We drove a $55,000 Ford Explorer and a $49,000 VW Atlas to see which SUV we like better — here’s the verdict (F)

“Embracing Americana is the smartest thing Volkswagen has done in a long time,” Zhang concluded. “While it hasn’t completely shed its German heritage, the company finally delivered an off-roader with the power, space, and practicality which caters specifically to the largest and most lucrative SUV market in the world.”

If you’ve been keeping score, the Explorer takes the lead when it comes to power, infotainment, and heritage. This is the SUV that more or less defined the segment surge of the 1990s, and as the market has returned enthusiastically to these vehicles, new buyers have discovered just how great the Explorer is.

The Atlas wins on design, newness, price, and sheer chutzpah. It’s the SUV Volkswagen intended to persuade people who might otherwise buy an Explorer to, well, buy a VW instead! We did name it a Car of the Year finalist last year.

We are, of course, under no illusions that Ford will let this stand. The Explorer will get more than a midcycle update and be ready to defend itself against all comers. But for now, VW’s interpretation of the Great American SUV is worth a look.