We've recently named the Chrysler Pacifica (for 2017) and the Honda Pilot (for 2017) our Best Car To Buy winners—and for good reason.
Both are exceptionally good at hauling the whole family in comfort.
But there are other good choices in this class, especially the upmarket Toyota Highlander, which might as well be a Lexus, and the versatile Nissan Pathfinder that, like the Pacifica and Atlas (and nothing else currently) allows kid seats to be kept in place when their second rows are folded forward for "way back" access.
The Ford Explorer is also worth a look as its big size is on par with the Atlas.
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 2018 Volkswagen AtlasBrowse Used Listings |  2018 Chrysler PacificaBrowse Used Listings |  2018 Ford ExplorerBrowse Used Listings |  2018 Honda PilotBrowse Used Listings |  2018 Nissan PathfinderBrowse Used Listings |  2018 Toyota HighlanderBrowse Used Listings |
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| Quick Specs | |||||
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The 2018 Volkswagen Atlas does little wrong, but it's light on personality and a little low-rent inside—and it guzzles fuel. It's worth a look, but mostly rivals do more for less. |
The 2018 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid is a winner, combining our favorite minivan with a fuel-efficient plug-in hybrid powertrain and useful 33-mile electric range |
The 2018 Ford Explorer has pulled off a graceful transition from clumsy off-roader to genteel family wagon. |
The 2018 Honda Pilot ranks among the very best three-row crossover SUVs; it’s all about the packaging. |
The 2018 Nissan Pathfinder should be on the list for shoppers looking for a large crossover. The Pathfinder is highly functional, but not entirely interesting. |
The 2018 Toyota Highlander delivers much of what families want in a three-row crossover at a reasonable price; the Highlander Hybrid is icing on the cake. |
| MSRP From | |||||
| $30,750 | $26,995 | $32,140 | $30,900 | $31,040 | $31,230 |
| Gas Mileage | |||||
| 17 MPG City / 26 MPG Hwy | 18 MPG City / 28 MPG Hwy | 16 MPG City / 27 MPG Hwy | 18 MPG City / 27 MPG Hwy | 19 MPG City / 27 MPG Hwy | 19 MPG City / 28 MPG Hwy |
| Engine | |||||
| Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded I-4 | Regular Unleaded V-6 | Regular Unleaded V-6 | Regular Unleaded V-6 | Regular Unleaded V-6 | Regular Unleaded I-4 |
| EPA Class | |||||
| Small Sport Utility Vehicles 2WD | 2WD Minivans | Standard Sport Utility Vehicles 2WD | Small Sport Utility Vehicles 2WD | Small Sport Utility Vehicles 2WD | Small Sport Utility Vehicles 2WD |
| Style Name | |||||
| 2.0T S FWD | L FWD | Base FWD | LX 2WD | FWD S | LE I4 FWD (Natl) |
| Drivetrain | |||||
| Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Passenger Capacity | |||||
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 8 | 7 | 8 |
| Passenger Doors | |||||
| N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Body Style | |||||
| Sport Utility | Passenger Van | Sport Utility | Sport Utility | Sport Utility | Sport Utility |
| Transmission | |||||
| Automatic w/OD | Automatic w/OD | Automatic w/OD | Automatic w/OD | CVT w/OD | Automatic w/OD |
| Detailed Spec Comparison | |||||
| 2018 Volkswagen Atlas vs. 2018 Chrysler Pacifica | 2018 Volkswagen Atlas vs. 2018 Ford Explorer | 2018 Volkswagen Atlas vs. 2018 Honda Pilot | 2018 Volkswagen Atlas vs. 2018 Nissan Pathfinder | 2018 Volkswagen Atlas vs. 2018 Toyota Highlander | |
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