2025 Ford Explorer vs 2025 Chevrolet Traverse

The 2025 Ford Explorer continued to build on its previous redesign, which had shifted the SUV from a front-wheel-drive to a rear-wheel-drive platform, enhancing its proportions and giving it a sleeker, more refined appearance. The refreshed model featured a restyled front end that made it appear wider and more ruggedly handsome, complemented by new LED taillights and a variety of wheel designs. Inside, the Explorer saw significant improvements in materials and design, making it more competitive in its segment. Ford streamlined the trim levels to four, ranging from the base Active to the performance-tuned ST, with prices starting at $39,755.

In contrast, the 2025 Chevrolet Traverse boasted a stylish exterior and a well-designed interior, though it was let down by the quality of materials used, such as hard plastics and artificial leather that failed to impress. The Traverse offered trims like the LT, Z71, High Country, and RS, with base prices starting at $41,095. The Z71 trim, designed for off-road adventures, featured unique wheels, a skid plate, and a more capable AWD system. Despite its rugged appearance, the Traverse's interior materials and lack of quality detracted from its overall appeal.

The 2025 Ford Explorer offered two EcoBoost engine options: a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder with 300 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque, and a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 producing 400 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque, standard on the ST trim. All Explorers came with a 10-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive, with an optional four-wheel-drive system. The ST-Line test vehicle, equipped with the turbocharged four-cylinder, averaged 23.8 mpg during testing. The Explorer's powertrain provided quick acceleration and responsive handling, especially in Sport mode. The ST-Line's performance was enhanced with larger wheels and performance brakes, offering a delightful ride on winding roads.

The 2025 Chevrolet Traverse featured a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 328 horsepower and 326 pound-feet of torque. In front-wheel-drive mode, the engine exhibited torque steer, but engaging all-wheel drive provided controlled acceleration. The Z71 trim, designed for off-road use, offered increased ground clearance, all-terrain tires, and a more capable AWD system. The Traverse's driving modes included Tow/Haul, Normal, and Sport, though it lacked a sporty feel. The Z71's suspension and tires provided a smoother ride on rough roads, and the test vehicle averaged 21.5 mpg, slightly exceeding its EPA rating.

The 2025 Ford Explorer accommodated six passengers in its standard configuration, with an optional second-row bench seat increasing capacity to seven. The ST-Line trim featured comfortable front seats with heating and power adjustments, while the Premium Package added amenities like ambient lighting and a power-folding third-row seat. The second-row captain's chairs offered comfort and support, but accessing the third row was challenging for adults. Cargo space was competitive, with 16.3 cubic feet behind the third row and a maximum of 85.8 cubic feet with seats folded.

The 2025 Chevrolet Traverse excelled in interior space, offering eight-passenger seating with the available second-row bench seat. The Z71 trim featured heated front seats and a heated steering wheel, providing comfort during cold weather. The second-row captain's chairs were comfortable, but the lack of window shades was a drawback for families. The third row offered adequate comfort but limited visibility due to window design. Cargo space was generous, with 22.9 cubic feet behind the third row and a maximum of 97.6 cubic feet with seats folded, though folding the third row required adjusting the second-row seats.

The 2025 Ford Explorer featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a new 13.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system called Ford Digital Experience. This system included Google Built-in, Amazon Alexa, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Explorer offered B&O sound systems, with the ST-Line featuring a 10-speaker setup. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with Google Assistant providing effective voice recognition, though it had minor limitations in music selection.

The 2025 Chevrolet Traverse boasted a standard 17.7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Google Built-in, offering Google Maps, Google Assistant, and access to the Google Play Store. It also included Alexa compatibility, wireless smartphone charging, and SiriusXM 360L satellite radio. The Traverse's technology impressed with its user-friendly interface and effective voice recognition. The test vehicle featured a digital rearview mirror and a high-definition surround-view camera system, enhancing convenience and safety.

The 2025 Ford Explorer came equipped with Ford CoPilot 360+, which included adaptive cruise control, lane-centering assist, and other advanced driving assistance systems. The ST-Line trim and higher featured BlueCruise, Ford's hands-free highway driving system. While BlueCruise performed well in testing, it occasionally required driver intervention in certain conditions. The Explorer had not yet received full safety ratings from the NHTSA or IIHS at the time of publication.

The 2025 Chevrolet Traverse offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and lane-keep assist. The test vehicle's Driver Confidence Package added a surround-view camera system and traffic sign recognition. The Enhanced Driving Package included Super Cruise, a hands-free driving assist system. The Traverse received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a "Top Safety Pick" award from the IIHS.