Auto Show Faceoff: 2024 Chevrolet Traverse Vs. 2025 Ford Explorer

Both Chevrolet and Ford have fresh entries in the three-row mid-size SUV class that are set to hit dealerships during the 2024 calendar year. The Chevrolet Traverse has been redesigned for the 2024 model year, and the 2025 Ford Explorer gets a noteworthy refresh that includes blockier exterior styling touches and an upgraded interior. Both vehicles were on display at the 2024 Chicago Auto Show, which gave us the perfect opportunity to compare them back-to-back out on the floor.

Related: More 2024 Chicago Auto Show Coverage

Interior Quality: Tie

I’ll call this one a tie. I examined a Traverse RS and an Explorer ST, which was apropos since both are the sportiest trims of their respective lineups and hit similar prices (both are comfortably above the $50,000 mark). The two are quite similar in terms of trimmings, with plenty of red accents and contrast stitching. Both have a meaty, leather-wrapped steering wheel, too. The Explorer has a textured cloth insert that runs horizontally across the dashboard, while the Traverse’s dash is jazzed up by a mesh-pattern candy-red insert. Based on my initial once-over, the winner here boils down to personal taste.

Controls Layout: Too Soon to Tell

Since we haven’t yet had the opportunity to really test the two infotainment systems and digital gauge displays, this one is too close to call at this point. Both vehicles get new infotainment software; the Traverse uses Google Built-In architecture (which we have had frustrating experiences with in other GM vehicles), and the Explorer has a new Android-based system we haven’t had the opportunity to test yet. Both touchscreens are upsized, too: The Traverse’s massive 17.7-inch screen trumps the Explorer’s 12.3-inch screen, and it’s also angled slightly toward the driver where the Ford’s screen is flat (which might make marginally easier for the front-seat passenger to use). Both touchscreens have a slight ledge underneath, which you can rest a finger on to steady your hand when using the screen.

The Explorer’s climate controls are absorbed by the touchscreen, while the Traverse maintains physical climate buttons and knobs, which Cars.com editors much prefer over virtual controls. However, the Traverse’s headlight controls have been moved into the touchscreen’s controls — only the high beams still have a physical control. Even though automatic headlights are standard, we’d still prefer an actual button or knob.

The Traverse is now available with GM’s Super Cruise hands-free driving system, and the Explorer can be had with Ford’s similar BlueCruise feature, so that’s mostly a wash. The Explorer uses a rotary gear-selector knob in the center console which is easy enough to use, but the Traverse’s steering-column-mounted selector helps free up storage space in its center console. In general, the Traverse’s small-items storage space looks to be better than the Explorer’s overall, with more generously sized cupholders and smartphone trays, as well as a purse-shelf open storage area below the console itself that the Explorer doesn’t have.

Second-Row Comfort: Traverse

The Traverse is notably bigger overall than the Explorer, and it wins in second-row seat space and comfort — though not by a large margin. The Explorer’s headroom and legroom aren’t quite as generous as the Traverse’s; tall passengers’ heads will likely rub slightly against the available panoramic moonroof’s housing. Either vehicle’s second row can accommodate average-sized adults with ease, however.

Third-Row Comfort: Traverse

The Traverse edges out the Explorer here, as well, both in terms of third-row space and ease of access. With its redesign for 2024, the Traverse finally has proper tilt-and-slide second-row seats on both sides of the vehicle, and its pass-through openings from the outside or in between the second-row captain’s chairs (if so equipped) are larger. The Explorer’s third-row seats are notably more cramped, and the relatively high floor necessitates a low-mounted bottom cushion and a knees-up riding position. The Traverse’s third-row space is better, but it’s not palatial, either, and its smallish side windows give its third-row a somewhat claustrophobic feel. With either vehicle, the third row is best suited for children.

Cargo: Traverse

As expected, the Traverse’s larger dimensions give it the edge in cargo capacity. There’s notably more room behind the Traverse’s third row for groceries, sports gear and what have you, and that space grows even bigger with the third row folded. If you’re looking to tow, the two are even; both can tow 5,000 pounds when properly equipped. The Explorer ST trumps the Traverse in horsepower, however: It has a gutsy 400-horsepower turbo V-6, while all Traverses have a new 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that maxes out at 328 hp — impressive, but not in the same league as the Explorer ST.

More From Cars.com:

• 2024 Chevrolet Traverse: Now With More SUVness
• 2025 Ford Explorer Up Close: Nicely Updated, Still Compromised
• Which SUVs Can Tow at Least 5,000 Pounds?
• Find Your Next Car

Overall Winner? Depends on What You’re Looking For

The winner here can’t really be determined by a static examination, and what you’re looking for in your mid-size SUV also plays a key role. If your main priority is maximum space and family-hauling capability, the Traverse is probably your best pick. If you value a more engaging, more athletic driving experience in an SUV that is still plenty capable for family duties, the Explorer might be better for you. The 2024 Traverse is slated to go on sale in the spring, with the Explorer scheduled to follow in the summer.

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