New Volkswagen 2022 Volkswagen Atlas vs 2022 Ford Explorer – San Antonio TX for Sale in San Antonio, TX
2022 Volkswagen Atlas vs 2022 Ford Explorer – San Antonio TX
2022 Volkswagen Atlas Overview
If you’re interested in a midsize three-row crossover, there are a number of exciting options on the market. Those include the Atlas, which is the largest vehicle in the Volkswagen lineup. The Atlas has a reputation for more precise handling and better ride comfort than is usual for the segment, ample passenger and cargo spaciousness and a well-designed cabin. Updates for the 2022 model now available at Ancira Volkswagen of San Antonio include a more streamlined trim selection and expanded standard equipment. A top alternative to the Atlas is the Ford Explorer. It also arrives with expanded standard equipment and a new ST-Line trim level, and with that in mind, we’ll compare the 2022 Volkswagen Atlas vs 2022 Ford Explorer and determine how these two popular vehicles measure up.

Exterior – Volkswagen Dealer serving San Antonio TX
Both the 2022 Volkswagen Atlas and the 2022 Ford Explorer are four-door midsize crossovers with a rear liftgate. The form factor is similar in both cases. The Atlas has a 117.3-inch wheelbase and a 7.1-inch ground clearance, and it measures 200.7 inches, which is ab out 16.7 feet. The Explorer, on the other hand, has a 119.1-inch wheelbase and an 8.2-inch ground clearance, and it measures 198.8 inches. The base package for the Atlas includes 18-inch alloy wheels, LED headlamps and a power liftgate. Wheels as large as 21 inches are available, and other options include a hands-free liftgate and the various R-Line appearance packages. The standard and available features for the Explorer are similar except that model-specific appearance packages, such as with the ST-Line and the Timberline.

Interior – 2022 Volkswagen Atlas in San Antonio TX
The Atlas and the Explorer can both seat either seven or six. Seven-passenger seating is the default setup, and six-passenger seating is the result of opting for the second-row captain’s chairs. The base Atlas has a 60/40-split second-row bench and a 50/50-splut third-row bench. The 2022 Ford Explorer, on the other hand, has a 35/30/35-split folding second-row bench. The base Atlas has simulated leather upholstery, air conditioning, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, heated front seats, a 6.5-inch infotainment touch screen, a six-speaker sound system and in-vehicle Wi-Fi hotspot. Options include leather upholstery, ventilated front seats, heated second-row seats, tri-zone automatic climate control, a wireless charging pad, a panoramic sunroof and a heated steering wheel. The Explorer is similar except that cloth seating is standard and the simulated leather and many of the other options mentioned are not available until later in the lineup compared to the Volkswagen Atlas.

Powertrain – Volkswagen Dealership in San Antonio TX
The standard powertrain for the Atlas features a shiftable eight-speed automatic transmission mated to a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four-cylinder engine: 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet. Drivers who want a more powerful engine can opt for a 3.6-liter V6. It is also mated to the eight-speed and makes 276 hp and 266 lb.-ft. Front-wheel drive is standard with the SE. All-wheel drive is optional with the base model and standard beyond that point. Ford opts for a 10-speed automatic transmission mated to a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder: 300 hp and 310 lb.-ft. Rear-wheel drive is standard. All-wheel drive is optional. The ST is a sportier model. It features a sport suspension and paddle shifters and is the only trim level to include or even offer a more powerful engine: a 3.0-liter V6 that makes 400 hp and 415 lb.-ft.

Technologies – Volkswagen Dealership in San Antonio TX
The base package in both cases includes a high-definition infotainment touch screen, a rearview camera system, Android and Apple smartphone integration, a frontal collision mitigation system and blind-spot monitoring rear cross-traffic alert. With the 2022 Volkswagen Atlas, if you opt for the SE with Technology package, you get the larger touch screen, adaptive cruise control, wireless Android and Apple integration and front and rear parking sensors. This equipment is available with the Explorer but not until later in the lineup and thus at a higher price point.
Trim Levels – 2022 Volkswagen Atlas dealer
For the 2022 Volkswagen Atlas, Volkswagen has dropped the base S trim level. That means that the SE is now the base model, which is followed by the SEL, SEL R-Line and SEL Premium R-Line. The SEL is available in an SE with Technology package, and it adds many popular modern amenities and advanced technologies. The R-Line in a trim level name indicates a sportier appearance package. The 2022 Ford Explorer has similar starting MSRP, but the trim selection is wider. That means that consumer considering the base model or first up-level trim will get more value for their dollar with the Atlas. The Explorer trim levels include the base Explorer followed by the XLT, Limited, new ST-Line, Timberline, ST, King Ranch and Platinum. You’ll also notice that the prices are higher with Ford at the upper end of its trim selection, but the differences between them and the top Atlas trim level are not great.
Request more 2022 Volkswagen Atlas vs 2022 Ford Explorer – San Antonio TX information
If you have any questions not answered by our 2022 Volkswagen Atlas vs 2022 Ford Explorer comparison, call us or reach out to us via email or text. The team at Ancira Volkswagen of San Antonio is happy to discuss current specials, provide custom quotes, explore financing and leasing options and much more!