Traverse vs Explorer
Two makers, one class, one decision: the Traverse from Chevrolet or the Explorer from Ford. Taken area by area, the Traverse wins 3 of 5. That doesn’t make the Explorer a bad choice, but it does set the baseline.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance Traverse wins
- Fuel Economy & Range Explorer wins
- Space & Practicality Traverse wins
- Off-road & Towing Explorer wins
- Safety & Tech Traverse wins
- Price Explorer wins
- Engine & Performance7.6
- Fuel Economy & Range4.8
- Off-road & Towing5.3
- Engine & Performance6.3
- Fuel Economy & Range7.2
- Off-road & Towing6.0
Spec scores (0 to 10) are calculated from manufacturer specs against other models in the same class. See how the formula works. They are not reviews or user ratings.
Key Differences
-
The Traverse has 28 hp more power
On total system output, the Traverse edges out the Explorer, 328 hp to 300 hp. The Traverse’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed.
-
The Traverse has room for 8 seats
Don’t expect a night-and-day difference here. 8 seats against 7 seats is a small but genuine lead for the Traverse. Third-row seats are often best for kids, so check legroom figures if adults will sit there.
-
The Traverse has a bigger 17.7 in touchscreen
The Traverse clearly leads on largest touchscreen, and 17.7 in versus 13.2 in is a difference that reaches well beyond the spec sheet. Screen size isn’t everything (physical controls and software speed matter too), but bigger is easier to read.
-
The Explorer has 600 lb more towing capacity
The Explorer nudges ahead with 5,600 lb, while the Traverse lists 5,000 lb. Towing ratings depend on configuration and equipment, so check the exact trim you’re looking at.
-
The Traverse has 16 lb-ft more torque
This one is close enough that other factors could outweigh it, but on paper the Traverse leads with 326 lb-ft to 310 lb-ft. Electrified powertrains deliver torque instantly, so compare torque figures alongside the powertrain type.
Design & Size
Want the smaller footprint? That’s the Explorer. The Traverse is the larger of the two.
Dimensions
| Spec | Traverse | Explorer |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 204 in | 198.8 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | N/A (not specified) | 78.9 in |
| Height | N/A (not specified) | 69.9 in |
| Wheelbase | 120.9 in | 119.1 in |
Engine & Performance
Traverse leads
Few areas are as clear-cut as this one: the Traverse leads the engine & performance section with room to spare. The Traverse steps ahead thanks to 28 hp more power. More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board. For engine & performance, the Traverse is the one to beat.
Total system output
Traverse: 328 hp Explorer: 300 hp Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels.
Torque
Traverse: 326 lb-ft Explorer: 310 lb-ft More torque means stronger pulling from low speeds, which you feel when accelerating from a stop or climbing grades.
Fuel Economy & Range
Explorer leads
The Explorer has the slight upper hand on fuel economy & range. The Explorer gives you better highway fuel economy. The Explorer uses less fuel on the highway, a real saving on road trips and long commutes. Prioritize fuel economy & range, and the Explorer is where you should land.
Fuel economy (highway)
Traverse: 27 mpg Explorer: 29 mpg Highway fuel economy matters if you cover long distances at steady speeds.
Space & Practicality
Traverse leads
Slight edge to the Traverse on space & practicality. Most buyers could live happily with either. The Traverse stands out with room for 8 seats. Extra seats mean you can take more people along without taking a second car. So if space & practicality tops your list, lean toward the Traverse.
Seats
Traverse: 8 seats Explorer: 7 seats The Traverse has room for more passengers, useful for growing families and carpools.
Off-road & Towing
Explorer leads
By a small margin, the Explorer is the stronger of the two in this area. Choose the Explorer and you get 600 lb more towing capacity. A higher towing capacity lets you pull bigger trailers, boats and campers. That makes the Explorer the natural choice for buyers focused on off-road & towing.
Max towing
Traverse: 5,000 lb Explorer: 5,600 lb If you tow regularly, the Explorer’s higher rating gives you more margin.
Safety & Tech
Traverse leads
On balance, the Traverse leads the safety & tech section, just not by much. The Traverse delivers a bigger 17.7 in touchscreen. The Traverse’s larger display gives navigation and menus more room. Bottom line for safety & tech: the Traverse has the edge.
Largest touchscreen
Traverse: 17.7 in Explorer: 13.2 in A bigger touchscreen makes maps and phone mirroring easier to read at a glance.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | Traverse | Explorer |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Gas |
| Engine | 2.5L turbo I4 | 2.3L turbo I4 (EcoBoost) |
| Total system output | 328 hp (winner) | 300 hp |
| Torque | 326 lb-ft (winner) | 310 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 10-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | FWD (AWD available) | RWD (AWD available) |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | Traverse | Explorer |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 23 mpg | 24 mpg |
| Fuel economy (city) | 20 mpg | 20 mpg |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 27 mpg | 29 mpg (winner) |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | Traverse | Explorer |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 8 seats (winner) | 7 seats |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | 23 cu ft | N/A (not specified) |
| Cargo (seats folded) | 98.2 cu ft Most room, seats folded | N/A (not specified) |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | Traverse | Explorer |
|---|---|---|
| Max towing | 5,000 lb | 5,600 lb (winner) |
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | Traverse | Explorer |
|---|---|---|
| Largest touchscreen | 17.7 in (winner) Biggest touchscreen | 13.2 in |
| Driver-assist suite | Chevy Safety Assist | Ford Co-Pilot360 |
| Basic warranty | 3 yr / 36,000 mi | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | Traverse | Explorer |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 204 in | 198.8 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | N/A (not specified) | 78.9 in |
| Height | N/A (not specified) | 69.9 in |
| Wheelbase | 120.9 in | 119.1 in |
Price
| Spec | Traverse | Explorer |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | $40,700 | $40,050 Lowest price in class |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Price & Value
Only $650 separated these two at launch, in favor of the Explorer. Spending the extra $650 on the Traverse gets you 28 hp more power and room for 8 seats over the Explorer.
These are US launch prices, recorded launch; what you pay today may be higher or lower.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the Traverse if…
- you merge, overtake or climb hills with a full load (328 hp vs 300 hp)
- you regularly carry extra passengers (8 seats vs 7 seats)
- you rely on navigation and phone mirroring on a larger display (17.7 in vs 13.2 in)
- you want more pulling power from low speeds (326 lb-ft vs 310 lb-ft of torque)
Choose the Explorer if…
- you want the higher towing capacity (5,600 lb vs 5,000 lb)
- you cover long highway distances (29 mpg vs 27 mpg on the highway)
- you want more value for your money ($650 less at launch)
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for most people, the Traverse or the Explorer?
For most people, the Traverse is the stronger choice, unless you know that 600 lb more towing capacity would make a real difference in your routine.
Which is larger, the Traverse or the Explorer?
Going by the official dimensions, the Traverse is the bigger of the two at 204 in. The Explorer measures 198.8 × 78.9 × 69.9 in.
Is the Traverse cheaper than the Explorer?
The Explorer is the cheaper option, launching at $650 less than the Traverse (launch prices as of launch).
Executive Summary
Let’s set the logos aside for a minute. The Traverse and the Explorer are close competitors, and their spec sheets tell an interesting story. It’s hard to argue with 28 hp more power, which is exactly what the Traverse brings. A second reason: the Traverse comes with room for 8 seats. I’ll admit the Explorer has a point with 600 lb more towing capacity.
Put simply, the Traverse suits people who care about engine & performance, while the Explorer suits people who put fuel economy & range first.
My pick: if it were my money, the Traverse, unless you care more about 600 lb more towing capacity than anything else.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.