After some fresh updates, the 2021 Ford Explorer made a statement as it entered the market. With its bold design and impressive cabin, there are many reasons why Geneva, Canandaigua, and Rochester, NY, drivers would be happy cruising the scenic New York roads in this SUV.
However, there’s one model that goes head to head with the Ford Explorer: the 2021 Chevy Traverse. To give you a glimpse at how these SUVs stack up against each other, our team at Friendly Ford has put together this detailed comparison. To learn more, watch our review and continue reading!
When it comes to engines, the Ford Explorer and the Chevy Traverse both offer an impressive lineup. When opting for the base-level Ford Explorer, you'll receive its standard 2.3L EcoBoost® 4-cylinder engine. When equipped with the 10-speed automatic transmission with SelectShift®, this powertrain nets a monstrous 310 lb-ft of torque.
On the other hand, we have the Chevy Traverse that comes in strong with its 3.6L V6 engine. Although a powerful option, the Traverse can't quite keep up with what the Ford offers in regard to torque. The Chevy Traverse is only able to generate up to 266 lb-ft of torque.
However, if you desire more power in your Ford Explorer, you can always go with the 3.0L twin-turbocharged EcoBoost® V6, paired again with the 10-speed automatic transmission with SelectShift®. If you thought the previous engine got monstrous figures, this tops them! Here we find up to 400 horsepower and an incredible 415 lb-ft of torque.
Moving on to efficiency, both the Explorer and the Traverse will save you time and money at the gas pump. Although both SUVs offer excellent fuel economy, the Ford remains superior in this category. Especially with its high fuel tank capacity, which ranges from 17.9 U.S. gallons on the lower trims up to 20.2 U.S. gallons on the upper trims.
With the Explorer, you can expect up to an EPA-estimated 27 city/29 highway MPG. Unfortunately for the Traverse, you'll only receive up to an EPA-estimated 18 city/27 highway MPG. This puts the Explorer in the lead as it can take more of those extended trips into the city or down the highway.
When it comes to towing, the Ford Explorer defeats the Chevy Traverse with its remarkable rating. When properly equipped, the Ford Explorer with its base engine offers a maximum towing capacity of 5,300 pounds. As you move up the line in available engines, that maximum expands to 5,600 pounds.
By comparison, the Chevy Traverse offers a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds when properly equipped. With the base-level trim, the Traverse can only handle 1,500 pounds when properly equipped. Unlike the Ford Explorer, the different trims on the Chevy Traverse do not offer any additional boost to its maximum towing capacity.
Another advantage here for the Ford Explorer is that it comes standard with the Trailer Sway Control feature. This helps keep your trailer stabilized on the road. It will give you extra confidence to make the experience more pleasant.
Another benefit of the Ford Explorer is that you get superior maximum towing capacity right out of the box on the base level, while the Chevy Traverse requires additional equipment to come even close. So, if you’re looking to tow a heavy trailer, a boat and more, the Ford Explorer is the obvious choice.
If you’re on the hunt for an SUV, you're probably looking for an abundance of interior space for both your passengers and cargo. Striking a balance between passenger and cargo space is often tricky since you’ve got to factor in who’ll be riding along and what you’ll be taking.
When riding in the Ford Explorer, you and your passengers will enjoy plenty of space to stretch out with exactly 152.7 cubic feet of passenger volume. Not to mention, you won't feel cramped with 43 inches of legroom in the front row.
The Chevy Traverse also offers a roomy cabin but falls short when it comes to legroom. The Chevy SUV only offers 41 inches of legroom in the first row. This is unfortunate but an important distinction to be made since your comfort as a driver directly leads to a safe and secure driving experience.
If you’re looking to stay connected and entertained during your adventures, both vehicles offer options to make that a reality, however they’re not created equal. So, we’ll see what’s in store when you get behind the wheel.
The Ford Explorer starts off strong with convenience features such as an integrated key fob that allows for keyless entry, a manual tilt/telescoping steering column, and four total 12V power points located in the first and second rows alongside the cargo area.
Not to be forgotten is the Lane-Keeping System that includes technologies like Lane-Keeping Assist, Lane-Keeping Alert, and Driver Alert. This tight suite not only makes for a smoother driving experience, but it also provides added elements of safety as well.
In terms of infotainment, the Ford Explorer takes the lead ahead of the Chevy Traverse. Both vehicles come standard with a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot; however, the Explorer includes FordPass Connect™ as part of it, bringing more advantages such as the available SYNC® 3 voice-activated tech system that allows up to 10 devices to be connected at the same time.
Between these two SUVs, the obvious choice is the 2021 Ford Explorer over the 2021 Chevy Traverse. The Explorer offers everything you want and need in a vehicle, plus much more.
If you're a driver in Geneva, Canandaigua, or Rochester, NY, and want to get behind the wheel of the Ford Explorer, then give our team at Friendly Ford a call today! We can answer any questions you may have, plus set you up with a test drive.
