2026 Ford Explorer® vs. Chevy Traverse | Interior, Performance, & Cargo Space
Driven by what matters most, the 2026 Ford Explorer® and 2026 Chevy Traverse are both top-notch family SUVs. Because space matters, both models come with three rows of seating and versatile cargo accommodations. Tech fills both cabins, with large displays and supportive safety options. And, responsive powertrains keep you moving forward with confidence and towing potential in either model. So, what differentiates these models? Find out with the following 2026 Ford Explorer vs. Chevy Traverse research guide created by the team at Imlay City Ford.
If you find that the Explorer is an ideal SUV for your family’s needs, take the next step in your research process with our model review, or compare features with each model option using our Explorer trims page.
Ready to take the Explorer for a drive? Browse our available inventory in Imlay City, MI, and set up a test drive appointment at your convenience. For more information about a specific model, contact our Ford SUV pros online or by calling (810) 642-5900.
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2026 Ford Explorer
2026 Ford Explorer vs. Chevy Traverse Engines & Performance
Dynamic performance awaits whether you pick the 2026 Ford Explorer or 2026 Chevy Traverse. Two distinct engine options are available in the Explorer. Harness 300 horsepower with the standard 2.3L EcoBoost® inline four-cylinder (I4) and enjoy up to 29 MPG on the highway. For a more power- and performance-oriented drive, opt for an Explorer with the 3.0L EcoBoost V6. It fuels exciting performance on the road with 400 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque. Both engines are mated to a ten-speed automatic transmission and are ready for family vacations with a 5,000-pound maximum towing capacity.
Every Traverse is outfitted with a 2.5L turbo four-cylinder engine. Its 328-horsepower output is slightly more than the standard Explorer engine, but less powerful than the 3.0L EcoBoost. City fuel economy with the Traverse engine is comparable to both Explorer engines, but highway fuel efficiency is lower than the standard Explorer powertrain. The Traverse gets a standard eight-speed automatic transmission and is rated to tow up to 5,000 pounds.
Compare the performance specs for the Explorer and Traverse engines below.
| 2026 Model | Ford Explorer | Chevy Traverse | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 2.3L EcoBoost I4 | 3.0L EcoBoost V6 | 2.5L turbo four-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 300 HP | 400 HP | 328 HP |
| Torque | 310 lb.-ft. | 415 lb.-ft. | 326 lb.-ft. |
| MPG (City/Hwy) | 20 / 29 | 19 / 25 | 20 / 26 |
| Max. Towing | 5,000 lbs. | ||
| Transmission | Ten-speed automatic | Eight-speed automatic | |
| Drivetrain | RWD / 4WD | FWD / AWD | |
2026 Ford Explorer vs. Chevy Traverse Interior & Technology
Sophisticated comfort and connectivity options work together to help you and your crew enjoy every drive in the 2026 Ford Explorer and 2026 Chevy Traverse. Features you’ll find in both models include a heated steering wheel and tri-zone climate control for chilly Michigan winters, and ventilated front seats for the summer. Premium branded audio systems, including a 14-speaker B&O Sound System by Bang & Olufsen® on the Explorer and 12-speaker Bose® system on the Traverse, are available for a concert-like listening experience on your next excursion.
Ford uniquely offers the Explorer with Active Motion® front seat massage capabilities for comfort, and a 13.2-inch touchscreen with wireless smartphone connectivity for everyday ease of use. Unique interior features with the Traverse include a 17.7-inch multimedia touchscreen display with built-in Google capabilities and a wireless phone charger.
Shared interior and technology features include:
- Cloth or leather seat upholstery
- Heated and ventilated front seats
- Heated second-row seats
- Power-folding third-row seat
- Heated steering wheel
- Tri-zone automatic climate control
- Ambient interior lighting
- Remote start
- Active noise cancellation
- SiriusXM® with 360L capability
- USB ports
- Universal garage door opener
Unique Ford Explorer interior and technology features include:
- ActiveX®/cloth or ActiveX seat upholstery with Miko® inserts
- Ten-way power driver’s seat
- Eight-way power front passenger’s seat
- Multicontour front seats with Active Motion
- Second-row captain’s seats with E-Z Entry and armrests or 35/30/35-split second-row bench seat
- 12.3-in. instrument cluster display
- Ford Digital Experience with 13.2-in. infotainment display
- B&O Sound System by Bang & Olufsen with 14 speakers, including subwoofer
- Wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™
- 4G/5G modem
- HD Radio™
- 110V/150W AC power outlet
- Leather-wrapped steering wheel
- Auto-dimming rearview mirror
Unique Chevy Traverse interior and technology features include:
- Evotex seat upholstery
- Eight-way power driver’s seat with two-way power lumbar
- Six-way power front passenger’s seat
- Four-way power front seat lumbar support
- 11-in. driver information center
- 17.7-in. multimedia touchscreen display
- 12-speaker Bose premium audio system with a subwoofer
- Navigation capability
- Google built-in compatibility
- Wireless phone charging
- Wi-Fi® hotspot capability
- Power tilt and telescoping steering column
- Rear camera mirror
2026 Ford Explorer
2026 Ford Explorer
2026 Ford Explorer vs. Chevy Traverse Size & Cargo Capacity
A moderate difference in overall size may help you differentiate between the 2026 Ford Explorer and 2026 Chevy Traverse. Overall, the Traverse is slightly larger than the Explorer, measuring in at just over 6 inches longer. Inside, maximum seating in the Explorer is seven, while the Traverse can seat up to eight. With the rear seats folded down, the Explorer provides up to 85.8 cubic feet of cargo space, while the Traverse has 98 cubic feet of cargo volume.
Compare the size differences and interior capacity for the Explorer and Traverse with the accompanying specs.
| Ford Explorer | 2026 Model | Chevy Traverse |
|---|---|---|
| 198.7 in. | Length | 204.4 in. |
| Seven | Max. Seating | Eight |
| 40.7 / 40.5 / 38.9 in. | Headroom (First/Second/Third Row) | 42.6 / 39.9 / 38.2 in. |
| 43 / 37.5 / 31.8 in. | Legroom (First/Second/Third Row) | 44.2 / 41.4 / 32.1 in. |
| 85.8 / 46 / 16.3 cu.-ft. | Cargo Space (Max./Behind Second Row/Behind Third Row) | 98 / 56.6 / 22.9 cu.-ft. |
2026 Ford Explorer vs. Chevy Traverse Safety Features
State-of-the-art safety features surround you in both the 2026 Ford Explorer and 2026 Chevy Traverse. Both SUVs support your family road trips with standard adaptive cruise control or optional hands-free highway driving capabilities. You can also expect a number of similar safety functions like automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping support, and available 360-degree camera coverage. BLIS® (blind spot information system) is a unique Explorer safety feature, and it comes with cross-traffic alert, exit warning, and trailer coverage, ideal for spotting and avoiding hazards outside your line of sight while you’re on your next vacation. The Traverse uniquely provides access to features like blind zone steering assistance and an enhanced automatic park assist system for added convenience.
Shared safety functions include:
- Adaptive cruise control
- Automatic emergency braking (Pre-Collision Assist® in Explorer)
- Lane keeping system
- Rear cross-traffic braking
- Rear parking sensors
- Hands-free highway driving (BlueCruise hands-free highway driving in Explorer)
- Rearview camera
- 360-degree camera
- Speed sign recognition
- Auto high-beam headlights
Unique Ford Explorer safety features include:
- BLIS with cross-traffic alert, exit warning, and trailer coverage
- Intersection assist
- Post-collision braking
- Front parking sensors
Unique Chevy Traverse safety features include:
- LED reflective windshield collision alert
- Hitch guidance with hitch view
- Blind zone steering assist
- Intersection automatic emergency braking
- Safety alert seat
- Front pedestrian and bicyclist braking
- Side bicyclist alert
- Hill descent control
- Rear pedestrian alert
- Enhanced automatic park assist
- Driver attention assist
May not represent actual vehicle. (Options, colors, trim and body style may vary)