Ford Explorer vs Chevy Traverse

2021 Ford Explorer vs Chevy Traverse: Capability and Towing Specs

If you want a versatile SUV that’s always up for a challenge, then you’ll be happy with either the 2021 Explorer or Traverse. Both give you a choice of a lightweight front-wheel-drive, smart all-wheel-drive (AWD), or 4-wheel-drive (4WD) system.

The AWD or 4WD system is ideal for driving over sand when docking a boat or travelling along dirt and gravel during your weekend camping trips. Both vehicles feature smart drivetrains that actively monitor your driving conditions and automatically adjust torque distribution as necessary to enhance your traction control.

Each vehicle also has a V6 engine. In the Ford Explorer, this is an available 3.0L twin-turbocharged EcoBoost® V6 that generates 365 horsepower and 380 lb-ft of torque.

The V6 engine in the Chevy Traverse, on the other hand, only produces 310 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque.

It may be this disparity in engine output that allows the 2021 Explorer to tow up to 5,300 pounds, while the Traverse maxes out at a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds. Another reason may be that the Explorer gives you an extra gear with its 10-speed automatic transmission, compared to the 9-speed automatic you get with the Traverse.

Safety Technology Features: 2021 Explorer vs Traverse

You can hit the road with confidence, whether you’re driving the 2021 Ford Explorer or the Chevy Traverse. This is because both SUVs give you extra peace of mind from having available advanced safety technologies, including:

• Lane Keeping
• Rear Backup Camera
• Auto Emergency Braking

They also both have blind-spot systems. These systems provide visual warnings via a light on the sideview mirrors when other vehicles enter your side blind spot.

While both models offer these features, these features are standard only in the Explorer.