Starting at
Starting at
| 400 hp | Horsepower: | 328 hp |
| 415 lb-ft | Torque: | 326 lb-ft |
| 5,600 lbs | Towing: | 5,000 lbs |
Few SUVs have been roaming the streets for as long as the Explorer, making its grand debut for the 1991 model year. What began as a ruggedly capable true sport utility vehicle has evolved into a versatile, practical, and skillful leader in the midsize SUV segment, perfect for families, adventurers, and daily drivers of all types. Although many families gravitate toward three-row SUVs as opposed to minivans, this fact doesn’t make all three-row SUVs alike.
One of the Explorer’s main competitors is the Chevy Traverse, which didn’t make its way onto the roadways until 2009 when it replaced the more rugged Trailblazer that has now made its way back into the Chevy lineup as a subcompact option. When comparing the 2024 Ford Explorer vs 2024 Chevy Traverse, you’ll soon realize that these two crowd favorites offer a lot to drivers to make their time on the road exceptional; however, one goes above and beyond.
The Explorer offers drivers the chance to harness impeccable power from its excellent engine selection while also enjoying a functional cabin and outstanding features designed to heighten the feel of the ride. The Traverse, although in a new generation for the 2024 model year, tends to disappoint when it comes to power, and when you’re looking for a fuel-efficient family shuttler, you may want to look elsewhere as the Traverse lags behind rivals like the Explorer. In the areas of interior and exterior design, convenience, and performance, which of these three-row midsize SUVs winds up on top? Let DePaula Ford tell you everything you need to know about these two impressive options.
Both the 2024 Ford Explorer and the 2024 Chevy Traverse come in their fair share of options, helping you choose the type of experience you require on the road ahead. Inside the Explorer, you’ll find that you’re able to enjoy intense luxury in its Platinum trim, which boasts leather seating elements with tri-diamond perforated inserts, an available twin-panel moonroof, and more alluring features. For those searching for a more rustic experience, the King Ranch won’t disappoint, with Del Rio leather appointments and exclusive badging throughout. You’ll also find features like a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, multi-color ambient lighting, heated and ventilated seats, and acoustic-laminated glass to dampen road noise, especially when you opt for higher-level trims.
In the past, the Traverse has been reported to be lacking when it comes to luxury, especially in its more expensive trims. For 2024, the Traverse is all new and continues to boast the same functionality that we’re used to in this particular model. The RS is the top-of-the-line trim, offering leather-appointed seats, red accent stitching, and a sunroof. You’ll also find the bold Z71 has finally made its way into the Traverse lineup, adding a bit more ruggedness to this everyday family traveler. With only four trims to choose from to the Explorer’s available eight, there’s definitely a feeling of limitation when it comes to the interior cabin experience you’re able to have in the Traverse.
From the moment you catch a glimpse of it, the 2024 Explorer will hold you in its stare, with adaptive LED lighting elements, an intimidating front end, and a confident grille design. When you’re searching for maximum excitement in the elements, the Timberline model won’t let you down, with exceptional ground clearance of 8.7 inches, reinforced skid plates, a specialized light kit, and a dark carbonized gray grille to accentuate its bold persona.
The Traverse showcases a more interesting appearance this year, with strong body lines and chiseled features, making it a bit more exciting than models past. Depending on which trim you choose, you could enjoy everything from 22-inch gloss black-painted aluminum wheels with the RS to tow hooks and all-terrain tires in the Z71. We do like that the Traverse is a bit more rugged this year; however, we wish there were more trims to choose from to craft the ride you desire, which is why the Ford Explorer is a top pick when you want more options.
Many families are drawn to both the 2024 Ford Explorer and the 2024 Chevy Traverse. First of all, both offer three rows to accommodate their passengers and second of all, there’s plenty of room for all of the things that accompany you on the road. The Ford Explorer makes it easy to configure your cabin to meet your needs with an available PowerFold third-row seat, which flips up to handle some extra travel companions and folds down to accommodate more gear. You’ll also get to enjoy a power liftgate to help you get loaded and unloaded even when your hands are full, responding with just the push of a button. E-Z Entry second-row seats flip and slide forward, allowing you to access the rear of the vehicle without having to climb over obstacles, while plenty of Yakima accessories, like cargo baskets, sky boxes, and more, help you to handle even more gear while in transit.
There’s no doubt that the Traverse can handle your family and everything they’re bringing along for the ride. It showcases many of the same cargo features as the Explorer, including a hands-free liftgate and configurable seats. Its interior is quite immense, though, much like what you would expect from a minivan, so if you don’t quite need all of that extra space, the Traverse may be too big for you. The Explorer offers just enough room for all of your things, as well as your passengers, without feeling too massive inside.
Anyone traveling with their family knows that having all the innovation you require at your fingertips is key. That’s why Ford has equipped the Explorer with convenient tech to make any drive better. From wireless charging capabilities to a 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system, a rear-seat entertainment system, and more available features, plus standard smartphone integration, you and your passengers will have access to all of the tech they need during the ride.
Like the Explorer, the Traverse is equipped with many of the features families need out on the road, including a 10-speaker Bose audio system, built-in navigation, and more must-have innovations in top-level trims. Unfortunately, the starting price for the Traverse is higher than the Explorer, which means that when you want to upgrade to one of these higher-level trims to enjoy all of these features, you’re looking at spending a pretty penny to elevate your ride.
Having options is what makes the 2024 Ford Explorer such a popular vehicle on the streets, and when you want to harness exceptional power, this three-row SUV won’t let you down. Offering two engines in its arsenal, the Explorer allows you to create the experience you demand while you’re traveling. It comes standard with a 2.3L EcoBoost turbocharged four-cylinder, which packs the power with 300 horses driving it forward and a maximum towing capacity of 5,300 lbs. It’s also highly efficient, getting up to 28 MPG on the highway. Amplify your experience with the available 3.0L EcoBoost turbocharged V6 to enjoy 400 hp and a maximum towing power of 5,600 lbs. This engine is also impressive out on the highway, getting an EPA-estimated 26 MPG, making it easy to choose the vehicle that meets your needs in the Explorer arsenal.
Unfortunately, the 2024 Chevy Traverse only gives you one option when it comes to how you power forward. It is armed with a 2.5L turbocharged four-cylinder, which makes 328 hp and can tow up to 5,000 lbs. This is well below the Explorer’s capabilities, and when it comes to fuel efficiency, the Traverse is lacking here as well. Only able to get up to 18 MPG in the city and 26 MPG on the highway, the Traverse lags behind the Explorer in every single performance factor imaginable.
The quality you can expect from the Explorer is confidence and responsiveness, with plenty of excitement from its capable engines and precise steering and handling. Opt for all-wheel drive and traverse the elements with certainty, with a Terrain Management System to help you take on various environments without issue. You’ll also get to enjoy customizable drive modes to help you make the most out of any journey. From towing heavy loads to trekking through slippery terrain, you’ll be able to handle yourself easily, no matter what resides beneath your tires.
The Traverse limits you to the kind of experience you’re able to enjoy with only one powertrain option. If you want to take advantage of a more capable ride, you’ll need to spring for the Z71 trim, which offers you all-wheel drive capabilities, an off-road-tuned suspension system, and features like Hill Descent Control to heighten the feel of the journey.
DePaula Ford is dedicated to providing our customers with the very best selection and experience in the business. From our extraordinary lot of phenomenal new and used models to our exceptional customer service, we can guarantee that you’ll enjoy your time with us. If you have the 2024 Ford Explorer on your mind, look no further than here. When you want to enjoy a powerful performance, top-level design, and unmatched convenience, you’ll find it in this outstanding vehicle.
We’re the area’s top choice when it comes to Ford vehicles, offering fair prices, an expansive lot of high-quality options, and a team that doesn’t stop working for you. From sales to finance to service, you’ll be impressed by how we treat you. So, if you’re ready to elevate your car buying experience, stop by and see what we have to offer to make your time behind the wheel more satisfying in every possible way.
*Images, fuel economy, and other stats, may reflect higher trim levels, options, or features that may result in a higher cost from the starting MSRP.
MSRP excludes tax, license, registration, additional options, and possible destination charges. Dealers set own prices.
