If you’re looking for a smaller, more fuel-efficient SUV that offers spaciousness and off-road capabilities, there are a myriad of options to choose from. The Ford Explorer and the Chevrolet Traverse are two of the best selling models out there, but which should you choose? To help you make a more well-informed decision, our team at Lunghamer Ford has broken down the details of each.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- The Ford Explorer has more trim packages and price options than does the Chevy Traverse.
- The Explore has two powertrain options across trim levels, while the Traverse has only one.
- The Explorer is smaller in length and width, while the Traverse is shorter in height.
Trim Levels: The Ford Explorer
Both the 2024 Ford Explorer and Chevy Traverse have a variety of trim levels, but the Explorer comes out on top as it has double the options of its competitor.
- Base model: $36,860
- XLT: $38,670
- ST-Line: $46,455
- Limited: $47,520
- Timberline: $49,430
- ST: $50,105
- King Ranch: $54,625
- Platinum: $54,770
The Traverse has four trim levels, with starting MSRPs that are slightly more expensive than those of similar Explorers.
- LS: $38,995
- LT: $41,395
- Z71: $47,795
- RS: $55,595
For buyers who appreciate a broader range of options, the Ford Explorer is the preferred choice.
While there’s not much difference in size between the two options, the Explorer is slightly smaller than the Traverse, which may make navigating urban areas and parking spots a little easier.
With the exception of the ST, King Ranch, and Timberline which vary in size, most Explorer models are 198.8 inches long, 69.9 inches tall, and 82.7 inches wide, excluding the mirrors.
In comparison, the Traverse is slightly larger in length and width, at approximately 204 inches, and 88, respectively. It is shorter, however, at 70 inches.
Both the Explorer and Traverse are three-row SUVs, but have slightly different offerings in terms of cargo and passenger space. The Explorer seats up to seven people and has max capacity for up to 88 cubic feet of cargo when the second and third rows are folded down.
The Traverse also has three-rows for passengers. As it is a little wider and longer, it fits up to eight people and has 98 cubic feet of cargo space with the last two rows folded down.
Powertrain Options and Towing Capacity: The Ford Explorer
The Ford Explorer has it in the bag on both powertrain options and towing capacity. A 2.3-liter EcoBoost I-4 engine comes in the base model, XLT, ST-Line, Limited, and Timberline models and generates 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, while the ST, King Ranch, and Platinum packages have a 3.0-liter EcoBoost V-6 that puts out 400 horses and 415 lb-ft of torque.
There is only a single powertrain option with any Traverse trim package — a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that delivers 328 horsepower and 326 lb-feet of torque.
Depending on the trim package, the Explorer can tow up to 5,600 pounds. All Traverse models have a maximum 5,000-pound towing capacity. This 600 pound difference is often the deciding factor in buyers looking for a powerful vehicle for towing heavy loads.
Fuel Efficiency: The Ford Explorer
The Ford Explorer and Chevy Traverse are both reliable in terms of fuel efficiency but the Explorer is the clear winner in this category with 21 MPG / city and 28 MPG / highway to the Traverse’s 17 MPG / city and 25 MPG / highway. The Explorer allows you to drive longer distances without having to refuel as offen.
Infotainment, Tech and Safety Systems: It’s a Tie
Both vehicles are loaded with the most current infotainment and tech options. The 2024 Explorer’s eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system comes complete with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and wi-fi hotspot capability. More expensive trim packages allow for the upgrade of the touchscreen to 10.1 inches.
All trims feature a voice-activated nav system and rear-seat entertainment. If you’re an audiophile,you’re in luck — all models feature a 12-speaker Bang and Olufsen sound system. There’s even an upgrade with 14-speakers, a subwoofer and 980-watt amplifier.
The Traverse has a considerably larger infotainment touchscreen at 17.7-inches. Apple CarPlay and Android are also included here, as is a charging pad and wi-fi hotspot capability.
Ford and Chevy prioritize safety, so it’s no wonder that both SUVs are highly rated in this aspect. They both come with autonomous emergency braking, blind spot alert, pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist systems.
Find Your Next Explorer at Lunghamer Ford
While both are quality SUVs, the 2024 Ford Explorer is the clear winner. With more trim packages and price options, impressive powertrains and towing capacity and better fuel efficiency, its features cannot be beat. Come in and experience this versatile SUV today!