Larry H. Miller Ford Lakewood - Is the 2027 Ford Explorer or 2027 Chevrolet Traverse Better for Lakewood, CO Families Who Tow and Commute?
For many three-row SUV shoppers, the question is not simply which model has more seats or the biggest screen. The more useful question is which SUV feels better suited to the way people actually drive around Lakewood, Denver, the foothills, and the I-70 corridor. When comparing the 2027 Ford Explorer and 2027 Chevrolet Traverse, the Traverse makes a strong first impression with seating for up to eight, a large cargo area, a standard 17.7-inch touchscreen display, and more than 20 standard safety and driver assistance features. Those are meaningful strengths, especially for families who prioritize maximum interior volume. Still, for shoppers who want a more balanced SUV with stronger available power, a broader trim range, and capability that feels tuned for Colorado driving, the Explorer® SUV is the more appealing recommendation.
The biggest reason is versatility. The Explorer® is not limited to one personality. Active, ST-Line, Tremor®, Platinum™, and ST models each serve a different kind of driver, whether the priority is everyday comfort, sporty design, premium appointments, off-road confidence, or stronger performance. The Traverse lineup includes LT, Z71, and RS, and each has a clear role, but Ford gives shoppers more ways to fine-tune the ownership experience. That matters for families who may use one vehicle for school drop-offs, work commutes, ski-area access roads, trailhead parking, towing, grocery runs, and longer road trips. A great SUV should not feel like a compromise every time the schedule changes, and that is where Explorer® shows its depth.
Which SUV is better for towing and mountain-area driving?
Both SUVs offer a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 lbs when properly equipped, so on paper the towing figure is even. The difference is how each vehicle supports the driver around that capability. The Traverse uses a 2.5L turbo engine with an 8-speed transmission and includes trailering equipment across LT, Z71, and RS models. That gives Chevrolet a solid foundation for light recreational towing. Ford, however, adds a stronger performance ladder. The Explorer® starts with a 2.3L EcoBoost® I-4 engine rated at 300 hp on Active, ST-Line, Tremor®, and Platinum™ models, while the available 3.0L EcoBoost® V6 gives drivers substantially more power on select trims.
For Lakewood-area families who tow small campers, utility trailers, bikes, or outdoor gear, that extra available power can make the Explorer® feel more relaxed when climbing grades or merging with traffic. This is especially relevant on routes where elevation changes and fast-moving highway traffic are part of the drive. The Explorer® ST is designed with performance in mind, while the Tremor® model adds off-road-focused hardware for drivers who want more confidence beyond pavement. The result is an SUV that feels ready for both the commute and the weekend plan.
Key capability advantages shoppers should consider
- Available engine strength: Explorer® offers an available twin-turbo 3.0L EcoBoost® V6, while Traverse uses a 2.5L turbo engine across its lineup.
- Performance-focused trim: Explorer® ST adds sport-tuned suspension, performance brakes, and 21" wheels for a more engaging drive.
- Off-road-oriented hardware: Explorer® Tremor® offers off-road-tuned suspension, increased ride height, underbody protection, and a Torsen® limited-slip rear axle.
- Towing confidence: Both SUVs reach 5,000 lbs of maximum towing capacity, but Explorer® offers more powertrain choice to support different driving styles.
The Traverse Z71 deserves credit for bringing off-road design and equipment to Chevrolet’s three-row SUV. It includes Terrain Mode, Hill Descent Control, an Advanced Twin-Clutch AWD System, off-road suspension, a skid plate, and all-terrain tires. That is a practical package for families who want added confidence on rougher surfaces. Even so, Explorer® Tremor® goes a step further with its model-exclusive Torsen® limited-slip rear axle and increased ride height, making it feel especially well matched to Colorado drivers who regularly leave perfectly smooth roads behind.
How do comfort and technology compare?
Inside, the Traverse emphasizes spaciousness. It offers available eight-passenger seating, Smart Slide Seats, AutoSense Power Liftgate, and up to 98 cu ft of maximum cargo volume. For shoppers who need the largest possible cargo number or frequently carry eight people, those are real advantages. However, the Explorer® counters with a cabin that feels highly refined and thoughtfully equipped. Depending on the trim, Explorer® offers heated front-row seats, ventilated front-row seats, massaging front-row seats, leather inserts, premium leather-trimmed seating, ActiveX®, Miko® Suede, immersive ambient lighting, and a panoramic Vista Roof® with power shade.
Technology is strong in both SUVs, but Ford’s approach feels especially cohesive. The Ford Digital Experience is designed to bring familiar apps and connected features into the vehicle in a way that supports the drive. Available BlueCruise hands-free highway driving assistance can help control steering, braking, and acceleration while keeping the vehicle centered in its lane on compatible highways, with the driver keeping eyes on the road. Chevrolet offers available Super Cruise® hands-free driver assistance technology, and the RS includes it with a 3-year OnStar® Super Cruise plan. The difference is that Explorer® blends advanced driver assistance with a wider selection of comfort, performance, and off-road personalities.
Which SUV feels easier to recommend for Colorado families?
For a family focused entirely on maximum cargo volume, the Traverse deserves a serious look. Its 98 cu ft maximum cargo figure is larger than the Explorer® maximum of up to 85.8 cu ft, and the option for eight-passenger seating may be helpful for larger households. But many shoppers are not only asking how much can fit inside. They also want to know which SUV feels more satisfying to drive, which one has the stronger available engine, and which one can better adapt as needs change over time.
That is where the Explorer® becomes the stronger overall answer. It offers seating for six or seven, standard second-row captain’s chairs, available seven-passenger configuration on most trims, and practical cargo space for day-to-day family use. It also gives drivers a more exciting engine lineup, more specialized trims, and available equipment that can elevate both comfort and confidence. For a household that wants one vehicle to handle commuting, towing, errands, road trips, school activities, and foothill recreation, Explorer® brings a more complete mix of strengths.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Does the 2027 Ford Explorer tow as much as the 2027 Chevrolet Traverse?
Yes. Both SUVs offer a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 lbs when properly equipped. The Explorer® stands out because it also offers an available 3.0L EcoBoost® V6 engine on select trims, giving shoppers a stronger performance option.
Which SUV has more cargo room?
The Traverse offers up to 98 cu ft of maximum cargo volume, while the Explorer® offers up to 85.8 cu ft on Active and ST-Line models. If maximum cargo volume is the only priority, Traverse has the advantage. If shoppers want strong cargo space along with more available power and trim variety, Explorer® is the better fit.
Does the Explorer® offer hands-free highway driving assistance?
Yes. Explorer® offers available BlueCruise hands-free highway driving assistance on compatible highways. The system can help with steering, braking, acceleration, and lane centering while the driver keeps eyes on the road.
Which model is better for drivers who want a sportier SUV?
Explorer® is the clear pick for a sportier feel. The ST model includes the 3.0L EcoBoost® engine, sport-tuned suspension, performance brakes with red-painted calipers, and 21" wheels, giving it a more performance-focused character than the Traverse RS.
For Lakewood shoppers, the most practical answer is that the better SUV depends on priorities, but the Explorer® is easier to recommend for drivers who want more than space alone. It brings a stronger performance ceiling, a more diverse model range, available BlueCruise, premium comfort options, and rugged Tremor® capability. The Traverse is roomy and well equipped, but the Explorer® feels more complete for Colorado life because it balances family usability with the confidence, refinement, and power that make every drive feel more rewarding.