While the 2026 Ford Explorer and 2026 Chevy Traverse share familiar traits, Explorer brings its own approach to the category. Models like the new Tremor® and performance-focused ST help set it apart from this well-known rival.
2026 Ford Explorer vs 2026 Chevrolet Traverse
The Competitive Edge
(Advantages or "wins" are highlighted in bold.)
PERFORMANCE
Explorer
While the standard turbocharged 2.3L EcoBoost® I-4 engine has slightly lower ratings than the Traverse engine, Explorer offers an available upgrade, the 3.0L EcoBoost V6 engine for Tremor and ST.
Standard 2.3L Power
- 300 horsepower(1)
- 310 lb.-ft. of torque(1)
Available 3.0L Power
Vehicles built before 4/13/26
- 400 horsepower(1)
- 415 lb.-ft. of torque(1)
Vehicles built on or after 4/13/26
- 385 horsepower(1)
- 415 lb.-ft. of torque(1)
Traverse
The standard 2.5L Turbo Inline-4 is the only Traverse engine and offers:
- 328 horsepower
- 326 lb.-ft. of torque
DRIVETRAINS
Explorer
Explorer has a standard rear-wheel-drive platform, but also offers available Intelligent 4-wheel drive (4WD) on every model. Standard Intelligent 4WD on Tremor enables off-road capability and offers the following benefits on all equipped vehicles:
- Automatically balances power between the front and rear wheels based on driving conditions, whether you're on-& or off-road
Traverse
Traverse has a standard front-wheel drive system with an available all wheel-drive (AWD) option on all models and standard AWD on Z71.
NEW TREMOR
Explorer
2026 Explorer offers the Tremor model with 4WD, off-road suspension(2) and rugged all-terrain tires, plus six Selectable Drive Modes:
- Normal, Eco, Sport, Tow/Haul, Slippery, Off-Road
Here are other Tremor off-road benefits:
- Approach angle: 24.1°
- Departure angle: 23.7°
- Ground clearance: 8.7"
- Two deflector plates, front and rear
(underbody) - Auxiliary off-road lighting in grille
Traverse
Traverse offers the Z71 model with AWD as its off-road option. Here are the Z71 notes:
- Approach angle: 21°
- Departure angle: 24°
- Ground clearance: 7.76"
- One skid plate, front
- No auxiliary lighting
DRIVER-ASSIST FEATURES
Explorer
Explorer comes equipped with a full suite of driver-assist technology(3) and has these features that are not offered on Traverse:
- Post-Collision Braking
- Road Edge Detection (available)
- Side-Wind Stabilization
Traverse
Standard driver-assistance features on Traverse include:
- Adaptive Cruise Control
- Forward Collision Alert
- Following Distance Indicator
- Lane Change Alert
- Side Blind Zone Alert
- Reverse Automatic Braking
Explorer also provides the same or similar driver-assist functions.
TOWING FEATURE
Explorer
Explorer offers 5,000 lbs. max. trailering(4) capacity plus a standard towing package. Explorer also has a key trailering advantage:
- Standard BLIS® (Blind Spot Information System) with Cross-Traffic Alert and Exit Warning includes Trailer Coverage.(3)
Traverse
Traverse also offers 5,000 lbs. max. towing with trailering provisions included.
FUEL ECONOMY
Explorer
Explorer offers a slight edge on EPA estimated fuel economy with both the RWD and 4WD models:
2.3L EcoBoost I-4 (RWD)
- 20 city, 29 highway, 24 combined(5)
2.3L EcoBoost I-4 (4WD)
- 20 city, 27 highway, 23 combined(6)
Traverse
Traverse offers these EPA-estimated highway mpg ratings.
2.5L Turbo I-4 (FWD)
- 20 city, 26 highway, 22 combined
2.5L Turbo I-4 (AWD)
- 20 city, 24 highway, 21 combined
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Explorer | Traverse | |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Engine | 2.3L EcoBoost I-4
| 2.5L Turbo I-4 V6
|
| Available Performance Option | 3.0L EcoBoost V6 twin-turbo engine (included on Tremor and standard on ST) Vehicles built before 4/13/26
Vehicles built on or after 4/13/26
| Traverse does not offer an upgraded engine. |
| Transmission |
|
|
| Manual Shifting | Explorer ST has the SelectShift® system with paddle shifters mounted on the steering wheel. | Traverse does not offer this feature. |
| Max. Towing Capacity |
|
|
| Available Hill Descent Control |
|
|
| Max. Available Cargo Volume(7) (cu. ft.) |
|
|
| Passenger Volume (cu. ft.) |
| 157 |
| Power Liftgate | Available power liftgate with available Open on Approach | AutoSense power liftgate, hands-free, standard |
| Available Third-Row PowerFold® Seat | Included in the Tremor Convenience Package and Tremor Ultimate Package;standard on ST and Platinum | Included on High Country and RS |
| Seating Feature | Multicontour front seats with Active Motion® standard on Platinum;available on ST and Tremor | Traverse does not have this feature. |
| Hands-Free Driving | Ford BlueCruise available(8) | Chevy Super Cruise available |
(1) Horsepower and torque ratings based on premium fuel per SAE J1349® standard. Your results may vary.
(2) Always consult the Owner's Manual before off-road driving, know your terrain and trail difficulty, and use appropriate safety gear.
(3) Driver-assist features are supplemental and do not replace the driver's attention, judgment, and need to control the vehicle. They do not make your vehicle autonomous or replace your responsibility to drive safely. Please only use if you will pay attention to the road and be prepared to take over at any time. See Owner's Manual for details and limitations.
(4) When properly equipped. Max. towing varies based on cargo, vehicle configuration, accessories, and number of passengers.
(5) EPA-estimated rating of 20 city/29 hwy/24 combined mpg , 2.3L EcoBoost I-4 engine, 10-speed automatic transmission, RWD drivetrain. Actual mileage will vary.
(6) EPA-estimated rating of 20 city/27 hwy/23 combined mpg , 2.3L EcoBoost I-4 engine, 10-speed automatic transmission, 4WD drivetrain. Actual mileage will vary.
(7) Cargo and load capacity limited by weight and weight distribution.
(8) Available feature on Blue Cruise-equipped vehicles. BlueCruise requires a Connected Services plan and modem activation. BlueCruise driver-assist features can be activated in hands-free Blue Zones and do not replace safe driving and driver's need to control the vehicle. See ford.com/bluecruise for more details on available plans and hands-free models.
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1333 Park Avenue West
Highland Park, IL 60035
- Sales: (847) 433-7200
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