Looking for a 3-row vehicle to take you around St. Clair, Marysville, or East China MI? Then you may be considering the Ford Explorer and the Chevy Traverse. If so, you’ve come to the right place!
At LaFontaine Ford of St. Clair, our team has put these two vehicles in a head-to-head comparison to show how they stack up in terms of their performance, towing, MPG, and interior. That way, you can decide which one is right for you.
MAX HORSEPOWER
MAX TOWING CAPACITY
MASSAGING SEATS
When you’re shopping for a capable SUV, you’ll want to know it has the power to get you and your crew from Point A to Point B. Models like the Ford Explorer and the Chevy Traverse have a lot to offer in this regard, although one has both more options and more power.
The Explorer allows you to take control of your driving experience with two powertrains :
- 2.3L EcoBoost® I-4 engine: 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque
- 3.0L EcoBoost® V6 engine: 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque
On the other hand, the Traverse only offers one engine, so you won’t have the power of choice. Additionally, it falls short with only 328 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque, so you’re sure to notice a difference in the way it performs.
With so much time spent behind the wheel, your SUV is like your second home. It’s important to choose a model that offers maximum comfort in all areas, including smooth commutes. Fortunately, you’ll experience seamless gear changes thanks to the 10-speed automatic transmission that’s found with the Ford Explorer.
With its higher gear ratios compared to the Chevy Traverse, you’re more likely to enjoy higher fuel efficiencies and enhanced performance.
Plus, the Explorer comes optionally with paddle shifters that help you feel more engaged with your commute. The same can’t be said about the Traverse.
If your travels often involve hauling along some recreational toys, you’ll need an SUV that can handle the extra weight with ease. Likewise, if you have an adventurous spirit and enjoy exploring off the beaten path, you’ll require a vehicle with features that make that possible.
If you’re looking for more brawn to bring along your camper or boat on weekend excursions, opt for the available 3.0L EcoBoost® V6 in the Explorer. With the right equipment, it can tow up to 5,600 pounds with ease.
The Traverse falls short yet again with a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds. As such, you’ll have to leave some of your larger items at home.
While both vehicles offer drive modes to help improve their performance, those offered by the Explorer are more versatile than the ones in the Traverse. The Explorer has numerous drive modes to help handle specific terrain , such as:
- Normal
- Eco
- Sport
- Tow/Haul
- Slippery
- Trail
- Deep Snow/Sand (on AWD models)
The Traverse, on the other hand, lacks in the number of offered drive modes. While you’ll find a Terrain Mode, you may not have modes similar to the Explorer’s Slippery, Trail, or Eco modes.
Of course, if you’re driving an SUV, it’s likely you’re often accompanied by friends or family. That means it’s important to ensure everyone on board enjoys a comfortable ride, no matter how long the trip.
With seating for seven in these roomy SUVs, it’s important that your entire family stays comfortable throughout your journey. There’s no need to spar over the perfect cabin climate in the Ford Explorer thanks to its standard tri-zone electronic automatic climate control .
This multi-zone system provides separate temperature settings for you, your copilot, and passengers in the second row, creating a cozy ride all around. While the Traverse offers comfort amenities, you may not have the same climate options as you’ll find in the Explorer.
You may find the driver’s seat of the Explorer to be more comfortable than the one found in the competition, too. After all, you can add available multicontour seats with Active Motion® to the front row. This top-of-the-line feature provides massage settings to soothe tense or tired muscles. Unfortunately, you won’t be treated to this luxurious feature in the Traverse.
Now that you’ve seen how the Explorer and the Traverse compare to each other, you may be interested in going on—and off—the roads of St. Clair, Marysville, or East China MI in a Ford SUV. If so, stop by the showroom at LaFontaine Ford of St. Clair to test drive the Ford Explorer and see this ride in action!
All of the tools you need to move forward with experiencing a new Explorer for yourself are conveniently available right here online.
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