2026 Ford Explorer vs. 2026 Chevrolet Traverse
| Features | 2026 Ford Explorer | 2026 Chevrolet Traverse |
|---|---|---|
| Drivetrain | Rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive | Front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive |
| Engine power | 300 hp @ 5500 rpm | 328 hp @ 5500 rpm |
| Engine torque | 311 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm | 326 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm |
| Engine displacement | 2.3 liter | 2.5 liter |
| Engine configuration | inline-4 | inline-4 |
| Transmission | 10-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| City/Hwy/Combined MPG | 20/29/24 | 19/24/21 |
| Fuel Capacity | 18.6 gallons | 19.4 gallons |
| Driving Range (city/hwy) | 372/540 miles | 388/504 miles |
2026 Ford Explorer Comparison to the 2026 Chevrolet Traverse
Even if you need a three-row SUV to transport your family around Clinton, IA, you still want enough power for merging and passing on the highway. The 2026 Ford Explorer gives you the best of both worlds - with a spacious interior and plenty of get-up-and-go when you need it. The 2026 Chevy Traverse has abundant passenger and cargo space, but it can't match the Explorer's performance. At Clinton Ford Lincoln, we want our customers to be completely satisfied with their vehicle, so we created the following comparison to help you choose between these midsize SUVs.
Performance and Capabilities
If you'd like an SUV that's a cinch to merge onto busy highways and pass slower traffic, choose the 2026 Ford Explorer. It offers you a choice of two muscular turbocharged powertrains, including a four-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower and a V6 generating 400 horsepower. Getting from 0 to 60 MPH only takes 5.1 seconds in Explorer models equipped with the V6 engine.
The 2026 Chevy Traverse only offers one engine. Its 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder powertrain makes 328 horsepower. Going from 0 to 60 MPH requires 7.3 seconds in the Traverse.
If you frequently pull boats or trailers behind your SUV, the 2026 Ford Explorer is a smart choice. It comes standard with a Class III Trailer Tow Package, allowing it to tow 5,000 pounds.
The 2026 Chevy Traverse does not come standard with a tow package, limiting it to a 1,500-pound towing capacity. Adding the available Trailering package boosts its towing capacity to 5,000 pounds.
The 2026 Ford Explorer is a joy to drive on winding roads around Clinton, IA. Its responsive steering and firm braking keep it composed around turns. The Explorer's compliant suspension gives it a calm, gentle ride on paved streets.
The 2026 Chevy Traverse rides comfortably over most surfaces, but it lacks driving verve. The Traverse doesn't deliver the agile handling you get with the Explorer.
With the widely fluctuating gas prices, you'll want an SUV with the best fuel economy possible. Despite its size, the 2026 Ford Explorer returns a respectable 20 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway in rear-wheel drive models.
The similarly sized 2026 Chevy Traverse achieves 20 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway in its standard front-wheel drive configuration.
Technology and Amenities
The 2026 Ford Explorer and Chevy Traverse have similar infotainment setups, but the Explorer comes standard with keyless entry and start for your convenience.
The 2026 Chevy Traverse does not come standard with keyless entry and ignition.
The Explorer comes standard with Ford's Co-Pilot360 Assist+ suite of advanced driver assistance features for safer, easier driving in the city. Its evasive steering assistance technology enhances the forward collision mitigation system with steering-based collision avoidance.
The 2026 Chevy Traverse also offers a wide array of standard safety features, but evasive steering assistance is not included.
Test Drive a 2026 Ford Explorer at Clinton Ford Lincoln
If you'd prefer an SUV that accommodates your family comfortably while also delivering energetic acceleration and nimble handling, the 2026 Ford Explorer fits the bill. To discover the Explorer's exciting performance and gratifying features for yourself, stop by Clinton Ford Lincoln for a test drive today.
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Clinton Ford Lincoln
2850 Valley West Drive
Clinton, IA 52732
- Sales: (888) 675-2891
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