The Ford Explorer edges out the Chevy Traverse in 2025 as the better all-rounder for American families, thanks to superior driving dynamics, advanced tech integration, and a more engaging V6 option. The Traverse wins on sheer space and cargo practicality, making it ideal for haulers, but its sluggish four-cylinder and hard seats fall short. Explorer scores higher in performance, comfort, and value for most buyers—8.5/10 vs. 7.8/10. If you prioritize driving fun and the Google ecosystem, go Explorer. For maximum room and longer free Super Cruise, Traverse. Prices start at $42,000 (₹35 lakh) for the Explorer, $43,000 (₹36 lakh) for the Traverse.
Introduction: The Battle of American Family SUVs
The three-row SUV market in America is a family fortress, and no two contenders embody the “big, bold, practical” ethos quite like the Ford Explorer and Chevy Traverse. These 2025 models aren’t just vehicles—they’re the backbone of suburban life, hauling kids to soccer, gear for camping trips, and groceries for Thanksgiving dinners. But with starting prices around $42,000 (or ₹35 lakh in India for imports), the choice matters: which one truly elevates your drive without compromising on space, tech, or safety?
We spent weeks with both—driving them through city traffic, highway hauls, and off-road trails—testing everything from cargo capacity to hands-free driving systems. The Explorer brings sporty flair with its optional V6 and seamless Google integration; the Traverse counters with cavernous interiors and a more generous Super Cruise trial. Both offer up to 5,000 lbs towing, advanced ADAS, and room for 7–8 passengers, but subtle differences in ride quality, engine feel, and tech usability tip the scales.
This head-to-head isn’t just specs on paper—it’s real-world testing from Edmunds’ private track and road miles. Whether you’re a soccer mom needing max cargo or a weekend warrior craving handling, we’ll help you decide. Let’s roll.
Exterior Design & Presence
The Ford Explorer and Chevy Traverse look like siblings from different families—both rugged American SUVs, but with distinct personalities that reflect their brands. The Explorer, starting at $42,000, exudes athletic poise with its bold grille, swept-back headlights, and muscular wheel arches. The 2025 refresh adds sharper lines and LED accents, giving it a premium edge over the boxier Traverse. It’s 193 inches long, 78 inches wide, and 70 inches tall, with a ground clearance of 7.9 inches—enough for light off-road jaunts without feeling like a truck.
The Traverse, at $43,000, prioritizes practicality with a taller, wider stance (204 inches long, 79 inches wide, 71 inches tall). Its boxy silhouette maximizes interior room, but the plain front fascia and vertical taillights feel dated compared to the Explorer’s flair. Both come in seven trims (Explorer: Active to Platinum; Traverse: LS to High Country), with options for AWD and roof rails. The Explorer’s optional black contrast roof ($4,895) adds style, but it’s a luxury tax—aftermarket alternatives cost a fraction.
In parking lots, the Explorer draws looks with its sleek profile; the Traverse blends in as the practical hauler. Build quality is solid on both—galvanized steel resists rust, triple-sealed doors muffle wind noise. But the Explorer’s fit and finish feels tighter, with fewer creaks.
Verdict: Explorer for style and poise; Traverse for unobtrusive utility. If curb appeal matters, Ford wins.
Interior & Technology: Screens, Comfort, and Functionality
Step inside, and the differences sharpen. The Explorer’s dashboard is a tech playground—dual 12.3-inch screens (driver + infotainment) with Google Built-In (Maps, Assistant, Play Store). It’s intuitive, with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto as backups. The horizontal layout keeps climate controls accessible via shortcuts, but no physical knobs for temperature means menu diving. Voice commands via Google Assistant are snappy, and Q-Symphony syncs with soundbars for seamless audio.
The Traverse counters with a massive 17.3-inch touchscreen—the largest in the class—but its cluttered interface frustrates. Google services are free for 8 years (vs Explorer’s 1 year), but resolution drops in CarPlay, and the backup camera is a tiny pop-up. Physical knobs for climate are a win, but menu navigation feels dated. Super Cruise (hands-free driving) is smoother, with a 3-year trial (Explorer’s 1-year BlueCruise is $500/year after).
Seating: Explorer’s front seats are plush, adjustable, with strong heating/ventilation. Massage seats on Platinum trim are powerful but loud. Traverse’s wide front seats excel in ventilation, but the firm padding feels rental-like.
Second Row: Explorer’s seats are narrow but supportive, with USB-C + outlet. Traverse’s wider benches offer better legroom, but lack side bolstering—passengers slide on turns.
Cargo: Traverse’s 23 cu ft behind second row crushes Explorer’s 18 cu ft—fit two full suitcases + stroller. Explorer’s underfloor storage and power-folding third row are handy, but Traverse’s sliding second row adds versatility.
Verdict: Explorer for tech polish and front comfort; Traverse for space and rear practicality. Ford takes the edge for usability.
Seating Comfort & Space: 3 Rows of Reality
Comfort is king in three-row SUVs, and both deliver—but with trade-offs. The Explorer’s first-row seats are highly adjustable, with lumbar support and strong heating/cooling that rivals luxury brands. The massage function on Platinum is vigorous, though the noisy motors are annoying during quiet drives. The upright posture suits long hauls, but the seat padding is firm.
The Traverse’s front seats are wide and ventilated, with excellent adjustability, but the hard padding feels less plush. Heating is top-notch, but the integrated cooling auto-activates with climate control—annoying if you prefer manual.
Second Row: Explorer’s seats are narrow but supportive, with good legroom for adults. Traverse’s wider benches excel in space, but lack bolstering—passengers shift on curves. Both have overhead vents, but Traverse’s sliding second row adds flexibility.
Third Row: Both are kid territory—Explorer’s tight legroom and headroom suit children; Traverse’s slightly better access and vents are similar. Car seat accommodation is excellent on both, with easy anchors.
Verdict: Traverse for second-row space; Explorer for first-row luxury. Tie on the third-row utility.
Cargo Capacity & Practicality
The Traverse is a cargo champ—23 cubic feet behind the second row dwarfs the Explorer’s 18 cubic feet. I fit two full suitcases, a stroller, and groceries in the Traverse without folding seats. Explorer struggles with one suitcase + carry-on, but its underfloor storage and power-folding third row help.
Traverse’s sliding second row adds versatility—push it forward for third-row access or cargo. Explorer’s fixed seats limit flexibility. Both tow 5,000 lbs, but Explorer’s trailer blind-spot monitoring is superior.
Verdict: Traverse dominates practicality—perfect for family haulers.
Performance & Driving Experience
The Explorer is fun to drive—its 2.3L turbo four-cylinder (300 hp, 310 lb-ft) or optional 3.0L V6 (400 hp, 415 lb-ft) deliver responsive power. The four-cylinder hits 0–60 in 5.8 seconds with 22 MPG combined; the V6 adds thrill but drops to 20 MPG. Brakes are confident, steering is precise, and handling is car-like despite the size.
The Traverse’s 2.5L turbo four-cylinder (315 hp, 310 lb-ft) feels underwhelmed—8.4 seconds to 60, 22 MPG, but heavy steering and body roll make it feel lumbering. Braking distance is the longest in class, a safety concern.
Hands-Free Driving: Explorer’s BlueCruise (highway autonomy, 1-year free, $500/year after) is intuitive; Traverse’s Super Cruise (3-year free) is superior, with lane changes and better sensors.
Verdict: Explorer’s V6 and dynamics win; Traverse’s Super Cruise is a tiebreaker.
Safety & Driver Assistance
Both earn 5-star NHTSA ratings, with full ADAS suites: adaptive cruise, lane-keeping, blind-spot monitoring, and emergency braking. Explorer’s 360° cameras are sharp; Traverse’s backup camera is tiny but effective.
Braking: Explorer stops shorter; Traverse’s longer distance is a flaw. Explorer’s trailer blind-spot is class-leading for towing.
Verdict: Explorer for braking and cameras; Traverse ties on ADAS.
Ownership, Warranty & Value
Explorer: 3-year/36,000-mile warranty, 1-year Google/BlueCruise, quality issues (creaks, steering noise). Traverse: 3-year/36,000-mile, 8-year Google, 3-year Super Cruise, interior rattles.
Value: Explorer $42,000–$60,000 (₹35–50 lakh); Traverse $43,000–$57,000 (₹36–47 lakh). Traverse $3,000 cheaper loaded, but Explorer’s V6 and tech justify the premium.
Verdict: Traverse for raw value; Explorer for premium ownership.
Verdict: Which SUV Wins?
The Ford Explorer is the better 3-row SUV for most in 2025—sporty dynamics, superior tech, V6 power, and driving joy outweigh the Traverse’s space edge. The Traverse is practical for cargo kings, with longer freebies and a roomier second row, but its sluggish engine, hard seats, and braking hold it back.
Explorer Wins:
- Performance & ride (V6 option, confident handling)
- Technology (Google integration, camera usability)
- Front-row comfort
Traverse Wins:
- Cargo & second-row space
- Super Cruise trial length
- Value when loaded
Edmunds Ratings Recap:
- Explorer: 8.3/10 (Performance 9, Comfort 8, Tech 8.5)
- Traverse: 7.8/10 (Space 9.5, Value 8, Performance 7)
Buy Explorer if: You love driving, need tech, and want a V6. Buy Traverse if: Cargo is king, you want free Super Cruise.
In America’s SUV wars, Ford takes the crown—but the Traverse is a worthy challenger.
Comparison Table: Specs & Key Highlights
| Feature | Ford Explorer (2025) | Chevy Traverse (2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 2.3L Turbo / 3.0L V6 | 2.5L Turbo 4-Cyl |
| Power/Torque | 300 hp/310 lb-ft (4-cyl) | 315 hp/310 lb-ft |
| 0–60 mph | 5.8 sec (4-cyl) | 8.4 sec |
| Cargo (behind 2nd row) | 18 cu ft | 23 cu ft |
| Infotainment | Google Built-In (1 yr) | Google Built-In (8 yrs) |
| Hands-Free | BlueCruise (1 yr free) | Super Cruise (3 yrs free) |
| Base Price | $42,000 (~₹35 lakh) | $43,000 (~₹36 lakh) |
| Towing | 5,000 lbs | 5,000 lbs |
Traverse – more cargo space and wider second-row seats.
Tie – Explorer’s BlueCruise is intuitive; Traverse’s Super Cruise is more advanced with lane changes.
Yes – Super Cruise has better sensors and a longer free trial.
Explorer – 22 MPG combined vs Traverse’s 22 MPG (Explorer’s 4-cyl wins).
Explorer – Ford’s brand holds 55% after 3 years vs Traverse’s 50%.
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Source: Ford Explorer vs. Chevy Traverse: Which American 3-Row SUV is Best?
