VS
At a Glance
Power
300hp @ 5500
269hp @ 5500
Torque
310lb-ft @ 3500
273lb-ft @ 1600
Fuel
24 mpg est.
23 mpg est.
Towing
5000lbs
2000lbs
Engine
2.3 L/140ci
2.0 L/121ci
Choosing between the Ford Explorer and the Volkswagen Atlas is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The Ford Explorer delivers 300hp @ 5500 while the Volkswagen Atlas produces 269hp @ 5500. On fuel, the Explorer returns 24 mpg est. while the Atlas uses 23 mpg est. — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at $50,965 for the Explorer and $39,310 for the Atlas. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Specification
Ford ExplorerPlatinum RWD 2026 - From $50,965
Volkswagen Atlas2.0T SE FWD 2026 - From $39,310
Performance
Power Output (hp)
300hp @ 5500
269hp @ 5500
Torque (lb-ft)
310lb-ft @ 3500
273lb-ft @ 1600
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2.3 L/140ci
2.0 L/121ci
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Gasoline
Forced Induction Device
Turbocharged
Turbocharged
Transmission
Automatic w/OD
Automatic
Number of Gears
—
8
Drive Wheels
Rear Wheel Drive
Front Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy (Combined, est.)
24 mpg est.
23 mpg est.
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
20 (2025)mpg
20 (2025)mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
29 (2025)mpg
26 (2025)mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
17.9gal
18.6gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
198.8in
200.7in
Width (in)
78.9in
78.3in
Height (in)
69.6in
70.1in
Wheelbase (in)
119.1in
117.3in
Curb Weight (lbs)
4344lbs
4317lbs
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity (lbs)
5000lbs
2000lbs
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Backup Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Rear Parking Aid
✓ Standard
—
Sunroof
✓ Standard
—
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Power Seat Adjustment
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Trailer Hitch
✓ Standard
—
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Ford Explorer
3 / 4 categories
Performance
Explorer
Fuel Economy
Explorer
Value
Atlas
Practicality
Explorer
Pros & Cons
Ford Explorer
Better fuel economy (24 mpg est.)
Higher towing capacity (5000lbs)
Higher starting price
Volkswagen Atlas
Lower starting price ($39,310)
Higher fuel consumption (23 mpg est.)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Explorer or Atlas?
The Explorer gets 24 mpg est. and the Atlas gets 23 mpg est. on the combined cycle. The Explorer is the more fuel-efficient choice. In real-world conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, actual figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the Explorer or Atlas?
The Explorer produces 300hp @ 5500 and 310lb-ft @ 3500 of torque while the Atlas delivers 269hp @ 5500 and 273lb-ft @ 1600 of torque. The Explorer is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Explorer and Atlas?
The Explorer starts from $50,965 and the Atlas from $39,310. The Atlas is cheaper by $11,655 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Explorer or Atlas?
The Explorer has a braked towing capacity of 5000lbs and the Atlas can tow 2000lbs. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Explorer or the Atlas?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the mpg figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day driving - commutes, school runs and highway trips - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.