If you’re looking for a new midsize SUV then you may have come across the benefits of the 2023 Ford Explorer vs the 2023 Chevy Traverse. While the Traverse has some great perks that any driver would feel comfortable driving off the lot with, in this comparison guide we’ll explain why the Explorer has the upper hand and continues to be one of Ford’s best selling SUVs.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Either vehicle is a smart pick when you need more passenger and cargo space.
- The Explorer is the bigger vehicle and does provide a little more extra room.
- Better torque on the Explorer allows power to the wheels to better transmit.
- Three engine options on the Explorer beats most of its competition time after time.
PERFORMANCE AND GAS MILEAGE: 2023 EXPLORER
A defining strength of the Explorer has always been its capacity for power. With both SUVs being sizable for what they are, a little more power is needed to ensure no energy is being wasted. That is where the Explorer has the advantage. The torque of the Explorer has much more power at 310 lb-ft compared to the Traverse’s engine at 266 lb-ft, making the Explorer more efficient with its power usage.
The Explorer also comes with three engine options that include:
- 300-hp, 2.3-liter, 4 Cylinder Engine (Gasoline Fuel)
- 318-hp, 3.3-liter, V6 Cylinder Engine (Gas/Electric Hybrid)
- 400-hp, 3.0-liter, V6 Cylinder Engine (Gasoline Fuel)
The Explorer’s engine options allow for drivers to pick what best works for them. The mid-tier engine is a gas/hybrid engine – this immediately gives the Explorer a gas saving advantage. If you have a family with kids, and do a lot of driving between work, school and home, the Explorer is going to give you the best gas mileage while keeping your wallet in mind. Overall, the Explorer gets 18-25 MPG in the city and 22-29 MPG on the highway, the Traverse gets a range of about 18 in the city and 25-27 on the highway. The Traverse does come equipped with a nice 3.6-liter V6, but it stops there and maxes out at around 310 horsepower.
BETTER UTILITY WITH THE EXPLORER
The Traverse is the eight-passenger seater of the two SUVs, the Explorer can only seat seven. It is the bigger of the two cars as well, resulting in a few inches more of cubic feet for cargo space allowing for 157 cu-ft of stage space, just six cubic inches more than the Explorer. Also, since the Traverse is bigger it allows for more head and legroom for passengers.
However, with the Explorer there is more utility that comes by sacrificing the extra seat and being the thinner car. For one, handling is easier with the Explorer. The Explorer has a maximum towing capacity that is 600 pounds more than the Traverse at 5,300 pounds. The Explorer has higher ground clearance, that feature paired with the more advanced four wheel drive system of the Explorer makes off-roading a great experience
SAFETY: BOTH ARE WELL EQUIPPED
These SUVs make sure they have everything drivers need to feel safe on the road. One of the major benefits of upgrading to these newer models is all the new tech and safety features they come standard with. All this tech makes driving a vehicle of their size easier than it’s ever been before. Both the Explorer and the Traverse have their share of hands-free devices like mobile hotspots, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and Bluetooth as well as a plethora of driving assisting features like lane departure detection and blind spot monitoring. It is important to note that the Explorer, as the 2022 model earned an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award which is the highest rating that can be awarded to a car, which can’t be said about the Traverse.
SCHEDULE A TEST DRIVE
If you’re in need of an SUV that gets the job done right every time, Explorer will be great to drive off the lot with. The 2023 model is reliable, and shares many of the same tech and safety benefits the Traverse does but has the advantage of being one of the most fuel-efficient SUVs out there if you choose to go with their second tier powertrain. Give us a visit today to take a test drive in this spectacular SUV.