You’ve narrowed it down to two of the most popular three-row SUVs on the used market, and now you’re stuck. The Ford Explorer and the Chevrolet Traverse are both solid picks, but they’re not the same vehicle. Choosing the wrong one for your family could mean years of frustration. Let’s sort it out.
A Quick Look at Where These Two SUVs Come From
Understanding the history of each vehicle helps you know what you’re actually buying on the used market. Generations matter here, because both the Ford Explorer and the Chevrolet Traverse went through significant redesigns that changed everything from the engine to the interior layout.
History of the Chevrolet Traverse
The Chevrolet Traverse arrived for the 2009 model year as a three-row crossover built on GM’s Lambda platform. It replaced the Chevy Trailblazer EXT and gave families a car-based ride with serious passenger space. The first generation ran through 2017 and earned a reputation for being roomy but thirsty at the pump.
The second generation launched in 2018 with a lighter body, a new engine, and a much-improved interior. Chevy stretched the cabin, added more cargo room behind the third row, and gave the whole thing a sharper look. The third generation arrived for 2024 with fresh styling and tech upgrades, and it’s the version that’ll carry the Chevy Traverse name into 2026 and beyond.
On the used market, the 2018 and newer Chevrolet Traverse is the one worth targeting. The pre-2018 models have more miles, older tech, and an engine that doesn’t deliver the same efficiency.
Ford Explorer Model History
The Ford Explorer has been around since 1991, making it one of the most recognized names in the SUV segment. For the first two decades, it was a body-on-frame truck-based SUV. Ford shifted things dramatically with the 2011 redesign, moving to a car-based unibody platform and three-row seating as standard.
The sixth generation Ford Explorer launched in 2020 and moved the engine to a longitudinal layout, which pushed more weight to the rear and improved handling balance. That generation brought a new 2.3L turbocharged four-cylinder engine as the base, with an available 3.0L twin-turbo V6 on higher trims. The Ford Explorer also returned proper rear-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive configurations, which matters if you tow or want better performance feel.
Looking ahead, Ford has announced updates that will keep the Ford Explorer competitive into 2026. If you’re shopping used right now, the 2020 and newer generation is the sweet spot.
Ford Explorer vs. Chevy Traverse: Which Is the Best to Buy Used?
This is the real question, and the honest answer is it depends on what you need most. The Ford Explorer and Chevy Traverse overlap in price, body style, and family-hauling ability. But they’re genuinely different in how they drive and how they use their interior space.
Before you decide, run a free VIN lookup on any used vehicle you’re considering. You’ll want to know the service history, any accident reports, and whether there are open recalls through the NHTSA recalls database.
Size Matters When You’re Hauling Kids and Gear
The Chevrolet Traverse is the bigger vehicle. It measures around 204 inches in length, compared to the Ford Explorer at roughly 199 inches. That five-inch difference might not sound like much, but you feel it inside, especially in the third row.
The Chevy Traverse distributes legroom better across all three rows. If you regularly put adults in that back row seat, the Chevrolet Traverse is the more comfortable choice. The Ford Explorer has comparable headroom specs, but that third-row seat is better suited for kids than grown adults on longer trips.
Cargo is where the Chevrolet Traverse really pulls ahead. According to Edmunds, the Traverse trunk area offers more cargo space than its major competitors, including the Ford Explorer. It’s wide enough to fit a check-in suitcase with room for carry-ons beside it. If you’re loading up for a road trip or a Costco run, that extra cargo room is something you’ll notice every single week.
The Ford Explorer interior is well-designed and feels more upscale on higher trims, but pure volume goes to the Chevy. The Ford Explorer interior does score points for front seat comfort, with a more supportive driver’s seat that feels better on long hauls.
Power and Driving Feel Set These Apart
This is where the Ford Explorer and Chevrolet Traverse feel most different to drive.
The base Ford Explorer engine is a 2.3L EcoBoost four-cylinder producing around 300 horsepower. Higher trims offer a 3.0L twin-turbo V6 pushing 400 horsepower. That’s a seriously quick SUV for a three-row family hauler. The Ford Explorer also comes standard with AdvanceTrac with Roll Stability Control, and the available Terrain Management System adds drive modes for different road conditions.
The Chevy Traverse engine in the current generation is a 2.5L turbocharged four-cylinder. Earlier second-generation models used a 3.6L V6 engine, which many buyers actually prefer for its smoothness and power delivery. If you’re shopping a used Chevy Traverse from 2018 to 2023, that V6 engine is the one to look for.
Fuel economy is close between the two. The base Ford Explorer engine gets around 27 mpg on the highway. The Chevy Traverse with the V6 engine typically lands around 25 to 27 mpg highway as well. Neither SUV is going to save you a fortune at the pump, but neither is a gas hog compared to older truck-based SUVs. Both get roughly similar real-world mpg figures in mixed driving.
For towing, both vehicles offer up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped. That’s enough to tow a mid-size boat, a small camper, or a loaded utility trailer. Neither one has a significant edge on tow capacity at this level, so if towing is a priority, check the specific trim and tow package on the used vehicle you’re looking at.
The Ford Explorer drives more like a sporty sedan. The rear-biased layout in the 2020+ generation gives it a more confident feel through corners. The Chevy Traverse drives smoothly and comfortably, but it’s tuned more for relaxed family cruising than spirited driving. Neither is wrong. It just depends on whether you want to feel the road or float above it.
Tech Features Keep Everyone Connected
Both SUVs are well-equipped with modern tech on most trims. The Ford Explorer uses Ford’s SYNC infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on most 2020 and newer models. A large touchscreen anchors the interior dashboard, and the layout is intuitive once you’re used to it.
The Chevy Traverse uses GM’s Infotainment 3 system, which is also solid. Both support wireless phone connectivity and offer available Wi-Fi hotspot capability. The Chevy system has improved significantly over the years, and by the 2022 and 2023 model years, it’s a genuinely pleasant system to use.
On safety tech, the Ford Explorer comes with Ford Co-Pilot360, which includes lane-keeping assist, pre-collision assist, and blind spot monitoring. The Chevy Traverse includes Chevy Safety Assist with a comparable feature set. The Ford Explorer adds rear parking sensors as standard on more trims, and higher trims offer a 360-degree camera that makes parking this longer vehicle much easier.
Pricing and Value Comparison
Used pricing for both SUVs varies a lot based on trim, mileage, and model year. That said, here’s a general picture of what you’ll find.
A used Ford Explorer from the 2020 to 2022 model years typically runs anywhere from the low $25,000s to the mid-$40,000s depending on trim and condition. The base XLT trim is the most common on the used market. The ST and Platinum trims command a premium but offer a noticeably different interior experience.
Used Chevrolet Traverse pricing in the same 2020 to 2022 range is often slightly lower for comparable mileage and trim. The Chevy Traverse LS and LT trims are the most common used finds. The High Country trim is the range-topper and it shows in the interior quality and features.
Pricing on both has softened from the pandemic-era highs, which is good news for used buyers right now. Use our car loan calculator to figure out what monthly payment fits your budget before you walk into a dealership.
Depreciation has been fairly similar between the two, though the Ford Explorer has historically held value slightly better on popular trims. That also means you’ll pay a bit more for a used Ford Explorer with similar specs.
Quick Comparison at a Glance
- Interior space: Chevrolet Traverse wins, especially in the third-row seat and cargo area
- Engine performance: Ford Explorer offers more power, especially on upper trims
- Fuel economy: Roughly equal, both around 25 to 27 mpg highway
- Tow capacity: Both rated up to 5,000 lbs when properly equipped
- Driving feel: Ford Explorer is sportier, Chevy Traverse is smoother and more relaxed
- Cargo room: Chevy Traverse leads the segment
- Used pricing: Chevy Traverse often comes in slightly lower for similar specs
10 Second Trade Value
If you already own one of these and you’re thinking about trading it in, know that both hold decent value on the used market. A well-maintained Ford Explorer from 2020 onward in a popular trim like XLT or Limited will get you solid offers. The Chevrolet Traverse trades well too, especially the LT and Premier trims.
Pull your VIN and get a history report before you trade. Dealers will run it anyway, and knowing what’s in there gives you a better negotiating position. You can start with our free VIN lookup tool to see what comes up.
Which One Actually Fits Your Life?
If you regularly fill all three rows with passengers, the Chevrolet Traverse is the more practical choice. That third-row seat is actually usable for adults, and the cargo area behind it is genuinely generous. The Chevy is also typically a bit more affordable on the used market for comparable years and mileage.
If you want a more engaging drive, higher performance on tap, and a slightly more premium interior feel on upper trims, the Ford Explorer delivers that. The 2020+ generation Ford Explorer is a genuinely fun vehicle to drive for something this big, and the available engine options give you room to find exactly what you need.
Families who prioritize space and value will likely land on the Chevrolet Traverse. Buyers who want a bit more driving excitement and don’t mind paying a small premium for it will probably prefer the Ford Explorer. Both are well-built, both are widely available used, and both will serve a family well for years.
You can browse used Ford Explorers and Chevrolet Traverse listings to compare real inventory in your area. Always get an independent inspection from a trusted mechanic before you hand over any money, no matter how clean the listing looks.
Which SUV Will You Choose for Your Needs?
Start by being honest about your priorities. Write down how many passengers you carry regularly, whether you tow anything, and how much you care about driving feel versus pure practicality. That list will make the decision pretty clear.
The Ford Explorer and Chevrolet Traverse are both excellent used buys in 2024 and will remain competitive SUV options through 2026 and beyond. The used market has both in good supply, which means you have real negotiating room. Do your homework, check the VIN, get that inspection, and you’ll drive home happy.
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