With so many SUVs on the market, it can be difficult to pick a new one when the time comes. At Columbine Ford, we want to help make your decision a little easier by comparing two of the best in the 2021 Ford Explorer and the Chevy Traverse. Both SUVs have incredible engines and many features, but which one is the standout? We will compare both SUVs to know which one is right for you and your family. Continue reading to see which one comes out on top.
There are two impressive engines available for the 2021 Ford Explorer, and they both give you incredible power. Most trims come with a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder that pumps out 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. If you want more power, the ST trim has you covered with a robust and turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 that makes an outstanding 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque. Both engines pair with a smooth ten-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel-drive. Each trim offers an all-wheel-drive variant if you prefer, which comes standard on the Platinum trim and is perfect for those cold and snowy winter days.
Only one engine is available for the Chevy Traverse, and it’s a decent 3.6-liter V6 that delivers 310 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque, which pairs with a nine-speed automatic transmission. You also get front-wheel-drive, with the option for all-wheel-drive on every engine except for the base Traverse L. While these power numbers are fine, they do pale compared to the horsepower of the V6 and the torque of both of the Ford Explorers engine options. We also like the all-wheel-drive available on all Explorer trims, including the base level.
Five trims are available for the 2021 Ford Explorer, each with many terrific features. Kicking things off is the Base trim, which comes with a power liftgate, tri-zone automatic climate control, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, an in-vehicle Wi-Fi hotspot, and an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Next is the XLT, which adds roof rails, keyless ignition/entry, heated front seats, and second-row USB ports. The Limited adds more luxury features such as interior ambient lighting, leather upholstery, heated steering wheel, a wireless charging pad, and a 12-speaker audio system. The ST trim gives the Explorer a sporty look with paddle shifters, sport front seats, and an automated parking system. The top trim level of the Explorer is the Platinum, which is truly a premium level trim with adaptive headlights, a digital gauge cluster display, and a Class 3 Trailer Tow package.
Seven trims are available for the Traverse, and you get exciting features on every trim level. The base L trim starts things with 18-inch alloy wheels, automatic headlights, heated outside mirrors, cloth upholstery, and a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Higher trims such as the LT Cloth and the LT Leather trim add to this with strong features such as foglights, roof rails, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, heated front seats, a remote engine start, an 8-inch touchscreen, and rear parking sensors. The highest trims of the Traverse, the RS, Premier, and High Country, provide drivers with a heated steering wheel, 20-inch dark finishing wheels, ventilated front seats, wireless device charging, a hands-free liftgate, and a panoramic sunroof.
While there is a lot to like about both of these vehicles, we will give the victory to the 2021 Ford Explorer. The Explorer provides you with more powerful engines and features than the Traverse making it a more appealing package. We highly recommend taking a test drive of this superb vehicle by heading to Columbine Ford and scheduling one with our amazing sales team! If you find a trim of the Explorer you like, be sure to stop by our finance department, where we will help you get the best possible deal. You can also check out our entire inventory here on our website.
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