Traverse vs Explorer: Which Three-Row SUV Is Better for Families?

Back in the 1990s, the only real vehicles tailored to families were minivans and station wagons—neither of which were stylish in any way. Now, however, there’s a slew of SUVs designed with families in mind, offering ample space inside for people and gear, as well as safety features and other tech to enhance the driving experience for all on board. Two favorites in the bunch are the Chevy Traverse and Ford Explorer.

It’s been long debated which three-row option is better suited to families. Many feel the Traverse is the better pick, especially the latest models, as they exhibit show-stopping styling elements and outstanding innovation to maximize the ride. Others are Ford fanatics and are drawn to the robust build of the Explorer. When it comes to the 2025 Chevy Traverse vs 2025 Ford Explorer, although both of these SUVs are family-oriented, one outshines the other in many different aspects.

At McCluskey Chevrolet, when you want to enjoy the best ride possible with your little ones in tow, we believe that it matters what vehicle is at the helm of your journey. That’s why we’re here to get to the bottom of which three-row hauler is better at tackling everyday family adventures.

Passenger Space

Having room for you is one thing. Having room for your little ones and their friends, plus all the things that tend to accompany them, is a whole different story. You may be outfitting your vehicle with a car seat for the newest addition to your family, or maybe your kids are growing out of your current vehicle and you need one with an abundance of space so that all can be comfortable inside. This is where the 2025 Traverse shines, with three rows to accommodate up to eight passengers. What’s most appreciated by parents is the fact that the third row is so spacious that even adult passengers can feel relaxed while riding in the way back.

This is not the case for the 2025 Ford Explorer. Even though it has three rows as well, the Explorer is reported to be cramped in the third row, which makes it pretty much reserved for small-sized passengers only. It seats up to seven, which is less than the Traverse, too, so if you’re traveling with more people and you want everyone to be comfortable, the Traverse is the better pick here.

Cargo Space

You’ve found space for all your youngsters, but what about the items that must accompany them along the way? When you travel with kids, you know that there are things that need to be included on the journey, like car seats, diaper bags, and strollers; however, what you may not have planned for are all the incidentals—stuffed animals, toys, tablets, snacks, school supplies, sports equipment, backpacks; the list goes on.

Having a place for all this stuff without taking away from the overall comfort of your passengers is a must, and the Traverse does this effortlessly, offering a best-in-class cargo volume of 97.6 cu.ft. You’ll even get to take advantage of the AutoSense power liftgate, which senses you approaching with your key fob and opens its cargo hatch so that you can load up and hit the road, even when you have your hands full—and as a parent, you’ll always have your hands full.

You won’t find nearly as much space in the 2025 Ford Explorer, which vastly limits your cargo-hauling and kid-accommodating potential. This Ford family vehicle tops out at just 85.8 cu.ft. of space with its rear rows folded. Not having as much space for your kiddos to get comfortable in the third row and not offering nearly as much cargo volume as you require can be a recipe for disaster when you’re traveling with your little ones and all their must-have travel gear.

Cabin Ambiance

It’s not space that shapes your driving experiences; it’s how you feel as you’re making your way to all your destinations. Even if you’re just waiting for your youngest to get done with preschool, you deserve to enjoy your time behind the wheel in a vehicle that is stylish and accommodating. This is another area where the Traverse simply shines—and for 2025, this Chevy favorite becomes even more enhanced, with access to more premium-level appointments to elevate the experience. The top-level High Country trim, for example, has leather-appointed seats, bronze accents, and a power-folding third row for even more convenience.

Unfortunately for the Explorer, it is frequently outshined by many others in its class, especially when it comes to the overall quality inside. Its appointments can tend to look a bit lackluster, especially in lower-level trims, giving this model a cheaper feel. It’s definitely a vehicle that prioritizes practicality over elegance—and it shows. Although the Explorer falls behind its competitors in this area, Ford has tried to jazz it up a bit for its latest year on the streets with features like soft-touch materials, heated and ventilated seats, and more quality appointments. The question is, is it enough to compete with rivals like the Traverse? Many say no.

Handy Technology

Space for all your passengers? Check. Space for all their gear? Check. Comfortable appointments? Check. Now, what about tech to help you remain connected to your day, even if you’re just playing chauffeur to the kids? Fortunately, when you trust your journey to the Traverse, you get to take advantage of some of the best tech on the market to improve the overall quality of your ride, as well as keep your little ones engaged and occupied during the journey.

From a standard 17.7-inch touchscreen display to a standard 11-inch Driver Information Center behind the steering wheel, having all of the tech you need at your fingertips is a guarantee in the Traverse. You’ll be able to take advantage of a Google-based software system, which provides you with access to various apps, maps, and more. You can also opt for available features like the Super Cruise hands-free driving tool, allowing you to place your ride in the hands of the Traverse as you cruise along thousands of miles of compatible highways.

The 2025 Explorer falls behind here as well, only offering a 13.2-inch touchscreen. Like pretty much every other vehicle on the market these days, the Explorer includes smartphone integration. It can also be armed with the BlueCruise hands-free driving tool for the first time for this particular nameplate. All in all, you get a bit more with the Traverse, especially when you want to enjoy a large touchscreen and loads of Google tech during your trips to and from school, baseball practice, pediatrician appointments, etcetera.

Traverse vs Explorer: The Top Family Pick

When it comes to which SUV is more in tune with the needs of busy families everywhere, the choice is obvious. The 2025 Chevy Traverse doesn’t just offer more room for its occupants but showcases phenomenal cargo volume, an elegant cabin ambiance, and cutting-edge tech to elevate the driving experience. The Explorer falls short in many areas, especially with its tight third row, lack of upscale touches, smaller cargo area, and smaller touchscreen.

In the end, when you want to harness an unbeatable family experience on the road, the Traverse will deliver, allowing you to maximize your ride no matter where the journey takes you.