There are two SUVs stand out as champions of size, power, and fuel economy; the 2019 Ford Explorer and the 2019 Chevy Traverse. While both impressive utility vehicles, plenty of SUV drivers are left asking the question, “which is better?” At first glance, the 2019 Ford Explorer vs 2019 Chevy Traverse may seem like equal vehicles, although, things certainly change once you take a closer look.
SUVs have changed a lot over the years. Many manufacturers have downsized their designs, trading in space and power for compact size and better fuel economy. For some drivers, this may not be an issue, gas prices are rising, and it makes sense that they’d want to save money at the pump. However, as a result of this change, drivers who love the classic SUV driving experience have been given fewer and fewer options to choose from. Fortunately, you don’t have to settle for a compact utility vehicle.
The 2019 Ford Explorer: Classic to the Core
One look at the 2019 Ford Explorer, and you’ll be transported to a time when SUVs were SUVs, and compact cars were compact cars. This impressive Ford SUV offers a classically rugged exterior, that is infused with modern bells and whistles such as vibrant LED lights and truly distinctive rim designs. There is no confusion about the Ford Explorer’s size either, as the SUV is a force to reckon with on the road.
Fortunately, all of this power and size doesn’t come at the sacrifice of fuel economy. Unlike other manufacturers, Ford has managed to design a full-sized SUV that offers space for up to 7 passengers, all while offering a mid-range fuel economy of 19 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway. While the Ford Explorer offers plenty of appeal on the outside, it is what is on the inside that really counts.
Unpacking the 2019 Ford Explorer
First things first, let’s take a look at the 2019 Ford Explorer’s engine. The latest full-sized Ford SUV comes packed with a 2.3L 4-cylinder engine, which offers drivers 280 horsepower and 255 lb-ft worth of torque. This four-cylinder engine is optimized for both power and fuel economy, however, can be upgraded to a 3.5L V6 engine which brings up the oomph of this Ford SUV to 365 horsepower and 350 lb-ft worth of torque. And yes, the 2019 Ford Explorer is certainly tow-capable, offering a top range of 5,000 LBS. To make the deal even sweeter, the 2019 Ford Explorer can be purchased in an AWD (all-wheel drive) option, which means this Ford SUV can take to the trail right off your local dealership lot. All of these facts make the 2019 Ford Explorer a perfect off-road vehicle, and with its sure size, is a great fit for the weekend warrior and the avid explorer.
SUV drivers can find the 2019 Ford Explorer in five different trim options the Base, XLT, Limited, Sport, and Platinum. Each trim option comes with its own set of bells and whistles. For instance, all 2019 Ford Explorers are equipped with a suite of modern safety features that give drivers greater awareness of the road. One of these seemingly futuristic features is adaptive cruise control. This innovative safety feature uses cameras and sensors to detect vehicles in front of you and will adjust your speed accordingly to avoid collisions and give drivers greater peace of mind when behind the wheel. It is clear that comfort is a huge deal for Ford with their latest Explorer model. The latest Ford Explorer comes standard with cloth upholstery and plenty of leg room for the drivers and passengers. Infotainment plays a huge role in the success of the 2019 Ford Explorer, and some buyers can opt for an 8.0-inch infotainment screen that is Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatible, making for seamless connection with your smartphone.
The 2019 Ford Explorer is the full package and is bound to impress all kinds of SUV drivers. This Ford SUV starts at an economically friendly $32,365 MSRP, and ought to be a worthwhile contender for the 2019 Chevy Traverse.
The 2019 Chevy Traverse: A Modern Powerhouse
As SUVs transition into more compact versions of their former selves, the 2019 Chevy Traverse, remains true to its original footprint, while at the same time taking what works from modern SUV models. Earlier iterations of the 2019 Chevy Traverse left a lot to be desired in terms of exterior styling, however, Chevrolet has listened to its drivers, giving their SUV a well-deserved facelift. On the outside, the 2019 Chevy Traverse is a sleek iteration of its previous self, with angular edges, and a more aerodynamic design.
Edgy and rugged, could both describe the 2019 Chevy Traverse, however, all of that doesn’t pay off in terms of fuel economy, as the 2019 Chevy Traverse falls short against the 2019 Ford Explorer, earning an EPA-rated 18 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway. Although this is only a skin-deep evaluation, to see how this Chevy SUV stacks up against Ford, we’ll have to take a closer look at what this vehicle has to offer.
A Closer Look at the 2019 Chevy Traverse
There is a whole lot more to the latest Chevy Traverse than just a pretty face. This powerhouse SUV is packed with a 3.6L V6 engine as standard which pumps out a heart-pounding 310 horsepower and 266 lb-ft worth of torque. All of this power can be put to great use too since the 2019 Chevy Traverse offers a towing-capacity ceiling of 5,000 LBS. So, while this SUV may not provide comparable fuel economy, it still brings plenty to the table with its power and capability. Also, like the 2019 Ford Explorer, this SUV comes with an AWD option. Paired with the standard level of power, the 2019 Chevy Traverse is undoubtedly an excellent pick for drivers who want to trek through the great outdoors in their SUV. The 2019 Chevy Traverse comes with an incredible amount of personalization, offering drivers six different trim options to select from including the L, LS, LT, RS, Premier, and High Country.
The 2019 Chevy Traverse also offers higher seating capacity in some trim options, providing enough room for up to 8 passengers. It is clear that Chevy designed their SUV to satisfy drivers who want to stretch their legs. No matter if you’re sitting behind the wheel, or tucked into the rear third-row, you’ll have plenty of breathing room. Drivers can also opt for standard cloth seating, or premium leather providing a luxurious driving experience that is sure to satisfy. The 2019 Chevy Traverse offers a solid start for infotainment in their base model, with a 7.0-inch touchscreen that is Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatible.
Unfortunately, in terms of safety, the 2019 Chevy Traverse offers only the bare minimum in their base models. While drivers can opt for more hands-on safety features like adaptive cruise control and active lane control, they’ll have to shell out more cash to make it happen. That said, if you can pay the premium price, the Chevy Traverse High Country, is the right pick for you. To be fair, features like active lane control and emergency braking offer some serious peace of mind; they may not be in everyone’s budget if they hope to sit behind the wheel of a 2019 Chevy Traverse.
Speaking of cost, the 2019 Chevy Traverse starts at $29,930 MSRP which sets it far below the 2019 Ford Explorer; that said, price isn’t the only factor that set these two vehicles apart from one another.
Breaking Down the Facts
It is clear that in that a face-off of the 2019 Ford Explorer vs the 2019 Chevy Traverse, is an evenly matched comparison. There are plenty of factors to keep an eye out for, and to make the comparison process more comfortable we’ve compiled some of the basic elements each vehicle offers:
2019 Ford Explorer
- MSRP: $32,365
- Horsepower: 280-310 horsepower
- Torque: 255-350 lb-ft worth of torque
- Towing Capacity: 2,000-5,000 LBS
- Fuel Economy: 19 city/27 highway
- Safety features: Smart Safety as Standard
2019 Chevy Traverse:
- MSRP: $29,930
- Horsepower: 310 horsepower
- Torque: 266 lb-ft worth of torque
- Towing Capacity: 5,000 LBS
- Fuel Economy: 18 city/27 highway
- Safety Features: Base model offers minimal safety features
The Verdict: The 2019 Ford Explorer
Between the 2019 Ford Explorer and the 2019 Chevy Traverse, there is plenty to love. From the 2019 Chevy’s suite of infotainment features as standard to the 2019 Ford Explorer’s pure power and capability, either vehicle could undoubtedly satisfy some of the most die-hard SUV lovers. That said, between the two, the 2019 Ford Explorer is the clear victor. For starters, the 2019 Ford Explorer offers marginally better fuel economy, which in the long term can really pay off. At the same time, the 2019 Ford Explorer is equipped with a degree of power that in higher trim options blows the competition out of the water. While the base model of the 2019 Ford Explorer may be more expensive than the standard 2019 Chevy Traverse, the Ford Explorer comes with a more robust safety package. SUV drivers tend to be parents with large families, and any parent will tell you, safety is key. While you can upgrade the 2019 Chevy Traverse with the latest in safety technology, the price tends to skyrocket far beyond the 2019 Ford Explorer’s base pricing. All that said, don’t take our word for it, you should test drive both of these SUVs yourself to get a gauge on which is superior. We recommend that you visit your local Chevy and Ford dealer to get a first-hand experience of what both of these impressive SUVs have to offer.
