As an avid golfer, I’ve spent countless weekends driving to courses, hauling clubs, and enjoying the open road. The Chevrolet Traverse and Ford Edge are two SUVs that caught my attention for their blend of space, comfort, and performance, making them ideal for golfers.
This article compares these vehicles to help golfers choose the right one for their needs, covering everything from cargo space to driving dynamics for those long trips to the fairway.
Comparison Table: Chevrolet Traverse Vs. Ford Edge
| Feature | Chevrolet Traverse | Ford Edge |
| Starting MSRP | $38,942 | $37,700 |
| Engine | 2.5L Turbo 4-cylinder, 328 hp | 2.0L EcoBoost 4-cylinder, 250 hp |
| Max Cargo Capacity | 97.6 cu. ft. | 73.4 cu. ft. |
| Seating Capacity | Up to 8 | Up to 5 |
| Towing Capacity | 5,000 lbs | 3,500 lbs |
| Fuel Economy (Combined) | 11.8 L/100km (2024 model) | 11.2 L/100km (2024 model) |
| Front Legroom | 44.29 in | 42.6 in |
| Second-Row Legroom | 41.46 in | 40.6 in |
| Infotainment Screen | 8-inch touchscreen | 12-inch touchscreen |
| Safety Features | 8 airbags, 5-star NHTSA overall | 8 airbags, 5-star NHTSA overall |
My Journey With SUVs
- Personal Anecdote: My love for SUVs started when I needed a vehicle to haul my golf bags, cooler, and friends to tournaments without feeling cramped.
- Context: As a mid-handicap golfer who plays weekly, I prioritize space for gear, comfort for long drives, and fuel efficiency for frequent trips.
- Testing Approach: I took both the Traverse and Edge on road trips to golf courses, loaded them with gear, and tested their handling on winding roads.
Also read: My Thoughts on Honda Acura Integra Vs. Honda Accord.
Key Features Of Chevrolet Traverse
- Design Philosophy & Target User: The Chevrolet Traverse is designed for families and group travelers, offering a spacious three-row layout ideal for golfers who travel with buddies or family. Its robust build and high towing capacity cater to those needing to haul extra gear like carts or trailers.
- Specific Features:
- Cargo Space: With 97.6 cu. ft. of maximum cargo capacity, the Traverse easily fits multiple golf bags, a cooler, and extra luggage, perfect for weekend golf getaways.
- Seating Capacity: It seats up to eight, making it great for group outings or carpools to the course.
- Towing Capacity: A 5,000-lb towing capacity allows for pulling small trailers or golf carts, enhancing its utility for golf events.
- Summary: The Traverse is best suited for golfers who prioritize space and versatility for group travel and heavy gear.
Key Features Of Ford Edge
- Design Philosophy & Target User: The Ford Edge targets drivers seeking a sporty, tech-savvy two-row SUV with a focus on performance and modern amenities. It’s ideal for solo golfers or small groups who value agility and advanced tech.
- Specific Features:
- Infotainment System: The 12-inch touchscreen with Ford’s SYNC 4A system offers crisp graphics and fast response, perfect for navigating to new courses or streaming music on long drives.
- Performance: The available 2.7L EcoBoost V6 delivers 335 hp, providing a thrilling drive on highways to distant golf destinations.
- Fuel Efficiency: With 11.2 L/100km combined, it’s slightly more efficient than the Traverse, saving money on long trips.
- Summary: The Edge is best for golfers who want a sporty, tech-forward SUV for solo or small-group trips.
Pros Of Chevrolet Traverse
- Spacious Interior: The Traverse’s three-row seating and 97.6 cu. ft. cargo space made it a breeze to pack four golf bags, a cooler, and luggage for a weekend trip without Tetris-like packing.
- Towing Power: Its 5,000-lb towing capacity allowed me to haul a small trailer with a golf cart for a charity tournament, a feature the Edge couldn’t match.
- Family-Friendly Design: The extra legroom (44.29 in front, 41.46 in second row) kept my golf buddies comfortable during a four-hour drive to a coastal course.
Cons Of Chevrolet Traverse
- Larger Dimensions: Its wider and longer body (518.9 cm length, 199.6 cm width) made parking at crowded golf course lots trickier than with the Edge.
- Fuel Economy: At 11.8 L/100km combined, it’s less efficient than the Edge, which I noticed during frequent trips costing me more at the pump.
- Infotainment Lag: The 8-inch touchscreen occasionally lagged when switching between navigation and music, which was frustrating on unfamiliar routes.
Pros Of Ford Edge
- Sporty Handling: The Edge’s 2.7L V6 option (335 hp) delivered a responsive, fun drive on winding roads to a mountain course, outpacing the Traverse’s heavier feel.
- Advanced Tech: The 12-inch SYNC 4A system was intuitive, with quick Apple CarPlay integration that made finding courses a breeze.
- Better Fuel Economy: Its 11.2 L/100km combined efficiency saved me about $10 per fill-up compared to the Traverse on a 500-km round trip.
Cons Of Ford Edge
- Limited Cargo Space: With only 73.4 cu. ft. of max cargo space, I struggled to fit three golf bags and a cooler without folding seats, unlike the Traverse.
- Smaller Seating Capacity: Seating only five, it’s less ideal for group outings compared to the Traverse’s eight-passenger capacity.
- Lower Towing Capacity: The 3,500-lb towing limit meant I couldn’t haul a golf cart trailer, limiting its utility for certain golf events.
Analytical Breakdown: How They Compare On The Road
- Brief Intro: To evaluate both SUVs, I drove them on a 300-km round trip to a golf course, loaded them with gear, and tested handling, comfort, and tech.
- Cargo Capacity: The Traverse’s 97.6 cu. ft. max cargo space easily swallowed four golf bags, a cooler, and extra gear, while the Edge’s 73.4 cu. ft. required careful packing for just three bags. The Traverse is the clear winner for golfers needing space.
- Driving Dynamics: The Edge’s 335-hp V6 and tighter suspension made it more agile on curvy roads, shaving 10 seconds off my 0-60 mph time (5.6s vs. 6.9s for Traverse). The Traverse felt stable but less nimble due to its size.
- Comfort: The Traverse’s extra legroom (44.29 in front, 41.46 in second row) provided a more relaxed ride for passengers compared to the Edge’s slightly tighter 42.6 in front and 40.6 in second row.
- Tech and Infotainment: The Edge’s 12-inch touchscreen was faster and more intuitive than the Traverse’s 8-inch system, which lagged slightly when multitasking. The Edge’s FordPass Connect also offered unique features like fuel price comparisons.
- Price and Value: The Edge starts at $37,700, slightly cheaper than the Traverse’s $38,942. However, the Traverse’s extra seating and cargo space offer better value for group-oriented golfers.
Who Should Choose Which SUV?
- Recommendation for Chevrolet Traverse: Ideal for golfers with a handicap of 10-20 who travel with groups or family, need space for multiple bags, and value towing capacity for trailers or carts. Best for those prioritizing utility over sportiness.
- Recommendation for Ford Edge: Suited for solo golfers or small groups (handicap 5-15) who prefer a sporty drive, advanced tech, and better fuel economy. Perfect for those who don’t need third-row seating or heavy towing.
Read more: My Thoughts on Honda Passport Vs. Acura RDX.
My Real-World Experience
- Detailed Anecdote 1: On a trip to a coastal course, the Traverse’s massive cargo area let me pack four golf bags, a cooler, and beach chairs without folding seats, making setup at the course effortless. The Edge, however, forced me to fold seats for similar gear, which was less convenient.
- Detailed Anecdote 2: Driving to a mountain course, the Edge’s sporty handling shone on tight turns, making the journey fun and engaging. The Traverse, while stable, felt cumbersome on the same roads, requiring more careful navigation.
Why These SUVs Matter For Amateurs
- General Statement: Both the Traverse and Edge are designed for practicality, catering to amateur golfers who need reliable vehicles for frequent course visits.
- Benefits for Amateurs: The Traverse offers unmatched space for group trips and gear, while the Edge provides a sporty, tech-savvy option for solo or small-group outings. Both have forgiving handling for average drivers and competitive pricing.
- Reiteration of Choice: The choice depends on whether you prioritize space and group utility (Traverse) or agility and tech (Edge), aligning with your golfing lifestyle.
Frequently Asked Questions (Faq)
Who Should Use Chevrolet Traverse?
The Traverse is best for golfers who travel with groups, need ample cargo space for multiple bags, and require towing capacity for trailers or carts.
What Is The Engine Power Of Ford Edge?
The Ford Edge offers a base 2.0L EcoBoost 4-cylinder with 250 hp or an optional 2.7L V6 with 335 hp and 380 lb-ft of torque.
What Is The Best SUV For Family-Oriented Golfers?
The Chevrolet Traverse is ideal for family-oriented golfers due to its three-row seating, 97.6 cu. ft. cargo space, and 5,000-lb towing capacity.
Do Pros Use Larger Or Smaller SUVs?
Professional golfers often prefer larger SUVs like the Traverse for their gear and group capacity, though some opt for smaller, sportier models like the Edge for solo travel.
Conclusion
The Chevrolet Traverse excels for golfers needing space, seating, and towing power, making it perfect for group outings and heavy gear. The Ford Edge, with its sporty handling, advanced tech, and better fuel economy, suits solo or small-group golfers who value performance. Your choice depends on whether you prioritize utility or agility for your golfing adventures.
