Looking for a 3-row vehicle to take you around Dallas, Plano, or Richardson? Then you may be considering the 2023 Ford Explorer and the Chevy Traverse. If so, youāve come to the right place!
At Five Star Ford Dallas, our team has put these two vehicles in a head-to-head comparison to show how they stack up in terms of their performance, towing, MPG, and interior. That way, you can decide which one is right for you.
MAX HORSEPOWER
MAX TOWING CAPACITY
MASSAGING SEATS
When youāre shopping for a capable SUV, youāll want to know it has the power to get you and your crew from Point A to Point B. Models like the Ford Explorer and the Chevy Traverse have a lot to offer in this regard, although one has both more options and more power.
The 2023 Explorer allows you to take control of your driving experience with three available power trains:
- 2.3L EcoBoostĀ® I-4 engine: 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque
- 3.0L EcoBoostĀ® V6 engine: 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque
- 3.3L Hybrid V6 engine: 318 horsepower and 322 lb-ft of torque
On the other hand, the Traverse only offers one engine, so you wonāt have the power of choice. Additionally, it falls short with only 310 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque, so youāre sure to notice a difference in the way it performs.
The 2023 Ford Explorerās gas-powered engines deliver up to an EPA-estimated 21 city/28 highway MPG. However, as noted above, the Explorer offers a hybrid power train if youāre looking to optimize fuel efficiency. With the Hybrid motor equipped, it achieves up to an EPA-estimated 27 city/28 highway MPG, so you wonāt need to make frequent stops on your next road trip.
Expect to spend more time at the pump with the Traverse since it earns an EPA-estimated 18 city/21 highway MPG and thereās no hybrid option to help preserve fuel.
If your travels often involve hauling along some recreational toys, youāll need an SUV that can handle the extra weight with ease. Likewise, if you have an adventurous spirit and enjoy exploring off the beaten path, youāll require a vehicle with features that make that possible.
If youāre looking for more brawn to bring along your camper or boat on weekend excursions, opt for the available 3.0L EcoBoostĀ® V6 in the Explorer. With the right equipment, it can tow up to 5,600 pounds with ease.
The Traverse falls short yet again with a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds. As such, youāll have to leave some of your larger items at home.
While both vehicles offer drive modes to help improve their performance, those offered by the Explorer are more versatile than the ones in the Traverse. The 2023 Explorer has numerous drive modes to help handle specific terrain, such as:
- Normal
- Eco
- Sport
- Tow/Haul
- Slippery
- Trail
- Deep Snow/Sand (on AWD models)
The Traverse, on the other hand, only has four drive modes, such as Off-Road and Tow/Haul. It doesnāt have a mode similar to the Explorerās Slippery, Trail, or Eco modes.
Of course, if youāre driving an SUV, itās likely youāre often accompanied by friends or family. That means itās important to ensure everyone on board enjoys a comfortable ride, no matter how long the trip.
With seating for seven in these roomy SUVs, itās important that your entire family stays comfortable throughout your journey. Thereās no need to spar over the perfect cabin climate in the 2023 Ford Explorer and the Chevy Traverse thanks to standard tri-zone electronic automatic climate control. It provides separate temperature settings for you, your copilot, and passengers in the second row, creating a cozy ride all around.
You may find the driverās seat of the Explorer to be more comfortable than the one found in the competition. After all, you can add available multicontour seats with Active MotionĀ® to the front row. This top-of-the-line feature provides massage settings to soothe tense or tired muscles. Unfortunately, you wonāt be treated to this luxurious feature in the Traverse.
Now that youāve seen how the Explorer and the Traverse compare to each other, you may be interested in going onāand offāthe roads of Dallas, Plano, and Richardson in a Ford SUV. If so, stop by the showroom at Five Star Ford Dallas to test drive the 2023 Ford Explorer and see this ride in action!
All of the tools you need to move forward with experiencing a new 2023 Explorer for yourself are conveniently available right here online.
Explore our extensive new inventory, receive an estimate on your trade-in, apply for credit or contact us to schedule your in-person test drive using the quick links here.
Shop Ford Explorer Value Your Trade Apply for Financing Schedule a Test Drive