The midsize SUV market is part of a highly competitive segment in the U.S. automotive industry. Two of the best-selling and best-reviewed models within that category are the Ford Explorer and the Chevrolet Traverse. Buyers in the market for a spacious and versatile family vehicle or everyday driver may want to know how these vehicles stack up against each other. To help them make well-informed decisions, our team at Jim Burke Ford in Bakersfield, California, put together this comparative guide to the 2024 Ford Explorer and Chevrolet Traverse.
Trim Levels and Pricing
Though the 2024 Ford Explorer and Chevrolet Traverse come in multiple trim levels, the Explorer offers much more variety. The 2024 Explorer is available in eight trims. These are their starting MSRPs:
- Base: $36,860.
- XLT: $38,670.
- ST-Line: $46,455.
- Limited: $47,520.
- Timberline: $49,430.
- ST: $50,105.
- King Ranch: $54,625.
- Platinum: $54,770.
The 2024 Chevrolet Traverse, meanwhile, comes in just four trims with the following starting MSRPs:
- LS: $38,995.
- LT: $41,395.
- Z71: $47,795.
- RS: $55,595.
Based on variety and pricing, the 2024 Ford Explorer accommodates a broader range of tastes and budgets than the 2024 Chevrolet Traverse.
Dimensions and Design
The 2024 Ford Explorer and 2024 Chevrolet Traverse are similar in size, but the Explorer has a slightly leaner body that enhances maneuverability in urban areas. Most 2024 Ford Explorer models measure 198.8 inches long, 69.9 inches tall, and 82.7 inches wide with the mirrors folded, though the ST, King Ranch, and Timberline vary from these dimensions.
In comparison, the 2024 Traverse measures around 204 inches long, almost 88 inches wide, and nearly 70 inches tall. It’s considerably bulkier than the Explorer, which may challenge some drivers.
As for design and styling, both 2024 models boast bold and distinctive appearances. The Explorer is sportier, with sleeker lines, sharp touches, and a gently angled front end that offers plenty of forward visibility. The Traverse occupies the more rugged end of the spectrum, with a flat hood roughly parallel to the ground and a steep drop-off at the front end, drawing comparisons to the Chevrolet Silverado pickup.
Specifications and Performance
The powertrain in the 2024 Ford Explorer varies depending on the trim. The Base, XLT, ST-Line, Limited, and Timberline models have a 2.3-liter EcoBoost I-4 engine capable of generating 300 horsepower, good enough to go from zero to 60 mph in just 6 seconds. The standard engine on the ST, King Ranch, and Platinum variants is a more powerful 3.0-liter EcoBoost V-6 that puts out 400 horsepower and goes from zero to 60 mph in just over 5 seconds. Rear-wheel drive is standard, but all-wheel drive is available at every level.
In contrast, the 2024 Chevrolet Traverse offers a single powertrain option across all four trim levels: a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with up to 323 horsepower. While confirmed figures are unavailable, it’s estimated the 2024 Traverse will accelerate from zero to 60 mph in around 7 seconds. Front-wheel drive is standard on this SUV, but all-wheel drive is available.
Buyers considering towing capacity a make-or-break characteristic should know that the Ford has an edge over the Chevrolet. When properly equipped, the 2024 Explorer can pull between 5,300 and 5,600 pounds depending on the trim level, whereas all Traverse models have a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds.
Internal and External Features
The interior of the 2024 Ford Explorer focuses on functionality and comfort. It’s a three-row midsize SUV that can seat up to seven people, with a passenger volume of 152.7 cubic feet and a maximum cargo capacity of almost 88 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded. Access to the third row is easy with the help of a button-push feature that moves the second row out of the way. These are some of the Explorer’s standard exterior features:
- Automatic high beams.
- Automatic LED low-beam headlamps.
- LED taillamps.
- A power liftgate.
- A rear bumper lift step pad.
The 2024 Traverse is also a three-row vehicle. It seats up to eight people, but the standard configuration on most trims accommodates seven. Being the larger of the two SUVs, it does offer more cargo room: up to 98 cubic feet with the second and third seating rows folded. The Traverse provides these exterior features as standard or optional, depending on the trim:
- Front and rear LED lighting.
- A dual exhaust with chrome quad tips.
- Walk-up lighting animation.
- A panoramic dual-glass sunroof with a power sunshade.
- An AutoSense Liftgate.
Technology
The technological centerpiece of the 2024 Explorer is an 8-inch touch-screen infotainment system with Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. Higher-level variants allow buyers to upgrade to a 10.1-inch vertical screen. Voice-activated navigation and rear-seat entertainment are available on every trim.
The Traverse has a large 17.7-inch infotainment screen and an 11-inch digital gauge display as standard on all trims. Onboard Wi-Fi and a wireless smartphone charging pad are optional.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
The 2024 Explorer and Traverse provide comprehensive safety and driver-assistance technologies. Standard features of the Explorer include the following:
- AdvanceTrac with roll stability control.
- Automatic vehicle hold.
- Forward collision warning with automated emergency braking.
- A front passenger knee air bag.
- An SOS post-crash alert system.
Every 2024 Traverse trim comes with Chevy Safety Assist, which includes these features:
- Automatic emergency braking.
- Forward collision alert.
- Following distance indicator.
- Lane-keep assist and lane departure warning.
- High-beam assist.
- Front pedestrian braking.
Test-Drive a 2024 Ford Explorer at Jim Burke Ford in Bakersfield, California
To get behind the wheel of a Ford Explorer, schedule a test drive at our dealership in Bakersfield, California, today. Our new vehicle inventory includes the all-new 2024 model in various trims and colors. Message us online, call 888-699-0562, or drop by our dealership at 2001 Oak St.
If you don’t own a Ford and aren’t in the market for a new vehicle, our team at Jim Burke Ford has plenty to offer. Our top-tier service department is happy to work on any make and model. Simply schedule your appointment online and drop off your vehicle at the designated time.
