2021 Chevy Traverse vs. 2021 Ford Explorer

2021 Chevrolet Traverse

vs.

2021 Ford Explorer
$29,800

Starting MSRP

$32,225
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 for a new midsize SUV the whole family will love? Ford vs. Chevy is the go-to comparison for Henrico drivers hoping to find a well-rounded ride with plenty of space and superior engine performance. In the guide below, Rick Hendrick Chevrolet Buick GMC Richmond helps narrow your search with a detailed look at the differences between the 2021 Chevy Traverse vs. Ford Explorer. Keep reading to discover which SUV will exceed your expectations without exceeding your budget!

Traverse or Explorer: Price Points & Warranties

Whether you’re looking at the baseline or top-tier trims, the 2021 Chevy Traverse remains the more affordable SUV for Glen Allen families on a budget. The entry price for a new Traverse is just $29,800 MSRP, while the new Explorer takes you well past the $30,000 mark at $32,225 MSRP.

Not only is the Traverse less expensive than the Ford Explorer, but it also provides better warranty protection against corrosion – an important thing to have if you live near the ocean. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the Ford vs. Chevy warranties:

2021 Chevrolet Traverse 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

2021 Ford Explorer 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

Chevy Traverse vs. Ford Explorer: Performance

Between the Traverse or Explorer, which midsize model delivers the performance you desire on Goochland streets? Compare your options, below:

  • Engine: The Traverse has a 3.6L V6 engine, putting out 310 hp and 266 lb-ft of torque. The Explorer has a 2.3L 4-cylinder engine that’s rated at 300 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque.
  • Transmission: The Traverse engine is paired to a 9-speed automatic transmission, while the Explorer has a 10-speed automatic transmission.
  • Drivetrain: The Traverse has standard FWD, while the Explorer has standard RWD. Both SUVs can be configured with AWD if desired.

Chevy Traverse vs. Ford Explorer: Dimensions

Will the Traverse or Explorer interior dimensions better accommodate your growing family? Although both SUVs have three rows standard, the Traverse can seat eight passengers while the Explorer only seats seven. Additionally, you’ll get over 10 more cubic feet of cargo space in the Traverse:

2021 Chevrolet Traverse Dimensions: 

  • Passenger Volume: 157 cubic feet
  • Front Headroom: 41.3 inches
  • Rear Shoulder Room: 62.2 inches
  • Max. Interior Cargo Volume: 98.2 cubic feet
  • Seating Capacity: 8

2021 Ford Explorer Dimensions: 

  • Passenger Volume: 153 cubic feet
  • Front Headroom: 40.7 inches
  • Rear Shoulder Room: 61.9
  • Max. Interior Cargo Volume: 87.8 cubic feet
  • Seating Capacity: 7

Visit Rick Hendrick Chevrolet Buick GMC Richmond for a Traverse Test Drive!

So, will it be the Traverse or Explorer that comes home to Glen Allen with you? If you’d like to see how you feel behind the wheel of the new Chevy Traverse, contact us to arrange a test drive at our dealership! While you’re here, you can explore more Ford vs. Chevy SUV comparisons, like the Equinox vs. Ford Escape.

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$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.

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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.