Ford Explorer vs Chevy Traverse: SUV Showdown
In the battle between the Ford Explorer and Chevy Traverse, it’s vital to pick the SUV that fits your needs. The 2025 Ford Explorer brings robust horsepower, maxing out at 400. Meanwhile, the 2025 Chevy Traverse offers a strong 328 horsepower. This showdown covers prices, design, performance, safety, and value, to help you decide.
The Explorer and Traverse both have a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds. This makes them perfect for hauling big items. The Explorer seats seven, and the Traverse can fit eight people. We’ll examine their fuel use, safety, and how much they can carry, which might impact how you feel while driving.
By the end of this guide, you’ll understand the differences and similarities of these SUVs. This will aid you in making a well-thought-out choice. Let’s dive into the details of the 2025 Ford Explorer and the 2024 Chevy Traverse, and see what they offer for your travels.
Introduction to the SUV Showdown
More and more families are choosing SUVs like the Ford Explorer and Chevy Traverse. This comparison looks at important features for family needs. It shows how these two SUVs do in space, comfort, and how they perform.
Think about what matters most when picking a family SUV. Do you need more room for people or stuff? Would fancy features make driving better? Keep these questions in mind to choose wisely.
The Ford Explorer has up to 400 horsepower and can tow 5,600 pounds. This makes it great for families that are always on the move. Meanwhile, the Chevy Traverse has a powerful 328 horsepower engine. It can tow 5,000 pounds, enough for most family needs.
Pricing and Equipment
Choosing between the Ford Explorer and Chevy Traverse often comes down to price. The top-tier 2024 Chevy Traverse RS is priced at $58,090. The 2025 Ford Explorer Platinum, however, costs a bit more, at $59,865. Both offer great features, but fully loading them can increase the price notably.
The Ford Explorer boasts a 13.2-inch touchscreen with the new Ford Digital Experience. This upgrade improves your driving with cutting-edge tech. The Chevy Traverse, on the other hand, features an 11-inch diagonal driver info center. The destination fees for both are close, with the Explorer at $1,595 and the Traverse at $1,395.
The table below displays the cost comparison and main equipment of each model:
| Model | Base Price | Fully Loaded Price | Destination Fee | Touchscreen |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 Chevy Traverse | $56,200 | $58,090 | $1,395 | 11-inch diagonal |
| 2025 Ford Explorer | $53,655 | $59,865 | $1,595 | 13.2-inch touchscreen |
Looking at pricing and equipment, the Ford Explorer is generally pricier. This is due to its extra features like adaptive cruise control. The Explorer has a Bang & Olufsen sound system with up to 14 speakers. The Traverse comes with a Bose system and 12 speakers. Each SUV offers great features, but their price differences might sway your choice.
Exterior Design
The exterior design of the Ford Explorer shows off its bold, stylish look. It has a shiny chrome mesh grille, bright LED fog lamps, and a sleek shape. These features make it not just pretty but also show off how well it can perform.
The Chevy Traverse, on the other hand, goes for a sporty vibe. It stands out with a big black grille and huge 22-inch wheels. Its bigger size and bold front end make it look great and command attention. The Traverse is also longer at 204 inches, making it look bigger than the Explorer.
Both these SUVs focus on detailed design, making them both stylish and practical. They catch the eye of buyers who want a good mix of looks and performance. These models meet different tastes and stand out in the crowded SUV market.
Interior Design and Features
The Ford Explorer and Chevy Traverse offer unique interiors that focus on comfort and tech. The Ford Explorer stands out with high-quality materials and detailed craftsmanship. It offers 12-way power-adjustable front seats with heating and cooling. The stylish “Sanctuary” quilted leather makes it even more luxurious.
The Chevy Traverse, on the other hand, shines with its tech features, like the big 17.7-inch infotainment screen. Yet, it lacks the Ford’s lavish finishes. Both SUVs come with smart entry and digital displays, making every ride smooth.
So, if you want luxury, the Ford Explorer might be for you. If tech and function matter more, consider the Chevy Traverse. This choice depends on what you value most in a vehicle.
Powertrain and Performance
The 2024 Ford Explorer and the 2024 Chevy Traverse are strong in the SUV market because of their engines. The Ford Explorer has a standard 2.3-liter EcoBoost I-4 engine. It gets 300 horsepower and goes from 0 to 60 mph in 6 seconds. If you want more power, it offers a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 engine too. This engine gives 400 horsepower and can go a little over 5 seconds from 0 to 60 mph.
The Chevy Traverse, on the other hand, has a 2.5-liter turbocharged engine. It makes 328 horsepower. This lets the Traverse go from 0 to 60 mph in about 7 seconds. So, its performance is a bit less amazing than the Explorer’s.
Both SUVs can tow up to 5,000 pounds. Yet, the Ford Explorer can be upgraded to tow 5,600 pounds. This gives it an edge. The Explorer fits up to seven people and has almost 88 cubic feet for cargo. The Chevy Traverse can fit one more person, up to eight, and offers up to 98 cubic feet for cargo.
To sum it up, the Ford Explorer offers great performance and flexibility. This might appeal to those who love power. The Chevy Traverse, though, offers a good balance of performance and space. This could be better for families. Think about what you need to choose the right model for you.
Fuel Economy Comparison
Choosing a family SUV involves looking at fuel economy. Both the Ford Explorer and Chevy Traverse get about 21 MPG combined. Despite the Explorer having more powerful engines, it matches the Traverse’s fuel efficiency. This shows performance and efficiency can go hand-in-hand.
The Ford Explorer has two engines. One is a 3.0L EcoBoost® V6 with 400 HP and 415 lb-ft of torque. The other is a 2.3L EcoBoost® I-4 with 300 HP and 310 lb-ft. Even with these strong engines, it still gets 18 MPG in the city and 25 MPG on the highway.
The Chevy Traverse has one engine, a 2.5L Turbo I-4. It makes 328 HP and 326 lb-ft of torque. In the city, it does slightly better with 19 MPG. But, it gets 24 MPG on the highway. Both cars do well in terms of fuel efficiency, which is great for budget-minded buyers.
The Ford Explorer stands out by offering high power without sacrificing fuel economy. Its 10-speed automatic transmission also gives a smoother ride than the Traverse’s 8-speed. This makes the Explorer a top pick for those who want both efficiency and a fun drive.
Safety Features and Ratings
Both the Ford Explorer and Chevy Traverse stand out for their safety, making them great picks for families. They are packed with safety features to make driving safer and give you peace of mind on the road.
The Ford Explorer boasts the Ford Co-Pilot360™ Assist+ package. This includes the Lane-Keeping System, adaptive cruise control, and Evasive Steering Assist. Such features underline Ford Explorer’s focus on keeping passengers safe.
The Chevy Traverse also has safety covered, with Blind Zone Steering Assist and Lane Keeping Assist. But, it doesn’t have all the advanced tech found in the Explorer. Still, both SUVs have top safety ratings, proving they are trustworthy for families.
To wrap it up, when choosing between them, think about your safety wants. The Explorer has more high-tech safety layers, while the Traverse keeps things solid yet simpler. No matter your preference, both SUVs meet safety expectations.
Storage, Cargo Space, and Comfort
When looking at family SUVs, the Ford Explorer and Chevy Traverse are top options. They differ in how much they can hold and how comfortable they are. For big storage needs, the Chevy Traverse beats the Explorer by about 20%.
The Traverse has a huge 97.6 cubic feet of space at maximum. The Explorer, though, has up to 85.3 cubic feet. This makes a big difference for trips or even everyday stuff. Behind the last row, the Traverse offers 22.9 cubic feet; the Explorer has less, with 16.3 cubic feet. These numbers matter a lot for families who are always on the go.
The Traverse also wins behind the second row, offering 56.6 cubic feet of space. The Explorer gives you 46 cubic feet. More room means it’s easier to fit your stuff and people comfortably. Also, the Traverse has more room for legs in the back, with 41.5 inches compared to the Explorer’s 38.2 inches.
Both SUVs have a third row with the same legroom of 32.2 inches. But the Traverse has more headroom at 39.9 inches, while the Explorer has 38.9 inches. These differences affect how comfy each SUV feels inside.
In the end, if you want a family SUV with lots of room and comfort, the Chevy Traverse stands out. Keep these details in mind when picking the right SUV for your family.
Ford Explorer vs Chevy Traverse: Direct Comparison
Comparing the Ford Explorer and Chevy Traverse helps buyers make informed choices. We look at performance and interior features to find the best SUV for you.
Performance Metrics
The Explorer and Traverse each have their strengths in performance. The Explorer has a robust 300 horsepower, while the Traverse slightly edges out with 310 horsepower. However, the Explorer often provides a better driving feel, thanks to its advanced transmission and drivetrain.
| Specification | Ford Explorer | Chevy Traverse |
|---|---|---|
| Engine Output | 300 hp @ 5,500 rpm | 310 hp @ 5,600 rpm |
| Torque | 310 ft-lbs. @ 3,500 rpm | 266 ft-lbs. @ 2,800 rpm |
| Fuel Economy (City) | 20 MPG | 18 MPG |
| Fuel Economy (Highway) | 27 MPG | 27 MPG |
| Weight | 4,500 lbs | 4,300 lbs |
Interior Amenities
The interiors of these SUVs greatly impact your decision. The Explorer stands out with its tech features and seating for seven, making it great for long trips. On the other hand, the Traverse offers more room for passengers, totaling 157.3 cubic feet, which is perfect for families and large groups.
| Interior Feature | Ford Explorer | Chevy Traverse |
|---|---|---|
| Seating Capacity | 7 Passengers | 7 Passengers |
| Passenger Space | 152.7 cubic feet | 157.3 cubic feet |
| Cargo Volume | 87.8 cubic feet | 98.2 cubic feet |
| Towing Capacity | Up to 5,300 lbs | Up to 5,000 lbs |
| Price Range | $26,990 – $48,999 | $26,590 – $45,999 |
Resale Value and Reliability
Resale value and reliability ratings are key when choosing an SUV for the long haul. The Chevy Traverse leads with a promising resale value of 54.71% after five years. The Ford Explorer is not far behind, with a value of 48.8%. This makes a big difference to buyers who want to keep their car’s value high.
The Chevrolet Traverse has a reliability score of 8.2 out of 10, showing it’s a dependable SUV. The Ford Explorer scores a bit higher at 8.5, suggesting it might be slightly more reliable. Both are great choices, but the Traverse might be the better pick for families looking at value and savings over time.
Maintenance costs are lower with the Traverse compared to the Explorer. This is a big plus for families needing reliable performance without huge costs.
To wrap up, the Chevy Traverse stands out with its higher resale value and strong reliability ratings. These factors should be considered carefully when picking an SUV. They play a big role in decision-making.
Conclusion
In our in-depth SUV review, we found that both the Ford Explorer and Chevy Traverse have their strong points. The Ford Explorer shines with its powerful engine options, reaching up to 400 horsepower. This makes it perfect for those who love a powerful, premium driving experience. Meanwhile, the Chevy Traverse is noted for its large interior and cargo space, which is great for families who need more room.
Choosing between them depends on what you need. The Explorer stands out with advanced technology and high build quality, promising good long-term value. The Traverse, however, is more budget-friendly when you consider both the buying price and insurance costs. Your choice should be based on what’s more important to you: performance or space?
The decision between these SUVs requires careful thought. If you’re looking for power and high-end features, go for the Ford Explorer. But if you need a lot of space and dependable performance at a good price, the Chevy Traverse is an excellent pick.
FAQ
What are the starting prices of the Ford Explorer and Chevy Traverse?
The 2024 Chevy Traverse starts at ,090 for its top RS trim. The 2025 Ford Explorer Platinum is priced a bit higher, at ,865.
Which SUV has better interior luxury features?
The Ford Explorer offers 12-way power front seats and quality “Sanctuary” quilted leather. Meanwhile, the Chevy Traverse has a big 17.7-inch infotainment screen but less luxury inside.
How do the performance metrics compare between the two SUVs?
The Ford Explorer has a 2.3L EcoBoost engine with 300 hp and a 400 hp V6 engine. The Chevy Traverse sports a 328 hp 2.5L turbo engine. This makes the Explorer more powerful.
What is the towing capacity of the Ford Explorer and Chevy Traverse?
Both the Ford Explorer and Chevy Traverse can tow up to 5,000 lbs. They’re great for families and fun outings.
Which SUV offers more cargo space?
The Chevy Traverse leads with about 20% more cargo room, offering 97.6 cubic feet. The Explorer follows with 85.3 cubic feet.
How do the safety features of both vehicles compare?
The Ford Explorer features Ford Co-Pilot360™ Assist+ with cutting-edge safety like adaptive cruise control. The Traverse has similar features but misses some of the Explorer’s advanced options.
Which SUV has a better predicted resale value?
The Chevy Traverse wins in predicted resale value at 54.71% after five years. The Ford Explorer’s predicted value is a bit lower, at 48.8%.
What factors should I consider when choosing between the Explorer and Traverse?
Think about what’s important to you like performance, luxury, space, comfort, and reliability. That will help you pick the SUV that’s right for your family.
