A Three-Row SUV Showdown: The 2026 Explorer vs the 2026 Traverse
An increasing number of drivers have discovered the benefits of driving a three-row SUV. This is especially true of families who often need the extra row of seats for the kids and their friends. Two of the most popular ones are the Ford Explorer and the Chevy Traverse. These two midsize, three-row SUVs provide a convenient way for families to get around in a safe and economical manner. However, in comparing the 2026 Ford Explorer vs 2026 Chevy Traverse, you find that the Ford gives you more options at a more cost-effective price, making it an ideal choice for drivers looking to get a roomy vehicle for themselves and their loved ones.
Drivers can find the 2026 Ford Explorer for sale at DePaula Ford. We are a Ford dealership with an unrivaled selection of new and used Ford models, including the 2026 Explorer. This allows you to find the Explorer you want with the features you desire, as the Explorer offers more options and choices of equipment than other three-row SUVs, such as the Chevy Traverse. This helps you get the SUV you want, one that provides what you are looking for in a vehicle.
The Explorer Offers You More Engine Options
The key to your vehicle’s performance is its powertrain. This combination of engine and transmission will govern such things as speed, acceleration, and fuel economy. Many automakers, such as Chevy, have chosen to offer their vehicles with a standard powertrain across all trim levels of a model. This is the case with the 2026 Traverse.
The Traverse Gives You One Engine Across the Lineup
Regardless of which trim you choose, you will get a three-row SUV equipped with a 2.5-liter turbocharged I-4 gasoline engine. This comes with an eight-speed automatic transmission. This has a dual overhead camshaft (DOHC) design, with 16 valves for its four cylinders. It also has variable valve timing to improve efficient performance, using direct fuel injection to deliver 328 hp and 326 lb-ft of torque.
The Explorer Gives You Two Engine Options
Having a standard powertrain for every trim in a specific model is great for the automaker, as it helps the brand save money in production. But it isn’t always the best thing for a driver like you. This is why Ford gives you the choice of engine on the 2026 Explorer. Depending on which trim you choose, you will get a powerful engine on your Explorer, equipped with a 10-speed automatic transmission.
Most trims of the 2026 Explorer come with an efficient 2.3-liter EcoBoost turbocharged I-4 gas engine. This is slightly smaller than the standard engine on the Traverse. However, it still provides an impressive output: 300 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque, using direct fuel injection. If you want a little more speed and acceleration, you can opt for an ST, Platinum, or Tremor trim on your Explorer. These trims feature a larger 3.0-liter EcoBoost twin-turbocharged V6 gas engine that delivers an impressive 400 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque.
A Roomy Interior to Explore
Both the 2026 Ford Explorer and the 2026 Chevy Traverse give drivers a roomy interior that will seat up to seven passengers. This will give you the ability to take the kids on school runs, sports team practices, and fun-filled family outings. However, the Explorer will give you a little more interior space for your passengers to stretch out and enjoy the ride.
The two models have fairly comparable numbers when it comes to headroom and legroom, with the Explorer offering more second-row headroom than the Traverse, while the Traverse provides second-row passengers with more legroom. Nevertheless, if you opt for the Explorer, your passengers are sure to feel a little more comfortable. This is because the Explorer gives you more hip room in the first and second rows, so you won’t feel squeezed like you might in a Traverse, especially if all seven seats are occupied.
Explore More Trims and a Better Price Point
Drivers who are thinking of buying a 2026 Ford Explorer are sure to appreciate having six different trims to choose from. The model starts with the entry-level Active 100A, moves to the Active and ST-Line, before getting to the three top trims, the off-road-ready Tremor, the sporty ST, and the luxurious Platinum.
In contrast, you only have four trims to choose from on the 2026 Chevy Traverse. The base model is the LT, followed by the off-road Z71, the elegant High Country, and the RS sports model. This gives you fewer options when buying an SUV, which makes it more difficult to find one with the features you want.
There is also a clear price differential between the two three-row SUVs. The 2026 Explorer Active 100A has a base MSRP of $38,465, significantly less than the base MSRP of $40,800 on the 2026 Traverse LT.[a] In fact, the Explorer Active has a lower MSRP than the base model of the Traverse, starting at $40,585.[a] This price differential is seen throughout the various trim levels of the two models. For example, the Explorer Platinum has an MSRP of $50,965, which is much less than the MSRP of $55,100 on the comparable High Country trim of the 2026 Explorer.[a] This means that you can get a 2026 Explorer for less than you will pay for a similarly equipped version of the 2026 Chevy Traverse, helping you save money on your next three-row SUV.
Explore the Latest Technology
Staying safe, connected, and entertained is something that families are looking for in an SUV. They want the peace of mind that comes from having a technologically advanced vehicle that will make sure they get wherever they are going safely. Fortunately, this is the case with both the 2026 Ford Explorer and the 2026 Chevy Traverse. The Explorer has the Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist+ suite of active driver assistance and safety features, while the Traverse comes with the Chevy Safety Assist system. Each of these has comparable features that will help you avoid getting into an accident by alerting you to potential hazards so you can take evasive action to avoid a collision or reduce the impact of one.
You also get the kind of technology you need to stay connected and entertained wherever you go. Each vehicle allows you to connect your smartphones using wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, so you can access the system to make hands-free calls and texts while streaming your favorite music, even if you left your phone’s charging cables at home. So, you can get the technology you want in an Explorer without having to pay more to drive a Traverse.
Make Your Next SUV a 2026 Ford Explorer
The 2026 Ford Explorer gives you more options and choices than you will find on a 2026 Chevy Traverse, including an extra engine option, while offering you a lower price point. This allows you to enjoy the comparable features of the two vehicles, like a roomy interior and advanced safety and connectivity technology, without having to go outside of your budget. This is why you should make the 2026 Ford Explorer your next midsize, three-row SUV.
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