Comparing the 2021 Ford Explorer and 2021 Volkswagen Atlas is comparing two of the most popular SUVs on the road today. Both offer plenty of power and features, but which one is best for you?
First up, you should consider the MSRP (manufacturer's standard retail price) of each SUV. The base model of the 2021 Explorer has a starting price of $32,925 while the base model of the 2021 Atlas costs $31,545.
Of course, there are various trims options for both SUVs, each of which start at different prices as more features are included. You can check our amazing 2021 Ford Explorer offers 7 trim options including: XLT, King Ranch, Base, Platinum, Limited, ST, and Timberline. On the other hand, the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas offers 11 trim options including: 3.6L V6 SE w/Technology, 3.6L V6 SE w/Technology R-Line, 2.0T SE, 3.6L V6 SEL R-Line, 3.6L V6 SEL, 2.0T SE w/Technology, 2.0T S, 2.0T SEL, 3.6L V6 SEL Premium R-Line, 3.6L V6 SEL Premium, and 2.0T SEL Premium. Be sure to call us here at Pacifico Ford so we can help you more fully compare different trim options between the 2021 Ford Explorer and 2021 Volkswagen Atlas.
Another key consideration when doing a side-by-side of these SUVs are the engine options. Ford offers 5 different engines for its Explorer line, including the Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded I-4, Twin Turbo Premium Unleaded V-6, and Regular Unleaded V-6. Volkswagen offers 2 different engines for its 2021 Atlas lineup, including the Regular Unleaded V-6 and Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded I-4.
Next up you will want to look at the drivetrain options and MPG ratings for these SUVs. The 2021 Explorer offers up Four Wheel Drive and Rear Wheel Drive and gets 28 miles per gallon. The 2021 Atlas has All Wheel Drive and Front Wheel Drive drivetrains and gets 24 miles per gallon.
Finally, when it comes to available colors, the 2021 Explorer comes in 10 colors including colors like: Stone Gray Metallic, Star White Metallic Tri-Coat, Rapid Red Metallic Tinted Clearcoat, and Oxford White. In comparison, the 2021 Atlas comes in 9 colors including Tourmaline Blue Metallic, Racing Green Metallic, Pyrite Silver Metallic, and Pure White to name a few.
If you're excited about buying a Ford, you can check our amazing lease deals on 2021 Ford Explorers here. If you're looking for a Volkswagen, check out our great deals on used certified pre-owned Volkswagen SUVs here.
Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded I-4
Rear Wheel Drive
Automatic w/OD
21/28 MPG
Twin Turbo Premium Unleaded V-6
Rear Wheel Drive
Automatic w/OD
18/24 MPG
Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded I-4, Gas/Electric, Regular Unleaded V-6, Gas/Electric V-6
Rear Wheel Drive
Automatic w/OD
27/28 MPG
Twin Turbo Premium Unleaded V-6, Gas/Electric V-6
Four Wheel Drive
Automatic w/OD
23/26 MPG
Twin Turbo Premium Unleaded V-6
Four Wheel Drive
Automatic w/OD
18/24 MPG
Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded I-4
Four Wheel Drive
Automatic w/OD
19/23 MPG
Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded I-4
Rear Wheel Drive
Automatic w/OD
21/28 MPG
Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded I-4
Front Wheel Drive
Automatic w/OD
21/24 MPG
Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded I-4
Front Wheel Drive
Automatic w/OD
21/24 MPG
Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded I-4
Front Wheel Drive
Automatic w/OD
21/24 MPG
Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded I-4
All Wheel Drive
Automatic w/OD
20/24 MPG
Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded I-4
All Wheel Drive
Automatic w/OD
20/24 MPG
Regular Unleaded V-6
Front Wheel Drive
Automatic w/OD
17/23 MPG
Regular Unleaded V-6
Front Wheel Drive
Automatic w/OD
17/23 MPG
Regular Unleaded V-6
Front Wheel Drive
Automatic w/OD
17/23 MPG
Regular Unleaded V-6
All Wheel Drive
Automatic w/OD
16/22 MPG
Regular Unleaded V-6
All Wheel Drive
Automatic w/OD
16/22 MPG
Regular Unleaded V-6
Front Wheel Drive
Automatic w/OD
17/23 MPG
When comparing two great SUVs like the 2021 Ford Explorer vs. the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas, you're going to want to look at all of the features and specifications side-by-side. This will help you decide if the 2021 Ford Explorer has better options and brings more performance than the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas.
Use the trim selector above to change trims for each model. The tables below will automatically update to show you comparisons of each type of feature. Check out the entertainment features in the 2021 Ford Explorer and 2021 Volkswagen Atlas, as well as the exterior and interior features, mechanical options, and safety features. Comparing how the 2021 Ford Explorer safety and mechanical specs stack up against those of the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas is important for many drivers. But, sometimes it's the interior or entertainment options offered by the 2021 Explorer or the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas that makes the choice clear.
At Pacifico Ford, we strive to give our customers complete details on all of the SUVs they may be considering. Give us a call today, or drop in to our local Philadelphia Ford dealership at 6701 Essington Avenue, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19153 to ask any questions you may have.
If you're a visual person, there's no better way to evaluate appearances than by comparing images of the 2021 Ford Explorer & 2021 Volkswagen Atlas. We've compiled some of the more important views of each these SUVs, including exterior photos of the front of the 2021 Explorer and 2021 Atlas, the rear, and a profile view. We've also got interior photos of the 2021 Atlas & 2021 Explorer including the dashboards, trunk, rear seats and engines.
Overall the 2021 Ford Explorer is a better value than the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas because of its performance, safety features, and choices when it comes to engine type, colors, and other options. Price will always depend on the trims you are comparing so be sure to compare the right specs and contact Pacifico Ford at 215-240-6806 when deciding on the best SUV for you.
The final price of either of these SUVs will depend on your trim selection and the options you select. The 2021 Ford Explorer base model has an MSRP of $32,925, and the base model MSRP of the 2021 Atlas starts at $31,545.
The 2021 Ford Explorer comes with these drivetrain options:
The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas comes with these drivetrain options:
The base model 2021 Ford Explorer gets 28 MPG and the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas base model gets 24 miles per gallon.
2021 Ford Explorer Engine Options:
2021 Volkswagen Atlas Engine Options:
The 2021 Ford Explorer comes in 10 colors including:
The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas comes in 9 colors including: