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 for your family’s next SUV is easy at Rick Hendrick Chevrolet Norfolk! We routinely compare popular models like the new Chevy Traverse against competitor SUVs so our Virginia Beach customers can get a complete understanding of the value a new Chevrolet can bring to their daily drives. In the guide below, we’ll take a look at the 2021 Chevy Traverse vs. Ford Explorer in terms of their pricing, engines, warranties, and more! Read on to discover which SUV is better equipped to meet your needs.

Which is More Affordable: Traverse or Explorer?

The needs of each Chesapeake driver are unique, but affordability is a top priority for most of our customers. So which SUV is more affordable, the Traverse or Explorer? If you’re hoping to remain under the $30,000 mark, then the 2021 Chevy Traverse is a great choice. The most entry-level Traverse starts at just $29,800 MSRP. Meanwhile, the most entry-level Ford Explorer model takes you well over $30,000 with a starting MSRP of $32,925.

Ford vs. Chevy: Warranty Protection

Not only does the Traverse have a lower price tag, but it also provides better overall warranty protection than the Ford Explorer. While their Bumper-to-Bumper, Powertrain, and Roadside Assistance coverage are equal, Suffolk drivers will enjoy a better Corrosion Warranty from Chevrolet:

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 Specs

Curious whether the Traverse or Explorer will better match your expectations for road performance? Compare their specs below for a closer look:

  • Engine: The Traverse is fitted with a 310-hp 3.6L V6. The standard Explorer engine is a 300-hp 2.3L 4-cylinder.
  • Transmission: The Traverse comes with a 9-speed automatic transmission, while the Explorer comes with a 10-speed automatic.
  • Drivetrain: The Traverse and Explorer come standard with FWD and RWD, respectively. Both models allow for an upgrade to AWD if desired.

Chevy Traverse vs. Ford Explorer: Dimensions

Will the Traverse or Explorer better accommodate growing families? The Traverse can seat up to eight passengers while the Explorer can only seat seven. Additionally, the Traverse provides a significantly more spacious cargo hold:

2021 Chevrolet Traverse Dimensions: 

  • Max. Interior Cargo Volume: 98.2 cubic feet
  • Seating Capacity: 8
  • Length: 204.3 inches
  • Wheelbase: 120.9 inches
  • Front/Rear Track: 67.3/67 inches
  • Height: 70.7 inches
  • Passenger Volume: 157 cubic feet
  • Front Headroom: 41.3 inches
  • Rear Shoulder Room: 62.2 inches

2021 Ford Explorer Dimensions: 

  • Max. Interior Cargo Volume: 87.8 cubic feet
  • Seating Capacity: 7
  • Length: 198.8 inches
  • Wheelbase: 119.1 inches
  • Front/Rear Track: 66.9/66.9 inches
  • Height: 69.9 inches
  • Passenger Volume: 153 cubic feet
  • Front Headroom: 40.7 inches
  • Rear Shoulder Room: 61.9 inches

Visit Us When You’re Ready to Drive Home in a New Traverse!

Ford vs. Chevy: which is the brand for your family? For many shoppers, the Chevy Traverse proves to be a greater value with more space, greater standard horsepower, and better overall warranty coverage—all for a lower price than the Ford Explorer. When you’re ready to take the next steps with a test drive or a visit to our finance center, please contact us and we’ll be glad to help you out!

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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, and any applicable transportation charges will be disclosed upon vehicle selection.


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 #T01333. 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. ***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 #T01333. 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. ***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 #T00660. See dealer for details. Take retail delivery by 7/7/26. **0.9% APR for 36 months for well-qualified buyers when financed w/GM Financial. Monthly payment is $28.16 for every $1000 you finance. Average down payment is 18%. Some customers will not qualify. Take new retail delivery by 07-06-2026. ***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 #T01026. See dealer for details. Take retail delivery by 7/7/26. **Monthly payment is $18.37 for every $1,000 you finance. Example down payment: 13.3%. 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. ***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.

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Rick Hendrick Chevrolet Norfolk 36.8553, -76.1913.