2024 Volkswagen Atlas vs 2025 Ford Explorer

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas underwent a styling refresh that enhanced its original design, dating back to the 2013 CrossBlue concept. New lighting elements, including light-up VW logos and a front light bar, gave the Atlas a fresh "face" with American swagger. The rear featured taillights blending into a full-width light bar. All trim levels received new wheel designs, with the SEL Premium R-Line boasting 21-inch wheels. The Atlas Peak Edition introduced an outdoorsy vibe with black wheels, all-terrain tires, and unique colors. Inside, the Atlas saw a revised center cabin with a freestanding infotainment touchscreen and a minimalist shifter, creating more functional space. The interior aimed for an upscale feel with improved materials, though some areas still felt less premium.

The 2025 Ford Explorer continued its sleek design with a refreshed front end, giving it a wider and more rugged appearance. New LED taillights and a strip of trim with the SUV’s name added to its appeal. Interior updates significantly improved the Explorer's ambiance, making it competitive in its segment. Ford reduced the trim levels to four, including the new base trim Active and the sporty ST-Line. Prices ranged from $39,755 to $55,505. During a driving event in Michigan, the ST-Line with RWD and additional packages showcased its stylish design and performance capabilities.

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas offered a single powertrain option: a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine producing 269 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. This engine, part of VW's EA888 series, was paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, available in FWD or AWD. The Atlas achieved 0 to 60 mph in eight seconds for FWD models and 8.3 seconds for AWD models. Despite improvements, the Atlas remained a family-focused vehicle prioritizing comfort over performance. The Peak Edition added all-terrain tires, but the 4Motion AWD system was primarily designed for pavement. The Atlas had a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds, except for the base SE model, which was rated for 2,000 pounds.

The 2025 Ford Explorer offered two EcoBoost engines. Most trims featured a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine with 300 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. The Explorer ST and optional Platinum trim had a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 producing 400 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque. All models came with a 10-speed automatic transmission and RWD, with optional 4WD. The Explorer's turbo four provided quick acceleration, and the 10-speed automatic delivered decisive shifts. The ST-Line's performance was enhanced with larger wheels and optional performance brakes. The Explorer ST showcased its capabilities on an autocross course, while the Platinum trim demonstrated fast acceleration and a pleasant engine sound.

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas added more standard features, including a heated steering wheel and ventilated front seats on the base SE trim. The SE with Technology included a power liftgate, while the SEL featured leather upholstery and heated second-row seats. The Atlas offered seating for seven, with a second-row bench that could hold three child seats. Captain's chairs were available on higher trims, reducing capacity to six. The Atlas provided competitive headroom and legroom across all rows, with ample cargo space ranging from 20.6 to 96.6 cubic feet.

The 2025 Ford Explorer seated six in its standard configuration, with an optional second-row bench increasing capacity to seven. The ST-Line featured a heated steering wheel, power-adjustable front seats, and a Premium Package with additional amenities. The front seats were comfortable, and the second-row captain’s chairs offered similar comfort. The third row was less accommodating for adults. Cargo space was competitive, with 16.3 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 85.8 cubic feet with seats folded.

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas included a 12-inch touchscreen and a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster as standard, along with wireless phone charging and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Six USB-C ports were standard, with up to eight available. A head-up display was standard on higher trims, and the premium audio system was upgraded to a 12-speaker Harman Kardon system. The infotainment system was user-friendly, though haptic touchpads for controls were less intuitive.

The 2025 Ford Explorer introduced the Ford Digital Experience with a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 13.2-inch touchscreen. It featured Google Built-in, Amazon Alexa, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. A 5G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot and web browser apps were available. The system was easy to use, with effective Google Maps integration. The Explorer offered B&O sound systems, with the ST-Line having 10 speakers and higher trims featuring 14 speakers and 980 watts of power.

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with five stars in side crash testing. The 2023 model, structurally similar, received "Good" scores from the IIHS, except for a "Marginal" in the updated moderate overlap front test. The Atlas included VW's IQ.Drive package with advanced driver-assist features and emergency response systems.

The 2025 Ford Explorer came with Ford CoPilot 360+, including adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assist. Higher trims featured BlueCruise, Ford’s hands-free highway driving system. The NHTSA had not fully rated the 2025 Explorer, but it earned five-star side-impact and four-star rollover resistance ratings.