Used Explorer vs. Traverse vs. Durango: Choosing the Right 3-Row SUV in Abilene
Why Families in Abilene Choose 3-Row SUVs
Between school drop-offs, weekend trips to Fort Worth or Lubbock, and everyday errands, a 3-row SUV is one of the most versatile vehicles a Big Country family can own. Three nameplates dominate the conversation at Arrow Point Auto Mall: the Ford Explorer, Chevrolet Traverse, and Dodge Durango. Each takes a different approach to seating, cargo, and towing, so the right choice really does come down to how your family actually uses a vehicle week to week. Our research hub has more comparison guides if you want to keep exploring options.
Used Ford Explorer Overview
The Explorer moved to a rear-wheel-drive-based platform in 2020, giving it more truck-like proportions, a tighter turning radius for its size, and an available high-performance ST trim.
Explorer Trims and Engines
Base and mid-level trims use a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder producing about 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. The ST trim steps up to a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 rated around 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft, paired with a 10-speed automatic across the lineup.
Explorer Seating and Cargo
The Explorer seats up to seven passengers depending on trim and offers roughly 85.8 cubic feet of maximum cargo space with the second and third rows folded, plenty for a Costco run or a family camping trip.
Used Ford SUV Guide
Used Chevrolet Traverse Overview
The Traverse leans hard into interior space, consistently offering some of the most generous passenger and cargo room in the 3-row SUV segment.
Traverse Trims and Engine
Recent Traverse models use a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder producing about 328 horsepower and 326 lb-ft of torque, a notable step up in power from the outgoing V6 it replaced, while maintaining smooth, confident highway manners.
Traverse Seating and Cargo: Class-Leading Space
With up to eight-passenger seating available and roughly 98 cubic feet of maximum cargo volume, the Traverse consistently out-hauls the Explorer on raw interior space, making it a strong pick for larger families or anyone who regularly hauls bulky gear.
Used Chevrolet SUV Guide
Used Dodge Durango Overview
The Durango stands apart with genuine V8 power and body-on-frame-inspired towing capability that neither the Explorer nor Traverse can fully match, making it the pick for families who also tow.
Durango V6, V8, and SRT Performance Trims
The standard 3.6-liter V6 makes about 293 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque with seating for up to seven. Move up to the R/T's 5.7-liter HEMI V8, and performance-focused shoppers can even find the SRT 392 or SRT Hellcat on the used market, with the Hellcat's supercharged V8 making it one of the quickest 3-row SUVs ever produced.
Durango Towing Advantage
A properly equipped Durango can tow up to roughly 6,200 pounds with a weight-distributing hitch, well beyond the 5,000-pound maximum offered by both the Explorer and Traverse. If a boat, camper, or trailer is part of the picture, this is the number that matters most.
Used Ram and Dodge Guide
Fuel Economy and Everyday Ownership Costs
Sticker price is only part of the ownership equation, since fuel costs add up fast over years of school runs and highway miles. The Explorer's turbocharged four-cylinder is the most fuel-efficient of the three in daily driving, with the ST's twin-turbo V6 trading some economy for performance. The Traverse's turbocharged four-cylinder delivers similarly competitive highway mileage while still hauling more cargo than the Explorer. The Durango's V6 is reasonably efficient for a vehicle of its size, but V8-equipped R/T, SRT 392, and Hellcat trims trade fuel economy for towing muscle and straight-line performance, so it's worth matching the engine to how often you'll actually be hauling a trailer versus commuting solo.
Insurance costs also vary by trim. Base four-cylinder Explorer and Traverse models are typically the cheapest of the bunch to insure, while Durango SRT trims, with their supercharged horsepower, carry noticeably higher premiums. It's worth getting an insurance quote on the specific trim and model year you're considering before you finalize a purchase.
Safety and Driver-Assist Technology
All three SUVs offer a strong suite of modern safety technology on mid-range and higher trims, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. The Explorer and Traverse tend to offer these features standard or as low-cost options on more trims, while some advanced driver-assist packages on the Durango are reserved for higher trim levels. If active safety tech is a priority, it's worth confirming exactly which features are included on the specific used vehicle you're looking at, since availability can vary meaningfully by model year and trim.
Side-by-Side: Explorer vs. Traverse vs. Durango
A quick look at how these three compare on the specs families ask about most.
| Model | Max Seating | Max Cargo Space | Max Towing | Available V8 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ford Explorer | 7 | 85.8 cu. ft. | 5,000 lbs | No |
| Chevrolet Traverse | 8 | 98 cu. ft. | 5,000 lbs | No |
| Dodge Durango | 7 | 85 cu. ft. | 6,200 lbs | Yes, R/T, SRT |
Which 3-Row SUV Fits Your Family?
All three are proven, well-built SUVs, and the right one usually comes down to how you'll actually use it.
Best for Maximum Cargo and Passenger Space
The Traverse's class-leading cargo volume and eight-passenger capacity make it the top pick for larger families or car-pool duty.
Best for Towing a Boat or Camper
The Durango's roughly 6,200-pound towing capacity and available V8 power give it a clear edge for anyone who tows regularly.
Best for a Balance of Efficiency and Comfort
The Explorer's turbocharged four-cylinder, refined ride, and available ST performance trim make it a well-rounded choice for daily driving with occasional weekend adventures.
Best for Long-Term Value
All three nameplates have long production histories with strong parts availability and independent shop support, which helps keep long-term ownership costs predictable. Choosing a well-documented, accident-free example with a full service history, something our team can help verify on any vehicle in our inventory, matters more to long-term value than the badge on the hood.
What to Inspect When Buying a Used 3-Row SUV
Family SUVs often rack up miles quickly, so a thorough look before you buy matters. Check third-row seat latches and folding mechanisms for wear, inspect brakes and tires given the added weight these vehicles typically carry, and review the Carfax report for accident history and consistent maintenance. Every vehicle at Arrow Point Auto Mall includes a Carfax vehicle history report, and it's worth asking our team whether a used vehicle warranty makes sense for the SUV you're considering.
Why Buy Your Used SUV from Arrow Point Auto Mall
Arrow Point Auto Mall carries a wide, regularly refreshed selection of 3-row SUVs, along with transparent pricing and flexible financing to fit real family budgets. Read more about the benefits of buying a pre-owned Ford, Chevrolet, or Ram and Dodge vehicle, explore our guide to the benefits of buying a pre-owned SUV, or browse vehicles built for families, commuters, and adventurers to see which one fits your household best, and take a look at our customer reviews to hear from other Abilene families.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which is bigger inside, the Traverse or the Explorer?
The Traverse offers more maximum cargo space, about 98 cubic feet versus roughly 85.8 cubic feet in the Explorer, and can seat up to eight passengers compared to the Explorer's seven, making it the roomier choice overall.
Can the Durango really tow more than the Explorer or Traverse?
Yes. A properly equipped Durango can tow up to approximately 6,200 pounds, well above the 5,000-pound maximum offered by both the Explorer and Traverse, thanks to its V8 engine options and towing-focused chassis tuning.
Is a used 3-row SUV a good value compared to buying new?
Absolutely. 3-row SUVs depreciate like most vehicles, so buying used lets you get into a well-equipped Explorer, Traverse, or Durango for meaningfully less than MSRP, often with plenty of factory warranty coverage still remaining depending on mileage and model year.
Does the Durango come with a V8 engine option?
Yes. In addition to the standard 3.6-liter V6, the Durango offers a 5.7-liter HEMI V8 on R/T trims, and performance-focused SRT 392 and SRT Hellcat versions with even more power for shoppers who want serious performance in a family SUV.
How many passengers can each of these SUVs seat?
The Explorer and Durango both seat up to seven passengers depending on trim, while the Traverse can seat up to eight, making it the top choice if maximum passenger capacity is the priority.
Do you offer financing on used SUVs in Abilene?
Yes. Our finance team works with multiple lenders to find competitive terms on used SUVs, and you can get pre-approved online before you visit so you know your budget ahead of time.
Which of these three SUVs is cheapest to insure?
Base four-cylinder Explorer and Traverse trims are typically the most affordable to insure among these three. Performance trims like the Durango SRT carry higher premiums due to their significantly higher horsepower, so it's worth getting a quote on your specific trim before you buy.
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