2020 Ford Explorer vs Chevy Traverse at Hardy Family Ford in Dallas, GA
In the competition between SUVs, the Ford Explorer and Chevrolet Traverse are the two most important competitors. Although the Ford Explorer is America’s Best-Selling SUV, the Chevy Traverse is a formidable foe. But the Ford Explorer sold over 100,000 more in 2018. At Hardy Family Ford in Dallas, Georgia, we wanted to see how these two rivals compare to each other by the numbers. Here is what we found.
The 2020 Ford Explorer is All-New Inside and Out
The Ford Explorer is an all-new design for 2020. Outside, inside, under the hood, and anywhere else you can look, the 2020 Ford is a complete remake. The 2019 Explorer is a great SUV, but the changes for 2020 make the Explorer elite. Although the Traverse received a facelift for the 2018 model year, the 2020 Explorer’s redesign has made greater strides. Here’s what we mean.
The Chevy Traverse Only Has One Engine Option
With the 2019 Chevy Traverse, you get only one engine option. No choices here. Paired with a 9-speed transmission, the engine is a 3.6L V6 that produces 310 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque. If you need more power, there’s nowhere else to go in a Traverse. What you rev is what you get.
The 2020 Ford Explorer Has Four Engine Choices
With the 2020 Ford Explorer, you get your choice of four different engines, each mated to a 10-speed transmission. The standard engine is a 2.3L Eco Boost inline 4-cylinder that generates 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. Already, the Explorer takes the lead with its 4-cylinder engine beating the Traverse’s V6 in pulling power. The 2020 Explorer standard 4-cylinder gets 44 more lb-ft of torque than the Chevy. There is a slight reduction in horsepower, but that is a negligible difference. Torque is pulling power and that’s wha most people want need in an SUV.
The 2020 Ford Explorer’s 4-Cylinder is More Powerful Than Chevy’s V6
Between these two engines, there is large difference in fuel economy. The 2019 Chevy Traverse only gets 18 Miles per Gallon (MPG) with city driving and 27 MPG on the highway. The 2020 Ford Explorer’s 4-cylinder engine gets a much-improved 21 MPG city and 28 MPG highway. More pulling power and higher fuel economy show the Ford Explorer in a better light.
Explorer’s EcoBoost V6 Tows More Than Chevy’s V6
Now, the Explorer’s EcoBoost 3.0L V6 engine produces 365 horsepower and 380 lb-ft of torque. This engine really towers over the Traverse’s V6, generating 55 more horsepower and 70 lb-ft more torque. This allows the 2020 Explorer to pull 600 more pounds than the Traverse, with an impressive 5,600-pound towing capacity.
Add Twin-Turbos to the Explorer ST and Platinum 3.0L V6 Engine
The Explorer’s third engine option takes the 3.0L EcoBoost and adds twin turbos. This increases the engine output to 400 horsepower, 415 lb-ft of torque, and a top speed of 143 mph. Available on the 2020 Ford Explorer ST and Explorer Platinum, this engine further elevates the Explorer’s power profile from the Chevy Traverse. Finally, the Explorer offers a hybrid Atkinson-cycle 3.3L V6 engine, the only one ever made for a Ford Explorer. The Chevrolet Traverse does not offer a hybrid engine at all.
The Explorer’s Driver Assist Tech Comes Standard, Unlike the Traverse
The 2020 Ford Explorer has a suite of driver-assist safety features called Co-Pilot 360. It is standard on the Explorer and includes a Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) with cross-traffic alert, Pre-Collision Assist with automatic emergency braking and pedestrian detection, auto headlamps with auto high-beams, hill start assist, a Lane-Keeping System, a rearview camera with a built-in lens washer, and more. With the Chevy Traverse, you get none of that standard. You have to spend more on an upgraded trim package to get those driver-assist features.
More Passenger Room in the 2020 Ford Explorer
The 2020 Explorer has more passenger room where it counts. In the first row of seats, Explorer has 43 inches of legroom, while the Traverse only provides 41 inches. First-row hip room is greater in the Explorer, at 59.2 inches. The Traverse only manages 58.1. In second-row seat room, Explorer wins as well. With hip room, the Explorer provides 59.1 inches, while Traverse can only offer 56.9 inches. The Ford Explorer even has a bigger touchscreen than the Chevy Traverse. The available in-dash touchscreen on the 2020 Ford Explorer measures 10.1 inches, while the Traverse screen is only 8 inches. Also, the Explorer has a bigger 12.3-inch instrument cluster, which changes depending on which drive mode you’re in.
Find Your 2020 Ford Explorer at Hardy Family Ford in Dallas, GA
We’re sure you can see the 2020 Ford Explorer is a much better SUV, offering more value and features than the 2019 Chevrolet Traverse. It’s stronger for towing, roomier for passengers, and more fuel-efficient for your wallet. At Hardy Family Ford in Dallas, Georgia, we have a large selection of 2020 Ford Explorers to choose from. Please contact us for a test drive so you can see first-hand how the 2020 Ford Explorer rises to the top of its class.
