2025 Volkswagen Atlas vs 2025 Ford Explorer

The 2025 Ford Explorer continued to build on its previous redesign, maintaining its rear-wheel-drive platform that contributed to its balanced proportions and sleek design. The refreshed model featured a restyled front end, giving it a wider and more ruggedly handsome appearance. New LED taillights and a strip of trim connecting them added to its modern look. Inside, the Explorer saw significant improvements, with upgraded materials and design making it competitive in its segment. Ford streamlined the trim levels to four, offering a range from the base Active to the performance-tuned ST, with prices starting at $39,755.

In contrast, the 2025 Volkswagen Atlas offered a robust lineup with five trim levels, including the off-road-ready Peak Edition and the sporty SEL Premium R-Line. The Atlas Cross Sport variant provided a more rakish design while maintaining the core features of the three-row Atlas. Prices ranged from $38,200 to $53,205. The Atlas SEL Premium R-Line, with its Mountain Lake Blue exterior and Shetland Beige leather interior, showcased a chiseled, upscale appearance. Inside, the Atlas boasted diamond-stitched leather and metallic accents, creating a warm and inviting environment. However, the touch-sensitive controls for temperature and volume were less satisfying to use.

The 2025 Ford Explorer offered two EcoBoost engine options. Most trims featured a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. The performance-oriented ST trim came with a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6, delivering 400 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque. All Explorers had a 10-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive, with an optional four-wheel-drive system. The ST-Line test vehicle averaged 23.8 mpg with its turbocharged four-cylinder engine. The Explorer's powertrain provided quick acceleration, and the 10-speed automatic offered decisive shifts. The ST-Line's larger wheels enhanced its appearance, while the ST-Line Street Package added performance brakes and 21-inch wheels.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas, on the other hand, featured a single turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 269 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. This engine replaced the previous V6, promising better fuel economy. The Atlas retained its eight-speed automatic transmission, with front-wheel drive or 4Motion all-wheel drive. Despite initial skepticism, the engine proved refined and satisfying for daily driving tasks. However, the Atlas's ride quality was less impressive, with a brittle suspension over road imperfections and excessive body motions at highway speeds. The Atlas returned 15.5 mpg in urban conditions and 19.2 mpg overall during testing.

The 2025 Ford Explorer offered seating for six in its standard configuration, with an optional second-row bench seat increasing capacity to seven. The ST-Line trim featured comfortable front seats with black artificial leather upholstery and cloth inserts. The second-row captain's chairs were equally comfortable, and the Premium Package added amenities like manual rear side window shades. However, the third-row seat was less comfortable for adults. Cargo space was competitive, with 16.3 cubic feet behind the third row, 46 cubic feet behind the second row, and a maximum of 85.8 cubic feet.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas excelled in form and function, offering one of the most comfortable third-row seats in its class. The SEL Premium R-Line's front seats were heated, ventilated, and massaging, though the leather felt slightly stiff. The second-row bench seat accommodated three adults comfortably, with ample legroom and a panoramic sunroof overhead. Access to the third row was outstanding, and the seat provided adequate leg support. The Atlas offered 20.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 55.5 cubic feet with the third row folded and 96.6 cubic feet with the second row down.

The 2025 Ford Explorer featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a new 13.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system called Ford Digital Experience. This system included Google Built-in, Amazon Alexa Built-in, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Explorer also offered B&O sound systems by Bang & Olufsen, with the ST-Line featuring 10 speakers and the Platinum and ST boasting 14 speakers. The Ford Digital Experience was user-friendly, with Google Maps integration and app downloads through Google Play.

In contrast, the 2025 Volkswagen Atlas used the VW Group's MIB3 operating system with a 12-inch touchscreen display. The Atlas lacked traditional stereo and climate controls, relying on touch-sensing buttons and a touch-and-slide volume control. The native digital voice assistant was an extra-cost option and proved unreliable. However, standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto provided a more satisfying experience. The Atlas SEL Premium R-Line's Harman Kardon audio system was impressive, but the MIB3 system suffered from user-experience glitches and a lack of intuitive controls.

The 2025 Ford Explorer came equipped with Ford CoPilot 360+, which included adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assist and other advanced driving assistance systems. Starting with the ST-Line trim, the Explorer featured BlueCruise, Ford's hands-free highway driving system. During testing, BlueCruise performed well, though it occasionally struggled with tighter curves and heavy traffic. The 2025 Explorer had not yet received full safety ratings from the NHTSA or IIHS at the time of publication.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas featured IQ.Drive, which included Front Assist, Active Side Assist, Lane Assist, Emergency Assist, and Travel Assist. These systems provided comprehensive driver assistance, with adaptive cruise control and rear cross-traffic alert. The Atlas also came with a five-year subscription to Car-Net Safe & Secure services. The Atlas earned a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and was a 2024 IIHS "Top Safety Pick," though updated ratings for 2025 were not available.