Ford Explorer vs. Chevrolet Traverse

New Ford Explorer For Sale near St. Louis

Choosing the Right Three-Row SUV for St. Louis Life

Finding a vehicle that manages the chaotic rhythm of family life requires more than just extra seats. For those navigating the urban corridors of St. Louis, the choice often narrows down to two heavyweights in the segment: the Ford Explorer and the Chevrolet Traverse. Both vehicles provide 7-passenger configurations, yet they serve different priorities. The Explorer is engineered for those who demand agility and technical sophistication, while the Traverse leans into a larger physical footprint. At Weber Ford, our Ford dealership near St. Louis, MO, our team of experts are more than capable of taking you through the capabilities of each to show you which one best suits your lifestyle.

Which is Superior Between the Ford Explorer and Chevrolet Traverse

Handling

Drivers in our region frequently encounter a mix of tight city streets and expansive highways. Even with its base trim, the Explorer includes standard 4WD, a crucial feature for maintaining traction during unpredictable weather or when driving near the river bluffs. The Traverse, in comparison, only comes standard with FWD, which may leave some families wanting more capability when road conditions deteriorate. The Explorer is also a better vehicle for handling daily commuting or short errands, being a more manageable model thanks to its more compact frame.

Performance

The heart of any family vehicle lies in its ability to move heavy loads with confidence. The Ford Explorer utilizes a 2.3L I4 EcoBoost engine that expertly balances power delivery with daily efficiency, alongside a more sophisticated ten-speed automatic transmission. In contrast, the Chevrolet Traverse features a 2.5L I4 turbocharged engine with an eight-speed automatic transmission, which may provide smoother shifts, but lacks the same granular gear ratio. This makes the Explorer a more athletic model with greater responsiveness behind the wheel.

Safety

Protecting passengers is the primary objective for any family vehicle navigating the busy corridors of St. Louis. Modern driver-assistance technology has moved past basic alerts to active intervention and semi-autonomous capabilities, with the Explorer having access to the new BlueCruise system with Auto Lane Change. This allows for hands-free driving on designated highways, managing speed and steering while also suggesting and executing lane changes to bypass slower traffic. This level of automation reduces driver fatigue during longer trips or when navigating congested stretches of the interstate. The system uses a driver-facing camera to ensure the operator remains focused on the road, balancing convenience with strict safety protocols. The Traverse offers its own Super Cruise system, which is quite capable, but requires a steeper financial investment compared to the Explorer.

Interior Space

When evaluating the Ford Explorer, the decision often comes down to a choice between clever spatial efficiency and sheer physical volume. The Explorer is engineered with a seven-passenger layout that prioritizes high-quality materials and ergonomic accessibility. The focus is on a driver-centric cockpit and passenger comfort, featuring a sophisticated aesthetic with soft-touch surfaces and an available 13.2-inch touchscreen that integrates seamlessly with daily digital life. While the Traverse offers a higher maximum cargo volume of 98 cu. ft., the Explorer provides a highly usable 86 cu. ft. of space with the rear seats folded. For many families, the Explorer’s layout is more intuitive, offering specialized storage cubbies and a seating arrangement that ensures third-row passengers do not feel isolated from the rest of the group.

Test Drive a New Explorer at Weber Ford

The Ford Explorer edges out its competition with more intuitive interior design, superior handling and performance, and more affordable driver awareness characteristics. Get a first look at this model for yourself by scheduling a test drive at our Ford dealership near St. Louis, MO. If you have any other questions about this model, feel free to contact us online at Weber Ford.

New Ford Explorer For Sale near St. Louis