2025 Ford Explorer vs. 2025 Chevrolet Traverse Competitive Comparison

The 2025 Ford Explorer showcases a bold, muscular design that commands attention on the road. With a reworked front fascia featuring a refreshed grille, updated headlights, and refined air inlets, the Explorer exudes a modern yet rugged presence. At the rear, redesigned taillights contribute to its contemporary look, while trims like Platinum, ST, and ST-Line offer the option of a black-painted roof for an added touch of sophistication. Inside, the Explorer's updates include new color schemes, soft-touch materials, and a redesigned dashboard that enhances both style and comfort, aligning the SUV with premium expectations.

The 2025 Chevrolet Traverse leans heavily into practicality with a design that prioritizes spaciousness and family functionality. Modern updates like new 22-inch wheel designs and the return of the upscale High Country trim add a touch of elegance. Inside, the Traverse stands out for its massive interior, offering three rows of adult-friendly seating and over 97 cubic feet of cargo space with seats folded. While it excels in utility, the reliance on hard interior plastics may detract from a refined aesthetic.

Both SUVs present strong design elements tailored to different priorities—the Explorer balances ruggedness with sophistication, while the Traverse emphasizes family-friendly practicality and space.

The 2025 Ford Explorer offers robust performance and versatile powertrain options, making it an excellent choice for drivers who value both power and capability. Its standard 2.3-liter turbocharged inline-four engine delivers 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, providing strong acceleration for daily drives or highway merging. For those seeking more power, the ST trim features a turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6, producing an impressive 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque. Both engines pair with a 10-speed automatic transmission, and drivers can choose between rear-wheel and all-wheel drive.

In terms of acceleration, Car and Driver testing highlights the Explorer’s quickness, with the 2.3-liter engine reaching 0-60 mph in 6.0 seconds and the 3.0-liter V-6 achieving it in a sporty 5.1 seconds. The Explorer also boasts a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds, supported by its standard Class III towing package, which includes a trailer sway control system and hitch.

The 2025 Chevrolet Traverse takes a different approach, focusing on practicality and family-friendly functionality. Powered by a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that delivers adequate performance, the Traverse produces less power than the Explorer’s base engine. It pairs with an eight-speed automatic transmission and offers a choice between front-wheel and all-wheel drive. The Z71 trim adds off-road enhancements, including a twin-clutch AWD system, terrain-specific driving modes, and all-terrain tires for adventurous drivers.

While the Traverse provides a comfortable and stable ride, its acceleration lags behind the Explorer. Car and Driver testing recorded a 0-60 mph time of 7.3 seconds for the all-wheel-drive Traverse. Like the Explorer, the Traverse also offers a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds when equipped with its Trailering Package, which includes a heavy-duty cooling system and a “Hitch View” camera feature for easier towing.

Both SUVs cater to different driving styles: the Explorer delivers exciting power and responsiveness, while the Traverse emphasizes a smooth and comfortable family-oriented ride. For those prioritizing acceleration, towing, and driving dynamics, the Explorer holds a clear advantage.

Performance and Powertrain Data: for the 2025 Ford Explorer and the 2025 Chevrolet Traverse:

The 2025 Ford Explorer offers a refreshed interior with premium materials, new color schemes, and a redesigned dashboard for added comfort. Cargo capacity is versatile, and includes a standard third-row seating with easy-access mechanism. The standard Ford Digital Experience includes a 13.2-inch touchscreen with Ford’s Digital Experience software, supporting Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, video streaming, and gaming. Options of up to a 14-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system are also available depending on the trim.

The 2025 Chevrolet Traverse prioritizes space and practicality, with standard seven-passenger seating and an optional eight-passenger configuration. Its spacious third row comfortably seats adults, and the cargo area leads the class with over 97 cubic feet when seats are folded. A 17.7-inch touchscreen and 11.0-inch digital gauge display with Google-based software provide intuitive connectivity, along with wireless charging and onboard Wi-Fi. Multiple storage bins throughout the cabin add convenience for families on the go.

The Explorer emphasizes tech and upscale touches, while the Traverse excels in space and family utility.

The 2025 Ford Explorer and 2025 Chevrolet Traverse both come equipped with advanced safety technologies, but they cater to different priorities.

The 2025 Ford Explorer emphasizes driver confidence with a robust suite of standard safety features. Forward-collision warning with automated emergency braking helps prevent or mitigate frontal collisions, while blind-spot monitoring and rear-cross-traffic alert improve visibility and awareness. Lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist ensures the vehicle stays centered on the road. For added convenience, an available self-parking assist feature takes the stress out of maneuvering into tight spaces. Additionally, the standard Class III Towing Package includes a trailer sway control system, stabilizing the vehicle and trailer during towing.

The 2025 Chevrolet Traverse combines family-focused safety with off-road capability in its Z71 trim. While standard safety features are not detailed, the Z71 trim adds terrain-specific driving modes, a twin-clutch AWD system, and all-terrain tires to enhance traction and handling in challenging conditions. The Trailering Package includes a "Hitch View" camera, simplifying the process of aligning the trailer hitch. These features highlight the Traverse’s practical approach to safety, particularly for families who enjoy outdoor adventures.

Both SUVs provide essential safety features, with the Explorer prioritizing comprehensive driver-assist systems and towing safety, while the Traverse offers unique off-road enhancements for added versatility.

The 2025 Ford Explorer and 2025 Chevrolet Traverse offer a range of trims designed to meet various needs, from practicality to luxury. Here’s an overview of their respective trims, key features, and pricing ranges.

2025 Ford Explorer Trims

• Active: Offers versatility and comfort with a 300-hp 2.3L EcoBoost® engine, a 13.2-inch touchscreen, Ford Co-Pilot360® Assist+, heated front seats, and a power liftgate. It also includes a Class III Trailer Tow Package with 5,000-lb towing capacity. Pricing starts in the high $30K range.
• ST-Line: Adds sportier styling with black exterior accents, 20-inch wheels, a B&O® 10-speaker sound system, and optional BlueCruise hands-free driving. Pricing starts in the mid-$40K range.
• Platinum: Focuses on luxury with leather seating, ventilated and massaging front seats, second-row heated seats, a Twin-Panel Moonroof, and a 14-speaker B&O® sound system. Pricing starts in the low $50K range.
• ST: Delivers high performance with a 400-hp 3.0L EcoBoost® V6 engine, sport-tuned suspension, 21-inch wheels, and bold red brake calipers. It combines sporty design with family-friendly features like three-row seating and a PowerFold® third row. Pricing starts in the mid-$50K range.

2025 Chevrolet Traverse Trims

• LT: Balances comfort and utility, offering front- or all-wheel drive, a turbocharged I4 engine, and standard practicality-focused features. Pricing starts in the low $40K range.
• RS: Adds sporty design elements and technology upgrades, appealing to those who value style alongside functionality. Pricing starts in the mid-$50K range.
• Z71: Focused on off-road capability, it features all-terrain tires, an enhanced AWD system, and terrain-specific driving modes for versatility. Pricing starts in the upper $40K range.
• High Country: The most luxurious trim, providing premium appointments and advanced technology, paired with a capable drivetrain for a mix of comfort and performance. Pricing starts in the mid-$50K range.

The Explorer’s trims focus on blending luxury and performance, offering advanced technology like BlueCruise and powerful engine options, especially in the ST trim. The Traverse trims emphasize practicality, with highlights like off-road-ready Z71 features and High Country’s upscale interior. Both models provide a variety of choices within a similar pricing range, but the Explorer delivers more versatility with its diverse performance and technology options.

Pricing and Trim Levels of the 2025 Ford Explorer and 2025 Chevrolet Traverse:

The 2025 Ford Explorer and 2025 Chevrolet Traverse are two midsize SUVs designed to meet a variety of needs, but the Explorer stands out with its balance of rugged capability, performance, and advanced technology.

The Ford Explorer offers a bold design, powerful engine options, and sophisticated technology features. With trims like the Platinum providing premium luxury and the ST delivering high-performance thrills, the Explorer is a versatile choice for drivers who want style, power, and cutting-edge features. Its family-friendly interior, ample towing capacity, and advanced safety systems like BlueCruise make it a well-rounded vehicle for families and adventurers alike.

The Chevrolet Traverse, while offering practical space and family-focused utility, lacks the refined performance and premium finishes of the Explorer. Its Z71 trim adds off-road capability, but the Traverse doesn’t match the Explorer’s combination of power, comfort, and modern technology.

For those seeking a stylish, powerful, and technologically advanced SUV, the 2025 Ford Explorer is the superior choice. Visit Dorian Ford to explore the Explorer lineup and experience its unmatched blend of capability and sophistication firsthand. Schedule a test drive today!