Volkswagen Atlas vs Ford Explorer Dimensions & Size Comparison
Comparing 2020 catalog dimensions. Volkswagen Atlas · Ford Explorer
- Length198.3 in
- Height70.0 in
- Wheelbase117.3 in
- Curb weight4,222 lb – 4,502 lb
- Width78.3 in
- Ford Explorer width78.9 in
Which is bigger?
- Length: Volkswagen Atlas is 0.5 in shorter (198.3 in vs 198.8 in)
- Width: Volkswagen Atlas is 0.6 in narrower (78.3 in vs 78.9 in)
- Height: Ford Explorer is 0.1 in taller (70.0 in vs 70.1 in)
- Wheelbase: Ford Explorer has a 1.8 in longer wheelbase (117.3 in vs 119.1 in)
- Curb weight: Ford Explorer is 174 lb heavier (4,362 lb vs 4,536 lb)
Biggest size differences
- Curb weight: Ford Explorer is 174 lb heavier (4,362 lb vs 4,536 lb)
- Wheelbase: Ford Explorer has a 1.8 in longer wheelbase (117.3 in vs 119.1 in)
- Width: Volkswagen Atlas is 0.6 in narrower (78.3 in vs 78.9 in)
- Length: Volkswagen Atlas is 0.5 in shorter (198.3 in vs 198.8 in)
- Height: Ford Explorer is 0.1 in taller (70.0 in vs 70.1 in)
Practical verdicts
- Easier to fit in a short garageVolkswagen Atlas — Volkswagen Atlas is shorter by 0.5 in Check garage fit for Volkswagen Atlas · garage fit for Ford Explorer
- Narrower for tight parkingVolkswagen Atlas — Volkswagen Atlas is narrower by 0.6 in
- Smaller exterior footprintVolkswagen Atlas — Based on length × width (Volkswagen Atlas)
Dimension comparison
| Spec | Volkswagen Atlas | Ford Explorer | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Length | 198.3 in | 198.8 in | 0.5 in |
| Width | 78.3 in | 78.9 in | 0.6 in |
| Height | 70.0 in | 70.1 in | 0.1 in |
| Wheelbase | 117.3 in | 119.1 in | 1.8 in |
| Ground clearance | — | 8.1 in | — |
| Curb weight | 4,362 lb | 4,536 lb | 174 lb |
Values use trim midpoints when a model year lists a range.
Compare by year
Overlapping model years with dimension data.
Already own one of these cars?
Jump to maintenance sizes on the vehicle page — tires, wipers, battery, and oil when present in the catalog.