2026 Chevrolet Traverse vs. Ford Explorer
The 2026 Chevrolet Traverse and the Ford Explorer both promise room for the whole family, but that promise plays out differently once you're behind the wheel. Comparing the two three-row SUVs side by side is the only way to know which one truly works for your household. Moran Chevrolet in Clinton Township, MI, breaks down where our SUV pulls ahead in the details that matter most to a growing family.
Standard Engine Output
A turbocharged 2.5-liter engine powers every 2026 Chevrolet Traverse, producing 328 horsepower and 326 lb-ft of torque through an 8-speed automatic transmission. That output tops the standard 2.3-liter EcoBoost® four-cylinder in the Ford Explorer, which produces 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque with a 10-speed automatic transmission. More power comes standard in the Chevrolet Traverse before you ever step up to an optional engine, trim, or package.
Seating for Up to Eight Passengers
Eight seats fit inside the Chevrolet Traverse LT when you add the available second-row bench, while Z71, RS, and High Country trims seat seven in a more upscale arrangement. The Ford Explorer tops out at seven passengers, with six-passenger layouts available on select models instead. A larger group, a full sports team, a carpool, or extended family all fit more comfortably with the extra in this new Chevrolet SUV.
Maximum Cargo Space
Up to 97.6 cubic feet of maximum cargo volume and 22.9 cubic feet behind the third row put the Chevrolet Traverse ahead on space by a wide margin. The Ford Explorer offers up to 85.8 cubic feet with the rear rows folded and 16.3 cubic feet behind its third row. Whether you fold the seats down for furniture or pack around a full third row of passengers, the Chevrolet Traverse holds more in either scenario.
Explore the Chevrolet Traverse at Moran Chevrolet
Stronger standard engine output, room for an eighth passenger, and more cargo space give the 2026 Chevrolet Traverse more to offer families than the Ford Explorer. Visit our Chevrolet dealership in Clinton Township, MI, to sit inside this three-row SUV and take a test drive. Our team can also walk you through Chevrolet financing that fits your family's budget and timeline.