2022 Ford Explorer vs 2021 Chevrolet Traverse

The 2021 Chevrolet Traverse represented a blend of traditional and contemporary design, effectively using styling details to give each trim level a distinct identity. The overall silhouette of the Traverse was typical of an SUV, featuring a tall roof, chunky wheel arches, and a prominent grille. While it looked more straightforward compared to competitors like the Mazda CX-9 or Kia Telluride, it had a certain visual appeal that came from its clean lines and restrained design.

The higher trim levels of the Traverse, such as the RS model, sported blacked-out trim, whereas the High Country model had a dash of chrome, adding a touch of exclusivity. Trim-specific appearance packages like Redline, Sport, and Midnight provided additional customization options. The base model boasted 18-inch wheels, with 20-inch variants available on higher trims.

Sharing a platform with the Buick Enclave, GMC Acadia, and Cadillac XT6, the Traverse aimed for practicality over luxury. It had a car-like unibody construction, making it somewhat more user-friendly than the larger, truck-based Chevy Tahoe. Inside, the Traverse continued its restrained aesthetic, with available features like the Dual SkyScape two-panel sunroof bringing light into the cabin. Despite reasonable material quality in higher trims like the RS, it didn’t quite justify its almost $50,000 price tag.

In contrast, the 2022 Ford Explorer offered a dynamic and slightly luxurious appearance. There were eight different models within the 2022 lineup, such as the rugged Timberline and luxurious King Ranch trims. The exterior of the Explorer was characterized by a tall hood, short front overhang, and streamlined roofline, giving it a sporty look. The blacked-out roof pillars contributed to the floating roof effect, enhancing its visual appeal.

Our King Ranch test model included King Ranch emblems, 20-inch wheels, and quad exhaust outlets, maintaining the luxury feel. The inside of the King Ranch trim featured Del Rio leather seating with exclusive perforated inserts, complemented by premium technology and a twin-panel sunroof. However, the Explorer still had some traces of its base model origins within its interiors, highlighting a mix of quality and otherwise questionable materials for its price.

The 2021 Chevrolet Traverse relied on a single engine option: a 3.6-liter V6 producing 310 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. Despite decent power on paper, the Traverse didn’t feel exceptionally potent during normal driving, although it could summon adequate power for highway merging and overtaking.

On highways, the Traverse impressed with its composed ride, quiet cabin owing to active noise cancellation, and comfortable suspension. Though it lacked the agility of rivals like the Subaru Ascent on twisty roads, it provided a solid driving experience. Its AWD system could manually send up to 50% of torque to the front wheels or 85% to the rear, yet the torque vectoring capability wasn’t very perceptible.

The Traverse featured off-road and tow/haul drive modes with a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds. This was average for the segment but fell short of the Nissan Pathfinder’s 6,000-pound capacity and Ford Explorer’s 5,600 pounds with its optional twin-turbo V6.

The 2022 Ford Explorer, however, came with three diverse powertrains. The base and certain mid-range trims had a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine delivering 300 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and either RWD or optional 4WD. It boasted a towing capacity of 5,300 pounds and impressive fuel efficiency of up to 24 mpg combined.

Additionally, the Explorer offered an efficient hybrid drivetrain for specific trims, combining a 3.3-liter V6 with electric power to produce 318 horsepower and 322 pound-feet of torque. It could tow up to 5,000 pounds and achieved up to 27 mpg combined. For those prioritizing power, the twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 available in higher trims produced 400 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque, enabling a towing capacity of 5,600 pounds and a combined fuel rating of 21 mpg.

Our King Ranch test vehicle had the powerful twin-turbo V6, averaging 20.6 mpg during testing. Its robust performance ensured satisfying acceleration and handling even in off-road conditions, thanks to its 7.9 inches of ground clearance. The Explorer’s ride quality balanced traditional SUV robustness with commendable comfort over various terrains.

The 2021 Chevrolet Traverse offered seating configurations for seven or eight occupants, depending on the choice between second-row captain’s chairs or a bench seat. Headroom and legroom across all three rows were above average, although not the best in the segment. Higher trim levels came with features like heated and ventilated seats, adding to passenger comfort.

One of the Traverse’s standout features was its cargo capacity. With all seats in place, it offered 23.0 cubic feet of storage, expanding to 57.8 cubic feet with the third row folded, and an impressive 98.2 cubic feet with both rear rows flat, surpassing many competitors. Various trims included a power liftgate, with gestures and power-folding seats standard on higher trims.

Despite its large size, the Traverse’s interior storage options were somewhat limited, aligning with the typical trade-offs seen in midsize three-row crossovers. Those seeking maximum practicality for people and cargo would likely find better options in a minivan, thanks to features like a lower floor and sliding doors.

In contrast, the 2022 Ford Explorer offered a comfortable setup for families of four, with optional second-row bench seating allowing for five passengers. The King Ranch trim we tested featured numerous luxury amenities like triple-zone automatic climate control, massaging front seats, and heated second-row captain’s chairs. However, the third-row seating was better suited for children due to its limited legroom and accessible flat cushions.

The Explorer’s cabin storage could be more practical. While it had useful elements like a smartphone holder and a wireless charging pad, it lacked adequate pockets, trays, and hooks compared to competitors. In terms of cargo space, the Explorer offered 18.2 cubic feet behind the third row, 47.9 cubic feet with the third row down, and up to 87.8 cubic feet with both rear rows folded flat—a commendable but slightly lesser capacity than the Traverse.

The 2021 Chevrolet Traverse came standard with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Higher trims offered an 8-inch touchscreen, navigation, a 4G-LTE Wi-Fi hotspot, and a Bose 10-speaker audio system. Despite competitors providing larger screens, the Traverse’s 8-inch display proved user-friendly with its intuitive interface and large icons. The inclusion of analog controls for audio and climate functions was a welcome touch.

While the Traverse didn’t boast a digital instrument cluster like the Ford Explorer, its analog instruments with a supplemental LCD screen were sufficient. A noteworthy feature was the optional rearview camera mirror, improving rear visibility tremendously. Additionally, an available HD surround-view camera system facilitated effortless parking. Each row had 2 USB ports as standard, while wireless phone charging was reserved for Premier and High Country trims.

The 2022 Ford Explorer featured two Sync 3 infotainment systems—one with an 8-inch touchscreen and the other with a 10.1-inch portrait-style screen. However, the larger screen’s integration seemed like an afterthought. Our King Ranch test vehicle came fully equipped, including FordPass Connect, Wi-Fi hotspot, Ford+Alexa, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, and a navigation system. Standard features in the King Ranch trim also included wireless smartphone charging, a surround-view camera system, and an exceptional Bang and Olufsen 14-speaker audio system.

Despite Sync 3’s functionalities, it lagged behind newer Sync 4 technology in voice recognition and command accuracy. For example, it often failed to recognize famous destinations or simple requests for directions and music genres. Upgrading to Sync 4 would significantly improve the Explorer’s tech appeal, and an updated dashboard accommodating larger touchscreens would add to the SUV’s modern look. Additional tech included a 12.3-inch digital instrument display and autonomous parking assistance.

The 2021 Chevrolet Traverse earned top “Good” scores in all crash tests from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and a “Superior” rating for front-crash prevention. However, its headlights received “Acceptable” or “Poor” ratings depending on the trim. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) awarded the Traverse a five-star overall rating, with four stars in frontal and rollover tests, and five stars in side-impact tests.

However, the Traverse lagged behind competitors in standard driver-assist technologies. Features like adaptive cruise control were available only on the top High Country trim, whereas many rivals offered these functionalities as standard. Automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, lane-keeping assist, and other advanced features were optional, highlighting an area where the Traverse could improve.

In comparison, the 2022 Ford Explorer excelled in safety features, earning a Top Safety Pick+ rating from IIHS across all its trims. However, full NHTSA ratings for 2022 were pending, although it previously scored highly with five-star ratings, except for its four-star rollover resistance.

Ford’s Co-Pilot360 safety suite was standard on all Explorers, encompassing forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Co-Pilot360 Assist+ added features like adaptive cruise control, lane-centering assist, and evasive steering assist, enhancing the SUV’s overall safety profile. The Explorer’s post-collision braking and MyKey programmable vehicle functions provided additional layers of safety for families.