The current Ford Explorer is more fuel efficient than any of the previous models, it has a smoother handling and ride, and features many inventive niceties. It is a worthy leader in its segment. Despite its relatively old design, Sales are up by 21 percent! But how will the 2013 Ford explorer compare with a restyled 2013 Chevrolet Traverse? You will find an answer to this question in this 2013 Chevrolet Traverse vs 2013 Ford explorer review below.
Styling
The current Traverse cannot be compared with the other models in its segment in the styling department, and Chevrolet has moved to addressed this with a restyled 2013 model. Chevrolet Traverse 2013 comes with an athletic exterior design which features lean, sculpted lines with some dramatic accents such as a front dual grille, reshaped headlamps and taillights. If you do not want a minivan, the Traverse remains a good option for you; it is one of the roomiest and most passenger-friendly vehicles you can get. It comes with upscale materials like a new 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system and Chevrolet’s new MyLink system
On the other hand, Ford has moved to position the 2013 Explorer ahead of the pack with some impressive features. The base model comes standard with a power driver’s seat, steering-wheel audio controls, and air conditioning for the front and rear cabin. Optional features include MyFord Touch, Ford’s Sync voice-recognition system, a dual-panel moonroof, automatic climate control, heated and cooled front seats, a heated steering wheel and navigation system.
Performance
Aside from the transmission recalibration (made to improve response and fuel economy), the suspension settings that were retuned and the handling that was improved with new rebound springs in the front (to helps the roll control), the 2013 Chevrolet Traverse is virtually unchanged under the hood.
Although the 288 horsepower and 270 pound-feet 3.6-liter, direct-injected V-6 paired with six-speed automatic transmission that powers the 2013 Traverse is not sporty, it is adequate enough for family use. The cabin is relatively insulated from engine and road noise, and the other changes resulted in a smoother ride.
Three power units are available in the 2013 Ford explorer. These include a 240-horsepower, turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder, 290-hp, 3.5-liter V-6 and 365-hp, and turbocharged 3.5-liter V-6. All the power units give quiet and smooth performances. The new Explorer also gets stiffer springs and shocks, and an updated strut-tower brace.
Safety
Thanks to a rich list of safety features which include seven standard airbags (with a new front-passenger knee airbag), inflatable rear seat belts, antilock brakes, electronic stability, forward collision warning, blind-spot detectors, and rearview cameras, the Ford explorer 2013 got a 5-star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and a Top Safety Pick from NIHS.
The Chevrolet also comes with an impressive list of standard safety features such as head-curtain side bags with rollover mitigation technology, parking sensors, a rearview camera system, and hill start assist.
Price
The 2013 Traverse has an MSRP of $30,510 and the base, front-wheel-drive Explorer starts just under $30,000
Conclusion
The Ford Explorer range of efficient engines is clearly unmatched and it is also one of the safest vehicles around but some lingering issues like the unfriendly MyFord Touch controls, first and second rows with modest legroom, and tight third-row room diminish its appeal.
While the changes made in the 2013 Traverse are not revolutionary, they push it up in the segment. The minor upgrade to the powertrain and suspension are also impressive but with a larger engine line-up and better safety ranking, the 2013 Explorer wins my vote.
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