2021 Volkswagen Atlas vs 2021 Ford Explorer

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas received a noteworthy styling refresh, resulting in a more extroverted appearance compared to the more conservatively styled 2020 model. Key updates included new front and rear bumpers, standard LED headlights and taillights, and a fresh grille design, shared with the two-row Atlas Cross Sport model. These changes extended the Atlas’ length by 2.4 inches. Despite the more pronounced look, some critics found its fake chrome exhaust tips to be a bit cheesy. The optional R-Line trim package added sportier elements like unique front and rear bumpers and side skirts. Even though Volkswagen quoted a drag coefficient of 0.34, which was moderate for a boxy vehicle, it didn’t significantly stand out.

The 2021 Ford Explorer, on the other hand, continued Ford's tradition of offering a family of SUVs with a consistent design language. The Explorer was distinctive among SUVs from other brands, thanks to its sporty, raked belt lines and bold front visage. Depending on the trim, it came with various grille options, from black to chrome, catering to different aesthetic preferences. Despite the similarities in design to the Edge at a quick glance, each trim level of the Explorer provided escalating levels of exterior and interior refinement, from the base model up to the luxurious Platinum trim.

For performance, the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas offered two engine options. The base engine was a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four, delivering 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque when using premium fuel. For those seeking more power, the 3.6-liter VR6 engine, unique to VW with its narrow V-angle, provided 276 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and had front-wheel drive (FWD) as standard, with an optional 4Motion all-wheel drive (AWD) system. Despite the potential for a robust driving experience, the Atlas’ handling was often described as truck-like, with poor ride quality that accentuated every road imperfection. Its towing capacity ranged from 2,000 pounds for the four-cylinder model to 5,000 pounds for the VR6-equipped models.

By contrast, the 2021 Ford Explorer presented a more versatile engine lineup. The base 2.3-liter EcoBoost turbocharged four-cylinder engine provided a robust 300 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque, outperforming the base Atlas engine significantly. The more performance-oriented trims, including the Explorer ST, featured a 3.0-liter EcoBoost twin-turbo V6, delivering up to 400 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque. The Explorer Limited Hybrid variant added a 310 horsepower V6 hybrid drivetrain. All engines were mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission. With towing capabilities ranging from 5,000 to 5,600 pounds, depending on the trim and configuration, the Explorer provided a more potent and dynamic performance package.

In terms of form and function, the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas offered three rows of seating, accommodating up to seven passengers. Its cargo space was competitive, offering 96.8 cubic feet with all seats folded and 20.6 cubic feet with all seats up. However, it offered more legroom in the third row at the expense of second-row legroom, which was the least spacious among its competitors. The standard second-row bench was also noted to be less comfortable with thin, flat cushions. Accessing the third row was relatively easy due to the sliding second-row bench. The Atlas’ interior controls were ergonomic, but some interior materials felt subpar, with cheap-feeling plastics and simulated wood inserts.

The 2021 Ford Explorer featured a flexible seating arrangement with the base model offering seating for seven, and other trims, swapping the second-row bench for captain’s chairs, reducing capacity to six but enhancing comfort. Second-row legroom was impressive at 39 inches. Unlike the Atlas, even with the third row deployed, the Explorer offered a substantial 21 cubic feet of cargo space, although overall cargo volume with folded seats topped out at 81 cubic feet, lagging behind the Atlas. The Explorer's interior featured numerous storage solutions, including a rotary gearshift to free up console space and accommodate various storage bins and cupholders.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas came with a host of technological features including Bluetooth and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility. The base S trim offered a 6.5-inch infotainment touchscreen, while higher trims received an 8-inch screen. Volkswagen's Digital Cockpit was available on higher trims, replacing analog gauges with a 10.3-inch reconfigurable digital display. Additionally, a built-in 4G LTE WiFi hotspot was a new feature for 2021. Despite the functional tech, screens in mid-level trims could feel plain and text-heavy.

Similarly, the 2021 Ford Explorer provided a wealth of tech features even at its base level, with a standard 8-inch touchscreen that included AM/FM radio, SiriusXM satellite radio, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto functionality. Higher trims boasted a 10.1-inch touchscreen and a 12-speaker or 14-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system. Moreover, Explorer's infotainment system, Sync 3, was robust and reliable. The number of charging points was also generous, with multiple USB ports and 12-volt power points, and higher trims even included a 110-volt AC power outlet.

Safety was a strong suit for both models. The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas earned top “good” ratings in all IIHS crash tests, though it had a “marginal” rating for child-seat anchors and mixed headlight ratings. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking and blind-spot monitoring, with higher trims offering adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and traffic-jam assist capabilities.

The 2021 Ford Explorer was rated a Top Safety Pick+ by IIHS, achieving top scores in crash tests and an "Acceptable" rating for adaptive headlights. The base Explorer was loaded with Ford’s Co-Pilot360 suite, which included auto high-beam headlights, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane keeping assist, forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, and dynamic brake support. More advanced safety features came with the higher trims through the Co-Pilot360 Assist+ suite, such as adaptive cruise control with lane centering and evasive steering assist.