Standard Power

The Ford Explorer finds its motivation in a standard turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine that generates 300 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. The Traverse's 3.6-liter V-6 makes slightly more horsepower (305) but much less torque (266 pound-feet). When it comes to on-demand acceleration for highway merging or passing, the Explorer is the more capable option.

Fuel Efficiency

Not only does the Explorer deliver better performance, but it also gets slightly better fuel economy. Equipped with a 10-speed automatic transmission, the Explorer achieves an EPA-estimated 21 mpg city and 28 mpg highway. The Chevy Traverse equips a 9-speed automatic transmission and falls behind at an EPA-estimated 18 mpg city and 27 mpg highway.

Engine Options

If you're seeking even more power for your drives around Somerset or New Bedford, the Ford Explorer has you covered. In addition to the base engine, the Explorer offers three additional engine options. The Limited Hybrid trim features a 318-horsepower 3.3-liter hybrid V-6. The Platinum trim is powered by a turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6 that generates 365 horsepower and 380 pound-feet of torque. Finally, the ST trim boasts a higher-output version of the turbocharged V-6 that produces 400 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque. The Chevy Traverse doesn't offer additional engine options.

Infotainment

The Ford Explorer comes standard with an eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system and smartphone integration via Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™. The available Premium Technology package equips a 10.1-inch display and a 14-speaker Bang & Olufsen premium audio system. Conversely, the Traverse comes standard with a 7-inch touchscreen, while an 8-inch touchscreen is available. For premium audio, the Traverse offers an available 10-speaker Bose system.

Safety and Driver Aids

Somerset and New Bedford families are sure to appreciate the Ford Explorer's inclusion of Co-Pilot360 Driver-Assistance Technologies as standard equipment. The package includes Automatic High Beams, Forward Collision Warning, Automatic Emergency Braking, Pedestrian Detection, Lane Departure Mitigation, and Blind-Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert. You can get these on the Chevy Traverse, but only on higher trim levels.

Adaptive Cruise Control

The Ford Explorer makes adaptive cruise control available on XLT models and standard on all higher trims. To get this desirable feature on the Chevy Traverse, you have to select the highest trim level.

While style and attractiveness are subjective traits, the Explorer boasts a brand-new redesign with clean lines, a dynamic and assertive front fascia, and an aerodynamic swept-back profile. The Explorer's interior features high-quality materials, an intuitive control layout, and superior visibility.

By comparison, the Chevy Traverse appears dated and not as refined as the Explorer. Additionally, the Traverse suffers from poor visibility due to seats and pillars that obstruct the rear-side views. Blind-Spot Monitoring can assist with this, but it's only available on higher trim levels.