Ford Explorer vs. Chevy Traverse: Which American 3-Row SUV Really Deserves Your Garage?
The three-row SUV segment defines modern American family vehicles — blending practicality, comfort, and muscle into one package. Two long-standing competitors, the Ford Explorer and Chevrolet Traverse, continue to dominate driveways and dealership lots across the country.
But in 2025–2026, both models evolve in strikingly different ways: Ford doubles down on sportiness and powertrain tech, while Chevrolet focuses on comfort, space, and simplicity.
So which one actually fits your life better? Let’s dive deep — beyond brochures and spec sheets — into what owning each of these SUVs is really like.
Powertrain and Performance: Muscle vs. Maturity
Ford Explorer (2025–2026)
Ford’s mid-cycle refresh brings a renewed focus on refinement and power efficiency. Engine choices include:
- 2.3L EcoBoost turbo-4 (300 hp) – surprisingly quick, lighter front end, better MPG
- 3.0L twin-turbo V6 (400 hp in ST trim) – raw, muscular, and thrilling
- 3.3L hybrid V6 (318 hp) – smooth and efficient for long-haul families
Towing: Up to 5,600 lbs, with trailer sway control and optional towing camera views.
Real-world feel:
The Explorer feels athletic, especially with the ST or Platinum trims. Steering has real feedback, cornering is balanced, and acceleration feels linear. However, the ride can be firm on 20-inch wheels — great for control, not for potholes.
Chevrolet Traverse (2025–2026)
Completely redesigned, the 2025–2026 Traverse surprises with a new turbocharged 2.5-liter inline-4 making 315 hp and 317 lb-ft of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic.Chevy ditched its old V6 — and while that raised eyebrows, the turbo four delivers strong low-end torque, smoother power delivery, and better fuel efficiency.
Towing: 5,000 lbs — slightly lower than the Explorer, but more than enough for small trailers or boats.
Real-world feel:
The Traverse is the quiet cruiser of the two. Its steering is lighter, suspension softer, and cabin isolation better. It doesn’t push you to drive fast — it invites you to relax.
Performance Verdict
- Explorer: The driver’s SUV — powerful, agile, and engaging.
- Traverse: The family comfort SUV — calm, quiet, and efficient.
Interior and Comfort: Function Meets Feel
Ford Explorer Interior
The Explorer’s cabin redesign focuses on a driver-centric layout. A wide 13.2-inch touchscreen, horizontal dash design, and Ford’s SYNC 4 system make tech intuitive. Materials are improved, especially on upper trims, but some plastics remain hard below knee level.
The second row can come with captain’s chairs or a bench, and the third row suits kids or teens rather than adults for long trips.
Cargo capacity: 18.2 cu ft behind the 3rd row, 47.9 behind the 2nd, 87.8 total.
Unique Insight: The Explorer’s front seat ergonomics are top-tier — the seat bottom tilts subtly during long drives to prevent hip fatigue, something you rarely find mentioned in mainstream reviews.
Chevy Traverse Interior
Chevrolet took a bold step — the new Traverse cabin feels more upscale and open than before. A massive 17.7-inch touchscreen dominates the dash, but physical controls remain for essentials like volume and climate.
The materials and stitching have improved drastically, rivaling near-luxury crossovers.
Third row: Best in class. Full stop. Adults actually fit comfortably, thanks to flat flooring and large rear doors.
Cargo capacity: 22.9 cu ft behind 3rd row, 98.0 cu ft total — the largest in its segment.
Unique Insight: The Traverse’s rear A/C system has independent air ducts per row, giving a more even cabin temperature — a small engineering touch that long-distance families will appreciate.
Interior Verdict
- Explorer: Driver-focused, modern, premium feel — but tighter in the rear.
- Traverse: Lounge-like spaciousness, intuitive controls, unbeatable third row.
Technology and Safety: Smart or Smarter?
Ford Explorer Tech
The latest SYNC 4 interface finally feels mature. Voice commands are natural, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are wireless, and Ford’s BlueCruise hands-free driving feature (on select trims) works impressively on major highways.
The Explorer also includes standard Co-Pilot360, featuring:
- Adaptive Cruise with Stop & Go
- Intersection Collision Assist
- Evasive Steering Assist
- Blind-Spot and Cross-Traffic Alerts
Chevy Traverse Tech
Chevy’s new Google-Built-In infotainment platform is arguably the cleanest in the industry. Navigation, Maps, and Assistant are native — no phone needed.It also introduces Super Cruise (hands-free on mapped highways), plus:
- Standard Adaptive Cruise
- HD 360° Camera
- Rear Pedestrian Alert
- Reverse Auto Braking (rare feature)
Tech Verdict
Both SUVs are now genuinely smart — but Chevy’s interface and camera systems are smoother. Ford’s software is more customizable but less visually elegant.
Safety and Reliability
- Both SUVs earn top crash-test ratings (IIHS and NHTSA).
- Ford’s hybrids and EcoBoost engines are proven but can be maintenance-sensitive if oil changes are skipped.
- Chevy’s new turbo engine is fresh — efficient, but its long-term reliability is still unknown.
Fuel Economy (Combined MPG)
| Model | Gas | Hybrid (Ford) |
|---|---|---|
| Explorer | 24 mpg (turbo-4) | 27 mpg (Hybrid) |
| Traverse | 23 mpg (turbo-4) | — (no hybrid yet) |
Pricing (Estimated 2025–2026)
| Trim | Ford Explorer | Chevy Traverse |
|---|---|---|
| Base | $38,000 | $37,000 |
| Mid (XLT/LT) | $42,000 | $41,000 |
| High (Platinum/Premier) | $52,000 | $50,000 |
| Sport / Off-Road | ST ($55,000) | Z71 ($52,000) |
What You’ll Love (and Hate) About Each
Ford Explorer – The Pros
- Excellent driving dynamics (RWD layout)
- Strong turbo engines and hybrid option
- High towing capacity
- Available performance-focused ST model
Ford Explorer – The Cons
- Pricier trims climb fast
- Firmer ride on big wheels
- 3rd row smaller than rivals
- Infotainment learning curve for new users
Chevy Traverse – The Pros
- Best-in-class cabin and cargo space
- Smooth, quiet ride
- Huge touchscreen with intuitive controls
- Comfortable 3rd row for adults
- Simplified powertrain = easy maintenance
Chevy Traverse – The Cons
- No hybrid or high-performance option (yet)
- Lighter steering, less sporty
- Long-term durability of new turbo engine unproven
- Slightly lower towing rating
Final Verdict: The Head vs. Heart Decision
If you’re looking for an SUV that feels built for the driver, with muscular performance, hybrid efficiency, and a touch of excitement, the Ford Explorer remains the choice. It’s more fun to drive, more configurable, and proven in long-term ownership.
But if you want a stress-free, family-first SUV — one that swallows luggage, offers genuine 3-row comfort, and never makes you think about where to plug in or how to shift driving modes — the Chevy Traverse wins hands down.
Our Take:
- Ford Explorer = for drivers who love control and power.
- Chevy Traverse = for families who value space, calm, and ease of use.