Shopping for a new SUV for errands in Vauxhall, NJ and hauling your family to your next vacation destination? We know how many choices you have, and we also know how hard it can be figure out what your best option is. That's why our team at Maplecrest Ford of Union wants to provide you a look at the differences between our new Ford Explorer models and one of its top competitors: the new Chevy Traverse.
Engine
When choosing your next three-row SUV, you want to be sure that you can get as much power out of it as possible. When you explore the Traverse's offerings, you'll see that it offers a single capable engine in the form of a 3.6-liter V6. This powertrain can produce up to 310 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque, driving just 21 combined mpg.
The Ford Explorer offers a few more options. A 2.3-liter EcoBoost® is standard, providing an already impressive 300 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque and a fuel economy of up to 24 combined mpg. Additionally, Elizabeth, NJ drivers have the option of a 3.3-liter hybrid engine, allowing them to drive up to 27 combined mpg with 318 horsepower and 322 pound-feet of torque. If you really want some superb power, though, Ford also offers the Explorer with a 3.0-liter EcoBoost® V6, which can produce up to 400 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque.
Performance
Despite having only one powertrain, the Traverse has a range of capabilities. Without the optional trailering package, a Chevy Traverse is only rated to tow a maximum of 1,500 pounds through Linden, NJ. With the trailering package, it can tow up to 5,000 pounds.
The Explorer, however, has a much smaller range of capabilities in the best way possible. The standard 2.3-liter engine can manage to tow up to 5,300 pounds without needing any optional packages, and the optional 3.0-liter V6 raises that towing capacity to 5,600 pounds. Be aware that if you choose the hybrid engine, you'll need to pick up the Class III Trailer Tow Package if you want to tow anything, but once you do, you'll be able to tow up to 5,000 pounds.
Interior
The interiors of these two SUVs are very similar, and your preference will likely be decided largely by little details. Cargo space differs by only a few cubic feet, depending on how many seats you fold down in the rear, and the leg-, hip-, shoulder- and headroom are all very close, as well. Both SUVs also come with tri-zone automatic climate control, so you won't have to worry about staying comfortable on the roads of Union, NJ all year around.
If you compare the Explorer's and the Traverse's base trims, you'll notice that the Traverse does not have power-adjust for either of its front seats, instead sticking with six-way manual-adjust for the driver's seat. On the other hand, the Ford Explorer comes with eight-way power-adjust for the driver's seat. On the second trim level, the Chevy Traverse does come with an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat, its front passenger seat still only has two-way manual adjust. The Explorer XLT, however, provides four-way power-adjust on the front passenger seat.
Tech
Again, the technology of these SUVs is largely similar, at least on the base trims. Newark, NJ shoppers can expect to take full advantage of Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ with either option. One small difference on the base trims is in the touchscreen display sizes. The Chevy Traverse comes with a 7-inch touchscreen display standard, while the Explorer has an 8-inch touchscreen display on its base trims. Additionally, you can only upgrade to an 8-inch screen on the Traverse, while a 10.1-inch screen is available for the Explorer.
Safety
While both the Explorer and Traverse have a similar selection of driver-assist features, only the Ford Explorer passed the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's tests with flying colors. The IIHS rated the Explorer's crashworthiness in every test with the best rating of Good, the headlights as Acceptable and the standard front crash prevention systems for vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-pedestrian as both Superior, making the 2022 Ford Explorer a Top Safety Pick+.
There are a lot of things that we think set the Ford Explorer ahead of the Chevy Traverse, but we encourage you to come down to our Vauxhall, NJ dealership to check this new Ford SUV out for yourself!