The 2020 Ford Explorer and the Chevrolet Traverse are midsize SUVs to compare. Ford is always a sure choice when looking for a new vehicle with its powerful engine and smooth ride; but let’s take a look at the new 2020 Chevrolet Traverse to see if it measures up to Ford’s quality and design.
Designs
This year’s completely redesigned 2020 Ford Explorer is not only stylish on the outside, but the inside does not disappoint. Comfortable with three rows of seating, including two captain chairs, this SUV seats 6 with the option to seat 7. With plenty of legroom and cargo space, the Explorer is a comfortable ride. The Ford’s standard turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine with 300 hp comes with a smooth and sturdy 10-speed automatic transmission and a rear-wheel-drive platform. It improves handling and towing; and it transmits power to its wheels more effectively. Properly equipped Explorers can tow up to 5,600 pounds, which is a higher towing capacity than most. For pulling heavy loads, the Ford Explorer is the clear choice.
The 2020 Chevrolet Traverse offers few minor changes for 2020, but those changes do not include the interior. The Traverse seats eight people in its lower trims with its second-row bench seat. Higher trims have second-row captain's chairs that seat seven. It offers plenty of space for passengers and cargo, but the quality of the materials and some odd styling touches don’t hold up to Ford’s impressive style. The Traverse provides a comfortable, cushioned ride, but lacks the handling of the Explorer. The Traverse features a 310-horsepower V6 engine on all models with a nine-speed automatic transmission, providing enough power for everyday driving needs. When properly equipped, the Traverse can tow up to 5000 pounds.
The new 2020 Ford Explorer’s safety and tech features are sure to impress. Its highly rated infotainment system can quickly connect to your smartphone with added Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. For your safety and assistance, the Explorer is equipped with Ford Co-Pilot360 technology and driver-assist features. Your mind will be put to rest with Blind Spot Information System, Rear View Camera, Lane-Keeping System, Automatic Emergency Braking, and Auto High-Beam Headlamps.
Standard features in the Traverse include Chevrolet's Infotainment 3 system with a 7-inch touch screen, six USB ports, Bluetooth, a Wi-Fi hot spot, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Traverse lacks the standard driver assistance features of the Explorer, with a rearview camera, rear-seat reminder, Teen Driver system and a reminder to buckle up before driving. Available active safety features include adaptive cruise control, a surround-view parking camera system, a rear camera mirror, forward collision warning, forward automatic emergency braking, front pedestrian braking, lane departure warning, blind spot monitoring, lane keep assist, rear parking sensors, and rear cross traffic alert.
The basic list price for the 2020 Ford Explorer starts at $36,675 with a fully loaded Platinum starting at $58,250. These prices support Ford’s fully redesigned Explorer models and a long list of standard tech and safety features. Explorer’s most efficient base engine gets 21/28 mpg in the city and highway.
The starting base price for the Traverse L is $29,800 and ranges to $50,900 for the Traverse High Country, with added pricing for all-wheel drive. It’s a little less than the Explore, but you’ll also get what you pay for in this SUV. It estimates 18/27 mpg city and highway.
Overall
The 2020 Ford Explorer will always be one of the first family SUVs and is hard to beat with its quality and design. When choosing between the Ford Explorer and the Chevrolet Traverse it's hard to pass up Ford’s history of quality.