
2022 Volkswagen Atlas vs. Ford Explorer | Merrillville, IN
Stylish and versatile, the 2022 Volkswagen Atlas and 2022 Ford Explorer are three-row premium SUVs worth considering. What is the main difference between these two SUVs? The Volkswagen Atlas is larger and can hold more cargo overall. For more information, read through the following VW Atlas vs. Ford Explorer comparison put together by Team Volkswagen.
Interested in getting behind the wheel of the Volkswagen Atlas? View our online inventory and pair your favorite model with a finance or lease offer. Then, contact our Merrillville, IN, dealership by phone at (888) 824-9154 or through our online form.
The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas SE starts at $34,335 MSRP, while the 2022 Ford Explorer has a starting MSRP of $33,745.

2022 Volkswagen Atlas vs. Ford Explorer Exterior Design
Sophisticated silhouettes will meet your gaze as you approach the 2022 Volkswagen Atlas and 2022 Ford Explorer. Both models offer hands-free liftgates to make loading heavy cases of water into your trunk easier. You’ll also appreciate the power-folding, heated side mirrors with memory settings on both models. Illuminate the road with LED headlights, daytime running lights, and tail lights on both models.


2022 Volkswagen Atlas vs. Ford Explorer Interior Design & Technology
Appreciate plush accommodations in both the 2022 Ford Explorer and 2022 Volkswagen Atlas. Both come equipped with second-row captain’s chairs and seven-passenger seating. Everyone in the vehicle will appreciate the ability to regulate the temperature of the cabin with tri-zone automatic climate control.
Stay connected with the world around you thanks to technology included with both models. Belt out your favorite tunes while listening through the Fender® premium audio system on the Atlas or the B&O® sound system on the Explorer. Connect to the internet with help from the 4G LTE Wi-Fi® hotspot on both models. Other VW Atlas technology features include:
- Standard VW Digital Cockpit
- Keyless access
- Wireless charging
- Remote start
- Wireless App-Connect
2022 Volkswagen Atlas vs. Ford Explorer Engine Specs & Fuel Economy
Get in and go when you choose either a 2022 Volkswagen Atlas or 2022 Ford Explorer. The VW Atlas comes with standard front-wheel drive (FWD) or available with 4MOTION® with Active Control (all-wheel drive) with the following modes: Snow Mode, On-Road Mode, Off-Road Mode, and Off-Road Custom Mode. The Ford Explorer, on the other hand, comes equipped with rear-wheel drive (RWD) or intelligent four-wheel drive (4WD) with the Terrain Management System™.
View VW Atlas and Ford Explorer engine specs in the following chart.
2022 VW Atlas 2.0L turbo four-cylinder
2022 VW Atlas 3.6L V6
2022 Ford Explorer 2.3L EcoBoost® I4
2022 Ford Explorer 3.3L Hybrid
2022 Ford Explorer 3.0L EcoBoost V6
2022 Volkswagen Atlas vs. Ford Explorer Size & Cargo Space
Appreciate a spacious cabin regardless of whether you select the 2022 Volkswagen Atlas or 2022 Ford Explorer. The Atlas is the larger of the two models and offers the most cargo capacity of the two.
VW Atlas | 2022 SUV Model | Ford Explorer |
---|---|---|
Seven | Passenger Capacity | Seven |
41.3/40.4/38.3 in. | First/Second/Third Row Headroom | 40.7/40.5/38.9 in. |
41.7/37.6/33.7 in. | First/Second/Third Row Legroom | 43/39/32.2 in. |
96.8 cu.-ft. | Cargo Capacity Behind First Row | 87.8 cu.-ft. |
55.5 cu.-ft. | Cargo Capacity Behind Second Row | 47.9 cu.-ft. |
20.6 cu.-ft. | Cargo Capacity Behind Third Row | 18.2 cu.-ft. |

2022 Volkswagen Atlas vs. Ford Explorer Safety Options & Features
Work to protect your loved ones with driver assistance technology on the 2022 Volkswagen Atlas and 2022 Ford Explorer.

2022 Volkswagen Atlas
2022 Volkswagen Atlas
- IQ.DRIVE®
- Travel Assist (hands-on semi autonomous driving)
- Adaptive cruise control
- Front Assist (forward collision warning and autonomous emergency braking)
- Active blind spot monitor
- Rear traffic alert
- Emergency Assist (automatic emergency braking)
- Lane Assist (lane keep assist)

2022 Volkswagen Atlas
2022 Ford Explorer
- Ford Co-Pilot360™ technology
- Auto high beam headlamps
- Rear view camera
- BLIS® (blind spot information system) with cross traffic alert
- Pre-collision assist with automatic emergency braking
- Lane keeping system
- Intelligent adaptive cruise control
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