
With the arrival of redesigned three-row crossover SUVs from Ford and Toyota, the VW Atlas is starting to look dated.
The new Ford Explorer has a new chassis and wide range of underhood options, while the Toyota Highlander boasts compact car-like fuel economy in hybrid guise.
Both are worth spots at the top of your buying list.
The Subaru Ascent and Honda Pilot offer fewer choices but both generally hit the sweet spot in terms of utility, value, and safety.
The spacious Chevrolet Traverse has proper SUV looks, but we wish its maker would widen active safety tech availability.
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Quick Specs | |||||
Space comes before pace with the roomy 2020 Volkswagen Atlas. |
The 2020 Chevy Traverse is a three-row family mainstay with plentiful interior space. |
The 2020 Ford Explorer rediscovers its capable, outdoorsy side without becoming trucklike in any other respect. |
The 2020 Honda Pilot is a three-row family crossover at the top of its class. |
The 2020 Subaru Ascent is nearly as rational a family hauler as a minivan. |
The 2020 Toyota Highlander puts practicality above all else, but handling and styling make worthwhile cameos. |
MSRP From | |||||
$31,545 | $29,800 | $32,765 | $31,650 | $31,995 | $34,600 |
Gas Mileage | |||||
16 MPG City / 24 MPG Hwy | 17 MPG City / 27 MPG Hwy | 18 MPG City / 28 MPG Hwy | 18 MPG City / 27 MPG Hwy | 20 MPG City / 27 MPG Hwy | 20 MPG City / 35 MPG Hwy |
Engine | |||||
Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded I-4 | Gas V6 | Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded I-4 | Regular Unleaded V-6 | Intercooled Turbo Regular Unleaded H-4 | Regular Unleaded V-6 |
EPA Class | |||||
Small SUV 2WD | Sport Utility Vehicles | Standard SUV 2WD | Small SUV 2WD | Standard SUV 4WD | Small SUV 2WD |
Style Name | |||||
2.0T S FWD | FWD 4-Door L | Base RWD | LX 2WD | 8-Passenger | L FWD (GS) |
Drivetrain | |||||
Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Rear Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | All Wheel | Front Wheel Drive |
Passenger Capacity | |||||
5 | 8 | 7 | 8 | 8 | 8 |
Passenger Doors | |||||
N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Body Style | |||||
Sport Utility | Sport Utility | Sport Utility | Sport Utility | Sport Utility | Sport Utility |
Transmission | |||||
Automatic w/OD | Automatic | Automatic w/OD | Automatic w/OD | CVT w/OD | Automatic w/OD |
Detailed Spec Comparison | |||||
2020 Volkswagen Atlas vs. 2020 Chevrolet Traverse | 2020 Volkswagen Atlas vs. 2020 Ford Explorer | 2020 Volkswagen Atlas vs. 2020 Honda Pilot | 2020 Volkswagen Atlas vs. 2020 Subaru Ascent | 2020 Volkswagen Atlas vs. 2020 Toyota Highlander |