Picking Between Two Three-Row Family Haulers for 2026
Shopping for a three-row SUV that hauls kids, gear, and the occasional trailer can feel like a coin flip when two strong options sit side by side. Both of these Chevy and Ford crossovers earned their spots in driveways across the country, and each plays to a different kind of buyer. Let’s break down what sets them apart so you can walk into a showroom knowing what you want.
- The Ford brings two turbocharged engine choices and a Tremor off-road trim, while the Chevy sticks with one strong turbo four across the board.
- Chevy’s roomier cabin and bigger cargo hold make it the better pick for families who haul a lot of stuff.
- Both SUVs tow 5,000 pounds and pack hands-free highway driving tech on higher trims.
The 2026 Ford Explorer vs. Chevy Traverse matchup pits two midsize three-row SUVs that share a mission but go about it differently. One leans into driving feel and engine variety. The other doubles down on space. Which one fits comes down to a few real differences.
What’s Under the Hood
Ford gives you a choice here, and that matters. The standard 2.3L EcoBoost four-cylinder makes 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque with a 10-speed automatic. Want more muscle? Step up to the available 3.0L twin-turbo V6, which Ford markets at up to 385 horsepower. Rear-wheel drive comes standard, and four-wheel drive is available across the lineup.
Chevy keeps things simpler. Every Traverse runs a 2.5L turbocharged four-cylinder good for 328 horsepower and 326 lb-ft of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic. Front-wheel drive is standard on most trims. All-wheel drive is optional or standard, depending on the trim, and the Z71 gets AWD standard with a twin-clutch system built for light off-road work.
So the Chevy out-muscles the base Ford engine. But the Ford’s optional V6 climbs well past it for serious grunt. If you tow or like a quick highway launch, that V6 is worth a test drive.
Room for People and Cargo
Here’s where the Traverse pulls ahead for big families. Chevy seats up to eight with the second-row bench, and the cargo numbers are generous. You get 22.9 cubic feet behind the third row, 56.6 behind the second, and 98 cubic feet with everything folded flat.
The Explorer seats six or seven, depending on your second-row setup. Its cargo space measures 16.3 cubic feet behind the third row, opening up to 85.8 cubic feet with all seats down. That’s plenty for most weekend trips, but the Chevy’s extra room adds up fast once you pile in coolers, strollers, and sports gear.
Fuel Economy and Towing
The base Explorer with rear-wheel drive earns an EPA-estimated 20 mpg city and 29 mpg highway. That’s solid for a vehicle this size. Adding four-wheel drive or the V6 brings those numbers down a bit, as you’d expect.
The Traverse posts 20 mpg city and 26 mpg highway with front-wheel drive, dropping slightly with AWD. Chevy’s pressroom lists a 27 mpg highway figure, so confirm the sticker when you visit. Both SUVs tow up to 5,000 pounds. The Explorer includes a Class III Tow Package on every trim, handy if a small boat or camper is in your future.
Tech and Driver Assistance
Both SUVs come loaded with screens and safety gear. The Explorer runs a 13.2-inch center touchscreen with the Ford Digital Experience, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. BlueCruise hands-free highway driving shows up on higher trims.
Chevy answers with a big 17.7-inch touchscreen standard across every trim, Google Built-in, and the Super Cruise hands-free system on top models. Each brand stacks its lower trims with forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. You’re covered no matter which badge you choose.
2026 Ford Explorer vs. Chevy Traverse Trim Comparison
| Feature | 2026 Ford Explorer | 2026 Chevy Traverse |
| Starting MSRP | $38,465 | $40,800 |
| Base Engine | 2.3L turbo I-4 | 2.5L turbo I-4 |
| Base Horsepower | 300 hp | 328 hp |
| Available Engine | 3.0L twin-turbo V6 (up to 385 hp) | None |
| Transmission | 10-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | RWD standard, 4WD available | FWD standard, AWD available |
| Seating Capacity | 6 to 7 | 7 to 8 |
| Max Cargo Volume | 85.8 cu ft | 98 cu ft |
| EPA City/Hwy (base) | 20/29 mpg (RWD) | 20/26 mpg (FWD) |
| Max Towing | 5,000 lbs | 5,000 lbs |
| Center Touchscreen | 13.2-inch | 17.7-inch |
| Hands-Free Driving | BlueCruise | Super Cruise |
| Off-Road Trim | Tremor (4WD) | Z71 (AWD) |
Pricing reflects starting MSRP excluding destination charges. Verify current pricing and EPA figures with your dealer, since promotions and final ratings can shift.
2026 Ford Explorer Trim Ladder
| Trim | Starting MSRP | Drivetrain | Highlights |
| Active 100A | $38,465 | RWD, 4WD avail. | Co-Pilot360 Assist+, 18-inch wheels, second-row captain’s chairs |
| Active | $40,585 | RWD, 4WD avail. | Adds heated front seats, available fog lights |
| ST-Line | $45,155 | RWD, 4WD avail. | Sport styling, 20-inch wheels, heated steering wheel, Bang & Olufsen audio |
| Tremor | $48,965 | 4WD only | Off-road suspension, skid plates, all-terrain tires, ventilated and heated seats |
| Platinum | $50,965 | RWD, 4WD avail. | 14-speaker B&O audio, standard BlueCruise, 21-inch wheels, massaging front seats |
| ST | $54,905 | RWD, 4WD avail. | Standard 3.0L twin-turbo V6, quad exhaust, ambient lighting, standard BlueCruise |
2026 Chevy Traverse Trim Ladder
| Trim | Starting MSRP | Drivetrain | Highlights |
| LT | $40,800 | FWD, AWD avail. | 17.7-inch touchscreen, up to 8 seats, Chevy Safety Assist, heated front seats |
| Z71 | $48,900 | AWD standard | Twin-clutch AWD, off-road suspension, skid plate, all-terrain tires, hill descent control |
| High Country | $55,100 | FWD, AWD avail. | Leather, ventilated seats, Super Cruise, Bose audio, 22-inch wheels |
| RS | $55,400 | FWD, AWD avail. | Sport styling, blacked-out accents, flat-bottom wheel, 22-inch wheels, Super Cruise |
Explorer prices start with rear-wheel drive, with four-wheel drive adding about $2,000 on most trims. Traverse High Country and RS all-wheel-drive versions start at $57,100 and $57,400, respectively. Confirm trim pricing with your dealer.
Which One Fits Your Driveway
Your choice comes down to priorities. Pick the Explorer if you want a sportier drive, a punchy optional V6, or a real off-road option in the Tremor. It suits folks who care how a vehicle feels behind the wheel and want a trim ladder to climb. Go with the Traverse if maximum passenger and cargo room top your list, or if that giant standard touchscreen and eight-seat capacity speak to your busy household. Both are smart buys, so park them side by side and see which cabin feels like home.
See the 2026 Explorer Up Close at Gates Ford Lincoln
We’d love to help you sort through everything that goes into picking the right three-row SUV. At Gates Ford Lincoln in Richmond, our team knows the Explorer lineup inside and out, from the rear-wheel-drive Active up to the V6-powered ST and the trail-ready Tremor. Stop by to climb through the second and third rows, fold the seats down, and take one out on the road so you can feel the difference yourself. We’re glad to walk you through trims, drivetrains, and towing setups. Come see why so many Kentucky families trust us with their next SUV.
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