2026 Chevy Traverse vs. 2026 Ford Explorer® | Sedalia, MO
Finding the right three-row SUV to complement your family’s on-the-go style is important. When it comes to performance, comfort, capability, and versatility, consider either the 2026 Chevy Traverse or the 2026 Ford Explorer®. Each delivers the robust power, premium interior amenities, generous passenger and cargo space, and the latest in advanced technology you need for your daily commutes and extended road trip adventures. Compare the features of both mid-size SUV models to discover which is the right fit for your lifestyle. Learn more about each model with this detailed comparison guide prepared by the team at W-K Chevrolet.
For a more in-depth overview of the Chevy Traverse and its key features, refer to our comprehensive review.
View our inventory to find your preferred Chevy Traverse trim at our dealership in Sedalia, MO; match it with one of our attractive offers to secure a competitive rate. Reach out to us with any questions you may have — call us at (660) 826-8320 or contact us online.
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2026 Chevy Traverse
2026 Chevy Traverse vs. 2026 Ford Explorer Engines & Performance
From everyday commutes to taking the family cross-country, the 2026 Chevy Traverse and 2026 Ford Explorer both feature lively engine options to suit a wide range of driving preferences. The Chevy Traverse features a 2.5L turbo four-cylinder engine producing 328 horsepower, which is a slight increase over the standard Explorer engine, and is mated with an eight-speed automatic transmission. City MPG is comparable for both models, with the standard Explorer engine offering a modest increase in highway MPG. The Explorer features two robust engine options, including an available V6 that achieves 400 horsepower; both are matched with a ten-speed automatic transmission. Each SUV model has a 5,000-pound towing capacity.
Compare engine specifications for both models.
| 2026 Model | Chevy Traverse | Ford Explorer | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 2.5L turbo four-cylinder | 2.3L EcoBoost® I4 | 3.0L EcoBoost V6 |
| Horsepower | 328 HP | 300 HP | 400 HP |
| Torque | 326 lb.-ft. | 310 lb.-ft. | 415 lb.-ft. |
| MPG (City/Hwy) | 20 / 26 | 20 / 29 | 19 / 25 |
| Max. Towing | 5,000 lbs. | ||
| Transmission | Eight-speed automatic | Ten-speed automatic | |
| Drivetrain | FWD / AWD | RWD / 4WD | |
2026 Chevy Traverse vs. 2026 Ford Explorer Exterior Design
Featuring bold, contemporary exterior styling, the 2026 Chevy Traverse and the 2026 Ford Explorer stand out. Each offers available 18- or 20-inch wheels, while the Traverse adds available 22-inch wheels and the Explorer offers optional 21-inch wheels. LED headlights and taillights come standard on both models. A hands-free power liftgate is standard on the Traverse and available on the Explorer. Select trims for either model feature black exterior accents. Signature LED lighting and integrated fog lamps are equipped on the Explorer. A panoramic power sunroof is available on the Traverse, and a panoramic fixed-glass moonroof with a power shade is optional on the Explorer.
Shared available exterior design features include:
- 18- or 20-in. wheels
- LED headlamps and taillamps
- Heated, power-folding outside mirrors with integrated turn signal indicators
- Power liftgate
- Rain-sensing windshield wipers
- Roof rack side rails
Available 2026 Chevy Traverse exterior features include:
- 22-in. wheels
- LED lighting with walk-up and exit animation
- Blacked-out exterior accents
- Panoramic power sunroof
Available 2026 Ford Explorer exterior features include:
- 21-in. wheels
- LED signature lighting and fog lamps
- Panoramic fixed glass moonroof with power shade
- Class III Trailer Tow Package
2026 Chevy Traverse
2026 Chevy Traverse
2026 Chevy Traverse vs. 2026 Ford Explorer Interior Design
Find spacious interiors and a range of comfort-focused appointments in the 2026 Chevy Traverse and 2026 Ford Explorer. Cloth and leather seat upholstery options are available in both models, while the Traverse also offers available Evotex upholstery and the Explorer features ActiveX® upholstery with available multicontour front seats and Active Motion® massage function. Heated front seats and a heated steering wheel are standard in the Traverse and available in the Explorer. Ventilated front seats and heated second-row seats are available in each SUV.
Shared interior design features include:
- Cloth or leather seat upholstery
- Heated and ventilated front seats
- Heated second-row seats
- Power-folding third-row seat
- Heated, flat-bottom steering wheel
- Tri-zone automatic climate control
- Ambient interior lighting
- Remote start
- Active noise cancellation
Available Chevy Traverse interior design features include:
- Evotex seat upholstery
- Eight-way power driver’s seat with two-way power lumbar
- Six-way power front passenger’s seat
- Four-way power front seat lumbar support
- Second-row bench seat or bucket seats
- Power tilt and telescoping steering column
Available Ford Explorer interior design features include:
- ActiveX/cloth or ActiveX seat upholstery with Miko® inserts
- Ten-way power driver’s seat
- Eight-way power front passenger’s seat
- Multicontour front seats with Active Motion
- Second-row captain’s seats with E-Z Entry and armrests or 35/30/35-split second-row bench seat
- Leather-wrapped steering wheel
- Auto-dimming rearview mirror
2026 Chevy Traverse vs. 2026 Ford Explorer Size & Cargo Space
Designed to accommodate life on the move, both the 2026 Chevy Traverse and 2026 Ford Explorer feature spacious three-row cabins with generous accommodations for passengers and cargo alike. The lengthier Traverse seats up to eight passengers, compared to seven in the Explorer. Front- and third-row legroom is comparable in both models, but the Traverse offers nearly four inches of increased second-row legroom over the Explorer. The Traverse prevails when it comes to cargo space, besting the Explorer with nearly 12 cubic feet of additional cargo space when the second- and third-row seats are folded down.
Compare interior specifications for both models.
| Chevy Traverse | 2026 Model | Ford Explorer |
|---|---|---|
| 204.4 in. | Length | 198.7 in. |
| 121 in. | Wheelbase | 119.1 in. |
| Eight | Max. Seating | Seven |
| 42.6 / 39.9 / 38.2 in. | Headroom (First/Second/Third Row) | 40.7 / 40.5 / 38.9 in. |
| 44.2 / 41.4 / 32.1 in. | Legroom (First/Second/Third Row) | 43 / 37.5 / 31.8 in. |
| 97.6 / 56.6 / 22.9 cu.-ft. | Cargo Space (Max./Behind Second Row/Behind Third Row) | 85.8 / 46 / 16.3 cu.-ft. |
2026 Chevy Traverse
2026 Chevy Traverse
2026 Chevy Traverse vs. 2026 Ford Explorer Technology
Access to your contacts, essential apps, and favorite music on the go is simple in the 2026 Chevy Traverse and 2026 Ford Explorer. A 17.7-inch advanced infotainment display with Google built-in is standard in the Traverse, while a 12.3-inch instrument panel productivity screen and a 13.2-inch infotainment touchscreen are standard in the Explorer. Dynamic sound quality is at your command in the Traverse with its available 12-speaker Bose® premium audio system; the Explorer features an available 14-speaker B&O Sound System by Bang & Olufsen® with a subwoofer. Wireless phone charging is available only in the Traverse.
Shared technology features include:
- SiriusXM® with 360L capability
- USB ports
- Universal garage door opener
Available Chevy Traverse technology features include:
- 11-in. driver information center
- 17.7-in. multimedia touchscreen display
- 12-speaker Bose premium audio system with a subwoofer
- Navigation capability
- Google built-in compatibility
- Wireless phone charging
- Wi-Fi® hotspot capability
- Rear camera mirror
Available Ford Explorer technology features include:
- 12.3-in. instrument cluster display
- Ford Digital Experience with 13.2-in. infotainment display
- B&O Sound System by Bang & Olufsen with 14 speakers, including subwoofer
- Wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™
- 4G/5G modem
- HD Radio™
- 110V/150W AC power outlet
2026 Chevy Traverse vs. 2026 Ford Explorer Driver Assist & Safety Features
Designed with driver awareness in mind, the 2026 Chevy Traverse and 2026 Ford Explorer each offer an impressive lineup of advanced safety and driver-assistance technologies. The Chevy Safety Assist suite is standard in the Traverse, with the Ford Co-Pilot360® Assist+ suite standard in the Explorer. Both models feature a multitude of innovations like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping capability, automatic emergency braking, reverse park assist, surround view camera, and a rearview camera. Each SUV is equipped with available hands-free highway driving technology, including Super Cruise® in the Traverse and Ford BlueCruise in the Explorer.
Shared safety functions include:
- Adaptive cruise control
- Automatic emergency braking
- Rearview camera
- 360-degree camera
- Lane keeping system
- Rear cross-traffic braking
- Rear parking sensors
- Speed sign recognition
- Auto high-beam headlights
Available Chevy Traverse safety features include:
- Blind zone steering assist
- Intersection automatic emergency braking
- Super Cruise hands-free driving technology
- LED reflective windshield collision alert
- Front pedestrian and bicyclist braking
- Side bicyclist alert
- Hill descent control
- Rear pedestrian alert
- Enhanced automatic park assist
- Driver attention assist
- Safety alert seat
- Hitch guidance with hitch view
Available Ford Explorer safety features include:
- BLIS® (blind spot information system)
- Intersection assist
- Post-collision braking
- Front parking sensors
- AdvanceTrac® with RSC® (Roll Stability Control™)
- Ford BlueCruise hands-free highway driving
New Chevy Traverse for Sale in Sedalia, MO
Find the new Chevy Traverse for sale at W-K Chevrolet. Browse our inventory to find the Traverse trim your family will love. Schedule a test drive at our Chevy dealership in Sedalia, MO; match it with an attractive offer that works with your budget. Questions? Give us a call at (660) 826-8320 or message us online.
May not represent actual vehicle. (Options, colors, trim and body style may vary)
The Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price excludes tax, title, license, dealer fees and optional equipment. Dealer sets final price.