Which three-row midsize crossover SUV is the perfect fit for your family’s beach vacations and weekend adventures, the 2025 Ford Explorer or 2025 Chevy Traverse? Our comparison guide helps you choose!
Key Takeaways
- With three rows of roomy seating, these SUVs are perfect for your family’s road trips!
- The Explorer’s all-new infotainment system delivers a top-notch user experience.
- Conquer Florida’s rainy season with the Explorer’s smooth, consistent power.
- Both the Explorer and Traverse can tow a boat trailer weighing up to 5,000 pounds!
Family-Friendly Interior: It’s a Tie!
Whether you’re caravanning to the springs or driving down to the Keys, these SUVs offer lasting comfort for the whole family. Both models treat you to three rows of spacious seating and plenty of cargo space, allowing you to transport your loved ones and their camping gear without feeling crammed. These midsize crossovers also offer game-changing comfort features for your Florida travels, including dual-zone automatic climate control and front-seat ventilation!
Safety and Technology: 2025 Ford Explorer
Florida drivers love technology, and that’s just one of the reasons why we expect them to gravitate toward the new Explorer. Every trim model is now equipped with the all-new infotainment system, Ford Digital Experience, featuring Google-based navigation and voice controls. A digital gauge cluster, 13.2-inch central touchscreen, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity are also standard. Better yet, the latest Explorer now comes standard with a longer list of safety aids, including evasive steering assist, intersection collision mitigation, and adaptive cruise control!
Although the 2025 Chevy Traverse comes standard with some of the same features, its infotainment setup can’t quite compete with Ford’s new fast-acting technology. That said, the Traverse’s expansive 17.7-inch touchscreen, built-in navigation, and wireless smartphone connectivity give modern drivers everything they need to get around in style. And while the Traverse doesn’t offer all of the same safety aids, it does come with blind-spot warning and lane-keeping assistance.
Smooth Power: 2025 Ford Explorer
With its smooth, consistent power and available all-wheel drive, the Explorer handles Florida rainstorms like a pro. And unlike the Traverse, Ford’s three-row SUV is available with extra horsepower, thanks to its turbo V6 engine upgrade. Better yet, the Explorer is the only midsize crossover with sporty rear-wheel drive, making it more fun to drive in just about any situation.
2025 Ford Explorer Powertrain Specs
- 2.3L turbocharged four-cylinder engine (300 hp, 311 lb-ft)
- Optional 3.0L turbo V6 (400 hp, 415 lb-ft)
- 10-speed automatic transmission
- Rear-wheel drive or optional all-wheel drive
Compared to the Explorer, the Traverse actually comes standard with more power. This three-row SUV is also available with all-wheel drive, helping you tackle the rainy summer season with confidence. But without the Explorer’s extra power and rear-wheel-drive platform, the Traverse is the less capable option.
2025 Chevy Traverse Powertrain Specs
- 2.5L turbocharged four-cylinder engine (328 hp, 326 lb-ft)
- Eight-speed automatic transmission
- Front-wheel drive or optional all-wheel drive
Boat-Towing Capabilities: 2025
Not only are these midsize SUVs family-friendly on the inside, but they’re also up for your wild adventures. Whether you want to tow a fishing boat or trailer full of ATVs, both the Explorer and Traverse are at your service. For 2025, every Explorer comes standard with a tow package that helps you tow max loads of 5,000 pounds!
While the 2025 Chevy Traverse can also tow max loads of 5,000 pounds, these capabilities aren’t widespread throughout the lineup. To tow a boat trailer that weighs more than 1,500 pounds, you’ll need both the optional V92 tow package. It’s available for all but the base LS trim.
Whether you’re slogging through a summer thunderstorm or navigating Pasco’s rural backroads, the 2025 Ford Explorer gives you the edge. Come experience everything this midsize SUV has to offer, from family-friendly comfort to all-new infotainment. Visit us at Jarrett Ford in Dade City, FL to take your new Explorer for a spin!