LaFontaine Ford Grand Rapids

DARE TO COMPARE
Ford Explorer vs. Chevy Traverse
Ford Explorer
Chevy Traverse
At a Glance: Explorer vs. Traverse
Ford Explorer

Looking for a 3-row vehicle to take you around Grand Rapids, Cutlerville, and Forest Hills? Then you may be considering the Ford Explorer and the Chevy Traverse. If so, you’ve come to the right place!

At LaFontaine Ford Grand Rapids, our team has put these two vehicles in a head-to-head comparison to show how they stack up in terms of their performance, towing, MPG, and interior. That way, you can decide which one is right for you.


MAX HORSEPOWER

MAX HORSEPOWER

400 HP | 310 HP
Explorer vs Traverse
MAX TOWING CAPACITY

MAX TOWING CAPACITY

5,600 lbs. | 5,000 lbs.
Explorer vs Traverse
MASSAGING SEATS

MASSAGING SEATS

Available | N/A
Explorer vs Traverse
See the Difference for Yourself
Select a category below to learn more about how the Ford Explorer compares to the Chevy Traverse.
PERFORMANCE
Ford Explorer

When you’re shopping for a capable SUV, you’ll want to know it has the power to get you and your crew from Point A to Point B. Models like the Ford Explorer and the Chevy Traverse have a lot to offer in this regard, although one has both more options and more power.

Engine(s) Comparison

The Explorer allows you to take control of your driving experience with three available power trains:

  • 2.3L EcoBoost® I-4 engine: 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque
  • 3.0L EcoBoost® V6 engine: 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque
  • 3.3L Hybrid V6 engine: 318 horsepower and 322 lb-ft of torque

On the other hand, the Traverse only offers one engine, so you won’t have the power of choice. Additionally, it falls short with only 310 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque, so you’re sure to notice a difference in the way it performs.

Fuel Efficiency

The Ford Explorer’s gas-powered engines deliver up to an EPA-estimated 21 city/28 highway MPG. However, as noted above, the Explorer offers a hybrid power train if you’re looking to optimize fuel efficiency. With the Hybrid motor equipped, it achieves up to an EPA-estimated 27 city/28 highway MPG, so you won’t need to make frequent stops on your next road trip.

Expect to spend more time at the pump with the Traverse since it earns an EPA-estimated 18 city/21 highway MPG and there’s no hybrid option to help preserve fuel.


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CAPABILITY
Ford Explorer

If your travels often involve hauling along some recreational toys, you’ll need an SUV that can handle the extra weight with ease. Likewise, if you have an adventurous spirit and enjoy exploring off the beaten path, you’ll require a vehicle with features that make that possible.

Towing Capacity

If you’re looking for more brawn to bring along your camper or boat on weekend excursions, opt for the available 3.0L EcoBoost® V6 in the Explorer. With the right equipment, it can tow up to 5,600 pounds with ease.

The Traverse falls short yet again with a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds. As such, you’ll have to leave some of your larger items at home.

Taking It Off-Road

While both vehicles offer drive modes to help improve their performance, those offered by the Explorer are more versatile than the ones in the Traverse. The Explorer has numerous drive modes to help handle specific terrain, such as:

  • Normal
  • Eco
  • Sport
  • Tow/Haul
  • Slippery
  • Trail
  • Deep Snow/Sand (on AWD models)

The Traverse, on the other hand, only has four drive modes, such as Off-Road and Tow/Haul. It doesn’t have a mode similar to the Explorer’s Slippery, Trail, or Eco modes.


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INTERIOR
Ford Explorer

Of course, if you’re driving an SUV, it’s likely you’re often accompanied by friends or family. That means it’s important to ensure everyone on board enjoys a comfortable ride, no matter how long the trip.

Interior Features

With seating for seven in these roomy SUVs, it’s important that your entire family stays comfortable throughout your journey. There’s no need to spar over the perfect cabin climate in the Ford Explorer and the Chevy Traverse thanks to standard tri-zone electronic automatic climate control. It provides separate temperature settings for you, your copilot, and passengers in the second row, creating a cozy ride all around.

Next-Level Comfort

You may find the driver’s seat of the Explorer to be more comfortable than the one found in the competition. After all, you can add available multicontour seats with Active Motion® to the front row. This top-of-the-line feature provides massage settings to soothe tense or tired muscles. Unfortunately, you won’t be treated to this luxurious feature in the Traverse.


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Which SUV Is Right for You?
Ford Explorer

Now that you’ve seen how the Explorer and the Traverse compare to each other, you may be interested in going on—and off—the roads of Grand Rapids, Cutlerville, and Forest Hills in a Ford SUV. If so, stop by the showroom at LaFontaine Ford Grand Rapids to test drive the Ford Explorer and see this ride in action!

All of the tools you need to move forward with experiencing a new Explorer for yourself are conveniently available right here online.