2021 Chevy Traverse vs. 2021 Ford Explorer

2021 Chevrolet Traverse

vs.

2021 Ford Explorer
$29,800

Starting MSRP

$32,925
72-month/100,000-mile

Corrosion Warranty

60-month/unlimited miles
310-hp 3.6L V6

Engine

300-hp 2.3L 4-cylinder
FWD

Standard Drivetrain

RWD
8

Seating Capacity

7
98.2 cubic feet

Max. Cargo Volume

87.8 cubic feet

Shopping midsize SUVs in the Henrico area? If you’re looking at models like the 2021 Chevy Traverse or 2021 Ford Explorer, you’re in good company. Both SUVs put three-row seating, ample cargo space, and strong performance on the table, but you will ultimately find one to be a better value than the other. Compare the new Chevy Traverse vs. Ford Explorer in detail below to make an informed decision when it’s time to trade in!

Traverse or Explorer: Which Performs Better?

First things first, which SUV puts out better performance specs on Glen Allen streets? Both are respectable, but the Chevy Traverse achieves greater horsepower, attracting more of the thrill-seeking crowd. Compare their base performance details below to see for yourself whether you like the Traverse or Explorer:

Chevy Traverse vs. Ford Explorer Engines

  • Traverse: 310-hp 3.6L V6, 266 lb-ft of torque
  • Explorer: 300-hp 2.3L 4-cylinder, 310 lb-ft of torque

Chevy Traverse vs. Ford Explorer Transmissions 

  • Traverse: 9-speed automatic
  • Explorer: 10-speed automatic

Chevy Traverse vs. Ford Explorer Drivetrains

  • Traverse: Standard FWD, available AWD
  • Explorer: Standard RWD, available AWD

Chevy Traverse vs. Ford Explorer: Interior Room

You can choose the Traverse or Explorer and expect standard three-row seating, but the Traverse can seat an extra eighth passenger on trips to Goochland while the Explorer is limited to seven. Curious about cargo space, too? Once again, the Traverse is more accommodating with a larger cargo hold:

2021 Chevrolet Traverse Cargo Volume

  • Behind 1st Row: 23 cubic feet
  • Behind 2nd Row: 57.8 cubic feet
  • Behind 3rd Row: 98.2 cubic feet

2021 Ford Explorer Cargo Volume 

  • Behind 1st Row: 18.2 cubic feet
  • Behind 2nd Row: 47.9 cubic feet
  • Behind 3rd Row: 87.8 cubic feet

Ford vs. Chevy Warranty Protection

The 2021 Chevy Traverse has a starting price of $29,800 MSRP, while the 2021 Ford Explorer starts out higher at $32,925 MSRP. For a lower price, not only does the Traverse provide significantly more cargo room, but also better overall warranty coverage. You can compare the Ford vs. Chevy warranties below, noting that Chevy offers more corrosion protection than Ford:

Chevrolet Warranty

  • Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty: 36-month/36,000-mile warranty
  • Powertrain Warranty: 60-month/60,000-mile warranty
  • Roadside Assistance: 60-month/60,000-mile warranty
  • Corrosion Warranty: 72-month/100,000-mile warranty

Ford Warranty

  • Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty: 36-month/36,000-mile warranty
  • Powertrain Warranty: 60-month/60,000-mile warranty
  • Roadside Assistance: 60-month/60,000-mile warranty
  • Corrosion Warranty: 60-month/unlimited miles warranty

Find an SUV You’ll Love at Rick Hendrick Chevrolet Buick GMC Richmond!

If you like the Traverse and you’re ready to move forward today, you can apply for financing and value your trade online, then schedule a test drive at our dealership!

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Hendrick Vehicle Disclaimer:
$899 Dealer Processing Fee included in advertised price.

All prices exclude all taxes, tag, title, registration fees, government fees and electronic filing fee. Out of state buyers are responsible for all taxes and government fees and title/registration fees in the state where the vehicle will be registered. All prices include all manufacturer to dealer incentives, which the dealer retains unless otherwise specifically provided. Dealer not responsible for errors and omissions; all offers subject to change without notice; please confirm listings with dealer.

All vehicles may not be physically located at this dealership but may be available for delivery through this location. Transportation charges may apply. Please contact the dealership for more specific information. All vehicles are subject to prior sale.

Additional Disclaimers:


Well-qualified customers who purchase a new, used, or certified pre-owned vehicle, 4 model years or newer with less than 60K miles between June 2, 2026 and July 31, 2026, and finance through a participating dealer and lender have the option to defer monthly payments for 90 days from contract date. Excludes Hendrick Performance vehicles. Finance charges begin to accrue on the date you sign the Retail Installment Sale Contract at the Annual Percentage Rate (APR) disclosed in the contract. May not be combined with other preferred lender financing offers. 75 months maximum term limit. Equal monthly payments only. Not available to Pennsylvania residents; see your dealer for details. Must take retail delivery by July 31, 2026. See dealer for complete down payment and interest rate options and details. Financing available to qualified buyers. Some exclusions apply. See dealer for complete details. 

*Offer includes all dealer discounts and OEM incentives. Offer does not include tax, tag, title, fees, and other dealer installed options. Discount varies by model and stock number. Example stock #T28857. See dealer for details. Take retail delivery by 7/7/26. **0% APR for 60 months. Monthly payment is $16.67 for every $1,000 you finance. Example down payment: 7.6%. Must finance with GM Financial. Some customers may not qualify. Not available with lease and some other offers. Take new retail delivery by 7/7/26. ***For Current GM Employees and Eligible Family Members who are Current Lessees of a 2021 model year or newer GM or Non-GM passenger car or truck at least 30 days prior to the lease of a new GM vehicle through GM Financial. Customer remains responsible for current lease payments. Each dealer sets own price. $249/month for 36 months. Your payments may vary. Payments are for a 2026 CHEVROLET Equinox FWD LT with an MSRP of $30,795. Based on due at signing amount of $2,969 (after all offers). 36 monthly payments total $8,964. Must show proof of lease. Option to purchase at lease end for an amount to be determined at lease signing. Lessor must approve lease. Lessee pays for maintenance, repair, excess wear and disposition fee of $395 or less at end of lease. No security deposit required. Payments may be higher in some states. Not available with other offers. Take new retail delivery by 07-07-2026.

*Length of contract limited. Must finance through GM Financial. Some customers may not qualify. Not available with lease and some other offers. Take new retail delivery by 6/30/26. **Deferred monthly payments for 90 days. Excludes residents of PA. Must finance with GM Financial. Some customers may not qualify. Down payment required at signing, if applicable. Finance charges accrue from date of financing. Not available with lease and some other offers. Take new retail delivery by 6/30/26. ***For Current Lessees of a 2021 model year or newer GM or Non-GM passenger car or truck at least 30 days prior to the lease of a new GM vehicle through GM Financial. Customer remains responsible for current lease payments. Each dealer sets own price. $199/month for 24 months. Your payments may vary. Payments are for a 2026 BUICK Encore GX FWD Preferred with an MSRP of $27,995. Based on due at signing amount of $4,649 (after all offers). 24 monthly payments total $4,776. Must show proof of lease. Option to purchase at lease end for an amount to be determined at lease signing. Lessor must approve lease. Lessee pays for maintenance, repair, excess wear and disposition fee of $495 or less at end of lease. No security deposit required. Payments may be higher in some states. Not available with other offers. Take new retail delivery by 06-30-2026.

*Offer includes all dealer discounts and OEM incentives. Offer does not include tax, tag, title, fees, and other dealer installed options. Discount varies by model and stock number. Example stock #T28662. See dealer for details. Take retail delivery by 6/30/26. **Monthly payment is $16.67 for every $1,000 you finance. Average example down payment is 10.3%. Must finance through GM Financial. Some customers may not qualify. Not available with lease and some other offers. Take new retail delivery by 6/30/26. ***For Current Lessees of a 2021 model year or newer GM or Non-GM passenger car or truck at least 30 days prior to the lease of a new GM vehicle through GM Financial. Customer remains responsible for current lease payments. Each dealer sets own price. $279/month for 36 months. Your payments may vary. Payments are for a 2026 GMC Terrain FWD Elevation with an MSRP of $32,195. Based on due at signing amount of $3,599 (after all offers). 36 monthly payments total $10,044. Must show proof of lease. Option to purchase at lease end for an amount to be determined at lease signing. Lessor must approve lease. Lessee pays for maintenance, repair, excess wear and disposition fee of $495 or less at end of lease. No security deposit required. Payments may be higher in some states. Not available with other offers. Take new retail delivery by 06-30-2026.

*Offer includes all dealer discounts and OEM incentives. Offer does not include tax, tag, title, fees, and other dealer installed options. Discount varies by model and stock number. Example stock #T28857. See dealer for details. Take retail delivery by 7/7/26. **0% APR for 60 months. Monthly payment is $16.67 for every $1,000 you finance. Example down payment: 7.6%. Must finance with GM Financial. Some customers may not qualify. Not available with lease and some other offers. Take new retail delivery by 7/7/26.

*Offer includes all dealer discounts and OEM incentives. Offer does not include tax, tag, title, fees, and other dealer installed options. Discount varies by model and stock number. Example stock #T28662. See dealer for details. Take retail delivery by 6/30/26. **Monthly payment is $16.67 for every $1,000 you finance. Average example down payment is 10.3%. Must finance through GM Financial. Some customers may not qualify. Not available with lease and some other offers. Take new retail delivery by 6/30/26.

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Rick Hendrick Chevrolet Buick GMC Richmond 37.6588, -77.6309.