2025 Chevrolet Traverse vs 2025 Ford Explorer
Comparison Overview
Deciding between the revamped 2025 Chevrolet Traverse and the long-standing 2025 Ford Explorer is tough when both start near the $40,000 mark. The main dilemma often centers on size versus driving dynamics. The Traverse enters with a significant advantage in space, measuring 204.5 inches long and offering a cavernous 22.9 cubic feet of cargo capacity behind the third row, substantially more than the Explorer’s 18.2 cubic feet. Power delivery also favors Chevy this year, as the Traverse boasts 328 hp and 326 lb-ft of torque compared to the Explorer’s 300 hp and 310 lb-ft. However, the Explorer, with its RWD platform and 10-speed automatic, edges out the Traverse slightly in efficiency, achieving 29 MPG highway versus the Traverse’s 27 MPG highway, even though both achieve 23 MPG combined.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Ford Explorer
The Ford Explorer wins for commuters due to its slightly better combined efficiency of 24 MPG versus the Traverse's 23 MPG.
2025 Chevrolet Traverse
The Chevrolet Traverse is the clear winner for families due to its significantly larger 22.9 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Explorer's 18.2 cu ft.
2025 Chevrolet Traverse
Enthusiasts will likely prefer the Traverse’s higher output of 328 hp and 326 lb-ft of torque.
2025 Ford Explorer
The Ford Explorer offers a lower starting MSRP at $40,050, making it slightly more accessible upfront than the Traverse's $40,700.
Choose the Chevrolet Traverse if...
- You need maximum hauling capability, benefiting from the Traverse's 22.9 cu ft of cargo room.
- You prioritize outright power, taking advantage of the 328 hp engine.
- You prefer the maneuverability often associated with a front-wheel-drive based architecture for standard driving.
Choose the Ford Explorer if...
- You are looking to save $650 initially, as the Explorer starts at $40,050.
- Highway efficiency is critical, as the Explorer achieves 29 MPG on the highway.
- You prefer the driving dynamics of a rear-wheel-drive platform paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Chevrolet Traverse | Ford Explorer |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 204.5" | 198.8" |
| Width | 79.6" | 78.9" |
| Height | 69.6" | 69.9" |
| Wheelbase | 121.0" | 119.1" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Chevrolet | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Cross Traffic Alert | ✓ | — |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | ✓ | ✓ |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags | ✓ | — |
| Front Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Third Row Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electronic Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Traction Control System | ✓ | ✓ |
| LATCH System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Child Safety Locks | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) | 4-Wheel | 4-Wheel |
| Front Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | — | ✓ |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags (with Head Protection Chamber) | — | ✓ |
| Brake Preparation System | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Chevrolet | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.5 L | 2.3 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 328 hp @ 5500 rpm | 300 hp @ 5500 rpm |
| Torque | 326 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm | 310 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 16 | 16 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | ✓ | ✓ |
Drive Train
| Feature | Chevrolet | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 8-speed shiftable automatic | 10-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | rear wheel drive |
Fuel
| Feature | Chevrolet | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 20/27 MPG | 20/29 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 23 MPG | 24 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 388.0/523.8 mi. | 358.0/519.1 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 19.4 gal. | 17.9 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Chevrolet | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tilt Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wireless Charging Pad | ✓ | — |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| 3rd Row Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Leatherette Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Heated Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Three Zone Climate Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Sun Sensor | ✓ | — |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | — | ✓ |
| Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Chevrolet | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 17.7 in | — |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 6 | 6 |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | ✓ | — |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | — |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auxiliary Audio Input | ✓ | — |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 3 months | 3 months |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Android Auto (Wired) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Chevrolet | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 2 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Chevrolet | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 42.6 in. | 40.7 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 44.3 in. | 43.0 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 62.3 in. | 61.8 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 58.7 in. | 59.2 in. |
| Seat Material: Premium Cloth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | 8-way |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | Power | — |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | 4-way | 4-way |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | — |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | — |
Rearseats
| Feature | Chevrolet | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 40.0 in. | 40.5 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 41.5 in. | 39.0 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 62.2 in. | 61.9 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 58.6 in. | 59.1 in. |
| Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | ✓ | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Chevrolet | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Diameter | 18 in | 18 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 255/65R18 | P255/65R18 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Underbody Mounted | Underbody Mounted |
Suspension
| Feature | Chevrolet | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Chevrolet | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 6 yr./ 100000 mi. | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | 1 yr./ unlimited mi. | — |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Chevrolet Traverse and 2025 Ford Explorer.
Which crossover is bigger overall between the 2025 Traverse and the 2025 Explorer?
The 2025 Chevrolet Traverse is physically larger than the Ford Explorer. The Traverse measures 204.5 inches in length, while the Explorer is 198.8 inches long, giving the Traverse more road presence and interior room.
How much more cargo space does the Traverse offer behind the rear seats?
The Chevrolet Traverse provides substantially more usable cargo space, boasting 22.9 cubic feet, which beats the Ford Explorer’s 18.2 cubic feet considerably.
Is there a significant difference in fuel economy for my daily commute?
The difference is minor but present; the Explorer gets slightly better highway fuel economy at 29 MPG compared to the Traverse's 27 MPG, though both share a 23 MPG combined rating.
Which vehicle has more horsepower for better acceleration?
The 2025 Chevrolet Traverse has the advantage in power, generating 328 hp and 326 lb-ft of torque, compared to the Explorer’s 300 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque.
What is the difference in their starting price points?
The Ford Explorer is the lower entry point into this comparison, starting at $40,050, whereas the 2025 Chevrolet Traverse begins its pricing at $40,700.
Do these crossovers require premium fuel?
Fortunately, neither vehicle demands expensive fuel; both the 2025 Chevrolet Traverse and the 2025 Ford Explorer are specified to run on regular unleaded gasoline.
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