Comparison - Volkswagen Atlas SEL 2018 - vs - Ford Explorer Platinum 2019

General

Other Names:

Also called:

Volkswagen Teramont

Also called:

--

2018 Audi Q7 vs VW Atlas: Flying Business Class or Economy?
2019 VW Atlas 4MOTION Review - It's Huge
2018 Volkswagen Atlas – The Biggest People Car Ever Made
Atlas vs Pathfinder : Only One Makes it To The Top!
2021 Volkswagen Atlas | Review & Road Test
2018 Audi Q7 vs VW Atlas: Flying Business Class or Economy?
2018 Volkswagen Atlas – Redline: First Drive ft. Saabkyle04
2018 Volkswagen Atlas SEL - Ultimate In-Depth Look in 4K VW Teramont
2019 Ford Explorer Limited Test Drive Video Review
Will It Tow? We Put The New 2020 Ford Explorer To The Test!
2018 Ford Explorer passenger-side small overlap IIHS
2019 Ford Explorer Limited Test Drive Video Review
2016 Ford Explorer Test Drive review by CarNichiWa.com
Average Price: 
41,140
Updated: 
01 Jan 2018
54,165
Updated: 
17 Feb 2018
Car Type: 
SUV
SUV
Drive Type: 
Front Wheel Drive
All Wheel Drive
Year: 
2018
2019
Total Seating: 
7
7
Transmission: 
8-speed Shiftable Automatic
6-speed Shiftable Automatic
Bluetooth: 
yes
yes
Heated seats: 
yes
yes
Navigation: 
yes
yes
Doors: 
5
5
Fuel Tank Capacity: 
18.60gals
18.60gals
Exterior Colors: 
Color: 
Reflex silver metallic
#848487
Platinum grey metallic
#4D5760
Deep black pearl
#0B0B0C
Tourmaline blue metallic
#1B3D58
Kurkuma yellow metallic
#BC9900
Fortana red metallic
#7E0825
Color: 
Blue Jeans Metallic
#486478
Ingot Silver Metallic
#C4C4C8
Oxford White
#E4E4E4
Ruby Red Metallic Tinted Clearcoat
#8E1C26
Shadow Black
#242424

Expert Reviews

Expert reviews: 

Volkswagen is dressing up the 2018 Atlas with its ubiquitous R-Line trim, which adds interior and exterior upgrades over the more basic models. The features include: 20-inch aluminum alloy wheels, snazzier bumpers, side skirts, and R-Line badges. The cabin gets stainless steel pedal covers and an R-Line steering wheel piece. The Atlas R-Line will be revealed next week at the Detroit Auto Show, and its features build on the SE and SEL trims.

The Atlas sport utility vehicle is VW's most anticipated vehicle in years. It goes on sale this spring and offers a 3.6-liter V6 with 276 horsepower or a turbo four-cylinder making 235 hp, which are each paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Volkswagen's 4Motion all-wheel-drive system is also an option.

The three-row SUV is the linchpin of VW's plans to move beyond its diesel-emissions scandal and capture new customers in the United States. It takes aim at entrenched competitors like the Ford Explorer, Honda Pilot, Toyota Highlander, and others.

The Atlas is based on VW's MQB architecture and will be built at the company's Chattanooga, Tenn., factory. The R-Line will be available in late 2018, and pricing has not been released for any of the Atlas trims.

By: 
autoblog.com

Making its debut at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, the 2018 Volkswagen Atlas R-Line adds aggressive edge to the automaker’s soon-to-launch midsize 3-row SUV that will be built in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Available on Atlas SE and SEL models, the tasteful R-Line upfit brings a selection of subtle performance-inspired cosmetic and functional tweaks and will be introduced shortly after the 2018 VW Atlas arrives in showrooms here this spring.

Key exterior changes to R-Line Atlas models include bolder fascias with larger air intakes up front and a unique gloss black rear diffuser as well as more deeply contoured side skirts, 20-inch aluminum wheels and R-Line badges. Inside, the package adds R-Line logos on the steering wheel and start screen on the infotainment package as well as stainless-steel sport pedal covers.

Like buyers of the standard 2018 VW Atlas, R-Line customers can choose from either a 235-horsepower/2.0-liter 4-cylinder TSI Turbo and front-wheel drive or a 276-horse/3.6-liter naturally aspirated V6 that’s available in FWD or AWD configurations. The sole transmission is an 8-speed automatic transmission.

By: 
kbb.com

There's a lot riding on its burly shoulders.

It is fitting that the all-new Volkswagen Atlas takes its name from the Greek god tasked with keeping the sky from falling on mortals. Coming off the hugely publicized diesel-emissions scandal, VW needs an emotional win. Despite the media and consumer kerfuffle, sales for the people’s brand are actually up so far in 2017, but that is mostly due to the arrival of the Golf Alltrack, a boomlet that eventually could fizzle. Hence the need for the Atlas to prop up the brand.

Riding on the same flexible architecture that underpins the Golf, the Tennessee-built Atlas is a medium-large three-row SUV that fills a major gap in VW’s portfolio. Not since the Routan—a rebadged Dodge Grand Caravan that VW last sold in 2013—has there been a Volkswagen with more than five seatbelts. Buyers have been forced to look elsewhere for their family-hauling needs.

The Atlas struts into dealerships this June, fully capable of shouldering the responsibility of transporting families and all their stuff as well as a big chunk of VW’s future in America. Like its namesake, this VW is strong enough to handle heavy lifting.

By: 
caranddriver.com

Everything. The 2018 Volkswagen Atlas is an all-new model for the 2018 model year. Though the SUV shares its MQB chassis and drivetrains with other Volkswagen Group products, this is the brand’s first three-row crossover offered in the U.S

The Volkswagen Atlas is the German automaker’s all-new three-row midsize crossover that, in size, slots above the two-row midsize Touareg and compact Tiguan SUVs as well as the Golf Alltrack and Golf SportWagen in the automaker’s people and cargo carrying lineup. The Atlas competes in a crowded segment that includes the Ford Explorer, Chevrolet Traverse, Honda Pilot, Nissan Pathfinder, Toyota Highlander, Mazda CX-9, and Dodge Durango.

LED headlights, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto are all standard.

The 2018 Atlas comes standard with a turbocharged 2.0-liter I-4 rated at 235 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, while a 3.6-liter VR6 rated at 276 hp and 266 lb-ft is optional. Both engines use an eight-speed automatic transmission. Front-drive is standard with both engines, and the automaker’s 4Motion all-wheel-drive system is optional with the 3.6-liter engine. EPA-rated fuel economy hasn’t been revealed for the turbo 2.0-liter, but the 3.6-liter is EPA-rated 18/25 mpg city/highway for the front-drive model and 17/23 mpg with all-wheel drive.

By: 
motortrend.com

The 2018 Ford Explorer ranked #9 in Midsize SUVs. Currently the Ford Explorer has a score of 8.3 out of 10 which is based on our evaluation of 68 pieces of research and data elements using various sources.

Pros
Large cargo area behind third-row seat
Meaty twin-turbo V6 available
High predicted reliability rating

Cons
Seats aren't as comfy or roomy as some
Thirsty engines
Feels massive to drive

By: 
usnews.com

The Explorer receives only minor changes for 2018, with subtle styling tweaks at the front and rear, an integrated 4G LTE hotspot and revised feature availability.

PROS
Plenty of high-tech features that are easy to use
Optional turbocharged V6 engine delivers plentiful power
Cabin is quiet and comfortable on the highway
Cargo space is generous behind the third row

CONS
Legroom in the third row is subpar
Depending on trim level, feels big and ponderous from behind the wheel

By: 
edmunds.com

The 2018 Ford Explorer has pulled off a graceful transition from clumsy off-roader to genteel family wagon.

Pros
A utility player, in the classic sense
Very good handling
Better fuel economy ratings
Improved infotainment, now with 4G LTE
Lovely Sport tuning

Cons
The EPA’s optimistic with those turbo ratings
Platinum content, platinum prices
Second-row seat needs padding, less tilt
Third-row seat needs more of everything

By: 
thecarconnection.com

Fuel

Fuel Type: 
Regular Unleaded
Regular Unleaded
Fuel Economy City USA: 
18.00mpg
16.00mpg
Fuel Economy HWY: 
25.00mpg
22.00mpg
Engine type: 
Petrol/Gas
Petrol/Gas

Engine and Performance

Valves: 
24
24
Cylinders: 
6
V
6
V
Engine Size/Displacement: 
3.60L
3.50L
Torque: 
266ft-lbs
at 2 750rpm
350ft-lbs
at 3 500rpm
Horsepower: 
276hp
at 6 200rpm
365hp
at 5 500rpm
Cam Type: 
Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Turning Circle: 
38.10Feet
39.80Feet

Convenience

Cruise Control: 
yes
yes
Door Pockets: 
yes
yes
Cupholders: 
yes
yes
Overhead console: 
yes
yes
Seatback Storage: 
yes
yes
Power Steering: 
yes
yes
Parking sensors: 
yes
yes
Steering Wheel Tilt: 
yes
yes
Telescopic steering wheel: 
yes
yes
Rear View Camera: 
yes
yes
Front view Camera: 
no
yes
Side view Camera: 
no
no
On steering wheel: 
Audio Controls On Steering Wheel
Transmission, cruise and audio controls on steering wheel
More in Convenience: 
Keyless Ignition
Turn Signal In Mirrors
Electric Power Steering
Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry
Universal Remote Transmitter (For Garage Door, Security System, Etc.)
driver assisted parking assist
Universal remote transmitter (for garage door, security system, etc.)
adaptive cruise control
Adjustable pedals
Keyless Ignition
electrochromatic inside rearview mirror

Exterior Dimensions

Length: 
198.30in
198.30in
Width: 
78.30in
78.90in
Height: 
70.00in
71.00in
Ground Clearance: 
8.00in
7.80in
Front Track: 
67.20in
67.00in
Rear Track: 
67.80in
67.00in
Wheel Base: 
117.30in
112.80in

Interior Dimensions

Front Head Room: 
41.30
41.40
Rear Head Room: 
40.40
40.60
Front Leg Room: 
41.50in
42.90in
Rear leg room: 
37.60in
39.50in
Front Hip Room: 
58.20in
57.30in
Front Shoulder Room: 
61.50in
61.50in
Rear Hip Room: 
58.00in
56.80in
Rear Shoulder room: 
60.80in
61.00in

Weights and capacites

Cargo Capacity: 
96.80cu.ft
81.70cu.ft
Maximum Towing Capacity un-break: 
5000lbs
5000lbs
Cargo Capacity with Seats in Place: 
20.60cu.ft
21.00cu.ft
Angle of Approach: 
20.40degrees
15.60degrees
Angle of Departure: 
22.40degrees
20.90degrees
Curb Weight: 
4336.00lbs
4458.00lbs

Instruments

External Temperature Display: 
yes
yes
Clock: 
yes
yes
Trip computer: 
yes
yes
Techometer: 
yes
yes
Compass: 
no
yes

Power Features

Power windows: 
yes
yes
Remote Keyless doors: 
yes
yes
More Power Features: 
power steering
Heated Mirrors
Reverse Tilt Passenger Only Provides Curb View When Vehicle In Reverse
2 one-touch power windows
Heated mirrors
hands-free entry

Seats

Rear Seat Collapsible: 
yes
yes
Front Seats Features: 
10-Way Power Driver Seat
8 -Way Power Passenger Seat
Bucket Front Seats
Height-Adjustable Driver Seat
cloth
Leatherette
Multi-Level Heating Driver Seat
Multi-Level Heating Passenger Seat
8 -way power driver seat
Bucket front seats
Height adjustable passenger seat
Multi-level heating driver seat
Driver seat with power adjustable lumbar support
8 -way power passenger seat
Height adjustable driver seat
Multi-level heating passenger seat
Passenger seat with power adjustable lumbar support
Massaging
passenger cooled seat
driver cooled seat
Rear Seats Features: 
Folds Into Floor Third Row Seats
Rear Ventilation Ducts
Folding center armrest
Rear ventilation ducts with fan control
Power folding split-bench third row seats
Split-folding rear seatback
reclining rear seats
multi-level heating

Suspension

Front Suspension: 
Stabilizer Bar
Front stabilizer bar
Rear Suspension: 
Stabilizer Bar
Rear stabilizer bar
Suspension Info: 
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension
Four-wheel independent suspension

Comfort

Interior air Filtration: 
no
yes
Climate Control: 
yes
yes
More Comfort Features: 
Electrochromatic Inside Rearview Mirror
Dual Illuminating Vanity Mirrors
Dual illuminating vanity mirrors
Leather steering wheel
Turn signal in mirrors
Heated steering wheel
Front and rear air conditioning

Entertainment

DVD player: 
no
no
AM/FM Radio: 
yes
yes
Satellite radio: 
yes
yes
Video monitor: 
no
yes
More Entertainment: 
8 Total Speakers
USB Connection
Auxiliary Audio Input And USB With External Media Control
USB connection
Auxiliary audio input and USB with external media control
Memory card slot
Surround audio surround audio (discrete)
Sony premium brand speakers
500 Watts Stereo Output
1 subwoofer(s)
12 total speakers
6 Months of provided satellite radio service
Sony premium brand stero system

Exterior Features

Sunroof: 
yes
no
Rear defogger: 
yes
yes
More in Glass and Roof: 
Privacy glass
Rear window wiper
Variable intermittent wipers
Roof rack
Alloy Wheels: 
yes
yes
Wheel size: 
18 X 8.0-In
20 in
Wheels more: 
All-Season Tires
Underbody mounted spare tire
All season tires
Temporary spare tire
Wheel Dimensions: 
Width: 
255.00millimeters
Aspect Ratio: 
50
Diameter: 
R16
Width: 
255.00millimeters
Aspect Ratio: 
50
Diameter: 
R20

Safety Features

ABS: 
yes
yes
Front head airbags: 
yes
yes
Rear head airbags: 
yes
yes
Dual front side-mounted airbags: 
yes
yes
Emergency braking assist: 
yes
yes
Traction control: 
yes
yes
Child seat anchors: 
yes
yes
Front brakes: 
Ventilated Front Disc
Front ventilated disc brakes
Stability control: 
yes
yes
Rear brakes: 
Solid Rear Disc Brakes
rear ventilated disc brakes
Rear door child safety locks: 
yes
yes
Daytime running lights: 
yes
yes
Engine immobilizer: 
yes
yes
Front fog lights: 
yes
yes
Dusk sensing headlamps: 
yes
yes
Auto delay off headlamps: 
yes
yes
Front headrests: 
yes
yes
Rear headrests: 
yes
yes
Tire pressure monitoring: 
yes
yes
More Safety Features: 
Rear Door Child Safety Locks
Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation
Post-Collision Safety System
Dual Front With Head Protection Chambers Side-Mounted Airbags
Front, Rear And Third Row Head Airbags
LED Headlamp
Pre-Collision Safety System
Blind-Spot And Lane Departure Warnings Accident Avoidance System
Rear Center 3-Point Belt
Cornering Lights
Post-collision safety system
Airbag Deployment Notification*
BLIS Plus Inflatable Rear Seatbelt Package
Adaptive Cruise Control and Collision Warning w/Brake Support
Rear height adjustable headrests
Rear center 3-point belt
Passenger airbag occupant sensing deactivation
Remote anti-theft alarm system
Dual front with head protection chambers side-mounted airbags
Pre-Collision Safety System
Blind Spot And Lane Departure Warnings Accident Avoidance System
Turn signal mirrors

Options

Packages: 
Equipment Group 600A
Exterior Options: 
Wheel Locks
Splash Guards
Paint Protection
Trailer Hitch
Hood Deflector
Bumper Applique
Roof Rack
Roof Rack Crossbars
Running Boards
20" Premium Painted Machined Aluminum Wheels
Splash Guards
License Plate Bracket
Rear Bumper Protector
Wheel Lock Kit
Interior Options: 
Roadside Assistance Kit
Rubber Mat Kit
First Aid Kit
Luggage Net
Rearview Mirror W/Homelink
2nd Row Bucket Seats w/Power-Assist Fold
Cargo Shade
Smokers Kit w/Element
Deep Tray-Style All-Weather Floor Mats
Rear Cargo Well Protector
DVD Headrests
2nd Row Console

Colors

Interior Colors: 
Color: 
#000000
Color: 
Medium Light Camel, cloth
#9A9789