2018 Chevrolet Traverse vs. 2018 Ford Explorer
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the 2018 Chevrolet Traverse and 2018 Ford Explorer contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the 2018 Chevrolet Traverse and the 2018 Ford Explorer.
When we compare the 2018 Chevrolet Traverse's and the 2018 Ford Explorer's specifications and ratings, the 2018 Chevrolet Traverse has the advantage in the areas of fuel efficiency and base engine power. The 2018 Ford Explorer has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for used cars, reliability, resale value and overall quality score. Based on this comparison of the 2018 Chevrolet Traverse's and the 2018 Ford Explorer's specifications and ratings, the 2018 Ford Explorer is a better car than the 2018 Chevrolet Traverse.
Pricing: A used 2018 Chevrolet Traverse ranges from $15,215 to $28,986 while a used 2018 Ford Explorer is priced between $14,999 to $28,892.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the 2018 Chevrolet Traverse loses 49.2 percent of its value and the 2018 Ford Explorer loses 47.6 percent of its value. This means the 2018 Ford Explorer retains 1.6 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the 2018 Chevrolet Traverse.
Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Chevrolet Traverse is 8.4 out of 10 while the Ford Explorer's quality rating is 8.7 out of 10. This results in the Chevrolet Traverse being ranked 13 out of 39 Best SUVs with 3 Rows and the Ford Explorer being ranked 8 out of 39. Out of 32 Best Midsize SUVs, the Chevrolet Traverse is ranked 15 and the Ford Explorer is ranked 7. The Chevrolet Traverse is also ranked 20 out of 67 Best Crossover SUVs while the Ford Explorer is ranked 8 out of 67.
Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Chevrolet Traverse is 8.2 out of 10. For the Ford Explorer the reliability rating is 8.5 out of 10. This gives the Ford Explorer a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Chevrolet Traverse.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the 2018 Chevrolet Traverse’s base engine makes 310 horsepower, and the 2018 Ford Explorer base engine makes 290 horsepower. The Traverse is rated to deliver an average of 21 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 524 miles. The Explorer is rated to deliver an average of 20 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 446 miles. This gives the 2018 Chevrolet Traverse the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the 2018 Ford Explorer. Both models use regular unleaded.
Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, the 2018 Ford Explorer has higher safety ratings than the 2018 Chevrolet Traverse, with an average rating of 5 out of 5 Stars compared to 4.81 out of 5 Stars.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
$29,930
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize SUVs)
$30,126
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
$22,995 - $34,810
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
$32,140
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize SUVs)
$30,126
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
$22,995 - $34,810
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$21,733
Price Range:
$15,215 - $28,986
Category Avg Price:
(Midsize SUVs)
$22,710
Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
$14,757 - $32,004
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
527
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
95,045
# Good or Great Deals:
266
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$21,806
Price Range:
$14,999 - $28,892
Category Avg Price:
(Midsize SUVs)
$22,710
Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
$14,757 - $32,004
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
1,191
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
86,105
# Good or Great Deals:
463
Chevrolet Traverse Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.4 / 10
Reliability:
8.2 / 10
Retained Value:
7.4 / 10
Safety:
9.6 / 10
Ford Explorer Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.7 / 10
Reliability:
8.5 / 10
Retained Value:
7.5 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for 2018 Chevrolet Traverse
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
2.6
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Midsize SUVs)
4.5
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
2.6 - 7.7
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
7.5%
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for 2018 Ford Explorer
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
3.1
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Midsize SUVs)
4.5
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
2.6 - 7.7
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
19.5%
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
2.1
Typical Category Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
4.6
Category Range for Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
2.1 - 16.3
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
4.1
Typical Category Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
4.6
Category Range for Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
2.1 - 16.3
Chevrolet Traverse Rankings
Ranking
2 out of / 67Ranking
2 out of / 67Ranking
2 out of / 39Ranking
2 out of / 32Ranking
2 out of / 32Ranking
3 out of / 67Ranking
3 out of / 39Ranking
6 out of / 67Ranking
6 out of / 32Ranking
6 out of / 10Ranking
7 out of / 67Ranking
7 out of / 32Ranking
9 out of / 39Ranking
9 out of / 18Ranking
9 out of / 17Ranking
10 out of / 32Ranking
10 out of / 16Ranking
11 out of / 28Ranking
12 out of / 39Ranking
12 out of / 34Ranking
12 out of / 21Ranking
13 out of / 39Ranking
14 out of / 32Ranking
15 out of / 39Ranking
15 out of / 32Ranking
17 out of / 32Ranking
19 out of / 39Ranking
20 out of / 67Ranking
21 out of / 39Ranking
22 out of / 67Ranking
22 out of / 32Ranking
23 out of / 39Ranking
23 out of / 32Ranking
25 out of / 67Ranking
25 out of / 32Ranking
25 out of / 30Ranking
26 out of / 39Ranking
32 out of / 39Ranking
40 out of / 67Ranking
43 out of / 59Ranking
56 out of / 67Ranking
61 out of / 67Ford Explorer Rankings
Ranking
2 out of / 67Ranking
2 out of / 10Ranking
3 out of / 18Ranking
3 out of / 17Ranking
4 out of / 39Ranking
5 out of / 67Ranking
5 out of / 39Ranking
5 out of / 32Ranking
6 out of / 67Ranking
6 out of / 67Ranking
6 out of / 67Ranking
6 out of / 32Ranking
6 out of / 32Ranking
6 out of / 32Ranking
6 out of / 32Ranking
6 out of / 32Ranking
7 out of / 32Ranking
8 out of / 67Ranking
8 out of / 39Ranking
9 out of / 67Ranking
9 out of / 39Ranking
10 out of / 32Ranking
11 out of / 39Ranking
12 out of / 32Ranking
13 out of / 39Ranking
13 out of / 39Ranking
13 out of / 32Ranking
13 out of / 16Ranking
14 out of / 39Ranking
14 out of / 21Ranking
15 out of / 67Ranking
15 out of / 32Ranking
16 out of / 67Ranking
17 out of / 67Ranking
17 out of / 39Ranking
17 out of / 34Ranking
17 out of / 32Ranking
20 out of / 39Ranking
20 out of / 28Ranking
22 out of / 39Ranking
22 out of / 39Ranking
23 out of / 32Ranking
25 out of / 39Ranking
28 out of / 30Ranking
29 out of / 67Ranking
37 out of / 67Ranking
53 out of / 59Ranking
59 out of / 67Summary Review
The Chevy Traverse is a roomy three-row crossover SUV with room for up to eight passengers. The Traverse is Chevrolet’s third most popular model and a top seller in the segment.
Summary Review
The Ford Explorer is one of the defining vehicles of its segment. This three-row SUV is big, tough, and versatile. Ford redesigned its Explorer for 2020, switching it back to a rear-wheel-drive-based vehicle with a more rugged foundation.
Pros and Cons
- Roomy for the segment
- High NHTSA safety rating
- Powerful V6 engine
- Older model years may lack safety systems taken for granted in this segment
- Adaptive Cruise Control remains an option
- No green powertrain available
Pros and Cons
- Passenger Space
- Advanced 4X4 all-wheel-drive system available
- Class-leading engines on many trims, including a hybrid
- Older models lack some basic advanced safety systems common for their model years
- No 8-passenger seating option for 2021
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
2018 Chevrolet Traverse Trim Levels
High Country, L, LS, LT Cloth, LT Leather, Premier, RS
2018 Ford Explorer Trim Levels
Base, Limited, Platinum, Police Interceptor Utility, Sport, XLT
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
5 years / 60000 miles
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
4.81 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
310 hp @ 6800 rpm
Torque:
266 foot-lbs @ 2800 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.071 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
290 hp @ 6500 rpm
Torque:
255 foot-lbs @ 4000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.065 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
3.6 liters
Engine Configuration:
V
Number of Cylinders:
6
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD / 4X4
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
18 / 27 / 21
Range (city/hwy):
349 / 524 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
3.5 liters
Engine Configuration:
V
Number of Cylinders:
6
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
17 / 24 / 20
Range (city/hwy):
316 / 446 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Internet Radio:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Navigation System:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Captain's seat:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Available
Power Lift Gate:
Available
Power outlet:
Available
Quad Seats:
Available
Roof Rack:
Available
Satellite radio:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Available
Apple CarPlay:
Available
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Internet Radio:
N/A
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Roadside assistance:
Available
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Available
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Available
Power Lift Gate:
Available
Power outlet:
Standard
Quad Seats:
Available
Roof Rack:
Available
Satellite radio:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
Available
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
Available
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
Forward Collision Warning:
Available
Lane Departure Warning:
Available
Lane Keeping Assist:
Available
Pedestrian Detection:
Available
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
Forward Collision Warning:
Available
Lane Departure Warning:
Available
Lane Keeping Assist:
Available
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
41.3 inches
Front Leg Room:
41 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
62.1 inches
Rear Head Room:
40 inches
Rear Leg Room:
38.4 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
62.2 inches
Cargo Space:
23 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
98.5 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
Not yet available
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
41.4 inches
Front Leg Room:
42.9 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
61.5 inches
Rear Head Room:
40.6 inches
Rear Leg Room:
39.5 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
61 inches
Cargo Space:
21 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
81.7 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
172.5 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
4362 lbs
Width:
78.6 inches
Height:
70.7 inches
Length:
204.3 inches
Wheelbase:
120.9 inches
Ground Clearance:
Not yet available
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
4443 lbs
Width:
90.2 inches
Height:
70 inches
Length:
198.3 inches
Wheelbase:
112.8 inches
Ground Clearance:
7.8 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
18.0 x 7.5 inches
Wheel Type:
painted aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
P255/65R18
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
18.0 x 7.5 inches
Wheel Type:
painted aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
P245/60R18
Exterior Colors
Black
Mosaic Black Metallic
White
Summit White
Blue
Not available
Silver
Not available
Exterior Colors
Black
Shadow Black
White
Oxford White
Blue
Blue
Silver
Ingot Silver
Interior Colors
Black
Jet Black
Beige
Not available
Interior Colors
Black
Not available
Beige
Medium Stone
