Why This New Chevy SUV Might Be a Better Midsize Option Than the 2023 Ford Explorer
The 2023 Ford Explorer isn’t a perfect vehicle. Sure, some people own it and may not have significant problems with the midsize SUV. However, there are potentially better options on the market. One such option is the 2023 Chevrolet Traverse. The latest model Traverse may not be as popular as the Ford SUV, but it is more reliable and similar in many ways.
The 2023 Chevrolet Traverse is one of the best midsize SUVs because of reliability
Reliability is one of the things the 2023 Chevrolet Traverse has over the latest model Ford Explorer. Both vehicles actually have an 83 out of 100 predicted reliability rating from J.D. Power. Though this score is great, the Ford Explorer hasn’t lived up to its rating. Consumer Reports seems to be more accurate as the outlet believes it will be less reliable than most new cars. However, CR believes the Traverse will be as reliable as other new vehicles.
So far, the 2023 Ford Explorer is a midsize SUV with many issues for owners to deal with. This is in addition to the automaker recalling the vehicle. One of the most significant malfunctions is the vehicle slipping out of park and rolling away. Of course, this could lead to an accident regardless of whether the owner is present or not. This rollaway issue mainly impacts vehicles with the 2.3-liter engine.
The 2023 Chevy Traverse is a midsize SUV with better standard performance
The 2023 Chevrolet Traverse could be considered a better midsize SUV because of its performance. According to Edmunds, the latest model Traverse has a standard 3.6-liter V6 engine with a maximum output of 310 horsepower and a torque of 266 lb-ft. However, the base Ford Explorer has a turbocharged 2.3-liter inline-four that makes 300 hp. The Chevy uses a nine-speed automatic transmission, while the Ford has a 10-speed.
The midsize Ford SUV also offers a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 engine that makes 400 horsepower. The vehicle also comes in a hybrid trim, which is not the case for the Chevy Traverse. However, these trims are considerably more expensive than the Chevrolet SUV. Regarding speed, the Traverse accelerates from 0 to 60 miles per hour in 6.8 seconds. It takes the Ford 6.0 seconds to do so.
The Traverse is the best midsize SUV of the two due to the interior
One of the hallmarks of a vehicle being one of the top midsize SUVs is its interior. While neither the Traverse nor the Explorer is the most exciting in this regard, the Chevy comes out on top. Overall, it’s a much more comfortable interior. This is especially true for third-row passengers, as the Explorer offers little room. The Traverse interior uses better and sturdier materials.
Regarding pricing, the vehicles are fairly comparable, but the Traverse is the overall more affordable midsize SUV than the Explorer. The Chevy starts at $34,520, while the 2023 Ford Explorer starts at $36,760.
