2023 Ford Explorer Vs. 2023 Chevrolet Traverse in Thomasville, GA

2023 Ford Explorer Vs. 2023 Chevrolet Traverse in Thomasville, GA

2023 Explorer vs. 2023 Traverse in Thomasville, GA

The 2023 Explorer and 2023 Traverse are solid contenders as the best midsize SUV models. With a history dating back to 1991, the sixth-generation Explorer debuted in 2020 and saw some appreciable enhancements added in 2022. The Traverse has been around since 2009, and the second generation debuted in 2018. It received a facelift in 2022.

Which one is the better midsize SUV? The 2023 Explorer and 2023 Traverse offer an attractive value proposition and proudly proclaim to be all-American SUVs.

We will compare the Explorer vs. Traverse in terms of interior, safety and performance. Read on to find out which is better. If you’re interested in knowing more about the 2023 Explorer, call the team at Thomasville Ford in Thomasville, GA. We are happy to answer all your questions.

Interior Comparison

The 2023 Explorer offers a larger cabin, with 157 cubic feet on offer, compared to just 152.7 cubic feet in the 2023 Traverse. That’s not all, as the Explorer can seat up to eight adults, while the Traverse can only seat seven. While the Explorer’s cargo volume with all three seats up is 18.2 cubic feet, it rises to 47.9 cubic feet with the third row folded.

The 2023 Explorer offers a premium cabin experience with soft-touch materials and better touchpoints that feel better to interact with than the 2023 Traverse. Both SUVs have standard dual-zone climate control, automatic rear climate control, Apple CarPlay®, Android Auto™, and Wi-Fi hotspot.

The 2023 Explorer also offers a power driver’s seat, a power liftgate, and remote engine start as standard, which is optional on the 2023 Traverse.

2023 Ford Explorer

Center Console Steering Column Cargo Space

2023 Chevrolet Traverse

Center Console Steering Column Cargo Space

Performance Comparison

The 2023 Explorer comes with a choice of several engine options. The base option is a 2.3-liter turbocharged EcoBoost 4-cylinder with 300 horsepower. The next step up is a 3.3-liter V6 with a hybrid system that puts out 318 horsepower. The top tier brings a 3.0-liter turbocharged EcoBoost V6 with 400 horsepower. All engines are paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel-drive as standard. An all-wheel-drive system is an option too.

The 2023 Traverse comes with just one engine, a naturally aspirated 3.6-liter V6 with 310 horsepower, driving the front wheels through a 9-speed automatic transmission. You can also specify an all-wheel-drive system as an option.

The 2023 Explorer boasts a higher towing capacity, at 5,600 pounds, while the 2023 Traverse can only manage 5,000 pounds. The 2023 Explorer may have a smaller gas tank, at 17.9 gallons in comparison to the 19.4-gallon tank on the 2023 Traverse, but it manages to go further thanks to better fuel efficiency, particularly on the hybrid variant.

Safety Features Comparison

The 2023 Explorer and 2023 Traverse offer a large amount of standard safety kit, as you’d expect. They've got front airbags, front, and rear curtain airbags, adaptive cruise control, traction control, stability control, and a backup camera across all trims. However, the 2023 Explorer also offers standard knee airbags, pedestrian detection, and rear cross-traffic alert. It also scored an impressive five-star rating from the NHTSA and bagged an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award.

Find the 2023 Explorer in Thomasville, GA

Our Ford vs. Chevrolet comparison reveals that the 2023 Explorer is the clear winner. While it may offer slightly less cargo space, it more than compensates with better passenger space, standard tech, and an impressive set of standard safety features. It also offers powerful engines with surprisingly good fuel economy. If you would like to check out and test drive the new Explorer, drop by Thomasville Ford in Thomasville, GA.