The 2026 Ford Explorer® and 2026 Chevy Traverse are family-friendly three-row SUVs designed to take on all your daily driving needs. With plenty of exciting interior amenities, the latest technologies, and capable engines, both SUVs are sure to impress. So, which one is right for you? See them put head-to-head with this 2026 Ford Explorer vs. 2026 Chevy Traverse comparison created for you by the team at Westfield Ford in Countryside, IL.
Find the Explorer in our inventory and see if any offers interest you. You can also visit our Explorer review for a general look at performance and key features. Get behind the wheel by scheduling a test drive and experience the Explorer firsthand. We’re always happy to help, so feel free to contact us online or over the phone at (866) 306-5556.
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2026 Ford Explorer
The 2026 Ford Explorer and 2026 Chevy Traverse have modern, commanding exteriors sure to turn heads. You can find 18-, 20-, or 21-inch wheel designs on the Ford Explorer, and 18- or 22-inch wheels on the Chevy Traverse. Utilize available LED lighting, including headlamps and fog lamps, on both SUVs. If you’re planning on driving adventurously, the Ford Explorer has available steel underbody protection. You can easily access your cargo space in either SUV with an available power liftgate on the Ford Explorer or the available AutoSense power liftgate on the Chevy Traverse.
Available Explorer exterior features include:
2026 Ford Explorer
2026 Ford Explorer
Enjoy next-level comfort on every journey with the exceptional interior amenities of the 2026 Ford Explorer and 2026 Chevy Traverse. Relax with help from plush seat upholstery materials, including unique cloth, ActiveX, and leather in the Ford Explorer or premium cloth, Evotex, or perforated leather in the Chevy Traverse. The Ford Explorer uniquely has next-level adjustability and comfort with the available multicontour front seats with Active Motion® massage capability. The Ford Explorer and Chevy Traverse both have available heated and ventilated front seats and heated second-row seats for keeping you and your family cozy year-round.
Available Explorer interior features include:
You can keep yourself and your family connected on the go with the intuitive technology inside the 2026 Ford Explorer and 2026 Chevy Traverse. Access your favorite apps and features on the Ford Digital Experience and its 13.2-inch touchscreen in the Ford Explorer, or the 17.7-inch advanced infotainment display in the Chevy Traverse. If you’re looking to enjoy your favorite music or podcasts, consider the Ford Explorer and its available 14-speaker B&O Sound System by Bang & Olufsen® or the Chevy Traverse and its available Bose® premium 12-speaker audio system.
Available Explorer technology features include:
The 2026 Ford Explorer and 2026 Chevy Traverse are equipped with capable engines ready to help you take on a wide range of driving tasks, from commutes to road trips to weekend adventures. There are two engines available in the Ford Explorer, which include the 300-horsepower 2.3L EcoBoost® inline four-cylinder (I4) and 400-horsepower 3.0L EcoBoost V6 engines. Meanwhile, the Chevy Traverse has a 2.5L turbo engine that makes 328 horsepower. Both SUVs have exciting performance features available, including off-road-tuned or sport-tuned suspension on the Explorer, and a standard ride and handling suspension on the Traverse. The Ford Explorer is ready to go further with a maximum 29 highway MPG, compared to up to 26 highway MPG with the Chevy Traverse.
View engine specifications in the following table.
| 2026 Ford Explorer | 2026 Ford Explorer | Model | 2026 Chevy Traverse |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.3L EcoBoost I4 | 3.0L EcoBoost V6 | Engine | 2.5L turbo four-cylinder |
| 300 HP | 400 HP | Horsepower | 328 HP |
| 310 lb.-ft. | 415 lb.-ft. | Torque | 326 lb.-ft. |
| Ten-speed automatic | Ten-speed automatic | Transmission | Eight-speed automatic |
| RWD / intelligent 4WD | RWD / intelligent 4WD | Drivetrain | FWD / AWD |
| 20 / 29 | 18 / 25 | MPG (City/Hwy) | 20 / 26 |
| 5,000 lbs. | 5,000 lbs. | Max. Towing Capacity | 5,000 lbs. |
Thanks to their three-row design, the 2026 Ford Explorer and 2026 Chevy Traverse have roomy, family-friendly interiors. Both can seat up to seven passengers with two front bucket seats, two second-row captain’s chairs, and a third-row bench seat. They also each have the option for a second-row bench seat instead of captain’s chairs, letting them seat up to eight passengers. When you need to handle groceries, bags, and other storage needs, you can fold down the second- and third-row seats in the Explorer for up to 85.8 cubic feet of cargo volume, or 98 cubic feet in the Traverse.
View interior specifications in the following table.
| 2026 Ford Explorer | Model | 2026 Chevy Traverse |
|---|---|---|
| 198.7 in. | Exterior Length | 204.7 in. |
| Seven or eight | Seating Capacity | Seven or 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. |
| 16.3 cu.-ft. | Cargo Volume Behind Third Row | 22.9 cu.-ft. |
| 46 cu.-ft. | Cargo Volume Behind Second Row | 56.6 cu.-ft. |
| 85.8 cu.-ft. | Max. Cargo Volume | 98 cu.-ft. |
2026 Ford Explorer
2026 Ford Explorer
The 2026 Ford Explorer and 2026 Chevy Traverse are packed with the latest safety features, all ready to enhance your confidence. Both SUVs are equipped with expansive safety suites, with Ford Co-Pilot360® in the Explorer and Chevy Safety Assist in the Traverse. You’ll find rearview cameras, collision avoidance, and blind spot detection available on either vehicle, as well as more advanced driver assistance systems, including the Explorer and BlueCruise hands-free highway driving and Super Cruise driver assistance technology in the Traverse. Enhance your awareness with available next-level camera systems, including a 360-degree camera in the Explorer and an HD surround vision in the Traverse. The Explorer uniquely has the Intersection Assist 2.2 system available to help you react to changing traffic conditions.
Available Explorer safety features include:
The 2026 Ford Explorer and 2026 Chevy Traverse can seat up to seven passengers with second-row captain’s chairs, or up to eight with a second-row bench seat.
The 2026 Ford Explorer features a taller space with 38.9 inches of headroom and 31.8 inches of legroom in the third row, while the 2026 Chevy Traverse third row has 38.2 inches of headroom and 32.1 inches of legroom. Behind the third row, the Explorer can handle up to 16.3 cubic feet of cargo volume, while the Traverse can store up to 22.9 cubic feet.
Should you decide the 2026 Ford Explorer is the right SUV for you, find it here at Westfield Ford in Countryside, IL. Browse through our extensive inventory selection and choose your ideal Explorer. If you have any questions, you’re welcome to contact us online or over the phone at (866) 306-5556.
