Two Family SUVs Go Head-to-Head: The Chevrolet Traverse vs. Ford Explorer

Which SUV Will You Choose for Your Needs?

Shopping for a three-row family SUV feels like a full-time job these days. You've got spreadsheets open, browser tabs multiplying, and every forum post telling you something different. The Chevrolet Traverse and Ford Explorer keep coming up in your research, and there's a good reason for that. Both deliver the space and tech families need, but they take different approaches to get there. 

• The Traverse brings 98 cubic feet of cargo space and seating for up to eight, while the Explorer maxes out at 85.8 cubic feet with seven seats.
• Explorer buyers get a choice between a 300-horsepower four-cylinder or a 400-horsepower twin-turbo V6, whereas the Traverse sticks with a single 328-horsepower turbo four across all trims.
• Both SUVs start around $40,000 and can tow 5,000 pounds when properly equipped, making either one capable of hauling boats, trailers, or camping gear.

Quick Comparison Chart

Feature	2025 Chevrolet Traverse	2025 Ford Explorer
Starting Price	$40,700 (LT trim)	$40,050 (Active trim)
Engine Options	2.5L turbo four-cylinder only	2.3L turbo four or 3.0L twin-turbo V6
Horsepower	328 hp	300 hp (base) / 400 hp (V6)
Maximum Seating	Up to 8 passengers	Up to 7 passengers
Maximum Cargo Space	98 cubic feet	85.8 cubic feet
Towing Capacity	5,000 lbs	5,000 lbs
Fuel Economy (FWD)	19 city / 24 highway MPG	20 city / 29 highway MPG
Touchscreen Size	17.7 inches (standard)	13.2 inches (standard)
Hands-Free Driving	Super Cruise (available)	BlueCruise (available)
Drive Layout	FWD standard, AWD available	RWD standard, AWD available
Best For	Maximum space and passenger capacity	Sporty driving and power options

Size Matters When You're Hauling Kids and Gear

Walk around both vehicles in a parking lot and you'll notice the Traverse sits bigger. That extra size translates directly to interior room. The Traverse gives you a genuinely adult-friendly third row where teenagers won't complain about being cramped on long trips. Fold everything down and you get nearly 98 cubic feet to work with, which means Costco runs and hockey equipment loads fit without playing Tetris.

The Explorer feels tighter inside, especially in that back row. Kids will do fine back there, but ask a full-grown adult to squeeze in for a two-hour drive and you might hear some grumbling. Cargo space tops out at 85.8 cubic feet, still decent for most families but noticeably smaller than what the Chevy offers. Ford makes up for this with better build quality in the places you touch every day. The materials feel more upscale, and the front seats are genuinely comfortable on long hauls.

Power and Driving Feel Set These Apart

Here's where the Chevrolet Traverse vs. Ford Explorer debate gets interesting. The Traverse comes with one engine option: a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder making 328 horsepower and 326 lb-ft of torque. It's enough power to merge onto highways and pass slower traffic, but you won't mistake it for quick. The Traverse feels like what it is: a big SUV built to haul people comfortably, not set lap times.

Ford gives you options. The base 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder pumps out 300 horsepower, which feels adequate for most driving. But spend extra for the 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 and you get a totally different vehicle. That engine cranks out 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque, making the Explorer feel genuinely quick. The ST trim with this engine can surprise some sports cars at stoplights.

Drive them back-to-back and you'll notice the Explorer's rear-wheel-drive-biased platform makes it feel more athletic. It turns sharper and handles with more precision. The Traverse's front-wheel-drive setup prioritizes comfort over sportiness, giving you a smooth highway ride that won't rattle your coffee cup.

Tech Features Keep Everyone Connected

Both SUVs load up with the latest tech, though they take different approaches. The Traverse hits you with a massive 17.7-inch touchscreen right in the center of the dash. It runs Google Built-In software, which means Google Maps, Google Assistant, and your favorite apps all work together smoothly. The screen size makes it easy to see at a glance, though some drivers find it almost too big.

Ford counters with a 13.2-inch horizontal touchscreen running the latest Ford Digital Experience software. It's cleaner and more organized than the old vertical screen setup. You get wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus optional BlueCruise hands-free driving on mapped highways. The Traverse offers Super Cruise as its competitor, which works brilliantly on road trips.

Pricing and Value Comparison

The base Traverse LT starts around $40,700, while the Explorer Active kicks off at roughly $40,050. The prices look similar on paper, but the standard equipment differs. The Traverse includes that giant touchscreen and more passenger space right out of the gate. The Explorer gives you better base engine refinement and superior interior materials.

Move up the trim levels and the pricing spreads out. The top-tier Traverse RS runs about $56,100, while the Explorer ST with the twin-turbo V6 hits $56,770. The Traverse's High Country trim offers luxury touches for $55,800.

Which One Actually Fits Your Life?

Pick the Traverse if you genuinely need maximum space and regularly haul eight people or massive amounts of cargo. Families with teenagers, carpoolers, or anyone who treats their SUV like a moving storage unit will appreciate the extra room. The single engine option simplifies the buying process, and that huge screen makes the cabin feel modern.

Go with the Explorer if driving enjoyment matters to you and you can live with less cargo space. The available V6 makes this SUV genuinely fun to drive, something you rarely say about three-row family haulers. Better front-seat comfort means your daily commute gets less tiring, and the tighter dimensions make parking easier in crowded lots.