2026 Ford Explorer vs 2026 Chevy Traverse

When shopping for an SUV, you have a wide range of options available, making it easier to find something that is perfect and has everything you need. While small SUVs are great for a lot of people, if you have a large or growing family, then a three-row SUV like the Ford Explorer could be the best choice for you. You know we love the Explorer and everything it brings to the road, and when you compare it to the competition, it is easy to see why. Looking at the 2026 Ford Explorer vs 2026 Chevy Traverse, we can see that the Ford model delivers superior performance, incredible off-road capabilities, and much more for you to enjoy each day.

In terms of performance, it should be no surprise that Ford provides remarkable engines designed to enhance every moment you spend behind the wheel of the Explorer. For one thing, you have two engines available for the Explorer, which makes it easier to get exactly what you want, while Chevy offers just one powertrain for the Traverse. The 328-hp engine in the Chevy Traverse is adequate and slightly more powerful than the standard engine in the Explorer, but it cannot match the available 400-hp engine that Ford offers. What’s more, you can get superior fuel efficiency with the Explorer’s standard engine compared to the Traverse, so you can focus on gas mileage or power to get what you want from your SUV.

Although Chevy offers numerous trim levels for the Traverse, we find that what Ford provides with the Explorer gives you better options to get what you want. For one thing, higher trims for the Explorer can have its enhanced engine for superior performance, which you cannot find with the Chevy. Going even further, the Explorer Tremor trim transforms this three-row SUV into a fantastic off-road machine that is perfect for weekend camping. Chevy offers a Z71 trim for the Traverse that has some off-road functionality, but it cannot compete with everything Ford provides to make the Tremor an amazing choice for your family’s next outdoor adventure.

Performance

Engines and performance might not be the first things some people think of when considering an SUV, especially smaller models; however, with a three-row SUV, these details are very important. The last thing you ever want is a vehicle that feels weak or underpowered on the road, which is even more of a concern as your SUV gets bigger. Both the Explorer and Traverse are three-row SUVs, so while they are not quite as large as some full-size models, they are still quite spacious and heavy. That is why you want a powerful engine to go along with them. While both of these vehicles have powertrains that can get the job done, Ford definitely offers more.

The Traverse’s Sole Engine Option

For one thing, the Chevy Traverse has only one engine available, which would be alright if it were especially powerful, but it is not. Chevy provides a 2.5L turbocharged I-4 engine for the 2026 Traverse, which offers 328 hp and 326 lb-ft of torque. This is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, which provides decent overall responsiveness and performance, although it is not exceptional. Both front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) are available for the Traverse, which is nice, but there is no option if you want more power.

The Explorer Offers Two Engine Options

The Ford Explorer has two engines available, starting with a 2.3L EcoBoost turbocharged I-4 engine that provides 300 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque. You can see that this is slightly less powerful than what Chevy offers, but Ford pairs it with a 10-speed automatic transmission that we prefer for its enhanced responsiveness and more refined handling. Where Ford goes above and beyond is by offering you an available 3.0L EcoBoost turbocharged V6 engine that delivers an impressive 400 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque. You can see that this far surpasses what Chevy has available, plus this also comes with the 10-speed automatic to take your daily drive to the next level. You can choose either FWD or AWD with the Explorer and both engines.

Fuel Efficiency

When choosing your next SUV, the type of performance you can expect is undeniably important, as it significantly impacts your daily road experience. Just as important, however, is the fuel efficiency and gas mileage you can get since better efficiency keeps you on the road longer and makes it easier to handle everything you need to do.

The Traverse’s Fuel Economy

With its single engine, the Traverse gets an estimated 20 MPG in the city, 26 MPG on the highway, and 22 MPG of combined gas mileage when looking at a model with FWD. Choosing AWD reduces gas mileage for most vehicles: the Traverse with AWD gets an estimated 20 MPG in the city, 24 MPG on the highway, and 21 MPG of combined gas mileage. That is not a huge difference when compared to an FWD model, but you can see that highway driving is directly impacted.

The Explorer Offers a More Efficient Ride

Looking at the 2026 Ford Explorer, we find a three-row SUV that gives you better gas mileage as you drive each day, especially if you spend a lot of time on the highway (rather than in stop-and-go city driving). With its standard engine, the Explorer gets an estimated 20 MPG in the city, 29 MPG on the highway, and 24 MPG of combined fuel efficiency on a model with FWD; going with AWD lowers that slightly to 27 MPG on the highway and 23 MPG of combined gas mileage.

You can see that is quite a bit better than the Traverse with its engine, ensuring you can take care of everything you need to do with fewer stops for gas. This also makes the Explorer, with its standard engine, an ideal choice for long road trips where you spend a lot of time on highways. So, if that is something you enjoy with your family, then this is the clear choice.

Off-Road Capabilities

Both the Chevy Traverse and the Ford Explorer are available with a number of different trim levels designed to provide various types of driving experiences. We love seeing this kind of freedom, even with the Traverse, since anything that gives drivers more options when shopping for a vehicle is a win for everyone. We just wish that Chevy differentiated their trim levels in a more refined way; for example, the Traverse RS sounds like it should have boosted performance due to the RS name, but it has the same standard engine. In contrast, the Explorer ST delivers the upgraded power that you would expect from that trim name, which is what we like to see.

The Explorer Tremor Is Ready for Adventure

This difference extends to other trims too, particularly the models for each of these SUVs designed with outdoor adventures in mind. Looking at the Ford Explorer Tremor, it provides you with a fantastic off-road SUV that has plenty of room inside even for big families. For starters, you can get the powerful 3.0L V6 engine on the Tremor, providing you with upgraded performance on the road and the trail. The Tremor also comes with a Torsen limited-slip rear axle for better traction and handling on dirt roads (or when going off-road), along with an off-road-tuned suspension that features an increased ride height compared to other Explorer models. And with front and rear deflector plates that provide underbody protection, the Explorer Tremor is ready to tackle the roughest terrain.

The Traverse’s Z71 Trim Falls Short When Getting Off the Pavement

By comparison, the Chevy Traverse Z71 trim should deliver remarkable off-road performance, but ultimately falls a bit short. For one thing, it has the same standard engine as other Traverse models, with nothing else available (a flaw we have already discussed), so it can feel a bit lacking when out on the trail. Chevy does provide an advanced AWD system for the Z71, which is beneficial, and it features large wheels with all-terrain tires (you can also opt for all-terrain tires on the Explorer Tremor). The independent suspension on the Traverse Z71 is also nice, but ultimately, the Tremor feels better when it comes to leaving the city behind and enjoying the great outdoors.

Get More With the Ford Explorer

We would never say the Chevy Traverse is a bad three-row SUV; it simply cannot keep up with everything Ford offers. The Explorer offers more engine options, including superior performance, improved fuel efficiency with its standard engine, and exceptional off-road capabilities with the remarkable Tremor trim. We did not even get into the spacious interior, comfortable seating, and innovative technology that you can get for the Explorer, including Ford’s BlueCruise hands-free driving system. All of this comes together to create a truly special SUV.

If you are ready to see everything the Explorer has to offer for you and your family, then we are here at DePaula Ford to help you find what you have been looking for. One of our friendly and knowledgeable salespeople will work closely with you to explore different Ford models, consider what each one brings to the road, and help you find the perfect ride to meet your needs. We also ensure that the financing process is simple and hassle-free for you. Additionally, our certified service center and Ford parts department are here to keep your SUV in great shape for many years to come. Call or come visit us at DePaula Ford today to see the Explorer and the rest of the Ford lineup for yourself, and then drive away in something you love.