2021 VW Atlas / 2021 Ford Explorer Comparison Page

2021 Volkswagen Atlas vs 2021 Ford Explorer

For everyday driving around mid-Michigan, nothing beats a Volkswagen. Sporty performance and a well-stocked interior full of features are what help vehicles like the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas beat other SUVs on the market today. Volkswagen takes care into making sure every element of a vehicle’s design is optimal, including areas such as rear passenger space and cargo room in the SUV. Other SUVs on the road today like the 2021 Ford Explorer simply do not have the overall refinement that makes the Atlas a great option in the crowded market.  

Performance 

A turbocharged 2.0L four-cylinder engine fuels the reliable performance of the 2021 VW Atlas. With 235 horsepower being effortlessly handled by the eight-speed automatic transmission, getting around the highway is as smooth as a leisurely drive around town. The Atlas has FWD as the standard drivetrain and AWD is available for even greater handling performance in Michigan winters. With the Atlas being built with a similar driving style to their sportier sedans, the Volkswagen is one of the nimbler SUVs on the market. The 2021 Ford Explorer comes with a turbocharged 2.3L four-cylinder engine that generates 300 horsepower and is paired with an automatic ten-speed transmission. The standard drivetrain of the Explorer is RWD and can be equipped with AWD much like the Atlas.  

Interior Features 

Sporting 154 cubic feet of total passenger space, the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas provides more room for passengers to enjoy any trip comfortably. The 2021 Ford Explorer comes in with only 152.7 cubic feet of total space in comparison. This extra interior space makes the Atlas better for hauling large grocery runs and other large loads of cargo whether the seats are up, or all folded down. The passengers in the rearmost seats get to enjoy the extra legroom the most, as the Explorer does not provide passengers in the back seat as much stretchable space.  

Where both SUVs find common ground is in their standard entertainment and other convenience media applications. Integrated Wi-Fi® ensures that everyone in the vehicle will have a dependable connection to the Internet for their mobile devices and gaming systems. Connectivity to both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto means that personalized media content on the go is available for passengers with any applicable smartphone. Bluetooth® makes operating a smartphone safely while also adding another media outlet a welcome feature in both the Atlas and the Explorer.  

Safety Features 

The two SUVs share many of the modern safety and driver-assistance features that today’s drivers seek out. Forward Collision Alert with Automatic Emergency Braking provides active protection for the driver in reducing the likelihood of a frontal accident. The vehicles also help protect against collisions or other dangerous maneuvers involving rear traffic with standard Blind Spot Assist and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert. For optimal winter driving in Michigan, both SUVs equipped with their respective AWD systems give drivers the reliable grip and handling that is required to confidently handle icy or snowy conditions.  

Get the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas at Thelen VW 

A mid-Michigan preferred VW dealer, Thelen VW in Bay City is proud to offer the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas to the entire Great Lakes Bay Region including Saginaw, Midland, Sanford and Birch Run. This SUV has the interior space for comfortable seating in all rows and the performance to make any trip a satisfying one. Stop by our dealership and ask a member of our sales team about how we can work with you to find the Atlas that best fits you and your family’s needs.