2026 Chevrolet Traverse vs. 2026 Ford Explorer: Three-Row SUV Comparison
For families across Dallas cross-shopping three-row SUVs, the 2026 Chevrolet Traverse and the 2026 Ford Explorer land on most short lists. The Traverse leads decisively on interior volume, maximum seating, and standard screen size. The Explorer counters with a broader trim range and a more powerful optional engine. Here is how the two compare on the specifications that actually shape a daily driver.
Cargo and Passenger Space: The Traverse’s Clearest Advantage
Interior room is where the gap between these two SUVs is widest, and it favors Chevrolet in every measurement that matters to a family.
Per Chevrolet, the 2026 Traverse holds 22.9 cubic feet behind the third row, 56.6 cubic feet behind the second, and a maximum of 97.6 cubic feet with both rear rows folded flat. Ford lists the 2026 Explorer at 16.3 cubic feet behind the third row, 46 cubic feet behind the second, and a maximum of 85.8 cubic feet on the Active 100A, Active, and ST-Line, or 85.3 cubic feet on the Tremor, Platinum, and ST. That is roughly 6.6 additional cubic feet of everyday grocery-and-stroller space in the Traverse with all three rows occupied, and nearly 12 additional cubic feet at maximum load.
Seating follows the same pattern. The Traverse LT offers a no-cost second-row bench that raises capacity to eight passengers; the Z71, High Country, and RS seat seven with second-row captain’s chairs. The Explorer seats six with second-row captain’s chairs, which are standard on every model except the ST-Line; the 35/30/35 second-row bench that raises capacity to seven is standard on the ST-Line and available on every model except the Tremor, which is offered only as a six-passenger. For a household that regularly carries a full load of kids and their gear, the Traverse offers one more seat at the top end and meaningfully more room behind them.
| Specification | 2026 Chevrolet Traverse | 2026 Ford Explorer |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum Seating | Up to 8 (LT with available second-row bench) | Up to 7 (with second-row bench; Tremor seats 6) |
| Cargo Behind Third Row | 22.9 cu ft | 16.3 cu ft |
| Cargo Behind Second Row | 56.6 cu ft | 46 cu ft |
| Maximum Cargo Volume | 97.6 cu ft | 85.8 cu ft (85.3 cu ft on Tremor, Platinum, ST) |
For a deeper look at how each Traverse configuration is equipped, see our 2026 Chevrolet Traverse overview.
Powertrain and Performance
The Traverse uses a single powertrain across every trim: a turbocharged 2.5L four-cylinder producing 328 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 326 lb-ft of torque at 3,500 rpm, paired with an eight-speed automatic. Front-wheel drive is standard on LT, High Country, and RS; all-wheel drive is available on those trims and standard on the Z71, which uses an advanced twin-clutch system.
The Explorer takes a two-engine approach. Ford lists a 2.3L EcoBoost four-cylinder rated at 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft as standard on Active 100A, Active, ST-Line, Tremor, and Platinum, and a 3.0L EcoBoost V6 rated at 385 horsepower and 415 lb-ft as standard on the ST and available on the Tremor. Both engines pair with a ten-speed automatic, with rear-wheel drive standard and Intelligent 4WD available.
The honest read: against the engine most Explorer shoppers will actually buy, the Traverse holds a 28-horsepower advantage and delivers it through the entire lineup at no upcharge. If maximum output is the priority, the Explorer ST’s V6 exceeds the Traverse, but it sits at the top of the Ford range rather than the middle of it. Both SUVs are rated to tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped.
| Specification | 2026 Chevrolet Traverse | 2026 Ford Explorer |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Engine | 2.5L turbocharged 4-cylinder | 2.3L EcoBoost turbocharged 4-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 328 hp @ 5,500 rpm | 300 hp |
| Torque | 326 lb-ft @ 3,500 rpm | 310 lb-ft |
| Available Engine | None — one powertrain across the lineup | 3.0L EcoBoost V6, 385 hp / 415 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 10-speed automatic |
| Standard Drivetrain | Front-wheel drive (AWD available; standard on Z71) | Rear-wheel drive (Intelligent 4WD available) |
| Maximum Towing | 5,000 lbs | 5,000 lbs |
Maximum towing and payload capacity figures are based on properly equipped vehicles and vary by configuration. Do not exceed any weight rating. See your owner’s manual and the vehicle’s door-jamb label for specific capacities.
Trim Lineups Compared
2026 Chevrolet Traverse Trims
The 2026 Traverse is offered in four trims. The LT is the value entry point and the only trim with the eight-passenger bench option. The Z71 is the off-road variant, adding Terrain Mode, Hill Descent Control, the twin-clutch all-wheel-drive system, off-road suspension, a skid plate, and all-terrain tires. The High Country is the comfort-focused trim, adding perforated leather seating, ventilated front seats, chrome exterior accents, 22-inch machined-face wheels, and power-folding second- and third-row seats. The RS shares the High Country’s equipment but trades chrome for blackout styling, 22-inch high-gloss black wheels, a flat-bottom steering wheel, and available Torch Red interior accents.
Starting MSRP below reflects front-wheel drive on the LT, High Country, and RS. All-wheel drive is available on those three trims and comes standard on the Z71.
| 2026 Traverse Trim | Starting MSRP | Starting MSRP with All-Wheel Drive | Positioning |
|---|---|---|---|
| LT | $42,795 MSRP | $44,795 MSRP | Value entry point; only trim offering the eight-passenger bench |
| Z71 | $50,895 MSRP | All-wheel drive included at this price | Off-road: twin-clutch AWD, Hill Descent Control, all-terrain tires |
| High Country | $57,095 MSRP | $59,095 MSRP | Premium comfort: perforated leather, ventilated front seats, chrome accents |
| RS | $57,395 MSRP | $59,395 MSRP | Sport appearance: blackout styling, 22-inch gloss-black wheels |
Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for new vehicles includes manufacturer and distributor options and delivery, process and handling fees, which may be subject to change at any time. MSRP excludes taxes, title, license and dealer installed options, accessories, fees and charges. MSRP is not the dealer advertised price. Dealer price will vary. The dealer sets the final price.
2026 Ford Explorer Trims
The Explorer lineup is broader, spanning six trims: Active 100A, Active, ST-Line, Tremor, Platinum, and ST. The Tremor is new for 2026 and adds genuine off-road hardware including a Torsen limited-slip rear differential, all-terrain tires, skid plates, and 8.7 inches of ground clearance. The Platinum is the luxury-oriented trim and the ST is the performance flagship. Explorer pricing varies enough by configuration and package that we are not publishing per-trim figures here; the Explorer’s entry point does start below the Traverse’s, and that difference narrows quickly once comparable equipment is added.
Trim-by-trim Traverse equipment and current pricing is broken out in full on our 2026 Traverse trims and pricing page.
Technology and Connectivity
Every 2026 Traverse, including the entry LT, comes standard with a 17.7-inch diagonal touchscreen and an 11-inch diagonal Driver Information Center. That is among the largest standard center displays in the segment. Google built-in is standard across the lineup, bringing Google Maps, Google Play, and the Google Gemini assistant into the cabin without a phone connection, and wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto are standard as well. Six USB ports serve all three rows.
Super Cruise, GM’s hands-free driver assistance system, is included in the Enhanced Driving Package, which comes standard on the High Country and RS and is available on the LT and Z71. Chevrolet lists it as operating on more than 585,000 miles of compatible roads across the United States and Canada, with a three-year plan included. A Bose premium audio system is standard on the High Country and RS.
The Explorer’s standard technology package is competitive: a 13.2-inch touchscreen and 12.3-inch digital cluster with Ford Digital Experience and Google built-in come standard across the lineup, with wireless smartphone integration. Ford’s BlueCruise hands-free highway system comes factory-equipped with a one-year plus 90-day plan on the Platinum and ST, and is available on the ST-Line and Tremor. The Traverse’s advantage here is screen real estate and how far down the lineup its technology reaches, not the presence of the technology itself.
| Technology | 2026 Chevrolet Traverse | 2026 Ford Explorer |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Center Touchscreen | 17.7-inch diagonal | 13.2-inch diagonal |
| Standard Driver Display | 11-inch Driver Information Center | 12.3-inch digital cluster |
| Google Built-In | Standard across the lineup | Standard across the lineup |
| Wireless Apple CarPlay / Android Auto | Standard | Standard |
| Hands-Free Highway Driving | Super Cruise — standard on High Country and RS, available on LT and Z71 | BlueCruise — equipped on Platinum and ST, available on ST-Line and Tremor |
Safety Ratings and Driver Assistance
Crash Test Results
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration gave the 2026 Chevrolet Traverse a five-star overall safety rating, including five stars in both the frontal and side crash tests and four stars in the rollover test.
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety publishes the ratings below for the 2026 Traverse. IIHS tightened its award criteria for the 2026 model year, and the moderate overlap front test must now be rated Good to qualify for either award tier, so the 2026 Traverse does not carry a Top Safety Pick or Top Safety Pick+ designation. The 2025 Traverse earned Top Safety Pick under the previous criteria.
| IIHS Evaluation | 2026 Chevrolet Traverse Rating |
|---|---|
| Small overlap front | Good |
| Moderate overlap front (updated test) | Acceptable |
| Side (updated test) | Good |
| Headlights | Good |
| Front crash prevention, vehicle-to-vehicle | Good |
| Front crash prevention, pedestrian | Acceptable |
| Seat belt reminders | Marginal |
| LATCH child seat anchor ease of use | Good |
Standard Driver Assistance
Standard driver assistance on every Traverse includes Forward Collision Alert with automatic emergency braking, Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning, blind spot detection, and rear automatic braking. HD Surround Vision, which projects a 360-degree camera view onto the center screen, is available as part of the Driver Confidence Package. Every 2026 Explorer includes Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist+ as standard equipment.
Driver-assistance and advanced safety systems are supplemental aids and are not substitutes for safe and attentive driving. Availability, operation, and effectiveness vary by trim and equipment and depend on factors including road, weather, traffic, and vehicle condition. Always keep your hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road. See your owner’s manual for system limitations and details.
EPA-Estimated Fuel Economy
Compared like-for-like in all-wheel-drive form, the Explorer holds a modest efficiency advantage. The Traverse with all-wheel drive carries an EPA-estimated 21 MPG combined. Ford lists the Explorer with the 2.3L EcoBoost and Intelligent 4WD at an EPA-estimated 23 MPG combined.
Two-wheel-drive versions of both SUVs carry higher EPA-estimated ratings than their all-wheel-drive counterparts; Chevrolet lists the front-wheel-drive Traverse at an EPA-estimated 20 MPG city and 26 MPG highway. Because published city and highway splits for the all-wheel-drive Traverse vary between sources, confirm the exact EPA-estimated figures on the window sticker of the specific vehicle you are considering. Front-wheel-drive Traverse models carry a 19.4-gallon fuel tank; all-wheel-drive models carry 21.7 gallons.
If EPA-estimated highway efficiency ranks above cargo volume on your list, that gap is a real consideration.
| EPA-Estimated Rating | 2026 Chevrolet Traverse | 2026 Ford Explorer |
|---|---|---|
| Combined MPG, all-wheel drive | 21 MPG | 23 MPG |
| Standard engine | 2.5L turbocharged 4-cylinder | 2.3L EcoBoost 4-cylinder |
EPA-estimated fuel economy figures are for comparison purposes only. Your actual mileage will vary depending on driving conditions, how you drive and maintain your vehicle, battery age/condition, and other factors.
Warranty Coverage
Chevrolet backs every 2026 Traverse with the coverage below. Chevrolet also covers one maintenance visit within the first year of vehicle delivery, which consists of an oil change, a tire rotation, and a Multi-Point Vehicle Inspection, per Chevrolet Certified Service.
| Coverage | Term |
|---|---|
| Bumper-to-bumper limited warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
| Powertrain limited warranty | 5 years / 60,000 miles |
| Rust-through corrosion protection | 6 years / 100,000 miles |
| Roadside assistance | 5 years / 60,000 miles |
| Complimentary first maintenance visit | One visit within the first year of vehicle delivery |
This information is provided for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Warranty coverage depends on the specific terms of your vehicle’s warranty agreement. Consult your owner’s manual or a qualified legal professional for guidance on your individual situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which SUV offers more passenger seating and cargo space?
The 2026 Chevrolet Traverse. It holds 22.9 cubic feet behind the third row and up to 97.6 cubic feet with both rear rows folded, compared with 16.3 and 85.8 cubic feet respectively for the 2026 Ford Explorer. The Traverse LT seats up to eight with the available second-row bench; the Explorer seats up to seven.
Does the 2026 Chevrolet Traverse have more horsepower than the 2026 Ford Explorer?
It depends on the Explorer’s engine. The Traverse produces 328 horsepower and 326 lb-ft of torque from its 2.5L turbocharged four-cylinder across every trim. The Explorer’s standard 2.3L EcoBoost produces 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft, giving the Traverse a 28-horsepower advantage. The Explorer’s available 3.0L EcoBoost V6, standard on the ST, produces 385 horsepower and exceeds the Traverse.
Is hands-free highway driving available on the 2026 Chevrolet Traverse?
Yes. Super Cruise is included in the Enhanced Driving Package, which is standard on the High Country and RS trims and available on the LT and Z71. It operates on more than 585,000 miles of compatible roads in the United States and Canada and includes a three-year plan.
What are the trim options for the 2026 Chevrolet Traverse?
The 2026 Traverse is offered in four trims: LT, Z71, High Country, and RS. The Z71 comes exclusively with all-wheel drive; the LT, High Country, and RS are front-wheel drive with all-wheel drive available. Current MSRP by trim is listed in the pricing table above.
Where can I test drive the 2026 Chevrolet Traverse in Dallas?
At Galleria Chevrolet, 4747 Lyndon B Johnson Freeway, Dallas, TX 75244. Call our sales team at (972) 763-5444 for showroom hours or to arrange a test drive.
The Verdict for Dallas Shoppers
If your decision comes down to how much you can carry and how many people you can seat, the 2026 Chevrolet Traverse is the stronger choice. It holds more cargo in every configuration, offers an eighth seat the Explorer cannot match, puts a 17.7-inch touchscreen in the base trim, and delivers 328 horsepower without asking you to move up the lineup for it.
Galleria Chevrolet stocks the 2026 Traverse across the lineup at 4747 Lyndon B Johnson Freeway in Dallas. More Chevrolet model research is available on our Chevy research hub.
Disclaimers
Maximum towing and payload capacity figures are based on properly equipped vehicles and vary by configuration. Do not exceed any weight rating. See your owner’s manual and the vehicle’s door-jamb label for specific capacities.
Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for new vehicles includes manufacturer and distributor options and delivery, process and handling fees, which may be subject to change at any time. MSRP excludes taxes, title, license and dealer installed options, accessories, fees and charges. MSRP is not the dealer advertised price. Dealer price will vary. The dealer sets the final price.
Driver-assistance and advanced safety systems are supplemental aids and are not substitutes for safe and attentive driving. Availability, operation, and effectiveness vary by trim and equipment and depend on factors including road, weather, traffic, and vehicle condition. Always keep your hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road. See your owner’s manual for system limitations and details.
EPA-estimated fuel economy figures are for comparison purposes only. Your actual mileage will vary depending on driving conditions, how you drive and maintain your vehicle, battery age/condition, and other factors.
This information is provided for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Warranty coverage depends on the specific terms of your vehicle’s warranty agreement. Consult your owner’s manual or a qualified legal professional for guidance on your individual situation.
