The 2025 Ford Explorer and the 2024 Chevrolet Traverse are two solid choices among mid-size American family SUVs. Here’s a side-by-side comparison of these vehicles based on your points of interest:
1. Towing Capacity
2025 Ford Explorer: Up to 5,600 lbs with the available 3.0L V6 engine and towing package.
2024 Chevrolet Traverse: Up to 5,000 lbs with the 3.6L V6 engine and towing package.
Winner: Ford Explorer (higher towing capacity)
2. Dimensions
Ford Explorer
Length: 198.8 inches
Width: 78.9 inches
Height: 70.2 inches
Chevrolet Traverse
Length: 205.9 inches
Width: 78.6 inches
Height: 70.7 inches
Winner: Chevrolet Traverse (more spacious interior due to slightly larger dimensions)
3. Ground Clearance
Ford Explorer: 8.2 inches
Chevrolet Traverse: 7.5 inches
Winner: Ford Explorer (better suited for mild off-road conditions)
4. Trunk Size
Ford Explorer: 18.2 cubic feet behind the third row; up to 87.8 cubic feet with seats down
Chevrolet Traverse: 23 cubic feet behind the third row; up to 98.2 cubic feet with seats down
Winner: Chevrolet Traverse (larger cargo space)
5. Engine Specifications
Ford Explorer
Engines:
Base 2.3L EcoBoost Inline-4 (300 hp)
Available 3.0L V6 EcoBoost (400 hp in ST model)
Winner: Offers higher horsepower in the ST trim with the 3.0L V6.
Chevrolet Traverse
Engine: 3.6L V6 (310 hp)
6. Fuel Consumption
Ford Explorer:
2.3L I4: ~24 mpg combined
3.0L V6: ~20 mpg combined
Chevrolet Traverse: ~21 mpg combined (3.6L V6)
Winner: Ford Explorer (more efficient base engine)
7. Annual Maintenance Cost
Ford Explorer: Estimated $550–$650/year
Chevrolet Traverse: Estimated $500–$600/year
Winner: Chevrolet Traverse (slightly lower maintenance cost)
8. Insurance Costs
Ford Explorer: Approximately $1,400–$1,600/year
Chevrolet Traverse: Approximately $1,350–$1,550/year
Winner: Both are similar, with Chevrolet Traverse potentially slightly lower.
9. Tire Sizes
Ford Explorer: Ranges from 18 to 21 inches (depending on trim level)
Chevrolet Traverse: Standard 18-inch wheels; 20-inch available on higher trims
Winner: Ford Explorer (wider range of tire sizes)
10. Luxury Features
Ford Explorer: Offers premium features in higher trims (Platinum and ST), including leather upholstery, adaptive cruise control, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and premium audio.
Chevrolet Traverse: Features leather upholstery, an 8-inch infotainment screen, and advanced driver-assist options on higher trims.
Winner: Ford Explorer (more luxury options and tech in upper trims)
11. Color Options
Both models offer a variety of color choices, including neutrals like black, white, and gray, and bold colors such as red and blue.
12. Price Range
Ford Explorer: Starting around $38,000, going up to about $55,000+ for fully loaded models.
Chevrolet Traverse: Starting around $36,000, with high-end trims up to approximately $53,000.
Winner: Chevrolet Traverse (slightly lower starting and top-end prices)
13. Known Defects/Issues
Ford Explorer: Some reports mention transmission issues and minor electronic glitches in previous models.
Chevrolet Traverse: Some older models reported timing chain and transmission issues, though recent models have shown improvements.
Tie: Both have had reliability issues in older models but have improved.
14. Style and Design
Ford Explorer: Sporty and aggressive look, with a more rugged, outdoorsy appeal.
Chevrolet Traverse: More rounded, traditional SUV design, suitable for families.
Winner: Subjective—the Explorer has a sportier look, while the Traverse emphasizes classic family style.
15. Hybrid/Battery Options
Ford Explorer: Available with a hybrid option that offers around 27 mpg combined.
Chevrolet Traverse: No hybrid or electric options.
Winner: Ford Explorer (hybrid availability)
16. Additional Extras
Ford Explorer: Pro Trailer Backup Assist, hands-free liftgate, enhanced active park assist, and SYNC 4 with a large infotainment screen.
Chevrolet Traverse: Chevy Safety Assist, hands-free liftgate, Teen Driver feature, and rear-seat reminder.
Winner: Ford Explorer (more advanced tech options)
Older Type Errors
Ford Explorer: Past issues with transmissions and electronic systems, although these have improved in recent models.
Chevrolet Traverse: Prior complaints on transmission longevity and timing chain problems in early models.
Tie: Both have improved from older models but experienced reliability issues in previous generations.
Conclusion
Both the 2025 Ford Explorer and the 2024 Chevrolet Traverse offer family-friendly features, ample cargo space, and solid safety features.
Choose the Ford Explorer if you’re looking for slightly more towing capacity, a sportier look, better fuel efficiency in the base engine, more luxury and tech features, and a hybrid option.
Choose the Chevrolet Traverse if you prioritize maximum cargo space, slightly lower maintenance and insurance costs, and a more affordable price range.
To estimate monthly payments and identify affordable financing options for the 2025 Ford Explorer and 2024 Chevrolet Traverse, let’s look at general financing terms and potential lenders. Here’s how to approach it:
1. Estimated Monthly Payment Calculation
Assumptions for both SUVs:
Down Payment: 10% of the vehicle price.
Loan Term: 60 months (5 years).
Interest Rate: Average of 6.5% (varies based on credit score and lender).
Monthly Payment Formula
To calculate the monthly payment (M), we can use the formula for an amortizing loan:
M=P×r×(1+r)n(1+r)n−1
M=(1+r)n−1P×r×(1+r)n
where:
P = Loan principal (vehicle price - down payment)
r = Monthly interest rate (annual rate / 12)
n = Number of payments (loan term in months)
2025 Ford Explorer
Estimated Price: $40,000
Down Payment (10%): $4,000
Loan Amount: $36,000
2024 Chevrolet Traverse
Estimated Price: $38,000
Down Payment (10%): $3,800
Loan Amount: $34,200
I’ll calculate monthly payments for each vehicle.
The estimated monthly payments for a 60-month loan at a 6.5% interest rate are as follows:
2025 Ford Explorer: Approximately $704 per month
2024 Chevrolet Traverse: Approximately $669 per month
Cheapest Lenders
For competitive auto loan rates, some of the typically affordable lenders include:
Bank of America: Known for competitive rates, particularly for existing customers, with rates often around 5-6%.
LightStream (a division of SunTrust): Offers rates as low as 5% for applicants with strong credit, with a fully online process.
Capital One Auto Finance: Has a wide range of loan options and offers prequalification with a soft credit check, making it easier to compare rates.
Rates can vary significantly based on location, credit score, and lender promotions. It's often beneficial to compare rates among local credit unions, which tend to offer lower rates than national banks.
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1. Towing Capacity
2025 Ford Explorer: Up to 5,600 lbs with the available 3.0L V6 engine and towing package.
2024 Chevrolet Traverse: Up to 5,000 lbs with the 3.6L V6 engine and towing package.
Winner: Ford Explorer (higher towing capacity)
2. Dimensions
Ford Explorer
Length: 198.8 inches
Width: 78.9 inches
Height: 70.2 inches
Chevrolet Traverse
Length: 205.9 inches
Width: 78.6 inches
Height: 70.7 inches
Winner: Chevrolet Traverse (more spacious interior due to slightly larger dimensions)
3. Ground Clearance
Ford Explorer: 8.2 inches
Chevrolet Traverse: 7.5 inches
Winner: Ford Explorer (better suited for mild off-road conditions)
4. Trunk Size
Ford Explorer: 18.2 cubic feet behind the third row; up to 87.8 cubic feet with seats down
Chevrolet Traverse: 23 cubic feet behind the third row; up to 98.2 cubic feet with seats down
Winner: Chevrolet Traverse (larger cargo space)
5. Engine Specifications
Ford Explorer
Engines:
Base 2.3L EcoBoost Inline-4 (300 hp)
Available 3.0L V6 EcoBoost (400 hp in ST model)
Winner: Offers higher horsepower in the ST trim with the 3.0L V6.
Chevrolet Traverse
Engine: 3.6L V6 (310 hp)
6. Fuel Consumption
Ford Explorer:
2.3L I4: ~24 mpg combined
3.0L V6: ~20 mpg combined
Chevrolet Traverse: ~21 mpg combined (3.6L V6)
Winner: Ford Explorer (more efficient base engine)
7. Annual Maintenance Cost
Ford Explorer: Estimated $550–$650/year
Chevrolet Traverse: Estimated $500–$600/year
Winner: Chevrolet Traverse (slightly lower maintenance cost)
8. Insurance Costs
Ford Explorer: Approximately $1,400–$1,600/year
Chevrolet Traverse: Approximately $1,350–$1,550/year
Winner: Both are similar, with Chevrolet Traverse potentially slightly lower.
9. Tire Sizes
Ford Explorer: Ranges from 18 to 21 inches (depending on trim level)
Chevrolet Traverse: Standard 18-inch wheels; 20-inch available on higher trims
Winner: Ford Explorer (wider range of tire sizes)
10. Luxury Features
Ford Explorer: Offers premium features in higher trims (Platinum and ST), including leather upholstery, adaptive cruise control, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and premium audio.
Chevrolet Traverse: Features leather upholstery, an 8-inch infotainment screen, and advanced driver-assist options on higher trims.
Winner: Ford Explorer (more luxury options and tech in upper trims)
11. Color Options
Both models offer a variety of color choices, including neutrals like black, white, and gray, and bold colors such as red and blue.
12. Price Range
Ford Explorer: Starting around $38,000, going up to about $55,000+ for fully loaded models.
Chevrolet Traverse: Starting around $36,000, with high-end trims up to approximately $53,000.
Winner: Chevrolet Traverse (slightly lower starting and top-end prices)
13. Known Defects/Issues
Ford Explorer: Some reports mention transmission issues and minor electronic glitches in previous models.
Chevrolet Traverse: Some older models reported timing chain and transmission issues, though recent models have shown improvements.
Tie: Both have had reliability issues in older models but have improved.
14. Style and Design
Ford Explorer: Sporty and aggressive look, with a more rugged, outdoorsy appeal.
Chevrolet Traverse: More rounded, traditional SUV design, suitable for families.
Winner: Subjective—the Explorer has a sportier look, while the Traverse emphasizes classic family style.
15. Hybrid/Battery Options
Ford Explorer: Available with a hybrid option that offers around 27 mpg combined.
Chevrolet Traverse: No hybrid or electric options.
Winner: Ford Explorer (hybrid availability)
16. Additional Extras
Ford Explorer: Pro Trailer Backup Assist, hands-free liftgate, enhanced active park assist, and SYNC 4 with a large infotainment screen.
Chevrolet Traverse: Chevy Safety Assist, hands-free liftgate, Teen Driver feature, and rear-seat reminder.
Winner: Ford Explorer (more advanced tech options)
Older Type Errors
Ford Explorer: Past issues with transmissions and electronic systems, although these have improved in recent models.
Chevrolet Traverse: Prior complaints on transmission longevity and timing chain problems in early models.
Tie: Both have improved from older models but experienced reliability issues in previous generations.
Conclusion
Both the 2025 Ford Explorer and the 2024 Chevrolet Traverse offer family-friendly features, ample cargo space, and solid safety features.
Choose the Ford Explorer if you’re looking for slightly more towing capacity, a sportier look, better fuel efficiency in the base engine, more luxury and tech features, and a hybrid option.
Choose the Chevrolet Traverse if you prioritize maximum cargo space, slightly lower maintenance and insurance costs, and a more affordable price range.
To estimate monthly payments and identify affordable financing options for the 2025 Ford Explorer and 2024 Chevrolet Traverse, let’s look at general financing terms and potential lenders. Here’s how to approach it:
1. Estimated Monthly Payment Calculation
Assumptions for both SUVs:
Down Payment: 10% of the vehicle price.
Loan Term: 60 months (5 years).
Interest Rate: Average of 6.5% (varies based on credit score and lender).
Monthly Payment Formula
To calculate the monthly payment (M), we can use the formula for an amortizing loan:
M=P×r×(1+r)n(1+r)n−1
M=(1+r)n−1P×r×(1+r)n
where:
P = Loan principal (vehicle price - down payment)
r = Monthly interest rate (annual rate / 12)
n = Number of payments (loan term in months)
2025 Ford Explorer
Estimated Price: $40,000
Down Payment (10%): $4,000
Loan Amount: $36,000
2024 Chevrolet Traverse
Estimated Price: $38,000
Down Payment (10%): $3,800
Loan Amount: $34,200
I’ll calculate monthly payments for each vehicle.
The estimated monthly payments for a 60-month loan at a 6.5% interest rate are as follows:
2025 Ford Explorer: Approximately $704 per month
2024 Chevrolet Traverse: Approximately $669 per month
Cheapest Lenders
For competitive auto loan rates, some of the typically affordable lenders include:
Bank of America: Known for competitive rates, particularly for existing customers, with rates often around 5-6%.
LightStream (a division of SunTrust): Offers rates as low as 5% for applicants with strong credit, with a fully online process.
Capital One Auto Finance: Has a wide range of loan options and offers prequalification with a soft credit check, making it easier to compare rates.
Rates can vary significantly based on location, credit score, and lender promotions. It's often beneficial to compare rates among local credit unions, which tend to offer lower rates than national banks.
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