / 32Ranking
18 out of / 39Ranking
19 out of / 39Ranking
20 out of / 32Ranking
20 out of / 32Ranking
23 out of / 67Ranking
24 out of / 67Ranking
24 out of / 39Ranking
24 out of / 32Ranking
25 out of / 32Ranking
26 out of / 39Ranking
26 out of / 39Ranking
27 out of / 32Ranking
30 out of / 39Ranking
33 out of / 39Ranking
38 out of / 67Ranking
43 out of / 67Ranking
44 out of / 67Ranking
46 out of / 59Ranking
47 out of / 67Ranking
47 out of / 67Ranking
60 out of / 67Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Ford Flex Trim Levels
Limited, SE, SEL
Volkswagen Atlas Trim Levels
S, SE, V6 S 4Motion, V6 SE, V6 SE 4Motion, V6 SE R-Line, V6 SE R-Line 4Motion, V6 SEL, V6 SEL 4Motion, V6 SEL Premium 4Motion, V6 SEL R-Line, V6 SEL R-Line 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:
6 years / 72000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
6 years / 72000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
3 years / 36000 miles
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
287 hp @ 6500 rpm
Torque:
254 foot-lbs @ 4000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.065 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
235 hp @ 4500 rpm
Torque:
258 foot-lbs @ 1600 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.056 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
3.5 liters
Engine Configuration:
V
Number of Cylinders:
6
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
16 / 23 / 19
Range (city/hwy):
298 / 428 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
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):
20 / 26 / 22
Range (city/hwy):
372 / 484 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Internet Radio:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Android Auto:
Available
Apple CarPlay:
Available
Automatic Parking:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Keyless Ignition:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Paddle Shifters:
Available
Power Lift Gate:
Available
Satellite radio:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roadside assistance:
N/A
Roof Rack:
N/A
Wifi:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Internet Radio:
N/A
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Parking Sensors:
Available
Power outlet:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Automatic Parking:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Keyless Ignition:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Power Lift Gate:
Available
Satellite radio:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Captain's seat:
Available
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Quad Seats:
Available
Roadside assistance:
Available
Roof Rack:
Available
Wifi:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
Forward Collision Warning:
Available
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Lane Departure Warning:
N/A
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Lane Departure Warning:
Available
Lane Keeping Assist:
Available
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
41.8 inches
Front Leg Room:
42.6 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
58.4 inches
Rear Head Room:
40.5 inches
Rear Leg Room:
44.3 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
58.1 inches
Cargo Space:
20 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
83.2 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
175.8 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
41.3 inches
Front Leg Room:
45.1 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
61.5 inches
Rear Head Room:
40.4 inches
Rear Leg Room:
37.6 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
60.8 inches
Cargo Space:
20.6 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
96.8 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
174.3 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
4439 lbs
Width:
88.8 inches
Height:
68 inches
Length:
201.8 inches
Wheelbase:
117.9 inches
Ground Clearance:
5.9 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
4222 lbs
Width:
78.3 inches
Height:
70 inches
Length:
198.3 inches
Wheelbase:
117.3 inches
Ground Clearance:
8 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
17.0 x 7.0 inches
Wheel Type:
painted aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
P235/60R17
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
18.0 x 8.0 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
245/60R18
Exterior Colors
Black
Agate Black
Blue
Blue
Gray
Magnetic
Silver
Ingot Silver
White
Oxford White
Brown
Not available
Red
Not available
Exterior Colors
Black
Deep Black Pearl
Blue
Pacific Blue Metallic / Tourmaline Blue Metallic
Gray
Platinum Gray Metallic
Silver
Reflex Silver Metallic
White
Pure White
Brown
Terra Brown Metallic
Red
Fortana Red Metallic
Interior Colors
Beige
Dune
Black
Charcoal Black
Interior Colors
Beige
Not available
Black
Titan Black
