2026 Chevy Traverse Vs. Ford Explorer: Family SUV Showdown
Ford Explorer vs. Chevy Traverse at a Glance
- The 2026 Ford Explorer is more powerful overall than the 2026 Chevy Traverse, producing up to 400 horsepower with its available V-6 vs. 328 horsepower for the Chevy SUV's sole four-cylinder engine.
- Both the Explorer and the Traverse can tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped, but the Explorer is more fuel-efficient.
- Maximize three-row comfort in the Explorer, which seats six or seven; the Traverse can seat up to eight, but it isn't much larger than the Explorer.
- Bolster confidence with more standard safety and driver-assistance technologies in the 2026 Ford Explorer than the 2026 Chevy Traverse, such as Evasive Steering Assist and Exit Warning, and Trailer Coverage.
Compare the Chevy Traverse vs. Ford Explorer SUVs in Our Guide
End your hunt for the three-row SUV of your dreams with the one that wins our 2026 Ford Explorer vs. Chevy Traverse matchup: the Explorer. Learn how these two SUVs compare in our comprehensive guide, then visit Wallace Ford of Kingsport to experience the new Explorer firsthand.
Ford Explorer vs. Chevy Traverse Chart
Check out the chart below as a primer for our Ford Explorer vs. Chevy Traverse comparison – it showcases the performance specs and interior and exterior dimensions you can expect from either SUV lineup.
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| 2026 Ford Explorer | 2026 Chevrolet Traverse | |
|---|---|---|
| Engines |
|
2.5L turbo 4-cyl |
| Horsepower |
|
328 |
| Torque |
|
326 lb-ft |
| Drivetrain | RWD or 4WD | FWD or AWD |
| Transmission | 10-speed auto | 8-speed auto |
| Max. Towing Capacity | 5,000 lbs1 | 5,000 lbs2 |
| EPA-Est. MPG (Cty / Hwy / Comb) | 20 / 29 / 243 | 20 / 26 / 224 |
| Seating Capacity | 6 or 7 | 7 or 8 |
| Length | 198.7 in | 204.49 - 204.72 in |
| Body Width | 78.9 in | 79.57 - 79.96 in |
| Height | 69.6 - 70.8 in | 69.57 - 70.67 in |
| Passenger Volume | 149.5 - 150.3 cu ft | Not specified by OEM |
| Max. Headroom (1st / 2nd / 3rd Row) | 40.7 / 40.5 / 38.9 in | 42.6 / 39.96 / 38.27 in |
| Max. Legroom (1st / 2nd / 3rd Row) | 43 / 37.5 / 31.8 in | 44.29 / 41.46 / 32.13 in |
| Hip Room (1st / 2nd / 3rd Row) | 59.2 / 59.1 / 40.9 in | 58.7 / 58.58 / 48.62 in |
| Shoulder Room (1st / 2nd / 3rd Row) | 62.1 / 61.9 / 54.6 in | 62.28 / 62.17 / 57.72 in |
| Max. Cargo Volume | 85.8 cu ft | 97.6 cu ft |
2026 Ford Explorer vs. 2026 Chevy Traverse Performance & Specs
Regarding performance, we find the Ford Explorer taking the win over the Chevy Traverse, thanks to its available engine. The Chevy Traverse comes standard with a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine in every trim – it makes 328 horsepower and 326 pound-feet of torque. While this output is more than the standard Explorer engine, it's not by much. The 2026 Explorer SUV's 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine puts out 300 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque.
The Traverse has no other engine option, but the Explorer offers an available 3.0-liter V-6 unit, which churns out a mighty 400 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque. So, if power is your priority, the Ford Explorer with an available V-6 engine takes the crown.
Ford Explorer vs. Chevy Traverse Towing Capacity
If you're the type of driver who desires the ability to bring along a pair of Jet Skis or a small trailer for a weekend camping trip, you're probably looking for an SUV that can tackle the challenges of towing. Thankfully, both SUVs in our Ford Explorer vs. Chevy Traverse comparison are capable of towing a maximum of 5,000 pounds when properly equipped.
Although you can hop into the driver's seat of either model to enjoy this capability, you can do it with 400 horsepower at your command if you choose the Ford Explorer. Plus, the 2026 Explorer comes standard with Trailer Sway Control and Trailer Coverage that works seamlessly with the vehicle's BLIS system – systems you won't get with the 2026 Traverse. Contact our Wallace Ford of Kingsport dealership to learn more about the Explorer's capability.
2026 Ford Explorer vs. 2026 Chevy Traverse Fuel Economy
Saving money at the gas pump is easier with the 2026 Ford Explorer. At its maximum, it offers an EPA-estimated 20/29/24 MPG (City/Highway/Combined);3 this is achieved with the standard 2.3-liter engine option and RWD.
Meanwhile, the Chevy Traverse gets up to an EPA-estimated 20/26/22 MPG (City/Highway/Combined)4 with its 2.5-liter engine and FWD. Opting for AWD in either configuration brings a slight drop in fuel economy, but the trade-off is enhanced handling and traction.
Ford Explorer vs. Chevy Traverse Size & Dimensions
The Ford Explorer and Chevrolet Traverse are both three-row SUVs, but their seating layouts differ. The Explorer comes standard with a seven-occupant layout but offers seating for six with second-row captain's chairs in place of the three-person bench. On the other hand, the Traverse has a standard seven-occupant capacity but can accommodate up to eight people.
In terms of dimensions, the Chevy Traverse is longer and wider than the Ford Explorer, which can make it harder to maneuver in tight locations. Meanwhile, the Explorer uses its size and dimensions wisely and still manages to provide more than 85 cubic feet of maximum cargo volume for all your gear. The Traverse has a slight edge in this department, as it offers 97.6 cubic feet of maximum cargo space.
2026 Ford Explorer vs. 2026 Chevy Traverse Safety & Driver Assistance
As modern vehicles, the Explorer and Traverse are replete with safety and driver-assistance systems. The 2026 Explorer comes standard with the Ford Co-Pilot360™ Assist+ suite of technologies, which includes the following:
- Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop and Go
- Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) with Cross-Traffic Alert
- Exit Warning
- Trailer Coverage
- Lane-Keeping System
- Hill Start Assist
- Rearview Camera
- Auto Headlamps with Auto High Beams
- Pre-Collision Assist with Pedestrian Detection and Automatic Emergency Braking
- Forward Collision Warning and Dynamic Brake Support
- Post-Collision Braking
- Evasive Steering Assist
- Intersection Assist 2.0
- Rear Cross-Traffic Braking
- Reverse Parking Assist
The Chevy Traverse comes equipped with a similar suite, but there are some discrepancies. For instance, the Explorer has standard Evasive Steering Assist, Exit Warning, and Trailer Coverage (in tandem with the BLIS system) – features that aren't offered for the Traverse. The Traverse has a unique system or two of its own, but overall, it comes with fewer standard technologies.
In terms of off-road safety and protection, the Explorer has the upper hand again. Not only does it come standard with a Terrain Management System and front skid plates, but it also offers rear skid plates, splash guards, and Hill Descent Control as available. Does the Traverse keep up? Not exactly. Out of all the above-mentioned Explorer features, the Traverse only has splash guards and Hill Descent Control available.
Ford Explorer vs. Chevy Traverse Reliability
Both the new Ford Explorer for sale and the Chevy Traverse operate with a safety-first mentality, but what about reliability? Both models are rugged and built to last, but the Explorer has received higher accolades from the International Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
IIHS awarded the Ford Explorer with the Top Safety Pick+ designation for the 2025 and 2026 model years.5 While the 2026 IIHS rating for the Chevrolet Traverse isn't available at the time of this writing (November 2025), we can look at its 2025 designation – the 2025 Chevrolet Traverse earned the Top Safety Pick award.5 This is a prestigious acknowledgement to be sure, but it's not as highly covered as the Explorer's Top Safety Pick+ award.5
See the Ford Explorer at Wallace Ford of Kingsport Today
So, who comes out ahead in our Ford Explorer vs. Chevy Traverse comparison? In terms of power, fuel efficiency, size, and safety, we say the 2026 Explorer. While the 2026 Traverse is a worthy opponent, it fails to provide a well-rounded experience like the Explorer. You can experience the Ford Explorer and its several other benefits here at our auto dealership today, where we frequently offer new Ford specials.
If you're interested in taking the next step, you can apply for financing on our website or in person. We look forward to working with you soon.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which SUV has a better infotainment system: the Ford Explorer or Chevrolet Traverse?
The two vehicles in our Ford Explorer vs. Chevy Traverse comparison offer sophisticated interior appointments, including large infotainment systems. The Ford Explorer has a 13.2-inch touchscreen with the Ford Digital Experience, featuring Bluetooth®, Apple CarPlay®, Android Auto™, Google services, and Alexa® Built-In. The Traverse offers a 17.7-inch touchscreen with many of the same connectivity features, but it does not offer Alexa® Built-In.
Which SUV offers more engine power: the 2026 Chevrolet Traverse or the 2026 Ford Explorer?
When comparing the standard engine options, the Chevy Traverse offers just a pinch more power than the Ford Explorer – 28 horsepower and 16 pound-feet of torque. However, the 2026 Explorer boasts an available 3.0-liter V-6 engine worth 400 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque. The Traverse only has one engine choice, which produces far less power than the available Ford powertrain.
For a spacious third-row option, should I choose the 2026 Ford Explorer or the Chevrolet Traverse?
Both the 2026 Ford Explorer and Chevy Traverse offer a spacious cabin, with dimensions rivaling each other in many categories. Features are also similar, but the Explorer has some advantages. For instance, the Explorer offers available third-row USB-C ports; the Traverse only has USB ports in the first two rows. Discover what else the Explorer has in store with a member of our Wallace Ford of Kingsport team.
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1When properly equipped. See dealer for details.
2Before you buy a vehicle or use it for trailering, carefully review the Trailering section of the Owner's Manual. The weight of passengers, cargo and options or accessories may reduce the amount you can tow.
3EPA-estimated city/hwy mpg for the model indicated. See fueleconomy.gov for fuel economy of other engine/transmission combinations. Actual mileage will vary. On plug-in hybrid models and electric models, fuel economy is stated in MPGe. MPGe is the EPA equivalent measure of gasoline fuel efficiency for electric mode operation.
4EPA-estimated 20 city/26 hwy 2.5-liter turbo four-cylinder.
5Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this award, visit www.iihs.org.