2026 Chevrolet Traverse vs. Ford Explorer
Buy the Traverse if you carry people and cargo: it has a roomier third row, more cargo space behind that third row, and a wider, flatter load floor. Buy the Explorer if you tow or want a rear-drive-based feel — its 5,600-lb tow rating and available V6 beat the Traverse's four-cylinder-only lineup.
Specs side by side
| Spec | 2026 Chevrolet Traverse Z71 AWD | 2026 Ford Explorer Active 4WD |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP (trim tested) | ~$52,000 (Z71 AWD) | ~$43,000 (Active 4WD) |
| Engine | 2.5L turbo I-4 | 2.3L turbo I-4 (3.0L V6 available) |
| Horsepower | 328 hp | 300 hp (400 hp V6) |
| Torque | 326 lb-ft | 310 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 10-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | AWD | RWD-based, 4WD available |
| Seating | 7 or 8 | 6 or 7 |
| Max towing | 5,000 lb | 5,600 lb |
| Cargo behind 3rd row | 22.9 cu ft | 16.5 cu ft |
| Max cargo | 97.6 cu ft | 87.8 cu ft |
| EPA combined | Approx. 21 mpg | Approx. 23 mpg |
Buy the Traverse if…
- Families who actually use the third row weekly
- Big-box runs and stroller-plus-groceries cargo days
- Buyers who want mild off-road looks with the Z71 package
Buy the Explorer if…
- Towing a small boat or camper up to 5,600 lb
- Drivers who prefer a rear-drive-based feel
- Shoppers who want a V6 upgrade path
The verdict
Both are honest three-row family SUVs, but they win on different ground. The Traverse is the packaging champion — it swallows more behind the third row than the Explorer does, and the third row is genuinely adult-usable. The Explorer drives smaller than it is and tows more. Price the exact trims side by side before you sign: a loaded Traverse Z71 lands well above an Explorer Active.
Watch the full walkarounds: 2026 Chevrolet Traverse Z71 AWD and 2026 Ford Explorer Active 4WD.
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