The 2025 Ford Explorer and Chevrolet Traverse are practical options if you want a three-row SUV for family adventures. While these powerful SUVs have similarities, they also are very different in a number of ways. Read our John Kennedy Ford Phoenixville team’s comprehensive Ford Explorer vs. Chevrolet Traverse guide to see which SUV best suits your busy lifestyle.
Comparing the 2025 Ford Explorer and the Chevrolet Traverse
As we compare the Ford Explorer and Chevrolet Traverse, we’ll look at the exterior design, interior features, cargo space, performance, and fuel economy, and compare the Ford Explorer vs. Chevrolet Traverse specs to understand the differences between these two midsize SUVs.
Exterior Design and Aesthetic Appeal
The exterior design of the Ford Explorer and Chevrolet Traverse is quite different. The Explorer features sleek lines, a distinctive front grille design, and attractive rectangular-shaped LED headlights. Whether you’re taking the family out to Sunday brunch in Phoenixville or exploring Pennsylvania’s back roads, the 2025 Explorer delivers in style. Ford offers the 2025 Explorer in four trims: the Active, ST-Line, Platinum, and ST, with the starting MSRP ranging from $39,885 for the entry-level Active trim to $54,260 for the top ST trim.
The 2025 Chevrolet Traverse presents a more rugged exterior design. The front end stands out with a massive grille and dropped fascia, and the roofline leads the eye to the sporty back end. Chevrolet offers the 2025 Traverse in four trims: the LT, Z71, High Country, and RS, with an MSRP of $40,700 for the LT and $54,100 for the top RS trim.
Interior Comfort and Space
With three rows of cloth or leather seats, the Ford Explorer can fit up to seven people. Attractive features on select trims include heated and ventilated front seats, heated second-row seats, and multi-adjustable power front seats. Versatile seating configurations give the Explorer cargo space ranging from 16.3 to 85.3 cubic feet, ensuring plenty of room for luggage, supplies, and household goods. The standard power liftgate makes accessing the rear of the Explorer a breeze.
The Chevrolet Traverse also has three rows of seats that can fit up to eight people, depending on the trim. On the higher trims, you get leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, and heated rear outboard seats. Like the Explorer, the Traverse also has flexible seating configurations that give this SUV 22.9 to 97.6 cubic feet of storage space.
Technology, Infotainment, and Connectivity
Both SUVs have the latest technological features. The 2025 Explorer has FordPass Connect with 5G LTE Wi-Fi hot spot capability. A 13.2-inch touch screen features wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration. The Ford Digital Experience allows you to access Google and Amazon from the vehicle. Additional features include eight USB ports, three 12-volt power outlets, and a 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen premium sound system.
The Chevrolet Traverse comes with Chevrolet’s Google-based software with a 17.7-inch touch screen and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration. Attractive features include a wireless charging pad, navigation, and several USB ports. With OnStar, the Traverse has Wi-Fi capability. Choose the two upper trims to get the 12-speaker Bose premium audio system.
Performance and Engine Options
One of the main reasons to choose a large SUV is power and performance. The 2025 Ford Explorer has a 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder engine with automatic start-stop technology. This engine delivers 300 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque. The ST trim has a more powerful turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6 engine that produces 400 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque. The more potent V-6 engine is also available for the Platinum trim.
A 10-speed automatic transmission comes standard, as does rear-wheel drive, with all-wheel drive (AWD) optional. When properly equipped, the 2025 Ford Explorer can tow up to 5,000 pounds, and all trims come standard with a Class III Towing Package. The AWD Ford Explorer with the V-6 engine gets 18 mpg in the city, 25 mpg on the highway, and a combined 21 mpg.
The 2025 Chevrolet Traverse features a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that generates 328 hp and 326 lb-ft of torque. An eight-speed automatic transmission completes the powertrain, and front-wheel drive is standard across the Traverse lineup, except for the Z71 trim, which has AWD.
The latter drivetrain is optional for the other three trims. When properly equipped, the Traverse can tow up to 5,000 pounds. The AWD Chevrolet Traverse gets 19 mpg in the city, 24 mpg on the highway, and 21 mpg combined.
Safety Features and Ratings
Both SUVs have modern safety features such as precollision warning, automatic emergency braking, and a lane mitigation system. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gives the 2025 Ford Explorer “Good” ratings overall, with the 2025 Chevrolet Traverse getting similar ratings.
Why Choose the 2025 Ford Explorer?
So, which is better, the Ford Explorer or the Chevrolet Traverse? We feel the Explorer has more value. It has a lower starting price, carries the iconic Ford reliability reputation, and offers two engine options. It’s also a fun SUV to drive and has advanced technological features everyone in the family will enjoy.
Take the 2025 Ford Explorer for a Test-Drive
Are you excited to learn more about the 2025 Ford Explorer and take one for a test-drive? Our friendly team at John Kennedy Ford Phoenixville looks forward to sharing more information about the new Explorer. Contact us to learn about our flexible finance options and the automotive services we offer to keep all your Ford vehicles running optimally.
Image from ford.com
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