2023 chevrolet traverse vs 2023 ford explorer

Compare The Chevy Traverse Vs. Ford Explorer

2023 chevrolet traverse vs 2023 ford explorer

If you're looking for a rugged, midsize SUV with three rows that can seat up to seven or eight passengers, you're probably looking to compare the two front-runners in this category: the Chevy Traverse vs. Ford Explorer. When choosing between these two powerhouse vehicles, you'll want to compare their differences in trim, performance, towing, and size.

To help with your new SUV search, our team has assembled an SUV comparison that answers the question, Chevy Traverse or Ford Explorer? By the end of our review and comparison, we're confident you'll be calling our dealership to schedule your test drive and lease a Chevy Traverse.


Compare Chevy Traverse and Ford Explorer Pricing

To help you decide between these popular SUVs for sale, let's look at the new Chevy Traverse selection compared to the Ford Explorer lineup to see which vehicle offers more value.

The 2022 Chevy Traverse LS starts things off with eight-passenger seating, a rear vision camera, and wireless Apple CarPlay® and wireless Android Auto™ for your compatible device. The 2022 Ford Explorer only offers seating for seven and does not come with wireless connectivity for your device. Right away, the Chevy Traverse pulls ahead of the Ford Explorer.

The Chevy Traverse LT Cloth comes with a choice of seven or eight-passenger seating, 18-inch aluminum wheels, an eight-way power driver's seat, and advanced safety features. The Ford Explorer XLT only offers seven-passenger seating but does come with similarly equipped wheels.

Moving along to the 2022 Chevy Traverse RS, we find a new SUV with 20-inch wheels and a 10-speaker Bose premium sound system, along with the added safety of HD Surround Vision, a rear camera monitor, and Adaptive Cruise Control. The comparable Ford Explorer Limited comes with a 12-speaker audio system and 20-inch wheels but has a higher starting price than the 2022 Chevy Traverse RS. Clearly, the Chevy Traverse knocks it out of the park in terms of value.

2023 chevrolet traverse vs 2023 ford explorer


2023 chevrolet traverse vs 2023 ford explorer

Ford Explorer vs. Chevy Traverse Performance

If you're trying to decide between the Chevy Traverse vs. Explorer SUVs, you're looking for an SUV that delivers rugged dependability. Let's look at the performance numbers of the Chevy Traverse compared to the Ford Explorer to see which vehicle gives you the capability your drive demands.

Under the hood of the new 2022 Chevy Traverse is a 3.6-liter V6 engine. The 2022 Ford Explorer is motivated by a smaller 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine. Right away, the Chevy has a bigger engine than the Ford.

The Chevy Traverse puts out 310 horsepower and 266-pounds of torque and will take you from 0-60 mph in 6.5 seconds. The engine inside the Ford Explorer only puts out 300 horsepower.

The Chevy Traverse has a payload capacity of 1,850-pounds, while the Ford Explorer comes up short with 1,084 pounds of payload capability. When it comes to the Ford Explorer vs. Chevy Traverse towing capacity, both of these vehicles can pull 5,000-pounds.1

But even if you need a vehicle that can tow more than the Chevy Traverse and Ford Explorer, the new Chevy Silverado 1500 will do the trick.

Looking at those performance stats, you may be wondering if the Ford Explorer vs. Chevy Traverse gas mileage will give the two more of a level playing field. The new Chevy Traverse SUV for sale provides an EPA-estimated 18/27 mpg2 (City/Highway), while the smaller engine in the Ford Explorer does only minimally better with an EPA-estimated 20/28 mpg (City/Highway). With those results in, the 2022 Chevy Traverse maintains its lead over the Ford Explorer.


2022 Chevy Traverse 2022 Ford Explorer
Engine 3.6L V6 2.3L 4 cylinder
Horsepower 310 hp 300 hp
0-60 6.5 seconds 5.6 seconds
Torque 266 lb-ft 310 lb-ft
Cargo Volume 98.2 cu. ft. 87.8 cu. ft.
Towing Capacity 5,000 lbs. 5,300 lbs.
Payload 1,850 lbs. 1,084 lbs.
Seating Up to 8 Up to 7

When you compare the Chevy Traverse vs. Ford Explorer size, you'll find that the Chevy is bigger than the Ford. The Ford Explorer SUV sits on a 119.1-inch wheelbase and has an overall length of 198.8 inches. The vehicle is 69.9 inches tall and has a maximum width of 89.3 inches.

The new Chevy Traverse, on the other hand, has a wheelbase of 120.93 inches and an overall length of 205.9 inches. It's also 78.60 inches wide (without mirrors) and a whopping 70.7 inches tall.

And those numbers translate over to the available space inside your new car. Looking at the Chevy Traverse vs. Ford Explorer cargo space, the Chevy gives you more cargo room than the Ford. Owners of the new Chevy Traverse will have up to 98.2 cubic feet of cargo volume to enjoy. Drivers who opt for the new Ford Explorer will have to make do with only 87.8 cubic feet of cargo volume.

2023 chevrolet traverse vs 2023 ford explorer


Frequently Asked Questions


Which has more room, the Chevy Traverse or Ford Explorer?

When it comes to an SUV size comparison, the new Chevy Traverse is bigger than the Ford Explorer for sale. If you're looking for the SUV with the most cargo room, go with the Chevy Traverse. The new 2022 Chevy Traverse provides eight-passenger seating and up to 98.2 cubic feet of cargo volume. The Ford Explorer only gives you 87.8 cubic feet of cargo space.

Which can tow more, the Chevy Traverse or Ford Explorer?

The Chevy Traverse has a bigger engine than the Ford Explorer and a higher payload capacity. The bigger engine in the Chevy Traverse puts out more horsepower than the Ford and can tow up to 5,000-pounds.1 However, the Ford Explorer has more torque than the Chevy and can tow up to 5,300 pounds.

Which is bigger, Chevy Traverse vs. Ford Explorer?

The new 2022 Chevy Traverse SUV comes with three rows of comfortable seating for up to eight passengers. The new Ford Explorer only offers seven-passenger seating. The Ford Explorer is also shorter than the Chevy Traverse and provides less cargo area. When you need an SUV that can comfortably hold your family and all of your gear, groceries, and golf clubs, we suggest the new Chevy Traverse.

2022 Chevy Traverse Review

Thank you for taking the time to read our Chevy Traverse vs. Ford Explorer comparison. We hope we've answered your questions about how these two competitors stack up and which new SUV gives you more value for your money. If you'd like to take a spin in any of the new Chevy Traverse trim models, make the short trip over to Matt Bowers Chevy Metairie. Our sales team is eager to greet you and hand you the keys for a test drive.


1Requires available trailering equipment. Maximum trailering ratings are intended for comparison purposes only. Before you buy a vehicle or use it for trailering, carefully review the Trailering section of the Owner's Manual. The trailering capacity of your specific vehicle may vary. The weight of passengers, cargo and options or accessories may reduce the amount you can trailer.

2EPA-estimated 18 MPG city/27 highway (FWD), 17 MPG city/25 highway (AWD) with 3.6L V6 engine.


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Which is better Traverse or explorer?

If you're looking for the SUV with the most cargo room, go with the Chevy Traverse. The new 2022 Chevy Traverse provides eight-passenger seating and up to 98.2 cubic feet of cargo volume. The Ford Explorer only gives you 87.8 cubic feet of cargo space.

What Ford SUV is comparable to the Chevy Traverse?

The 2021 Ford Explorer and 2021 Chevy Traverse offer comparable performance from their standard engines. While the Chevy Traverse provides a larger engine, the Ford Explorer delivers better torque, fuel economy, and a higher maximum towing capacity.

Is Chevy discontinuing the Traverse?

The 2.0L 4-cylinder Turbo engine was short-lived, with Chevrolet discontinuing the engine for the Traverse in April 2019. 2018 also saw an updated 3.6-liter V6 engine (RPO code LFY). The updated 3.6-liter engine features increased power, and engine start-stop technology.

What vehicles are comparable to Ford Explorer?

8 Top Ford Explorer Competitors.
Honda Pilot..
Hyundai Santa Fe..
Toyota Highlander..
Mazda CX-9..
Chevrolet Traverse..
Kia Telluride..
Jeep Grand Cherokee..
Nissan Pathfinder..