What is Fords version of the Traverse?
Ford's version of the Traverse is the Ford Explorer, a three-row midsize SUV that competes in the same family-hauling segment.
Ford Explorer: The closest match to the Traverse
To understand how Ford positions its lineup against Chevrolet's Traverse, consider how the Explorer stacks up in terms of space, practicality, and technology. Below are the core points that show why the Explorer serves as Ford's direct counterpart in this class.
- Seating for seven or eight and flexible interior layouts to accommodate passengers and cargo.
- Three-row versatility with options for captain's chairs or a full bench, depending on trim and configuration.
- All-wheel-drive availability across most trims and a range of powertrains for daily driving and highway merges.
- Modern infotainment and safety technology, including Ford's SYNC 4 system and a broad suite of driver-assist features.
- Multiple trims and packages that mirror the Traverse's approach to comfort, technology, and family-friendly features.
Taken together, these characteristics position the Explorer as Ford's most direct response to the Chevrolet Traverse, offering a similar blend of practicality and technology within Ford's design language.
Key differences buyers should note
While the Explorer covers the same broad mission, there are important distinctions that can influence a purchase decision. Here are the main contrasts to consider.
- Engineering foundations and ride dynamics, with the Explorer built on Ford's own platform and the Traverse on GM's Lambda architecture. This affects handling, ride comfort, and chassis tuning.
- Powertrain options include EcoBoost engines and a hybrid variant in the Explorer, providing a different balance of performance and efficiency than the Traverse.
- Interior design language and materials reflect Ford’s cabin aesthetics and ergonomics, which some buyers may prefer over the Chevy’s layout.
- Cargo space behind the third row and overall footprint vary by configuration, with each vehicle prioritizing different blends of room and usability.
- Pricing nuance and feature availability shift across trims, especially for tech packages, safety systems, and luxury-oriented options.
Understanding these differences helps buyers decide which SUV best fits their daily routines, travel needs, and personal preferences for technology and driving feel.
Other Ford options in the three-row space
For shoppers who need more space or want alternatives within Ford’s lineup, two notable paths exist beyond the Explorer. Here is a quick look at what Ford offers in related categories.
- Ford Expedition: A full-size, three-row SUV with greater towing capacity, more interior volume, and higher-end features for families or outdoor enthusiasts who require maximum space.
- Ford Flex and Edge notes: The Ford Flex was a three-row crossover wagon that Ford discontinued after 2019; the Edge is a smaller, two-row SUV and does not directly replace the Explorer's three-row capability.
For most buyers seeking a three-row Ford, the Explorer remains the primary option, with the Expedition serving as the larger alternative when space and towing are top priorities.
Summary
The Ford Explorer is the closest Ford equivalent to Chevrolet's Traverse, offering similar three-row practicality, cargo versatility, and a modern tech footprint, all packaged in Ford's design language. While the Expedition provides a larger, more capable option for those who need extra space and towing, the Explorer stands as Ford's standard-bearer in the mid-size, three-row SUV segment and the most direct answer to the Traverse in Ford's lineup.
