2021 Ford Explorer vs. 2021 Chevy Traverse | Compare SUVs
Gear up for everyday adventures with the 2021 Ford Explorer or 2021 Chevy Traverse. These mid-size SUVs feature three rows of seating for up to seven passengers, excellent fuel efficiency, and a full suite of standard safety technology. If you’re considering a versatile Ford SUV, this 2021 Ford Explorer versus the 2021 Chevy Traverse comparison was created by the Westfield Ford team in Countryside, IL, for your research.
For this comparison, we reviewed the 2021 Ford Explorer Limited, starting at $45,005 MSRP, and the 2021 Chevy Traverse Premier, starting at $47,295 MSRP.
Discover your new 2021 Ford Explorer in our current inventory, then pair your favorite model with one of our finance and lease offers for a great deal. Our team of experts is available to assist you with questions by contacting us online or by phone at (877) 470-0298.

2021 Ford Explorer vs. 2021 Chevy Traverse Interior Comparison
The 2021 Ford Explorer and 2021 Chevy Traverse provide three rows of seats for up to seven passengers. Both SUVs offer tri-zone automatic climate control with rear air vents for passengers. Keyless entry is standard on both SUVs, while the Ford Explorer also includes intelligent access with push-button ignition. The Ford Explorer features multi-color ambient lighting, which is unavailable on the Chevy Traverse. Enjoy music from a 12-speaker audio system on the Ford Explorer or a ten-speaker audio system on the Chevy Traverse.
Both SUVs feature comparable interior space. The Ford Explorer offers more first- and second-row legroom, plus a maximum of 87.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the first row. The Traverse provides more third-row legroom with a maximum of 98.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the first row.
Additional interior features of the 2021 Ford Explorer Limited include:
- Perforated leather seats
- Heated and ventilated first-row seats
- Heated second-row seats
- 8-in. touchscreen with SYNC® 3 technology and navigation
- B&O® by Bang & Olufsen® premium 12-speaker audio system
- Wireless charging for devices

2021 Ford Explorer vs. 2021 Chevy Traverse Engine & Towing
The 2021 Ford Explorer and 2021 Chevy Traverse offer comparable performance from their standard engines. While the Chevy Traverse provides a larger engine, the Ford Explorer delivers better torque, fuel economy, and a higher maximum towing capacity. The Ford Explorer also offers an optional 3.3L hybrid engine, while additional engine options are unavailable for the Chevy Traverse.
Each SUV is available with all-wheel drive (AWD), and the Ford Explorer also includes a Terrain Management System™ with selectable drive modes. Compare engine and towing specifications of the 2021 Ford Explorer Limited and 2021 Chevy Traverse Premier using the following table.
Chevy Traverse Premier | Model | Ford Explorer Limited |
---|---|---|
3.6L V6 | Stardard Engine | 2.3L EcoBoost® turbo I4 |
310 HP | Horsepower | 300 HP |
266 lb.-ft. | Torque | 310 lb.-ft. |
FWD or AWD | Drivetrain | RWD or Intelligent AWD |
Nine-speed | Automatic Transmission | Ten-speed SelectShift® |
18/27 | MPG (city/hwy) | 21 / 28 |
5,000 lbs. | Max. Towing Capacity | 5,300 lbs. |
2021 Ford Explorer vs. 2021 Chevy Traverse Price Difference
The 2021 Ford Explorer lineup starts at $32,675 MSRP and offers more standard features on the base model when compared to the Traverse, which starts at $30,995. For this research guide, we compared the 2021 Ford Explorer Limited starting at $45,005 MSRP and the 2021 Chevy Traverse Premier starting at $47,295 MSRP.
Current 2021 Ford Explorer Lease Deals
If you’re ready to take home a new 2021 Ford Explorer, our professional finance team is available to help you get behind the wheel. View our current inventory and take advantage of a great deal when you lease an Explorer from Westfield Ford with our 2021 Ford Explorer lease deals. If you have questions, contact our team at (877) 470-0298. Westfield Ford proudly serves Willowbrook, IL, and surrounding communities.
View Current Lease Deal
New Ford Explorer Inventory in Countryside, IL
Browse our new 2021 Ford Explorer inventory at Westfield Ford, conveniently located in Countryside, IL. Our team is available to assist you with questions by contacting us online or by phone at (877) 470-0298.