The Ford Explorer and Chevy Traverse compete directly for the same Nassau County buyer: a family that needs three rows, wants modern technology, and is willing to spend in the $40,000 to $55,000 range for the right combination of features. They’re similar in price, similar in purpose, and similar enough in size that the differences that matter are in the details - and the details add up to a meaningfully different ownership experience.
Bottom Line: The Traverse has more interior volume and better third-row space; the Explorer has more powertrain options including a performance ST and hybrid. For most Long Island families, the Traverse’s interior room is the decisive advantage unless you specifically need the Explorer’s hybrid efficiency or ST performance.
- Traverse offers 98.2 cubic feet of max cargo; Explorer offers 87.8 cubic feet
- Explorer offers a 400-hp ST trim and hybrid powertrain; Traverse does not
- Both start around $37,000-$38,000 at base trim
Interior Space: Traverse Wins Outright
The Chevy Traverse is simply larger inside. With 98.2 cubic feet of maximum cargo volume versus the Explorer’s 87.8 cubic feet, the Traverse offers nearly 11 more cubic feet of space when both rows are folded. That difference translates directly to how much gear you can carry and how comfortable all three rows feel.
Second-row legroom is 38.2 inches in the Traverse versus 35.9 inches in the Explorer - a noticeable difference for taller adults who’ll be in the middle seats regularly. Third-row legroom in the Traverse is 33.1 inches versus the Explorer’s 31.9 inches - both adequate for children, and the Traverse more comfortable for adult teenagers on road trips.
For Nassau County families with three or more children, or who regularly carry sports equipment, instruments, or beach gear alongside a full passenger load, the Traverse’s extra volume is a daily-life quality difference. The Explorer’s cargo area is practical; the Traverse’s is generous.
Powertrain Options: Explorer Has More Variety
This is where the Explorer pulls ahead. The Traverse offers one powertrain across all trims: a 310-hp 3.6-liter V6 or a 328-hp turbo 2.5-liter four-cylinder, depending on the model year configuration. The Explorer has a wider menu.
The Explorer’s 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder is the standard engine at 300 hp. The Explorer ST upgrades to a 400-hp 3.0-liter EcoBoost V6 for buyers who want genuine performance with three rows. And the Explorer Hybrid at 27 MPG combined is the choice for Nassau County commuters who cover significant mileage daily.
The hybrid matters more than it might initially seem. At typical Long Island gas prices, the Explorer Hybrid’s fuel savings over the standard V6 could amount to $700-$1,000 per year for a family that drives 15,000-18,000 miles annually. The Traverse has no hybrid option.
| Feature | Ford Explorer | Chevy Traverse |
|---|---|---|
| Max Cargo Volume | 87.8 cu ft | ✓ 98.2 cu ft |
| Hybrid Option? | ✓ Yes (27 MPG) | No |
| Performance Trim? | ✓ ST (400 hp) | No equivalent |
| Base MSRP | ✓ ~$37,295 | ~$38,495 |
| 3rd Row Legroom | 31.9 inches | ✓ 33.1 inches |
Technology and Interior Quality
Both vehicles offer strong technology packages at equivalent price points. The Explorer’s 12-inch SYNC 4 screen is responsive and well-organized, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto standard on XLT and above. The Traverse’s 17.7-inch infotainment screen on upper trims is the largest in the segment and genuinely impressive in scale.
Interior quality is competitive at comparable trim levels. Both offer leather seating, panoramic sunroof options, premium audio, and second-row entertainment availability on upper trims. Neither feels underdone; the comparison here is a matter of preference rather than objective quality gap.
The Explorer’s technology suite leans more driver-focused, with available heads-up display, enhanced 360-degree camera, and the available Ford Co-Pilot360 Active 2.0 package on higher trims. The Traverse’s larger screen and intuitive interface may appeal to buyers who prioritize the entertainment and connectivity side of in-car technology.
"The Explorer vs. Traverse question usually comes down to space versus powertrain. If cargo volume is your top priority, I'll tell you that honestly. If the hybrid or the ST is what draws you to the Explorer, those are advantages Traverse can't match."
General Manager, Levittown Ford
Browse the Explorer at Levittown Ford to experience the difference firsthand.
Safety Technology
Both vehicles include comprehensive standard active safety suites. Ford Co-Pilot360 on the Explorer and Chevy Safety Assist on the Traverse both cover automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert as standard equipment.
The Explorer adds evasive steering assist and intersection assist on higher trims - features that prove their worth in busy Nassau County intersections. The Traverse’s safety technology is solid but does not match the Explorer’s range of available features at the top of the lineup.
Check the current NHTSA crash test scores for both vehicles before finalizing your choice.
FAQ: Explorer vs. Traverse for Nassau County Buyers
Which three-row SUV is better for a large family? The Traverse wins on interior volume and third-row space, making it the better fit for families who regularly use all three rows with adults or large children. The Explorer is the better choice for families who want the hybrid option or the ST’s performance.
Is the Explorer Hybrid significantly more fuel-efficient? Yes. At 27 MPG combined versus the standard Explorer’s 24 MPG, the Hybrid saves meaningful fuel money over 15,000+ annual miles. The Traverse has no hybrid equivalent.
Which SUV holds its value better? Resale values vary by trim and condition, but both have historically performed comparably in the midsize SUV segment. The Explorer’s broader popularity nationally may give it a slight resale edge in some markets.
Can I tow more with the Explorer or the Traverse? Both max out at around 5,600 lbs (Explorer with 2.3L) and 5,000 lbs (Traverse). For heavier towing, neither is the specialist choice - that’s where the Durango or Suburban excel.
Is the Traverse available in Nassau County? The Traverse is sold at Paramus Chevrolet in Bergen County, NJ - one of the VIP Automotive Group stores serving the tri-state area. For Nassau County buyers specifically, Levittown Ford is the local choice for the Explorer.
For Nassau County families who need to make a direct choice, the advice is simple: choose the Traverse if interior space and third-row room are your primary decision criteria. Choose the Explorer if the hybrid powertrain, the ST performance option, or Ford’s specific technology package align with your priorities. Both are excellent family SUVs from established brands with strong dealer support. Levittown Ford serves Nassau County buyers from Levittown, Merrick, and Valley Stream.
Browse Explorer inventory at Levittown Ford and find your perfect three-row SUV today.