If you’re trying to choose between a 2024 Ford Explorer and the 2024 Chevrolet Traverse, know that one of these SUVs is getting significant technology updates in 2025 while the other is an all-new version of one of the largest models in the Upper Midsize SUV segment.
Soon, Ford will roll out an improved 2025 Explorer with a fully competitive infotainment system and upgraded driving assistance systems. Chevrolet is trying to get a head start on its rival by launching the redesigned 2024 Traverse. Soon, both vehicles will go head-to-head, but in the meantime, the first wave of new Traverses will face off against a technologically aged 2024 Explorer.
While that might not seem like a fair fight, the 2024 Explorer brings some valuable ammunition to the battle. It’s a traditional SUV based on a rear-wheel-drive (RWD) platform, while the new 2024 Traverse is a crossover SUV with standard front-wheel drive (FWD). Some would say this gives the Explorer advantages in handling and towing. The Chevy counters with more passenger capacity and cargo space.
The Explorer and the Traverse offer three rows of seating, plenty of cargo space, turbocharged engines, and available all-wheel drive (Chevy) or four-wheel drive (Ford). In addition, each is available in an off-road-ready trim level. For the first time, Chevrolet offers the 2024 Traverse in Z71 specification, while Ford continues to sell the rugged Explorer Timberline.
When all is said and done, the Ford Explorer and Chevrolet Traverse seek to serve the needs of the same customers: American families with busy lifestyles. This comparison should help you decide which could be right for your family.
2024 Ford Explorer ST
Ford’s lineup of 2024 Explorer models includes Base, XLT, ST-Line, Timberline, Limited, ST, King Ranch, and Platinum trim levels. Each is available with RWD or four-wheel drive (4WD), except for the Explorer Timberline, which has a standard 4WD system.
The manufacturer’s suggested retail prices (MSRP) for the Explorer range from $36,860 for the Base RWD model to $56,770 for the top-tier Platinum 4WD. All Explorers carry an additional destination charge of $1,595.
Unlike some competitors, the Explorer does not provide complimentary scheduled maintenance. In addition, its FordPass Connect service is relatively sparse. However, it does offer access to a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot with a complimentary three-month or three-gigabyte trial subscription to wireless data, whichever comes first.
Chevrolet offers the 2024 Traverse in four trim levels: LS, LT, Z71, and RS. New this year, the Traverse Z71 offers added off-road capabilities, while the Traverse RS offers luxe features, sporty black trim, and a larger wheel-tire package. Front-wheel drive is standard fare for most versions of the Traverse, with all-wheel drive (AWD) an available option. An upgraded AWD system is standard with Z71 trim.
For the 2024 model year, Chevrolet Traverse pricing ranges from $37,600 for the base LS to $54,200 for the new, range-topping RS. Those prices do not include the $1,395 destination charge.
The Chevrolet Traverse offers a free three-month trial subscription to selected connected services through OnStar. After the trial, you can choose from several subscription plans. The first oil and filter change is complimentary.
Advantage: Chevrolet Traverse. The Traverse costs less and offers a free first scheduled service visit.
2024 Chevrolet Traverse RS
The Ford Explorer does not rank among the top three models in the Upper Midsize SUV segment in the JD Power 2024 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS), which assesses owner-reported problems during the third year of ownership. The Explorer also does not rank among the top three models in its segment in the JD Power 2023 U.S. Initial Quality Study (IQS).
The 2024 Ford Explorerhas the following warranty, roadside assistance, and scheduled maintenance coverage:
The previous-generation Chevrolet Traverse was the highest-ranked vehicle in the Upper Midsize SUV segment in the 2023 VDS but did not rank among the top three in the 2023 IQS. It is impossible to determine how the redesigned 2024 Traverse will rank in upcoming JD Power studies, and past performance is not always an accurate indicator.
The 2024 Chevrolet Traverse offers the following warranty, roadside assistance, and scheduled maintenance coverage:
Advantage: Neither. While Chevrolet offers the first scheduled service for the Traverse at no charge, it isn’t clear if or for how long roadside assistance is available.
2024 Ford Explorer Timberline
Ford has discontinued its hybrid powertrain option for the 2024 Explorer, leaving customers with a choice between a standard turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder and an available twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6. The turbo four delivers 300 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque, while the twin-turbo V6 supplies an impressive 400 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque in the ST, King Ranch, and Platinum trims.
Rear-wheel drive is the default configuration for all Explorers except the Timberline, which prioritizes all-terrain capability with its 4WD system. In addition, a Terrain Management System with selectable drive modes and an automatic brake hold function are standard across all Explorer models and are particularly handy in off-road driving. When properly equipped, some versions of the Explorer can tow up to 5,600 pounds.
As of this writing, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has not released fuel economy estimates for the 2024 Explorer models. In the 2023 model year, the two turbocharged engines ranged from a maximum of 24 mpg in combined driving to a minimum of 20 mpg.
The 2024 Chevrolet Traverse has a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine delivering 328 horsepower and 326 pound-feet of torque. It pairs with an eight-speed automatic transmission and powers the front wheels unless the SUV has the available AWD system. When properly equipped, the new Traverse has a maximum towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds.
The off-road-oriented Traverse Z71 includes a more sophisticated twin-clutch AWD system than the other models. In addition, the Z71 features hill descent control, unique suspension tuning, and an added Terrain driving mode.
As of this writing, the EPA hasn’t announced official fuel economy estimates for the all-new 2024 Traverse.
Advantage: Ford Explorer. The Ford offers more maximum power and towing capacity than the Chevy.
2024 Chevrolet Traverse Z71
Ford equips the 2024 Explorer with an array of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), many of which are part of the Ford Co-Pilot360 and Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist+ packages.
Highlights from the standard Ford Co-Pilot360 package list include lane-keeping assistance, blind-spot warning, and rear cross-traffic warning. The Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist+ upgrade adds adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability, lane-centering assistance, and evasive steering assistance.
The 2024 Ford Explorer has earned a five-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), its highest honor. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has recognized the 2024 Explorer as a 2023 Top Safety Pick+, the highest distinction available.
For 2024, every Traverse boasts a Chevy Safety Assist ADAS package. Generally, it includes the features in Ford Co-Pilot360, but it also has cyclist detection and actively tries to prevent unsafe lane changes if the SUV’s blind spot isn’t clear. Chevy’s exclusive Safety Alert Seat vibrates to notify a driver that paying attention is necessary.
Unique upgrades for the Traverse include intersection turn assistance and blind-spot bicyclist warning, among others. In addition, Chevrolet offers its Super Cruise hands-free semi-autonomous highway driving assistance technology with automatic lane change capability. Ford won’t match that feature until 2025, when its similar BlueCruise system is available on the Explorer.
Because the 2024 Traverse is so new, crash-test ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA are unavailable as of the time of writing.
Advantage: Neither. The Explorer has proven itself in crash tests, but the Traverse offers a more advanced standard and available ADAS collection.
2024 Ford Explorer ST
The 2024 Ford Explorer comes with a dated Sync 3 infotainment system. More affordable versions of the SUV feature an 8-inch touchscreen, while the Timberline, Limited, ST, King Ranch, and Platinum trims include a larger 10.1-inch touchscreen mounted portrait-style.
Sync 3 supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and buyers receive a three-month trial subscription to SiriusXM satellite radio. Two optional B&O sound systems by Bang & Olufsen are available, with 12 speakers or a higher-end version with 14 speakers.
FordPass Connect is standard, and with an active subscription, it offers access to a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot, remote engine starting, remote door lock/unlock, a parked vehicle locator, and not much more. Compared to many rivals, FordPass Connect is unimpressive.
Subscribing to the tenet go big or go home, the all-new 2024 Chevrolet Traverse features a new 17.7-inch touchscreen infotainment system. That’s more than twice as large as the standard screen in the Explorer. Plus, the Traverse’s tech includes Google Built-in for a more seamless user experience and supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
In addition, the Traverse has OnStar connected services. While the complimentary package is less impressive than Ford’s, you can upgrade to several plans full of helpful features. Highlights include access to a Wi-Fi hotspot, safety-related services, Amazon Alexa compatibility, numerous integrated apps such as Spotify, the ability to stream content, and plenty more. Plus, OnStar offers 24/7 access to live (human) OnStar advisors.
Chevrolet also offers a Bose premium sound system for the Traverse.
Advantage: Chevrolet Traverse. With its oversized standard touchscreen display, Google Built-in tech, and extensive connected service offerings, the Chevy tops the Ford.
2024 Chevrolet Traverse RS
The 2024 Ford Explorer can accommodate six or seven passengers. Six fit with the available second-row captain’s chairs, while seven can travel if the SUV has a second-row bench seat.
Standard seating materials vary across the lineup, so depending on which Explorer you get, you’ll have cloth-covered seats, artificial leather upholstery, or genuine leather. The Explorer also features a standard triple-zone automatic climate control system.
Regarding cargo space, the Explorer offers 18.2 cubic feet behind the third-row seat. Fold it down, and you’ll expand the cargo area to 47.9 cubic feet. Fold both rows of seats to maximize cargo capacity at 87.8 cubic feet.
While the Explorer is accommodating, it can’t beat the 2024 Chevrolet Traverse when it comes to passenger room and cargo volume. The new Traverse LS carries up to eight people, while the LT, Z71, and RS feature seven-passenger seating thanks to standard second-row captain’s chairs. Chevrolet says you can get its new Evotex artificial leather on the LT and Z71 trim levels, while the RS has genuine leather covering the seats.
Notably, Chevrolet mounts the transmission shifter on the steering column to free up more storage on the center console. Unfortunately, as of this writing, Chevrolet hasn’t published cargo area capacities except for a maximum number of 98 cubic feet with second and third rows folded down.
Advantage: Chevrolet Traverse. More passenger room + more cargo space = more comfort and utility.
If you’d like to learn more about these Upper Midsize SUVs, read our expert review of the 2022 Ford Explorer and our preview of the 2024 Chevrolet Traverse. To find out how people like you rate models in this segment, check out our ratings from verified vehicle owners.
Also, please remember that while the information in this article was accurate and valid on February 14, 2024, it may have changed since that date. Always confirm product details and availability with the automaker’s website or your local dealership.
Jack R. Nerad has reviewed cars, trucks, vans, and sport utilities for over three decades. He also managed the editorial efforts of Motor Trend magazine, JD Power, and Kelley Blue Book. Jack is currently the host of the SportsMap Radio Network program America on the Road, available on Apple Podcasts, iHeart Radio, Spotify, Stitcher, and other outlets.
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