The Chevrolet Traverse got a complete redesign last year, bringing an updated exterior, redone interior, and tech features like the hands-free Super Cruise driving system. However, this midsize 3-row SUV faces plenty of competition, and one of its main rivals is the 2025 Ford Explorer, which received a big update for this model year.
Having been around since the early 1990s, the Explorer set the template for a family-friendly midsize SUV that’s roomy and affordable. This generation first appeared for the 2020 model year, though a steady stream of improvements has kept it nicely updated.
Want to see how these two compare? Let’s explore some highlights of the Chevrolet Traverse and Ford Explorer to find out.
2025 Chevrolet Traverse
Chevrolet fits the third generation of its popular midsize SUV with a 328-horsepower turbocharged 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive (FWD) is standard; all-wheel drive (AWD) is optional. Hop aboard, and you’ll be greeted by an easy-to-use 17.7-inch infotainment system. There is seating for eight in the entry-level LS trim, while higher trims are 7-seaters thanks to second-row captain’s chairs. Pricing starts at $41,995, including delivery charge.
Chevrolet Traverse Highlights
Updated turbo 4-cylinder: Chevy has replaced the previous model’s V6 with a new turbocharged 4-cylinder. Despite losing a couple of cylinders, the output is 18 hp more, jumping to 328 hp.
Available Super Cruise: We are big fans of Super Cruise. Drivers can activate the hands-free highway driving aid on more than 400,000 miles of mapped highways throughout North America. We’ve always enjoyed the smoothness and refinement of this system, and we love seeing it available in the Chevrolet Traverse.
One very big touchscreen: This expansive display operates via Google built-in software and sits alongside an 11-inch digital instrument cluster. Natural voice recognition means you can stay more focused on the road rather than scrolling through menus.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Traverse models near you.
2025 Ford Explorer
For many, the Ford Explorer was their first experience with a midsize SUV. It accelerated the shift of buyers from sedans to SUVs in the early 1990s. Fast forward a few decades, and the Explorer is still slugging it out for sales in the midsize arena. To help it remain in the game, Ford gave it a significant update inside and out for 2025. A revised grille and a few other changes give it a more rugged-looking exterior.
Meanwhile, the cabin gets more premium, soft-touch materials giving it a premium feel, and it still seats as many as seven. It offers plenty of power and towing capability, and when equipped correctly, it’s a fine off-roader. You can choose from two engines: a 300-hp 4-cylinder or a 400-hp 6-cylinder. All-wheel drive is available. Prices start at $41,350, including destination fees.
Ford Explorer Highlights
Punchy twin-turbo V6: We enjoy the power and refinement of the Explorer’s 300-hp base engine. However, for even more speed, there’s the twin-turbo V6 in the sporty ST, King Ranch, and Platinum models. It produces 400 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque, enough grunt to accelerate from a standstill to 60 mph in roughly six seconds.
Easy to read: The new Explorer features a 12.3-inch digital driver information display. It’s customizable to meet the driver’s needs and features Mindful mode, which skinnies down the information display to prevent driver distraction.
Let’s cruise: Ford’s semi-autonomous driving technology, BlueCruise, is an option on ST-Line trim and higher. It allows the driver to take their hands off the steering wheel for prolonged periods of time when the vehicle’s in more than 130,000 miles of Hands-Free Blue Zones.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Explorer models near you.
Similarities
The Chevrolet Traverse and Ford Explorer have similar asking prices and are very evenly matched in terms of available headroom, legroom, and comfort features.
Conclusion
The Ford Explorer has remained a hot commodity for many years thanks to its rugged build and high degrees of versatility. It’s also pretty darn quick, whether you choose the base turbo 4-cylinder or racy twin-turbo V6.
Chevrolet did its homework in redoing the Traverse last year. Its available tech, including that giant Google-based touchscreen and Super Cruise is impressive. Ford reacted quickly with similar updates to the Explorer for 2025. Test drive each model, and after that will give you the insight needed to make a tough choice.
New 2025 Chevrolet Traverse Prices
New 2025 Ford Explorer Prices
The Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price for any individual used vehicle can vary greatly according to mileage, condition, location, and other factors.
The prices here reflect what buyers are currently paying for vehicles and vehicles in typical condition when purchasing from a dealership.
These prices are updated weekly. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) quoted includes the destination fee, but does not include tax, license, document fees, and options.
| 2025 Chevrolet Traverse | 2025 Ford Explorer | |
| Popular Powertrains | ||
| Engine | Turbocharged 2.5-liter 4-cylinder | Turbocharged 2.3-liter 4-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 328 hp @ 5,500 rpm | 300 hp @ 5,500 rpm |
| Torque | 326 lb-ft @ 3,500 rpm | 310 lb-ft @ 3,500 rpm |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 10-speed automatic |
| Fuel economy MPG | 20 city/27 highway/23 combined | 20 city/29 highway/24 combined |
| Also Available | AWD | Twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6, AWD |
| Specs | ||
| Basic Warranty | 3 years/36,000 miles | 3 years/36,000 miles |
| Powertrain Warranty | 5 years/60,000 miles | 5 years/60,000 miles |
| NHTSA Overall Safety | Not rated | Not rated |
| Max Seating Capacity | 8 | 7 |
| Wheelbase | 121.0 inches | 119.1 inches |
| Overall Length | 204.5 inches | 198.7 inches |
| Width | 79.6 inches | 78.9 inches |
| Height | 70.9 inches | 69.9 inches |
| Turning Diameter | NA | 38.7 feet |
| Headroom, Front | 42.6 inches | 40.7 inches |
| Headroom, 2nd Row | 40.0 inches | 40.5 inches |
| Headroom, 3rd Row | 38.3 inches | 38.9 inches |
| Legroom, Front | 44.3 inches | 43.0 inches |
| Legroom, 2nd Row | 41.5 inches | 39.0 inches |
| Legroom, 3rd Row | 32.1 inches | 32.2 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Front | 62.3 inches | 61.8 inches |
| Shoulder Room, 2nd Row | 62.2 inches | 61.9 inches |
| Shoulder Room, 3rd Row | 57.7 inches | 54.6 inches |
| Cargo Volume | 22.9/56.6/97.6 cubic feet | 18.2/47.9/87.8 cubic feet |