2022 Ford Explorer

Compact crossovers might be the bread and butter of most manufacturers' SUV offerings, but it's midsize offerings like the Ford Explorer that set the tone for brands, showcasing what they can create with a healthier development budget and larger dimensions. For Ford, its three-row SUV is riding high on the back of a full redesign for the 2020 model year, which came at the right time to see the Blue Oval tackle fresh competition like the Kia Telluride and Hyundai Palisade, as well as old foes like the Toyota Highlander and Honda Pilot. An all-electric variant will join the lineup eventually, but for now, a turbocharged four-cylinder developing 300 horsepower, a turbocharged V6 with up to 400 hp, and a hybrid V6 with 318 hp are the only available powertrains paired to either rear- or four-wheel drivetrains. The Explorer provides an abundance of seating and storage space, along with a contemporary infotainment interface, but is let down by cheap materials, high pricing on the most desirable configurations, and a drive that leaves something to be desired. In a segment as jam-packed as this one, it's tougher than ever to be the best.

The Ford Explorer still looks fresh and is arguably more handsome than many fellow mid-sizers. The base model offers standard exterior features such as automatic LED headlights with auto high beams, LED tail lamps, a power liftgate, and 18-inch alloy wheels. The XLT adds signature LED lighting, black roof-rack side rails, and a grille with a black mesh insert and chrome bars. The ST-Line adds features such as rain-sensing window wipers, the Limited gets satin aluminum roof rails, the ST gets a unique blackout treatment on the head- and taillights and the Platinum rides on a set of 21-inch Bright machined-face aluminum wheels with Luster Nickel-painted pockets. The off-road-focused Timberline receives unique styling with model-specific front and rear bumpers, steel skid plates at the front and rear, Red Ember tow hooks, a dark Carbonized Gray grille, gloss-black 18-inch alloys, quad tailpipes, and Timberline badges on the C-pillar. The King Ranch gets Stone Gray mesh grille inserts, chrome bodyside cladding, 20-inch alloy wheels, and King Ranch badging.

Classified as a mid-size crossover SUV, the Ford Explorer boasts the same dimensions across most configurations. The standard ones include a length of 198.8 inches spanned over a 119.1-inch wheelbase. The Explorer measures 89.3 inches wide including mirrors and stands 69.9 inches tall, except on Timberline, which stand 70.7 inches in height. Most models have a 7.9-inch ground clearance and approach/breakover/departure angles 20.1/17.1/22 degrees for those who fancy going off-road.

There are variations, however. The ST has a bespoke front fascia that makes it 199.3 inches long and increases its approach angle to 21 degrees. The Timberline is the most off-road-focused with 8.66 inches of clearance, and approach/ramp-over/departure angles of 23.5/18.9/23.7 degrees. The Timberline's rear overhang is also 0.7 inches shorter than that of the rest.

The base curb weight is 4,345 pounds, but upper trims increase this to as much as 4,727 lbs with 4x4 and the EcoBoost V6, while the hybrid tips the scales at a mammoth 4,969 lbs.

The color palette for the Ford Explorer in the USA remains broad but largely unflashy for the 2022 model year. Not all colors are available on all trims, and the base model, for example, only has access to the five very subdued hues of Agate Black, Iconic Silver, Carbonized Gray, Forged Green, and Atlas Blue, the latter two newly available on this trim for 2022. The XLT adds the no-cost options of Stone Gray, Atlas Blue, and the brand-new Stone Blue, while Rapid Red and the new-for-2022 Burgundy Velvet carry $495 costs and Star White adds $795 to the bill. The remainder of the trims make do with a more limited palette, but thankfully all get access to Forged Green which looks brilliant on the Explorer's strong lines. Oxford White and Infinite Blue are among the discontinued colors.

Performance-wise, the news is good: there isn't a single underpowered Explorer in the lineup. Power is provided by either a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine akin to the one found in the Mustang or a twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6 engine. Those looking for a greener option can also look towards the naturally-aspirated V6 hybrid version of the Ford SUV. Either way you go, there's plenty of power, with the base model producing a healthy 300 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque. If you're serious about performance, the ST is no longer the only way to go: it donates its turbocharged 3.0-liter SUV with a healthy 400 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque to the King Ranch and Platinum trims this year (they had this engine with 365 hp / 380 lb-ft last year). So equipped, these models feel appropriately quick, capable of a 0-60 sprint of around 5.5 seconds and a top speed of over 140 mph; some independent tests of the ST have produced even quicker times than this. The Ford Explorer has a towing capacity of 5,600 lbs in this configuration, while 2.3-liter models can haul up to 5,300 lbs. The hybrid makes do with a slightly lower towing capacity of 5,000 lbs. All models can be paired with either rear- or four-wheel drive, except the Timberline model, which is strictly paired with a 4WD system.

These are highly capable powertrains, and even in base form, the Explorer is happy to bomb down the highway and overtake slower cars with ease.

Ford uses three engines for the Explorer lineup. The base mill is a 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder engine developing 300 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque. This is standard on the base Expedition, the XLT, Limited, and Timberline. King Ranch, Platinum, and ST models get a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6. In the King Ranch and Platinum, it used to produce 365 hp and 380 lb-ft and in ST form, 400 hp and 415 lb-ft, but the 365-hp version is dropped for 2022, leaving all V6 turbocharged models with the high-output 400-hp engine from this year. A hybrid powertrain is available on the Limited and Platinum specs, comprising a 3.3-liter naturally aspirated V6 with electric assistance that produces a combined 318 hp and 322 lb-ft. All engines are mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission.

It doesn't matter which engine you go for; the 2022 Ford Explorer offers enough power for any daily driving situation and will soon make you forget that there is no V8 on the table. The EcoBoost V6 is naturally the better of the three and makes it far quicker than you'd expect an SUV of this size to be. Shifts from the 10-speed 'box are smooth, and thanks to an abundance of torque in both motors, the transmission does not need to hunt for gears continually-overall, a great effort from Ford.

The modern SUV drives more like a car than a lumbering truck, and consumers expect that type of driving quality when they buy new SUVs. The Ford Explorer, which makes use of unibody construction, manages to deliver a near car-like driving experience. On city roads, the Explorer sucks up bumps and undulations with ease. It feels hugely planted on the highway; a great confidence booster, especially in bad weather conditions. However, the Explorer does sacrifice some off-road capability, and important factors such as wheel travel and axle twist are not as impressive as you'd get on something like the Jeep Grand Cherokee. The Timberline trim goes some way towards rectifying this lack of off-road prowess by adding a Torsen limited-slip rear differential, a seven-mode Terrain Management System, and Hill Descent Control. It's mechanically geared for work too, with underbody skidplates, and revised steering, stabilizer bars, and suspension components. With nearly an inch of extra ground clearance and Bridgestone Dueler 18-inch all-terrain tires, it does a good job of bridging the gap between the Explorer and other hardened off-roaders.

On the other side of the coin, the ST trim receives a unique sport-tuned suspension. In any way you choose to spec yours, the Explorer does well to hide its weight around corners and is responsive to steering inputs. Inevitably, body roll and understeer creep in when pushed too hard, and we're disappointed to report that wind noise is more prominent in the cabin at higher speeds than it is in many rivals. All in all, it's a pleasure to drive at any speed and in most conditions, but then again, so is everything else in this segment.

Fuel economy varies depending on engine choice, trim, and driven wheels, but overall, the Ford Explorer's gas mileage isn't all that bad, especially considering its size, weight, and powerful turbocharged engines.

Hybrid models are the most frugal, returning best figures of 27/28/27 mpg city/highway/combined in RWD form and 23/26/25 mpg in AWD format. The 2.3-liter RWD model is the lightest on fuel without electric assistance, returning an EPA-rated 21/28/24 mpg while AWD drops these figures to 20/27/23 mpg. With the off-road elements, the Timberline is marginally less efficient at 19/23/21 mpg, which is remarkably close to the more powerful V6 in RWD guise, which attains 18/26/21 mpg. AWD drops the estimates to 18/24/20 mpg.

Models with the 2.3L motor have a 17.9-gallon gas tank, while the EcoBoost V6-powered options have a 20.2-gallon capacity. The hybrid straddles these two at 18 gallons and returns the greatest range per tank - 486 miles.

There's not much to get excited about when you first climb into the interior of the Ford Explorer. The design is straightforward and functional, just like the rest of the car, but we can appreciate the logical layout of the controls and the contemporary design that offers a semblance of class. The interior does feel roomy, and visibility is decent all around. All Explorers get creature comforts such as tri-zone automatic climate control, a driver's side power seat, and the Sync 3 infotainment system. It's not the flashiest interior we've ever seen, but it still looks good and gets the job done, which is precisely what the Explorer is all about. However, other automakers realize that unibody crossovers are not meant to be rugged workhorses, which is a memo Ford clearly missed. Many of the interior materials feel cheap and flimsy, and well below the quality expected for the price you pay on upper trims.

The Ford Explorer crossover is all about carrying a large number of people. Technically, seven people can be coaxed into the cabin, but in reality, you'll get up to five adults in the first two rows and about two average-sized 12-year-olds in the third row. The second-row captain's chairs optionally available on the Timberline, King Ranch, and Platinum officially drop the seat count down to six. Getting in and out of the Explorer is easy, and even gaining access to the third row is a hassle-free experience. Still, once seated in the back, even children will feel cramped and uncomfortable over longer trips as the 32.2 inches of legroom simply isn't practical. This is a little disappointing for a midsize SUV like the Ford Explorer.

The Explorer provides eight-way power-adjustability for the driver and four-way manual adjustment for the front passenger in base form. XLT models up that to ten-way power adjustability for the driver and add power adjustability to the front passenger seat. Limited models and up give the front passenger the luxury of eight-way adjustability. The driver is offered a commanding driving position, but blind spots can be an issue for some due to some thick rear pillars. Thankfully, Ford had the foresight to include blind-spot monitoring and rear parking sensors as standard.

The interior of the Explorer has been designed to stand up to abuse, whether it's from your toddler or a large man raging on bath salts in the back of a police SUV. The base model features sandstone-colored cloth seats. The XLT gets Unique Cloth seats in Sandstone or Ebony and optional ActiveX fabric that adds Light Slate to the available colors - but compels the new XLT Sport Appearance package for a price increase of over $5,000. Limited models retain the Ebony or Sandstone palette, but get perforated leather as standard, while the Timberline reverts to ActiveX with Heathered Cloth inserts in Ebony only. The new ST-Line also gets the ActiveX upholstery in Ebony only and it's highlighted by Miko inserts and red stitching. The ST takes on a sportier vibe with Ebony leather and City Silver stitching, available either with micro-perforations or Miko suede inserts. In honor of Texans, the King Ranch gets unique Del Rio leather in a color called Java with embossed King Ranch insignias on the seatbacks. The Platinum is the most luxurious thanks to perforated tri-diamond leather in either a brown/Ebony combo or Light Sandstone with accent stitching, but frustratingly, the rest of the interior doesn't feel as classy as the seats do, with cheap plastics in most areas.

Being a seven-seater, the Explorer will naturally offer limited trunk space with all three rows in the upright position. Still, you get a useful 18.2 cubic feet of space, which should be enough for the kids' school bags and a decent run to the grocery store. If the tight third-row seats are dumped, that space opens up to a more impressive 47.9 cubic feet. This is significantly more than you get in the new Jeep Grand Cherokee (37.7 ft³), but the Chevy Traverse provides a stunning 57.8 cubic feet behind its second row. If you need to pack a kiddie-sized jetski or an adolescent Tyrannosaurus Rex Skull in the back, then you're in luck: behind the first row, the Explorer boasts 87.8 cubic feet of space, which again falls between the Traverse and Grand Cherokee. Small items can be stored in the glovebox, first-row center floor console storage bin, and overhead sunglasses holder. There are a total of ten cupholders and driver and front-passenger seatback map pockets. Go for the optional second-row captain's chairs, and you get even more storage space in the form of shallow bins for keys, phones, and the like.

Being one of the most popular SUVs in the world means that the Explorer must be doing something right, and its list of standard features might give you an indication as to why people love this big hunk so much. The base model features tri-zone electronic automatic temperature control with rear auxiliary climate control, a rearview camera with washer, cruise control, a 4.2-inch color LCD productivity screen, an eight-way power driver seat and four-way manual front passenger seat, an electronic compass, 4G LTE Wi-Fi connectivity, and keyless entry.

The Ford Co-Pilot 360 suite includes standard auto high-beam headlights, blind-spot information with cross-traffic alert, lane-keeping alert, lane-keeping assist, driver alert, pre-collision assist with automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, forward collision warning, and dynamic brake support. Furthermore, the Explorer gets standard post-collision braking, side-wind stabilization, and trailer sway control. The XLT adds features such as push-button start, dual second row smart-charging USB ports, a 6.5-inch driver-information display, a leather-trimmed steering wheel, and first-row heated seats. The ST-Line gains a heated steering wheel, multi-color ambient lighting, remote start, a universal garage door opener, and a wireless charging pad, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and a 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat, while the Limited gets a forward sensing system and second-row sunblinds. The ST trim adds a sport-tuned suspension, a 12.3-inch digital cluster, active park assist, and reverse brake assist. Finally, the top-tier Platinum adds illuminated door-sill scuff plates, a leather-covered center console armrest, and adaptive headlamps.

We're fans of Ford's Sync 3 infotainment system. This intuitive and easy-to-use system features across the Explorer lineup, albeit with different features. The base model features an eight-inch capacitive touchscreen with pinch-to-zoom capability, Applink connectivity, 911 Assist, first-row USB ports, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, AM/FM radio, SiriusXM radio, speed-sensitive volume control, and a six-speaker sound system. XLT models add two more USB ports for occupants in the second row. The ST-Line adds navigation, HD Radio, and a 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system. The 10.1-inch touchscreen and 14-speaker and 980-watt B&O sound system that were optional last year are now standard on the King Ranch and Platinum trims. For extra money, you can get a rear-seat infotainment system with the displays mounted in the front-seat headrests.

At the time of this writing, the 2022 Ford Explorer had not yet been recalled. The 2021 model was recalled for times - one was a relatively small recall affecting 1,405 Explorers and Lincoln Aviators for a motor mount that may loosen over time and the others were for a blank backup camera display, a side airbag stud that may fail, and incorrect components in the rear suspension. This is a great improvement considering the 2020 model had 12 recalls to its name, indicating several teething problems.

Ford covers the Explorer with a three-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a five-year/60,000-mile drivetrain warranty. You also get five years or 60,000 miles of roadside assistance.

America's best-selling SUV nameplate historically need to be a lot of things, one of the most important being safe, and the Ford Explorer is as safe as you're going to get. In the NHTSA's review of the 2022 Ford Explorer, it scored a full five stars overall, while the IIHS review resulted in a 2021 Top Safety Pick+ award; the agency's highest honor. However, the headlights missed out on a maximum Good rating; instead, they were rated as Acceptable.

Basic safety equipment includes driver and passenger dual-stage front airbags, front-seat side airbags, front knee airbags, and Ford's Safety Canopy side-curtain airbag system with rollover sensors. Ford's Co-Pilot 360 technology is standard on all models and includes auto high-beam headlamps, blind-spot assist with cross-traffic alert, lane-keep assist, lane-keeping alert, a reverse sensing system, driver alert, pedestrian detection, forward collision warning, dynamic brake support, pre-collision assist with automatic emergency braking post-collision braking, side-wind stabilization, and trailer sway control. The ST-Line adds an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, and adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, lane centering, and evasive steering assist. Limited gets a forward-sensing system and ST models also get active park assist 2.0 and reverse brake assist.

The simple answer here is that you don't become the best-selling SUV in the US ever without being a decent vehicle. But decent isn't the same as brilliant. The Ford Explorer was significantly improved upon in 2020, and that recipe is still working, but it's not the best the midsize segment has to offer. The exterior styling is handsome and inoffensive and arguably looks better than competitors such as the Honda Pilot. The interior is nothing to write home about though. While it might be spacious, the third row is cramped, and some of the material choices really aren't great. It boasts a strong infotainment offering and decent levels of comfort, refinement, and convenience, including Ford's great Sync 3 infotainment system. Under the hood, you get to choose from three competent powertrains, and the Explorer's unibody construction gives it car-like handling characteristics. But this is a segment in which every manufacturer has at least one entry. Being decent at a broad range of things is no longer a USP, and to be truly successful, you have to excel. For us, the Explorer doesn't excel in the same way that the Kia Telluride does. It's a fair effort from Ford, but it's middle of the pack this time.

The price of the Ford Explorer has a massive span of more than $20,000 between the base trim and the range-topping Platinum. The base model can be yours for only $33,245 excluding tax, registration, and a destination fee of $1,295. The XLT carries an MSRP of $36,145 with the new ST-Line costing $44,745 and the Limited commanding a massive $45,495. Adding AWD to any of these four-pot models adds an extra $2,000 to the asking price of a new Ford Explorer. The Timberline costs $46,245, but includes 4WD as standard, while a step up to the RWD 3.0-liter V6 ST carries an MSRP of $47,245. At the top of the order, the King Ranch costs $53,610 and the Platinum $55,740. If you want a hybrid, it only comes in two trims. The Hybrid Limited is expensive at $50,280, while the Platinum version (with standard 4WD) retails for $54,115.

For the 2022 model year, there are eight Ford Explorer trims: Base, XLT, ST-Line, Limited, Timberline, ST, King Ranch, and Platinum. The first five trims are all fitted with a 2.3-liter turbocharged four cylinder engine with 300 hp and the other three with a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 with 400 hp. A ten-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive (with AWD optional) are standard on all trims except the Timberline, which is AWD only.

The entry-level Explorer has 18-inch alloy wheels, automatic LED headlights, LED taillights, a tailgate spoiler, rear privacy glass, and a power liftgate. Inside, standard equipment includes keyless entry, cloth upholstery, a three-seater second-row bench, a manually tilting/telescoping steering column, three-zone climate control, and five 12-volt power outlets. Among the standard safety fare are eight airbags, automatic high beams, lane-keep assist, backup camera, rear park sensors, pre-collision assist with pedestrian detection and automatic emergency braking, dynamic brake support, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The infotainment system has an eight-inch touchscreen and features include Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM, 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot, and a six-speaker audio system.

One step up, the XLT adds LED signature lighting, a black mesh grille with chrome bars, heated side mirrors, black roof rails, and chrome accents on the outside. Inside, it gains push-button start, a leather-trimmed steering wheel, heated front seats, two second-row captain's chairs, and two second-row USB charging ports.

The brand-new ST-Line adopts an ST-like exterior appearance, including 20-inch wheels, black badging and exterior styling accents, black-out treatment for the front and rear lights, dual chrome exhaust tips, and power-folding mirrors. Inside, it also looks different, with a sport steering wheel, imitation-suede upholstery with red stitching, red stitching on the steering wheel, and door-jamb plates with ST-Line badging. Additional interior features include ActiveX upholstery, a heated steering wheel, multi-color ambient lighting, remote start, a universal garage-door opener, rain-sensing wipers, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, a wireless charging pad, navigation, and a 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system.

The Limited loses the ST-specific styling features inside and out but adds various chrome exterior highlights, LED turn signals in the side mirrors, satin-aluminum roof rails, a forward sensing system, leather upholstery, ventilated front seats, and second-row sunblinds.

The Timberline is an off-road focused trim that is only available with 4WD, increased ground clearance, special shock absorbers, skid plates, all-terrain tires, and a seven-mode Terrain Management System. It gets black-out treatment on the outside similar to the ST-Line's and a unique Dark Carbonized Gray grille, and paddle shifters, but it loses the forward sensing system, rear sunblinds, ambient lighting, garage-door opener, wireless charging, B&O audio, and auto-dimming rear-view mirror - and upholstery is ActiveX.

The ST introduces the 400-hp V6 engine and is essentially a combination of the Limited's features and the appearance of the ST-Line - in a more sporty package. Some additional features of note not found on the lower trims are gloss-black side mirrors with ST projection lights, sport suspension, a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, and an ST-style sport steering wheel. It gains the Timberline's paddle shifters but loses the Limited's multi-color ambient lighting though.

As the name implies, the King Ranch trim refers to Texas, to which it pays tribute. It gains the high-output V6 engine this year, as well as the previously optional 10.1-inch infotainment display and 14-speaker B&O audio system. It gets wood trim, unique Del Rio leather upholstery, and a standar trailer-tow package.

Platinum means flagship and this trim gets 21-inch alloy wheels, satin-aluminum exterior trim, contour seating with tri-diamond perforated leather upholstery, illuminated scuff plates, a leather-trimmed center-console armrest, adaptive headlights, and Active Park Assist 2.0.

Those buying new instead of used will be able to stack a bunch of optional packages on top of an already impressive list of standard features, and while the base model isn't offered with the most exciting options aside from the $545 Class IIV Trailer Tow Package, the XLT can be fitted with the 202A Package which, for $3,540, adds exterior features such as auto high beams with signature LED headlights and LED fog lights. Inside this upgrade introduces a heated steering wheel, ActiveX seating upholstery, and remote start. It also gets access to an XLT Sport Appearance Package for $1,795 with 20-inch wheels, dual chrome exhaust tips, and unique coloring inside and out. Ford's Co-Pilot 360 Assist+ is available, adding adaptive cruise control with stop/go function and speed sign recognition, evasive steering assist, and voice-activated navigation. On the Limited, the 301A package is the most appealing at just $700, adding driver's seat memory, a hands-free power liftgate, power steering column adjustment, and power-folding third-row seats.

Because the ST was made cheaper last year, you can add extra equipment with the Premium Technology Package (also available on the King Ranch and Platinum), which adds multi-contour front seats with Active Motion, a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and a 980-watt B&O sound system with 14 speakers for $1,295. There's a catch, though - this package also requires the 401A Package (active park assist, a 360-degree camera system and more) for a net price increase of $6,290. You can also opt for the $1,595 ST High-Performance Pack with 21-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, and high-performance brakes with red calipers. A dual-screen rear entertainment system for the Ford Explorer has a cost of $1,995, although this upgrade is bundled with other packages on certain trims.

The Explorer offers different packages for a broad spectrum of budgets, including different seating configurations, drivetrain options, and features. If you're purely in it for the large seating capacity, then the base model will do just fine, and if you're flush with cash, then the top-tier Platinum is the best one to go for, especially now that it has the extra power only the ST used to offer. For everyone else, we'd suggest going for the Limited, which feels much more premium than the XLT thanks to leather seating, wireless charging, and that Bang & Olufsen 12-speaker sound system. If you fall into the specific niche that needs a three-row off-roader, the Timberline is remarkably good value, albeit with the less-powerful engine.

Yes, the Explorer might be the best-selling SUV in US history, but the Toyota Highlander isn't far behind, and its track record of more than 20 years shows that people like and trust this vehicle enough to warrant comparison with the Explorer. The 2022 model enjoys all the perks of a full 2020 redesign. It's powered by a tried-and-trusted 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 295 hp and 263 lb-ft of torque which it sends to the front or all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Highlander lacks the low-down grunt that the Explorer offers, but once up to speed, it can confidently hang around at cruising speeds and will return similar gas mileage figures. Its handling is comfortable, if not terribly exciting. The interior of the Highlander is not flashy, and the dashboard design can seem cluttered to some, but there's lots of space on offer. The Highlander offers more trunk space behind the second row, but the Explorer offers more behind the third row and overall. Standard features are on par with the Explorer and include tri-zone climate control and a power-adjustable driver's seat in base guise. Standard safety features are also good. At $35,205, it is slightly more expensive, but it's a great alternative to the Explorer.

The Traverse is one of the Ford Explorer's cheaper competitors and is for sale at a price of $34,895 in base form. The Traverse is powered by a 310-hp 3.6-liter naturally-aspirated V6 engine that fails to deliver the same punch as the four-cylinder in the Explorer, never mind the turbocharged V6 in ST, King Ranch, and Platinum models. Gas mileage is also worse, and towing capacities are down. On the road, the Ford is the more accomplished vehicle, and the interior of the Traverse doesn't feel quite up to the standard of the Ford's. However, the Traverse does impress with its abundance of trunk and cargo space; it offers over ten cubic feet more room behind the first row of seats, and the same goes behind the second row. The Traverse has similar standard features, but we'd stick with the Ford.