2026 Ford Explorer® vs. Chevy Traverse | Barrington, IL
Ensure your entire crew stays comfortable and connected on the way to every practice, game, or vacation with the 2026 Ford Explorer® or 2026 Chevy Traverse. Each of these three-row SUVs is made with everyday utility in mind, with spacious and accessible seating, large digital displays, and responsive performance. However, their unique size differences, distinctive features, and performance options may make one a stronger choice for your busy days behind the wheel. Learn more about what makes the Explorer and Traverse different from each other with this in-depth comparison from the team at Wickstrom Ford.
To continue researching the Explorer, we’ve created other resources as well, including an Explorer review with key specs and colors, and an Explorer trims page with detailed trim-by-trim breakdowns of the standard equipment in this impressive SUV.
Once you find that the Explorer is ideally suited for you and your family’s driving needs, take the next step in the shopping process and stop by for a test drive. See which trims we have in the new inventory at our Barrington, IL, dealership and schedule an appointment to get started.
If you encounter any questions along the way, connect with your dedicated Wickstrom Ford representative for the answers and personalized guidance. This streamlined one-person approach to automotive shopping is just one of the commitments we make to you as part of The Wickstrom Way. Start the conversation by sending us a message or by calling (847) 381-8850.
Quick Jump
Navigate to a specific research section to learn more:
2026 Ford Explorer
2026 Ford Explorer vs. Chevy Traverse Engines & Performance
Robust engine options carry you and your family throughout your daily routine in the 2026 Ford Explorer and 2026 Chevy Traverse.
The Explorer offers two different engines. In most trims, a 2.3L EcoBoost® inline four-cylinder (I4) engine is standard, making 300 horsepower and achieving up to 29 highway MPG. An optional 3.0L EcoBoost V6 engine elevates power output to 385 horsepower, while still getting up to 25 highway MPG. Both Explorer engines can tow up to 5,000 pounds, and are paired with a ten-speed automatic transmission.
Every Chevy Traverse is equipped with a 2.5L turbocharged engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission that makes 328 horsepower. The maximum fuel economy rating is 26 highway MPG, and the maximum towing number is identical to that of the Explorer, a 5,000-pound capacity.
Compare the Explorer and Traverse engines with the accompanying specs.
| Model | 2026 Ford Explorer | 2026 Chevy Traverse | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 2.3L EcoBoost I4 | 3.0L EcoBoost V6 | 2.5L turbo |
| Horsepower | 300 HP | 385 HP | 328 HP |
| Torque | 310 lb.-ft. | 415 lb.-ft. | 326 lb.-ft. |
| MPG (city/hwy) | 20 / 29 | 18 / 25 | 20 / 26 |
| Max. Towing | 5,000 lbs. | ||
| Drivetrain | RWD / 4WD | FWD / RWD | |
| Transmission | Ten-speed automatic | Eight-speed automatic | |
2026 Ford Explorer vs. Chevy Traverse Exterior Design
Designed with ruggedly good looks and plenty of practical features, the 2026 Ford Explorer and 2026 Chevy Traverse are meant to be noticed. Shared features include standard 18-inch wheels, LED headlamps, and a factory-installed trailer hitch.
When you choose the Explorer, standard equipment includes a manual liftgate and LED taillamps. Higher trim levels add adaptive headlamps, a power liftgate, steel under-body protection, and LED fog lamps for extra utility.
Standard Traverse exterior features include an AutoSense rear liftgate and roof-mounted side rails; trim levels higher in the lineup include 22-inch wheels and animated lighting.
Shared exterior features include:
Standard:
- 18-in. aluminum wheels
- Auto on/off LED headlamps
- Heated, power side view mirrors
- Rear privacy glass
- Factory-installed trailer hitch
Available with higher trims:
- All-terrain tires
- Rain-sensing windshield wipers
- Power-folding side view mirrors with memory and driver's side automatic dimming
Unique Ford Explorer features include:
Standard:
- LED taillamps
- Manual liftgate
- Four-door Intelligent Access
Available with higher trims:
- 20- or 21-in. wheels
- Adaptive headlamps
- LED fog lamps
- LED signature lighting
- Side view mirrors with Autofold and security approach lamps
- Steel under-body protection
- Power liftgate
- Roof rack side rails
Unique Chevy Traverse features include:
Standard:
- AutoSense power liftgate
- Roof-mounted side rails
Available with higher trims:
- 22-in. wheels
- LED taillamps
- Heated wiper park
- Headlamp and taillamp walk-up/exit animation and sequential turn signals
2026 Ford Explorer
2026 Ford Explorer
2026 Ford Explorer vs. Chevy Traverse Interior Design
When comfort and convenience are some of your top priorities, the 2026 Ford Explorer and 2026 Chevy Traverse come designed to impress, with well-equipped interior layouts. Shared features include standard tri-zone automatic climate control in even trim, along with premium features like ventilated front seats, leather seat upholstery, and power-folding third-row seats in the higher trim levels.
Several high-end interior features are unique to higher Explorer trims, including ActiveX® seat upholstery with Miko® inserts, Active Motion® front-seat massage settings, an auto-dimming rearview mirror and an optional panoramic glass roof.
Distinctive interior features with the Traverse include standard heated front seats and a heated steering wheel. Unique features in higher trims range from the power tilt and telescoping steering column to the optional power panoramic sunroof.
Shared exterior features include:
Standard:
- Four-way manual front passenger’s seat
- Tri-zone automatic climate control
Available with higher trims:
- Leather seat upholstery
- Ventilated front seats
- Heated second-row seats
- Power-folding third-row seats
- Ambient interior lighting
Unique Ford Explorer features include:
Standard:
- Unique cloth seat upholstery
- Six-way power driver’s seat
- Second-row captain’s seats with E-Z Entry and armrests
- Third-row 50/50 split-fold bench seat
Available with higher trims:
- ActiveX/cloth or ActiveX with Miko insert seat upholstery
- Ten-way power driver’s seat
- Eight-way power front passenger’s seat
- Heated front seats
- Multicontour front seats with Active Motion
- Heated, leather-wrapped steering wheel
- Auto-dimming rearview mirror
- Remote start system
Optional:
- Panoramic fixed glass roof
- Premium leather seat upholstery
Unique Chevy Traverse features include:
Standard:
- Premium cloth seat upholstery
- Eight-way power driver’s seat with two-way power lumbar
- Heated front seats and steering wheel
- Third-row 60/40-split fold-flat seat
- Remote start
Available with higher trims:
- Six-way power front passenger’s seat
- Driver’s seat memory settings
- Rear camera mirror
- Power tilt and telescoping steering column
- Key card
Optional:
- Panoramic power sunroof
2026 Ford Explorer vs. Chevy Traverse Size & Cargo Space
As three-row SUVs, the 2026 Ford Explorer and 2026 Chevy Traverse both offer generous space for family and friends alike. The Explorer can seat up to seven with its optional second-row bench seat equipped, while the Traverse seats up to eight with the same option. Overall, the Traverse is slightly larger than the Explorer and offers slightly more legroom and maximum cargo space. The Explorer offers slightly more second-row headroom.
Compare the Explorer and Traverse dimensions with the accompanying specs.
| 2026 Ford Explorer | Model | 2026 Chevy Traverse |
|---|---|---|
| 198.7 / 78.9 / 69.9 in. | Length / Width / Height | 204 .4 / 79.5 / 69.5 in. |
| Seven | Max. Seating | Eight |
| 40.7 / 40.5 / 38.9 in. | Headroom (First / Second / Third Row) | 42.6 / 39.9 / 38.2 in. |
| 42.9 / 37 / 31.8 in. | Legroom (First / Second / Third Row) | 44.2 / 41.6 / 32.1 in. |
| 85.8 / 46 / 16.3 cu.-ft. | Cargo Space (Max. / Behind Second Row / Behind Third Row) | 97.6 / 56.6 / 22.9 cu.-ft. |
2026 Ford Explorer
2026 Ford Explorer
2026 Ford Explorer vs. Chevy Traverse Technology
Designed for modern families, the 2026 Ford Explorer and 2026 Chevy Traverse both include large displays, high-end sound systems, and plenty of ways to keep your devices charged. Six total USB ports, Wi-Fi® hotspot capability, and a six-speaker sound system are shared features in both model lineups.
The Explorer is built with a standard 12.3-inch instrument cluster display and 13.2-inch infotainment display, while higher trim levels add a B&O Sound System by Bang & Olufsen® with 14 speakers for a dynamic listening experience.
Standard technologies in the Traverse include wireless charging and a 17.7-inch multimedia touchscreen. The premium sound system in its higher trim level is a 12-speaker Bose® premium system.
Shared exterior features include:
Standard:
- Wi-Fi hotspot capability
- Six first- and second-row USB ports
- SiriusXM® with 360L capability
- Six speakers
Available with higher trims:
- Active noise cancellation
- Universal home remote
Unique Ford Explorer features include:
Standard:
- 12.3-in. instrument cluster display
- Ford Digital Experience with 13.2-in. infotainment display
Available with higher trims:
- Active noise cancellation
- Third-row USB ports
- B&O Sound System by Bang & Olufsen with 14 speakers, including subwoofer
- HD Radio™
- 110V/150W AC power outlet
Unique Chevy Traverse features include:
Standard:
- 11-in. driver information center
- 17.7-in. multimedia touchscreen display
- Navigation capability
- Google built-in compatibility
- Wireless phone charging
Available with higher trims:
- 12-speaker Bose premium audio system with a subwoofer
- 120V power outlet
2026 Ford Explorer vs. Chevy Traverse Driver Assist & Safety Features
When the 2026 Ford Explorer or 2026 Chevy Traverse has your family onboard, their advanced collections of safety features work to keep everyone safe. Their shared features include a long list of standard systems, including adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assistance, and rear cross-traffic braking support. Higher trims add hands-free highway driving capabilities and a visibility-boosting 360-degree camera system.
Features unique to the Explorer include standard BLIS® (blind spot information system) with trailer coverage and speed sign recognition, helping make it a strong option for family vacations with a trailer in tow.
The Traverse is built with standard blind zone steering assistance, as well as a safety alert seat. Higher trims add an automatic park assist system.
Shared exterior features include:
Standard:
- Adaptive cruise control
- Forward collision alert, following distance technology, pedestrian and cyclist detection, and automatic emergency braking (Pre-Collision Assist® in Explorer)
- Auto high-beam headlights
- Intersection assistance technology with automatic braking
- Lane keeping system
- Rear cross-traffic braking
- Rear parking sensors
- Rearview camera
Available with higher trims:
- 360-degree camera
- Hands-free highway driving capability (Ford BlueCruise in Explorer)
Unique Ford Explorer features include:
Standard:
- BLIS with cross-traffic alert, exit warning, and trailer coverage
- Post-collision braking
- Speed sign recognition
Available with higher trims:
- Front parking sensors
Unique Chevy Traverse features include:
Standard:
- LED reflective windshield collision alert
- Blind zone steering assist
- Safety alert seat
- Side bicyclist alert
Available with higher trims:
- Rear pedestrian alert
- Traffic sign recognition
- Enhanced automatic park assist
- Driver attention assist
New Ford Explorer for Sale in Barrington, IL
Visit Wickstrom Ford and discover the Ford Explorer that matches you and your family’s active lifestyle. We carry a wide range of new Explorer trims at our Ford dealership in Barrington, IL; once you pick out an option that you like, schedule a test drive for a closer look. For answers to any questions, contact us online or by calling (847) 381-8850.
How can we help?
* Indicates a required field