The midsize 3-row SUV segment is full of excellent options, but different SUVs have different sets of strengths. Some lean into sporty, luxurious, rugged, or practical personalities, and sometimes, we see a mixture of all of the above. The Ford Explorer and Volkswagen Atlas are good examples of family SUVs with different personalities and sets of strengths.
Let’s take a closer look at these 3-row SUVs and find the right one for you.
2025 Ford Explorer
The tried and true Ford Explorer is one of the most trusted names in midsize SUVs. It’s been a loyal companion for American families for decades, and it continues that reputation in 2025. Its diverse lineup includes the sporty Explorer ST, a veritable performance vehicle, and the luxurious Platinum model, ensuring there’s a Ford Explorer for everyone who needs a sensible SUV.
Ford Explorer Highlights
Exciting turbo V6: A turbocharged V6 engine that’s standard in the Explorer ST and optional in the Platinum trim pumps out 400 horsepower, giving this Ford more driving excitement than most of its rivals, including the Atlas.
BlueCruise: The Explorer’s available BlueCruise semi-autonomous driving system allows for relaxed, hands-free driving on more than 130,000 miles of North American highways. Volkswagen has no such hands-free feature.
More efficient base engine: The base engine of the Ford Explorer is a little more fuel-efficient than the sole engine in the VW Atlas in both their respective two-wheel drive (2WD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) configurations.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Explorer models for sale near you.
2025 Volkswagen Atlas
The Volkswagen Atlas is one of the roomier and more family-oriented 3-row SUVs in this competitive segment. We’ve ridden in the third row, and it’s actually a pretty comfortable place to be; plus, there’s plenty of cargo room to boot. The cabin is also pretty upscale for its price point, with a little European flair.
Volkswagen Atlas Highlights
Huge interior: The Volkswagen Atlas boasts one of the roomiest interiors in its class, with generous cargo room and an adult-friendly third row that’s actually comfortable. Compared to the Explorer, the Atlas has an extra 1.5 inches of third-row legroom and 26 percent more cargo space behind the third row.
More affordable: In addition to its family-friendly practicality, the Volkswagen Atlas’s sub-$40,000 starting price makes it a strong value in the midsize 3-row SUV class.
Longer basic warranty: The Ford has a 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty, which is the industry standard. But Volkswagen gives Atlas owners a longer 4-year/50,000-mile basic warranty plus a 2-year/20,000-mile complementary maintenance plan for a little extra peace of mind.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Atlas models for sale near you.
Similarities
These both fit into the midsize SUV category and come standard with three-row seating. They also both have turbo four-cylinder base engines and similar infotainment tech features.
Pricing
New 2025 Ford Explorer Prices
New 2025 Volkswagen Atlas Prices
|
$39,625 |
$37,398 |
|||
|
$41,525 |
$39,511 |
|||
|
$43,730 |
$41,526 |
|||
|
$45,630 |
$43,289 |
|||
|
$48,080 |
$45,781 |
|||
|
$49,625 |
$47,317 |
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|
$54,630 |
$52,362 |
The Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price for any individual used vehicle can vary greatly according to mileage, condition, location, and other factors.
The prices here reflect what buyers are currently paying for New 2025 Ford Explorer vehicles and New 2025 Volkswagen Atlas vehicles in typical condition when purchasing from a dealership.
These prices are updated weekly. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) quoted includes the destination fee, but does not include tax, license, document fees, and options.
Specifications
| 2025 Ford Explorer | 2025 Volkswagen Atlas | |
| Popular Powertrains |  |   |
| Engine | Turbocharged 2.3-liter 4-cylinder | Turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 300 hp @ 5,500 rpm | 269 hp @ 5,500 rpm |
| Torque | 310 lb-ft @ 3,500 rpm | 273 lb-ft @ 1,600 rpm |
| Transmission | 10-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Fuel economy | 20 city/29 hwy/24 combined mpg | 20 city/26 hwy/22 combined mpg |
| Also Available | Twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6, AWD | AWD |
| Specs |  |    |
| Basic Warranty | 3 years/36,000 miles | 4 years/50,000 miles |
| Powertrain Warranty | 5 years/60,000 miles | 4 years/50,000 miles |
| NHTSA Overall Safety | 5-Star | 5-Star |
| Max Seating Capacity | 7 | 7 |
| Wheelbase | 119.1 inches | 117.3 inches |
| Overall Length | 198.8 inches | 200.7 inches |
| Width | 78.9 inches | 78.3 inches |
| Height | 69.6 inches | 70.4 inches |
| Turning Diameter | 38.8 feet | 40.0 feet |
| Headroom, Front | 40.7 inches | 41.3 inches |
| Headroom, 2nd Row | 40.5 inches | 40.4 inches |
| Headroom, 3rd Row | 38.9 inches | 38.3 inches |
| Legroom, Front | 43.0 inches | 41.7 inches |
| Legroom, 2nd Row | 39.0 inches | 37.6 inches |
| Legroom, 3rd Row | 32.2 inches | 33.7 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Front | 62.1 inches | 61.5 inches |
| Shoulder Room, 2nd Row | 61.9 inches | 60.5 inches |
| Shoulder Room, 3rd Row | 54.6 inches | 54.9 inches |
| Cargo Volume | 16.3/46.0 cubic feet  | 20.6/55.5 cubic feet |
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a good value on a practical family hauler, the spacious Volkswagen Atlas is one of the most minivan-like SUVs in its segment. We also like the extra bumper-to-bumper warranty coverage compared to the Ford. However, the Ford Explorer is a trusted name for good reasons, and we love that you can get one with hands-free driving. And if you like the idea of a family SUV that’s exciting to drive, a Ford Explorer with the optional turbo V6 is one of the most thrilling SUVs this side of a pricier luxury SUV.
