2018 Volkswagen Atlas vs 2017 Ford Explorer

The 2018 Volkswagen Atlas is an exceptional choice for a full-size SUV, with its 7-person seating capacity, plenty of cargo space, flexible configurations, impressive performance and off-road capabilities. A major competitor of the new Atlas is the Ford Explorer. Let's see how the two full-size SUVs stack up in this 2018 Volkswagen Atlas vs 2017 Ford Explorer comparison.

One of the biggest advantages that the 2018 Atlas has over the 2017 Explorer is space — both for people and cargo. It boasts a total passenger volume of 153.7 cu-ft and maximum cargo capacity of 96.6 cu-ft. In comparison, the 2017 Explorer has a total passenger volume of 151.5 cu-ft and a significantly less maximum cargo capacity of 81.7 cu-ft. The 2018 Atlas is also very versatile, with an innovative folding mechanism for the second row that offers improved entry and exit room by enabling the second-row bench to tilt and slide forward, even with child seats in place. Additionally, the interior of the Atlas boasts high-level comfort and refinement, with the use of premium materials throughout.

2018 Volkswagen Atlas vs 2017 Ford Explorer
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2018 Volkswagen Atlas VS 2017 Ford Explorer
$30,500 MSRP $31,600
153.7 cu-ft Total Passenger Volume 151.5 cu-ft
96.8 cu-ft Maximum Cargo Capacity 81.7 cu-ft
2.0-liter I-4 and 3.6-liter VR6 Engine Options 2.3 liter I-4 and 3.5-liter V6

2018 VW Atlas vs 2017 Ford Explorer: Which full-size SUV is better?

Another strength of the Atlas is its safety features. It has six airbags (driver, passenger, full-length curtain and driver and passenger side) as standard along with a number of electronic safety systems, including Electronic Stability Control. Also, the Atlas is the only vehicle in its class to offer the Automatic Post-Collision Braking System, which is standard on all models. It applies the brakes when a primary collision is detected by the airbag sensors, helping to reduce the chance of additional damage.

The 2018 Atlas also delivers impressive performance with its two powerful engine choices: the 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, which produces 235 horsepower, and the available 3.6-liter VR6, which generates an impressive 276 hp. With either engine, power is sent through an eight-speed automatic transmission to help maximize efficiency. The 2018 Atlas can easily conquer challenging terrains with the available 4Motion all-wheel drive. This advanced system is activated before wheelspin occurs, helping eliminate traction losses. Atlas models with 4Motion also come with a Driving Mode Selection feature, which allows the driver to select specific vehicle profiles based on driving conditions. It has four settings: Onroad, Snow, Offroad and Custom Offroad.

Do you live in Orange County, California? Would you like to get behind the wheel of the 2018 Atlas? Contact us at Capistrano Volkswagen today!

2018 Volkswagen Atlas vs 2017 Ford Explorer Design Features
2018 Volkswagen Atlas vs 2017 Ford Explorer Towing
2018 Volkswagen Atlas vs 2017 Ford Explorer Technology
2018 Volkswagen Atlas vs 2017 Ford Explorer Interior
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