2025 Chevrolet Traverse vs 2026 Ford Explorer
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Chevrolet Traverse bursts onto the scene with a potent new turbocharged 2.5L engine delivering 328 hp and 326 lb-ft of torque, offering more raw pulling power than the 2026 Ford Explorer's 300 hp. While the Traverse boasts a significantly larger footprint at 204.5 inches long and offers a superior 22.9 cu ft of initial cargo space, the Explorer counters with a base MSRP advantage at $38,330 compared to the Traverse's $40,700. The Explorer also showcases better fuel efficiency, achieving 29 MPG highway versus the Traverse's 27 MPG highway, aided by its rear-wheel-drive architecture and 10-speed automatic transmission. Performance enthusiasts might lean toward the Traverse's higher torque output, but budget-conscious buyers and those prioritizing maximum highway cruising range will appreciate the Explorer's 24 MPG combined rating and RWD dynamics.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Ford Explorer
The 2026 Ford Explorer wins for commuters due to its slightly better combined fuel economy of 24 MPG and lower starting price of $38,330.
2025 Chevrolet Traverse
The 2025 Chevrolet Traverse is the better family hauler, offering substantially more initial cargo capacity at 22.9 cu ft compared to the Explorer's 16.3 cu ft.
2025 Chevrolet Traverse
Enthusiasts will favor the 2025 Chevrolet Traverse for its higher output, generating 328 hp and 326 lb-ft of torque.
2026 Ford Explorer
The 2026 Ford Explorer presents better baseline value with an MSRP of $38,330, significantly undercutting the Traverse's $40,700 entry price.
Choose the Chevrolet Traverse if...
- You require maximum hauling volume, as the Traverse provides 22.9 cu ft of cargo space versus 16.3 cu ft.
- You desire more immediate power, leveraging the 328 hp and 326 lb-ft of torque from its turbocharged engine.
- You prefer the stability and increased dimensions of a longer vehicle at 204.5 inches.
Choose the Ford Explorer if...
- You are focused on the lowest entry price, as the Explorer starts at $38,330.
- You prioritize better highway cruising range, where the Explorer delivers 29 MPG highway.
- You prefer a rear-wheel-drive architecture paired with a smooth-shifting 10-speed automatic transmission.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Chevrolet Traverse | Ford Explorer |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 204.5" | 198.8" |
| Width | 79.6" | 78.9" |
| Height | 69.6" | 69.9" |
| Wheelbase | 121.0" | 119.1" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Chevrolet | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Cross Traffic Alert | ✓ | — |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | ✓ | ✓ |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags | ✓ | — |
| Front Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Third Row Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electronic Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Traction Control System | ✓ | ✓ |
| LATCH System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Child Safety Locks | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) | 4-Wheel | 4-Wheel |
| Front Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | — | ✓ |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags (with Head Protection Chamber) | — | ✓ |
| Brake Preparation System | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Chevrolet | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.5 L | 2.3 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 328 hp @ 5500 rpm | 300 hp @ 5500 rpm |
| Torque | 326 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm | 310 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 16 | 16 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | ✓ | ✓ |
Drive Train
| Feature | Chevrolet | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 8-speed shiftable automatic | 10-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | rear wheel drive |
Fuel
| Feature | Chevrolet | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 20/27 MPG | 20/29 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 23 MPG | 24 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 388.0/523.8 mi. | 358.0/519.1 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 19.4 gal. | 17.9 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Chevrolet | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tilt Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wireless Charging Pad | ✓ | — |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| 3rd Row Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Leatherette Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Heated Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Three Zone Climate Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Sun Sensor | ✓ | — |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | — | ✓ |
| Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Chevrolet | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 17.7 in | — |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 6 | 6 |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | ✓ | — |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | — |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auxiliary Audio Input | ✓ | — |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 3 months | 3 months |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Android Auto (Wired) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Chevrolet | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 2 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Chevrolet | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 42.6 in. | 40.7 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 44.3 in. | 43.0 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 62.3 in. | 61.8 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 58.7 in. | 59.2 in. |
| Seat Material: Premium Cloth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | 6-way |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | Power | — |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | 4-way | 4-way |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | — |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | — |
Rearseats
| Feature | Chevrolet | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 40.0 in. | 40.5 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 41.5 in. | 39.0 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 62.2 in. | 61.9 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 58.6 in. | 59.1 in. |
| Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | ✓ | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Chevrolet | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Diameter | 18 in | 18 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 255/65R18 | P255/65R18 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Underbody Mounted | Underbody Mounted |
Suspension
| Feature | Chevrolet | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Chevrolet | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 6 yr./ 100000 mi. | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | 1 yr./ unlimited mi. | — |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Chevrolet Traverse and 2026 Ford Explorer.
What is the primary performance difference between the 2025 Traverse and 2026 Explorer?
The 2025 Chevrolet Traverse holds a distinct power advantage, achieving 328 horsepower and 326 lb-ft of torque. The 2026 Ford Explorer is less powerful, rated at 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, though it utilizes a 10-speed automatic transmission.
Which crossover offers better fuel efficiency for daily driving?
The 2026 Ford Explorer edges out the competition slightly, achieving a combined MPG of 24 compared to the Traverse's 23 MPG combined rating. On the highway, the Explorer reaches 29 MPG, while the Traverse manages 27 MPG.
Is there a significant difference in base price between these two models?
Yes, the 2026 Ford Explorer has a more accessible starting MSRP of $38,330. The 2025 Chevrolet Traverse starts higher, listed at $40,700, making the Explorer the more budget-friendly choice out of the gate.
How do the cargo capacities compare for hauling gear?
The Chevrolet Traverse is significantly larger for cargo needs, offering 22.9 cubic feet behind the third row. In contrast, the Ford Explorer offers a tighter 16.3 cubic feet in its standard configuration.
What are the key differences in drivetrain setup?
The standard 2025 Chevrolet Traverse features a front-wheel-drive bias mated to an 8-speed automatic. Conversely, the standard 2026 Ford Explorer utilizes a rear-wheel-drive layout paired with a more gear-rich 10-speed automatic transmission.
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