Ford Explorer vs Chevy Traverse
Deciding on your next SUV can be a fun experience, but if you’re torn between options like the Ford Explorer vs. Chevy Traverse, it can be a difficult decision to make. Both vehicles offer spacious cabins and impressive performances, but to truly know which vehicle is right for you, you’ll want to know the differences.At Norm Reeves Ford Superstore Cerritos, we’re here to help drivers in Orange County, Long Beach, and Buena Park, CA, learn about the Explorer vs. Traverse. We’ll explore the similarities and differences so you can decide on the one that’s right for you! Contact us today.
*Engine Power & Options *
The Ford Explorer and Chevrolet Traverse each come equipped with V6 engines that can each produce more than 285 horsepower. However, there are quite a few differences in the range of performances. The Explorer offers two additional engine options, one of which is the 3.5-liter EcoBoost® V6, which produces 365 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque. The Explorer also has a 3.3L V6 hybrid engine available that gets 318 horsepower and 322 lb-ft of torque.
The Chevy Traverse only offers one engine option, so it doesn’t offer a range of options or performances like the Ford Explorer. Its output is 301 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque, which doesn’t stand up to the power of the Ford.
*Passenger Space & Comfort *
Both the Ford and Chevy SUVs are equipped to carry seven passengers inside over three rows of seating. While the respective cabins are spacious and expansive, there are quite a few differences when it comes to their passenger comfort and room.The Explorer offers 40.7 inches of headroom and 43 inches of legroom in front, while the Traverse includes a close 41.3 inches of headroom and only 41 inches of legroom. In the second row, the Explorer includes 40.5 inches of headroom and 39 inches of legroom, which is more spacious than the 40 inches of headroom and 38.4 inches of legroom in the second row of the Traverse.
Ford Explorer vs Chevy Traverse: MPG
SUVs used to be looked at as cars that would go through a tank of gas pretty quickly. That’s no longer the case, as SUVs have made great strides in the fuel efficiency world. And while the Ford Explorer and Chevy Traverse are both reliable in this regard, the Explorer’s EPA-estimated 27 city/29 highway MPG dominates the Traverse’s 18 city/27 highway MPG.
This means you’ll be able to drive longer and travel farther distances without having to fill up your gas tank as often, and who wouldn’t love that?
Ford vs Chevy: Towing Capacity
SUVs are beloved for their ability to haul heavy objects and equipment that sedans and other standard cars can’t. The Explorer and Traverse can handle a heavy load, but the Explorer has some added power that the Traverse can’t match. The Explorer features a maximum towing capacity of 5,600 pounds, while the Traverse has a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds.
The Explorer’s towing capacity will largely depend on the engine specs. For instance, the 2.3L EcoBoost® engine tows up to 5,300 pounds, and the 3.3L Hybrid V6 tows up to 5,000 pounds. Impressively, though, its towing capacity does not go below 5,000 pounds, which is the highest any Traverse trim can get up to.
Safety Features
One of the main questions car shoppers ask is “what safety features does this car offer?” The good news is that many new cars offer impressive driver-assist safety features, and the Explorer and the Traverse are no exception.
Both SUVs offer available features like Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking, Lane Keeping System, Blind Spot Information System with Cross-Traffic Alert, and Adaptive Cruise Control.
However, many of these features are not available on the base model of the Traverse, whereas they are available on all models of the Ford Explorer as part of Ford Co-Pilot360™. To get these comparable features on a Traverse, you would need to upgrade to a higher trim level.
*Ford vs Chevy Audio Entertainment & Technology *
Each SUV offers an assortment of sophisticated features and technology. They both include dashboard-mounted infotainment systems that are used for media selection. Each screen features voice recognition, which makes it easier and more convenient to select media options. These SUVs include AM/FM radios, Bluetooth® connectivity for hands-free phone calling and audio streaming, and USB and auxiliary ports for portable media devices. In-vehicle Wi-Fi hotspots make it easier to connect your smartphone, ensure connections aren’t interrupted, and prevent you from using too much data. So, if you’re traveling a far distance and you need GPS, you won’t need to worry about getting an alert that you went over your data limit.
The Ford Explorer and Chevy Traverse also offer optional SiriusXM® Satellite Radio trials. This addition includes more than 150 stations of commercial-free entertainment ranging from music, sports talk, news, and even comedy.
Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ come standard in both vehicles, as well as navigation systems with GPS. The Ford Explorer offers a few more options in terms of connectivity, though. You can sync Waze to your car and use it as your main GPS, so if you already have destinations saved, you won’t have to spend time typing the address of your destination in.
In the Explorer, you can even connect Amazon’s Alexa as part of the available SYNC® 3 technology, which will give you access to all things Amazon, including your smart-home devices. The Traverse does not allow you to seamlessly connect to Waze or Alexa quite like the Explorer can.
Deciding Between the Ford Explorer vs Chevrolet Traverse
At Norm Reeves Ford Superstore Cerritos, we hope that this Ford Explorer vs. Chevy Traverse comparison shed some light on what these two popular SUVs offer and how they differ. You saw that the Ford Explorer offers a bit more than the Chevy Traverse. Why not see for yourself by dropping by our dealership to take a closer look at this SUV? You can even experience it on the road!
Schedule your test drive with us at Norm Reeves Ford Superstore Cerritos! We’re happy to help drivers throughout Orange County, Long Beach, and Buena Park, CA, find the right car!