Chevy Traverse Vs. Ford Explorer: 2025’s Best SUV Showdown
The 2025 showdown between the Chevy Traverse vs. Ford Explorer brings two standout midsize SUVs into focus. Each offers three rows of seating, modern tech, and family-friendly amenities, but they approach comfort, performance, and design in distinct ways. At East Hills Chevrolet of Roslyn, our goal is to help you discover which of these popular SUVs fits your needs and lifestyle best.
Both models boast spacious interiors and strong safety records. Still, their differences in driving dynamics, cabin layout, and powertrain options set them apart. Understanding these distinctions can guide you toward the right decision for your family and daily routine.
What Defines the Chevy Traverse and Ford Explorer?
The Chevy Traverse is designed to prioritize comfort and roominess. With seating for up to eight and generous legroom in all rows, it's ideal for larger families. Its V6 engine delivers steady power and respectable fuel efficiency. This makes it a dependable daily driver.
The Ford Explorer brings a broader range of engines, including a turbocharged four-cylinder, a twin-turbo V6, and a fuel-saving hybrid. Depending on the trim, it can seat seven or eight. While still family-focused, the Explorer leans toward a more performance-oriented drive.
Both models cater to drivers looking for reliable, flexible, and comfortable three-row vehicles.
Engine Performance and Powertrain Options
Under the hood, the Chevy Traverse features a 3.6-liter V6 that produces 310 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque. It provides smooth acceleration and a balanced ride whether you're cruising city streets or hitting the highway. When properly equipped, it can tow up to 5,000 pounds, suitable for weekend adventures.
The Explorer offers more variety. The base engine is a 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 300 horsepower. Those looking for more power can opt for a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 with 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque. The hybrid pairs a 3.3-liter V6 with electric motors to boost fuel economy without sacrificing performance. Towing capacity reaches up to 5,600 pounds.
Choose the Traverse if you want simplicity and strong, steady performance. The Explorer is a better fit for drivers seeking flexibility in engine choices and hybrid efficiency.
Interior Space and Passenger Comfort
The Chevy Traverse is among the most spacious SUVs in its class, making it a top contender for families who value comfort and practicality. With about 23 cubic feet of cargo room behind the third row, the Traverse provides ample space for everyday needs like groceries, backpacks, or sports gear.
When you fold the second and third rows flat, cargo capacity expands to more than 98 cubic feet. This is one of the highest in the midsize SUV segment. This generous room allows you to carry everything from luggage for a weekend getaway to home improvement supplies without sacrificing passenger comfort.
Inside, the Traverse impresses with a cabin that easily accommodates up to eight passengers. Adults can sit comfortably in all three rows, thanks to generous legroom and wide door openings that make getting in and out easy. The interior design emphasizes comfort and features soft-touch materials, intuitive controls, and plenty of cupholders and storage compartments throughout.
The Ford Explorer also provides comfortable seating for seven or eight passengers, depending on the configuration. It has approximately 18.2 cubic feet of space behind the third row and a maximum of nearly 88 cubic feet when all seats are folded. While the second row is roomy, the third row feels slightly more compact compared to the Traverse, especially for adults on longer drives. Still, it remains suitable for children or occasional use.
Infotainment and Connectivity
Both SUVs include modern infotainment with touchscreen displays supporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Traverse features an 8-inch touchscreen standard, with an available 9-inch screen on upper trims. Its system is straightforward and user-friendly.
The Explorer offers a larger 12.3-inch touchscreen on most trims, running Ford’s SYNC 4 interface. It includes voice recognition and cloud-based navigation features. Both models deliver wireless charging, multiple USB ports, and premium audio systems as options.
Safety Features and Ratings
Safety is a strong suit for both SUVs. The Traverse includes automatic emergency braking, forward collision alert, and lane departure warning. The Explorer builds on this foundation with added features like adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert in many trims.
Both vehicles score highly with the IIHS and NHTSA. This makes them reliable choices for safety-conscious buyers.
Fuel Economy and Efficiency
Fuel efficiency plays a key role in long-term ownership satisfaction, especially for families who drive daily or take frequent road trips. The 2025 Chevy Traverse with front-wheel drive delivers an estimated 18 miles per gallon in the city and 27 miles per gallon on the highway.
These numbers reflect solid performance for a midsize SUV equipped with a V6 engine. Opting for all-wheel drive slightly reduces these figures but provides added traction in poor weather conditions. This is helpful for drivers navigating changing seasons in and around Roslyn.
The Ford Explorer takes a more varied approach. Its turbocharged four-cylinder engine improves city mileage to approximately 20 mpg while maintaining 27 mpg on the highway, offering a slight edge in urban driving. The hybrid model significantly boosts fuel savings and achieves nearly 27 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway.
Pricing and Value
The 2025 Chevy Traverse begins at around $37,000. This places it among the more competitively priced options in the midsize SUV category. Even the base trim includes a generous list of standard features such as advanced safety systems, a user-friendly infotainment display, and tri-zone climate control. Higher trims, with additional amenities like leather seating, larger touchscreens, and a premium sound system, can push the price to about $55,000.
The Ford Explorer starts a bit higher at approximately $38,000. As you move up the trim levels, particularly with hybrid or high-performance models, the price can exceed $60,000. While the Explorer comes with more variety in features and powertrain configurations, it comes at a higher cost.
East Hills Chevrolet of Roslyn makes it easy to find a Traverse model that suits your needs and fits within your budget. Our team presents personalized financing solutions and promotional offers to add extra value to your purchase.
Driving Experience and Handling
The Chevy Traverse is engineered with comfort in mind. Its suspension system smooths out rough pavement, minimizes road noise, and delivers a quiet, composed ride ideal for families. Light and accurate steering makes tight turns and parking easier, especially in busy urban areas or narrow residential streets.
On the other hand, the Ford Explorer caters to drivers who prefer a sportier feel. It features responsive steering and stronger acceleration, particularly with the twin-turbo V6 engine. The Explorer also includes an available all-wheel drive system that enhances grip and control on wet or uneven roads. This makes it a better option for those who want a more active, agile driving experience.
Ultimately, the Traverse is a top choice for those who value comfort and ease of driving. Meanwhile, the Explorer suits those looking for more performance-oriented dynamics.
Cargo and Storage Options
When it comes to transporting gear, groceries, or luggage for a family vacation, the Chevy Traverse stands out with over 98 cubic feet of maximum cargo space.
Behind the third row, you’ll find approximately 23 cubic feet, which is more than enough for strollers, shopping bags, or sports equipment. The flat load floor simplifies loading and unloading large or bulky items, and the available hands-free power liftgate adds convenience when your hands are full.
The Ford Explorer, while offering slightly less overall cargo room at about 88 cubic feet with seats folded, makes smart use of space with helpful features. Underfloor storage compartments, seat configurations that fold flat, and an optional fold-flat front passenger seat give drivers creative ways to organize and maximize interior room. These touches are great for families with varied cargo needs who want both flexibility and function.
For households in Roslyn and the surrounding areas, the Traverse’s expanded space and user-friendly cargo layout provide more day-to-day practicality, especially for active lifestyles.
Warranty and Maintenance
Both SUVs offer competitive warranty packages. The Traverse comes with Chevrolet’s 3-year/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. This coverage gives peace of mind during the first years of ownership.
The Ford Explorer provides similar warranty coverage. At East Hills Chevrolet of Roslyn, we complement these warranties with maintenance plans designed to keep your vehicle in peak condition. Routine services like oil changes, brake checks, and tire rotations help prolong vehicle life and maintain value.
We make servicing your Traverse convenient with certified technicians and genuine parts. Local care helps protect your investment and keeps your SUV ready for all driving conditions.
The Chevy Traverse vs. Ford Explorer matchup comes down to your priorities. The Traverse offers more interior and cargo space with a smooth, comfortable ride. The Explorer provides more engine options, including a hybrid and a sportier driving feel.
We invite you to visit East Hills Chevrolet of Roslyn to see both SUVs up close. Test drive the Traverse and Explorer to feel their differences. Our team is ready to help you make a confident choice.
Both models boast spacious interiors and strong safety records. Still, their differences in driving dynamics, cabin layout, and powertrain options set them apart. Understanding these distinctions can guide you toward the right decision for your family and daily routine.
What Defines the Chevy Traverse and Ford Explorer?
The Chevy Traverse is designed to prioritize comfort and roominess. With seating for up to eight and generous legroom in all rows, it's ideal for larger families. Its V6 engine delivers steady power and respectable fuel efficiency. This makes it a dependable daily driver.
The Ford Explorer brings a broader range of engines, including a turbocharged four-cylinder, a twin-turbo V6, and a fuel-saving hybrid. Depending on the trim, it can seat seven or eight. While still family-focused, the Explorer leans toward a more performance-oriented drive.
Both models cater to drivers looking for reliable, flexible, and comfortable three-row vehicles.
Engine Performance and Powertrain Options
Under the hood, the Chevy Traverse features a 3.6-liter V6 that produces 310 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque. It provides smooth acceleration and a balanced ride whether you're cruising city streets or hitting the highway. When properly equipped, it can tow up to 5,000 pounds, suitable for weekend adventures.
The Explorer offers more variety. The base engine is a 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 300 horsepower. Those looking for more power can opt for a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 with 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque. The hybrid pairs a 3.3-liter V6 with electric motors to boost fuel economy without sacrificing performance. Towing capacity reaches up to 5,600 pounds.
Choose the Traverse if you want simplicity and strong, steady performance. The Explorer is a better fit for drivers seeking flexibility in engine choices and hybrid efficiency.
Interior Space and Passenger Comfort
The Chevy Traverse is among the most spacious SUVs in its class, making it a top contender for families who value comfort and practicality. With about 23 cubic feet of cargo room behind the third row, the Traverse provides ample space for everyday needs like groceries, backpacks, or sports gear.
When you fold the second and third rows flat, cargo capacity expands to more than 98 cubic feet. This is one of the highest in the midsize SUV segment. This generous room allows you to carry everything from luggage for a weekend getaway to home improvement supplies without sacrificing passenger comfort.
Inside, the Traverse impresses with a cabin that easily accommodates up to eight passengers. Adults can sit comfortably in all three rows, thanks to generous legroom and wide door openings that make getting in and out easy. The interior design emphasizes comfort and features soft-touch materials, intuitive controls, and plenty of cupholders and storage compartments throughout.
The Ford Explorer also provides comfortable seating for seven or eight passengers, depending on the configuration. It has approximately 18.2 cubic feet of space behind the third row and a maximum of nearly 88 cubic feet when all seats are folded. While the second row is roomy, the third row feels slightly more compact compared to the Traverse, especially for adults on longer drives. Still, it remains suitable for children or occasional use.
Infotainment and Connectivity
Both SUVs include modern infotainment with touchscreen displays supporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Traverse features an 8-inch touchscreen standard, with an available 9-inch screen on upper trims. Its system is straightforward and user-friendly.
The Explorer offers a larger 12.3-inch touchscreen on most trims, running Ford’s SYNC 4 interface. It includes voice recognition and cloud-based navigation features. Both models deliver wireless charging, multiple USB ports, and premium audio systems as options.
Safety Features and Ratings
Safety is a strong suit for both SUVs. The Traverse includes automatic emergency braking, forward collision alert, and lane departure warning. The Explorer builds on this foundation with added features like adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert in many trims.
Both vehicles score highly with the IIHS and NHTSA. This makes them reliable choices for safety-conscious buyers.
Fuel Economy and Efficiency
Fuel efficiency plays a key role in long-term ownership satisfaction, especially for families who drive daily or take frequent road trips. The 2025 Chevy Traverse with front-wheel drive delivers an estimated 18 miles per gallon in the city and 27 miles per gallon on the highway.
These numbers reflect solid performance for a midsize SUV equipped with a V6 engine. Opting for all-wheel drive slightly reduces these figures but provides added traction in poor weather conditions. This is helpful for drivers navigating changing seasons in and around Roslyn.
The Ford Explorer takes a more varied approach. Its turbocharged four-cylinder engine improves city mileage to approximately 20 mpg while maintaining 27 mpg on the highway, offering a slight edge in urban driving. The hybrid model significantly boosts fuel savings and achieves nearly 27 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway.
Pricing and Value
The 2025 Chevy Traverse begins at around $37,000. This places it among the more competitively priced options in the midsize SUV category. Even the base trim includes a generous list of standard features such as advanced safety systems, a user-friendly infotainment display, and tri-zone climate control. Higher trims, with additional amenities like leather seating, larger touchscreens, and a premium sound system, can push the price to about $55,000.
The Ford Explorer starts a bit higher at approximately $38,000. As you move up the trim levels, particularly with hybrid or high-performance models, the price can exceed $60,000. While the Explorer comes with more variety in features and powertrain configurations, it comes at a higher cost.
East Hills Chevrolet of Roslyn makes it easy to find a Traverse model that suits your needs and fits within your budget. Our team presents personalized financing solutions and promotional offers to add extra value to your purchase.
Driving Experience and Handling
The Chevy Traverse is engineered with comfort in mind. Its suspension system smooths out rough pavement, minimizes road noise, and delivers a quiet, composed ride ideal for families. Light and accurate steering makes tight turns and parking easier, especially in busy urban areas or narrow residential streets.
On the other hand, the Ford Explorer caters to drivers who prefer a sportier feel. It features responsive steering and stronger acceleration, particularly with the twin-turbo V6 engine. The Explorer also includes an available all-wheel drive system that enhances grip and control on wet or uneven roads. This makes it a better option for those who want a more active, agile driving experience.
Ultimately, the Traverse is a top choice for those who value comfort and ease of driving. Meanwhile, the Explorer suits those looking for more performance-oriented dynamics.
Cargo and Storage Options
When it comes to transporting gear, groceries, or luggage for a family vacation, the Chevy Traverse stands out with over 98 cubic feet of maximum cargo space.
Behind the third row, you’ll find approximately 23 cubic feet, which is more than enough for strollers, shopping bags, or sports equipment. The flat load floor simplifies loading and unloading large or bulky items, and the available hands-free power liftgate adds convenience when your hands are full.
The Ford Explorer, while offering slightly less overall cargo room at about 88 cubic feet with seats folded, makes smart use of space with helpful features. Underfloor storage compartments, seat configurations that fold flat, and an optional fold-flat front passenger seat give drivers creative ways to organize and maximize interior room. These touches are great for families with varied cargo needs who want both flexibility and function.
For households in Roslyn and the surrounding areas, the Traverse’s expanded space and user-friendly cargo layout provide more day-to-day practicality, especially for active lifestyles.
Warranty and Maintenance
Both SUVs offer competitive warranty packages. The Traverse comes with Chevrolet’s 3-year/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. This coverage gives peace of mind during the first years of ownership.
The Ford Explorer provides similar warranty coverage. At East Hills Chevrolet of Roslyn, we complement these warranties with maintenance plans designed to keep your vehicle in peak condition. Routine services like oil changes, brake checks, and tire rotations help prolong vehicle life and maintain value.
We make servicing your Traverse convenient with certified technicians and genuine parts. Local care helps protect your investment and keeps your SUV ready for all driving conditions.
The Chevy Traverse vs. Ford Explorer matchup comes down to your priorities. The Traverse offers more interior and cargo space with a smooth, comfortable ride. The Explorer provides more engine options, including a hybrid and a sportier driving feel.
We invite you to visit East Hills Chevrolet of Roslyn to see both SUVs up close. Test drive the Traverse and Explorer to feel their differences. Our team is ready to help you make a confident choice.
