The Ford Explorer and Chevrolet Traverse are popular options in the SUV market. Whether you prioritize performance, design, or technology in your vehicle, both are worth considering. To help you determine which is the better fit, our experts at Planet Ford Dallas prepared this guide comparing the 2025 Ford Explorer vs. the Traverse.
The choice between the Ford Explorer or the Chevrolet Traverse often comes down to what you’re getting for the price.
The Traverse has a lower starting manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) at $37,600. This gives you a more affordable entry into a higher-performance SUV. The Explorer, while priced slightly higher at $39,755, offers more features and performance at its base level.
Both the 2025 Ford Explorer and 2024 Chevrolet Traverse are available in four trims. The Explorer trim levels are Active, ST-Line, Platinum, and ST, while the Traverse lineup consists of the LS, LT, Z71, and RS. They both offer numerous packages that make it easy to customize your vehicle. However, the Explorer has more performance-oriented upgrades than the Traverse, all while providing a comfortable ride.
The Ford Explorer boasts a modern, aggressive exterior for a more dynamic SUV. Its bold grille and sharper lines make a statement, while the Traverse has a more rounded and family-friendly design. Its softer, more traditional SUV appearance may not be as exciting to some buyers. If style is important to you, the Explorer offers a more contemporary, sporty feel.
Inside is where the Explorer really stands out. With premium materials and a spacious cabin, the Explorer offers a comfortable experience, especially in higher trims. These include multicontour front seats with Active Motion and a premium Bang & Olufsen 14-speaker sound system, both of which aren’t available on the Traverse. The 2024 Chevrolet Traverse, though spacious, trails the Explorer due to the latter’s more refined amenities.
Let’s compare the Explorer and Traverse in the tech department.
The Ford Explorer comes standard with the SYNC 4 system, with a 13.2-inch touch screen and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Along with eight USB ports, the new Ford Digital Experience software, and a standard FordPass Connect modem with a 5G Wi-Fi hot spot, it’s easy to stay connected with the Explorer. The Traverse excels in this area, offering a larger 17.7-inch touch screen and a wireless charging pad.
When you compare the Chevrolet Traverse and Ford Explorer in terms of safety, the Explorer has better ratings and a more advanced suite of safety features. It offers evasive steering assist, post-collision braking, and side-wind stabilization — all of which aren’t available on the Traverse. Safety ratings for the 2025 Ford Explorer haven’t been released, but the 2024 model received a 2024 Top Safety Pick+ award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, making it a stronger choice for peace of mind behind the wheel.
Ford’s available tech options, such as the Ford Co-Pilot360 system and a 360-degree camera, give the Explorer a technological edge. These innovative features aren’t available in the Traverse. If you’re someone who values cutting-edge tech, the Explorer may be a better option.
Comparing the performance specs of the 2025 Ford Explorer versus the 2024 Chevrolet Traverse, it’s clear that the Explorer also has the upper hand.
The Explorer comes equipped with a 2.3-liter EcoBoost I-4 or a 3.0-liter EcoBoost V-6 engine. These are paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive (RWD), with all-wheel drive (AWD) available as an option. The Traverse only has one powertrain setup. This consists of a 2.5-liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive (FWD) is standard, and AWD is also available. Compared to the Traverse, the Explorer offers more options.
The Ford Explorer is more efficient than the Chevrolet Traverse. Its highest EPA-estimated ratings are 20 mpg city, 29 mpg highway, and 24 mpg combined for the RWD model. The highest figures for the Traverse are 20 mpg city, 27 mpg highway, and 23 mpg combined for the FWD model.
The Explorer feels more responsive and agile due to its sharper steering and available AWD. The Traverse, while comfortable, feels less engaging on the road, especially when navigating tight corners or more challenging terrain.
The 2025 Ford Explorer ST and 2024 Chevrolet Traverse RS are both top-tier trims. Between the two, the Explorer ST delivers more power, at 400 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque, compared to the Traverse RS’s 328 hp and 326 lb-ft of torque. It also has a lower starting MSRP, at $54,260 compared to the Traverse RS’s $55,595.
The Traverse RS offers more space, as it can accommodate seven passengers instead of the Explorer ST’s six. Its cargo capacity of 98.0 cubic feet is also higher than the Explorer’s 85.3 cubic feet. Despite these, the Explorer ST is the superior choice because of its better performance specs and lower price tag.
The Ford Explorer excels in performance, technology, and overall driving experience. With its multiple engine choices and cutting-edge tech, the Explorer stands out as the more versatile and future-proof option. It’s the ideal choice if you want an engaging ride with the latest safety and infotainment features. However, it offers slightly less room than the Traverse and a higher starting MSRP for the base model.
The Traverse offers plenty of room, making it an excellent choice for families who prioritize space. It also provides a smooth, comfortable ride, which appeals to those who want an easy-going, family-friendly SUV. If you’re primarily concerned with interior space and a quiet ride, the Traverse could be a solid option. Compared to the Explorer, though, it is less powerful and offers fewer comfort and technology features. Overall, the 2025 Ford Explorer is the better choice.
Visit Planet Ford Dallas today to explore our extensive selection of new Ford vehicles, including the 2025 Ford Explorer. Whether you’re after a high-performance SUV or a versatile family vehicle, the Explorer delivers on every front. Get in touch with us to schedule your test-drive and see why this SUV is the right fit for your needs.
