Navigating car lineups with expert guidance
Guide

The Battle Of The Suvs: Ford Explorer Vs Traverse – Which One Reigns Supreme?

Mike has spent over 15 years working in the automotive industry and is a lifelong Ford truck guy. He currently drives a 2018 Ford F-150 Lariat that he enjoys customizing on the weekends. As editor of wheelsgeeks.com, Mike focuses on sharing his passion for Blue Oval vehicles through reviews, how-to...

What To Know

  • When it comes to choosing a family-friendly SUV, the Ford Explorer and the Chevrolet Traverse are two of the most popular options on the market.
  • Both the Explorer and the Traverse come standard with a range of technology and features, including a touchscreen infotainment system, Bluetooth connectivity, and a rearview camera.
  • The Ford Explorer hybrid has better fuel efficiency than the Chevrolet Traverse, with an EPA-estimated 27 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway compared to the Traverse’s 18 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway.

When it comes to choosing a family-friendly SUV, the Ford Explorer and the Chevrolet Traverse are two of the most popular options on the market. Both vehicles offer spacious interiors, plenty of features, and strong performance. But which one is the better choice? In this detailed comparison, we’ll take a closer look at the Ford Explorer vs Traverse to help you make an informed decision.

Performance and Fuel Efficiency

The Ford Explorer offers a range of engine options, including a 2.3-liter EcoBoost turbocharged four-cylinder, a 3.0-liter EcoBoost twin-turbocharged V6, and a 3.3-liter hybrid V6. The Traverse, on the other hand, offers a single engine option: a 3.6-liter V6. In terms of power, the Explorer’s 3.0-liter EcoBoost V6 takes the lead with 400 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque. The Traverse’s 3.6-liter V6 produces 310 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque.

When it comes to fuel efficiency, the Explorer’s hybrid powertrain shines. It offers an EPA-estimated 27 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway. The Traverse, on the other hand, gets an EPA-estimated 18 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway.

Interior and Cargo Space

Both the Explorer and the Traverse offer spacious interiors with seating for up to seven passengers. The Explorer has a slightly larger cargo area behind the third row of seats, with 18.2 cubic feet of space compared to the Traverse’s 15.8 cubic feet. However, the Traverse offers more cargo space behind the second row of seats, with 57.8 cubic feet compared to the Explorer’s 47.9 cubic feet.

Technology and Features

Both the Explorer and the Traverse come standard with a range of technology and features, including a touchscreen infotainment system, Bluetooth connectivity, and a rearview camera. However, the Explorer offers a few more features as standard, such as a Wi-Fi hotspot, a wireless charging pad, and a hands-free liftgate.

Safety

Both the Explorer and the Traverse have received high safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The Explorer received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, while the Traverse received a four-star overall safety rating. The Explorer also received a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS, while the Traverse received a Top Safety Pick award.

Price

The Ford Explorer has a starting price of $33,285, while the Chevrolet Traverse has a starting price of $33,700. However, the Explorer offers more standard features than the Traverse, so it may be a better value for the money.

Which One is the Better Choice?

Ultimately, the better choice between the Ford Explorer and the Chevrolet Traverse depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you’re looking for a powerful SUV with good fuel efficiency, the Explorer is a great option. If you need more cargo space and more standard features, the Traverse is a good choice.

In a nutshell: Making the Right Choice for Your Family

Whether you choose the Ford Explorer or the Chevrolet Traverse, you’re sure to get a great family-friendly SUV. Both vehicles offer spacious interiors, plenty of features, and strong performance. Take the time to test drive both vehicles and compare them side-by-side to see which one is the better fit for you and your family.

What People Want to Know

Q: Which SUV has better fuel efficiency, the Ford Explorer or the Chevrolet Traverse?
A: The Ford Explorer hybrid has better fuel efficiency than the Chevrolet Traverse, with an EPA-estimated 27 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway compared to the Traverse’s 18 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway.

Q: Which SUV has more cargo space, the Ford Explorer or the Chevrolet Traverse?
A: The Chevrolet Traverse has more cargo space than the Ford Explorer, with 57.8 cubic feet of space behind the second row of seats and 15.8 cubic feet of space behind the third row of seats compared to the Explorer’s 47.9 cubic feet of space behind the second row of seats and 18.2 cubic feet of space behind the third row of seats.

Q: Which SUV has more standard features, the Ford Explorer or the Chevrolet Traverse?
A: The Ford Explorer has more standard features than the Chevrolet Traverse, including a Wi-Fi hotspot, a wireless charging pad, and a hands-free liftgate.

Mike Sullivan

Mike has spent over 15 years working in the automotive industry and is a lifelong Ford truck guy. He currently drives a 2018 Ford F-150 Lariat that he enjoys customizing on the weekends. As editor of wheelsgeeks.com, Mike focuses on sharing his passion for Blue Oval vehicles through reviews, how-to guides and industry news updates. When he's not writing about Ford, you can find Mike cheering on his favorite NFL team at the local pub on game days.
Back to top button