The Ford Explorer and Chevrolet Traverse are two prominent midsize SUVs in the UAE, each offering a balance of performance, comfort and advanced safety features. The Explorer is known for its powerful engine lineup and engaging driving dynamics, Traverse highlights spacious cabin space paired with everyday comfort and practicality. Comparing the Ford Explorer vs Chevrolet Traverse side-by-side provides a clearer picture of how these SUVs differ in key areas.
Ford Explorer vs Chevrolet Traverse: A Closer Look at Two Rivals
The Ford Explorer and Chevrolet Traverse represent two different approaches to the midsize SUV segment.
Drawing from Ford Explorer specs and positioning, the Explorer is known for its efficient engines, refined handling and dynamic driving feel.
In contrast, the Chevrolet Traverse offers a larger cabin, generous third-row seating and a smoother ride.
Ford Explorer vs Chevrolet Traverse: Trim Levels
The Ford Explorer in the UAE is available in three different trims, Active, Platinum and ST. Meanwhile, the Chevrolet Traverse is offered in two variants, Z71 and LT.
Ford Explorer vs Chevrolet Traverse: Performance Specs
Both SUVs offer competitive performance, though they cater to slightly different driving preferences.
The Ford Explorer comes with two engine options. The 2.3-litre EcoBoost engine delivers 300 hp and 420 Nm of torque, while the 3.0-litre V6 Ecoboost engine produces an impressive 400 hp and 563 Nm of torque. Both engines are paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The Ford Explorer is available in both 2WD and 4WD systems, depending on the selected variant. It also offers up to seven selectable drive modes.
The Chevrolet Traverse is powered by a 2.5-litre turbocharged engine that generates 328 hp and 442 Nm of torque. It is mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission and a twin-clutch AWD.
Fuel efficiency varies slightly between the two models. The Explorer delivers approximately 11.3 to 12.7 km/l depending on the engine, whereas the Traverse offers around 9 to 10 km/l.
Ford Explorer vs Chevrolet Traverse: Exterior Features
The Ford Explorer presents a sporty yet refined exterior design, highlighted by a honeycomb mesh grille featuring the Ford logo, sleek LED taillamps and well-defined sculpted body lines. Higher trims further elevate its appearance with larger alloy wheels and more distinctive styling accents. At the front, the slim horizontal LED headlamps are paired with a signature C-shaped daytime running light.
On the other hand, the Chevrolet Traverse features a larger body profile with a strong road presence, complemented by distinctive styling elements such as skid plates, black bowtie emblem and Midnight/Sport Edition accents. Its proportions emphasise practicality while maintaining a bold and modern aesthetic.
Colours
The Ford Explorer is available in a range of modern and premium exterior shades in the UAE, including:
- Iconic Silver
- Carbonized Gray
- Oxford White
- Vapor Blue
- Star White Tri Coat
- Agate Black
For the Chevrolet Traverse, buyers have a wider palette of colour options, offering both bold and neutral finishes:
- Mosaic Black Metallic
- Radiant Red Tint-coat
- Sterling Gray Metallic
- Lakeshore Blue Metallic
- Summit White
- Polar White Tri-coat
- Sandstone Gray
Ford Explorer vs Chevrolet: Dimensions
In terms of car dimensions, the Traverse is noticeably longer at 5,229 mm, compared to the Explorer’s 5,050 mm. However, the Explorer is wider, which may influence road handling and stance.
| Features | Ford Explorer | Chevrolet Traverse |
| Length (mm) | 5,050 | 5,229 |
| Width (mm) | 2,268 | 1,996 |
| Height (mm) | 1,778 | 1,795 |
| Wheelbase (mm) | 3,025 | 3,070 |
Ford Explorer vs Chevrolet Traverse: Interior Features
The Ford Explorer offers seating for up to seven passengers across all variants. It comes equipped with tri-zone automatic air conditioning as standard. Depending on the trim, seating upholstery options include durable cloth seats with heated front functionality and upgraded ActiveX material with additional comfort features. Higher trims further enhance comfort with the availability of front massage seats. For added convenience, the driver’s seat features 10-way power adjustment, while the front passenger seat offers between 4-way and 8-way power adjustment depending on the selected variant.
The latest Traverse offers flexible 7-passenger seating in a 2-2-3 layout as standard, while an 8-passenger configuration is available on select trims. The Chevrolet Traverse offers a fully-equipped and technology-focused cabin designed for everyday comfort and convenience. Comfort features include heated front seats for both the driver and front passenger, along with a heated, leather-wrapped steering wheel.
Ford Explorer vs Chevrolet Traverse: Infotainment Features
The Ford Explorer features a 13.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system along with a digital instrument cluster, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, USB-C ports and wireless charging.
The Traverse is equipped with an advanced 17.7-inch infotainment touchscreen with Google built-in compatibility, offering integrated navigation, connected apps, personalised driver profiles and natural voice recognition. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are also supported for seamless smartphone connectivity. Depending on the variant, it comes with a large 11-inch Driver Information Center display as standard.
| Features | Ford Explorer | Chevrolet Traverse |
| Multimedia Screen | 13.2-inch | 17.7-inch |
| Apple CarPlay & Android Auto | Yes | Yes |
| Keyless Entry | Yes | Yes |
| USB Ports | Yes | Yes |
| Wireless Charging | Yes | Yes |
Ford Explorer vs Chevrolet Traverse: Safety Features
Safety remains a key focus for both SUVs, with each offering a range of features aimed at supporting everyday driving.
| Category | Ford Explorer | Chevrolet Traverse |
| Driver Assistance Suite | Ford Co-Pilot360 | Chevy Safety Assist |
| Active Safety Features | • Adaptive Cruise Control • Automatic Emergency Braking • Blind-Spot Monitoring • Lane-Keeping Assist | • Forward Collision Alert • Enhanced Automatic Emergency Braking • Intersection Automatic Emergency Braking • Blind Zone Steering Assist |
| Parking & Visibility | • Rear View Camera (Standard) • 360-degree camera (available on higher trims) | • HD Surround Vision • Rear Park Assist• Rear Pedestrian Alert • Side Bicyclist Alert |
| Lane & Road Awareness | • Lane-Keeping System | • Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning |
| Security & Alerts | • SecuriLock Passive Anti-Theft System • Perimeter Alarm • SOS Post-Crash Alert System | • Safety Alert Seat • Rear Seat Reminder |
| Internal Safety Features | • Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) • Three-point seatbelts (all seats) • Keyless Entry with Push-button Start | • Full Airbag System |
Ford Explorer vs Chevrolet Traverse: Average Prices
The starting price of a brand-new Ford Explorer in the UAE is AED 215,145, depending on the selected trim and configuration. In comparison, the starting price for new Chevrolet Traverse in the UAE starts from AED 173,400.
In the used car market, pricing varies based on model year, mileage and condition. The average price for a used Ford Explorer for sale in the UAE ranges from AED 97,951 to AED 212,999 for model years between 2021 and 2025. Meanwhile, the average price for a used Chevrolet Traverse for sale is AED 71,071 for the 2021 model and AED 150,833 for the 2024 model.
Disclaimer: The average prices mentioned are based on dubizzle data. They do not represent actual transaction values in the UAE market. Prices (AED) are indicative for used models manufactured between 2021 and 2025.
FAQs
Which is faster: Ford Explorer or Chevrolet Traverse?
The Ford Explorer is faster, especially with its 3.0-litre EcoBoost V6 that produces up to 400 hp and delivers stronger acceleration. The Chevrolet Traverse is slightly less powerful at around 328 hp.
What safety features differ between the Explorer and Traverse?
The Explorer uses Ford Co-Pilot360 with features like BLIS and Adaptive Cruise Control, while the Traverse uses Chevrolet Safety Assist with HD Surround Vision and pedestrian-focused alerts.
There you have it – a detailed Ford Explorer vs Chevrolet Traverse comparison and how both midsize SUVs cater to different priorities in the UAE market. Alongside new models, the pre-owned market also offers a wide selection of used cars for sale in the UAE, giving buyers more flexibility across budgets and preferences.
For more car comparisons, insights and automotive updates, stay tuned to the UAE’s leading auto blog.
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