2025 Ford Bronco vs 2026 Chevrolet Traverse

$38,995 · SUV

$40,800 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Ford Bronco bursts onto the scene as the quintessential adventure machine, packing 300 hp and an engaging 7-speed manual transmission standard, defining rugged capability. Contrasting this, the 2026 Chevrolet Traverse enters as the spacious family hauler, boasting a robust 328 hp and superior highway economy at 27 MPG. While the Bronco offers maneuverability with its 173.7-inch length, the Traverse dwarfs it at 204.5 inches, providing 22.9 cu ft of cargo space versus the Bronco's 20.6 cu ft. The Traverse also demands only regular unleaded fuel. However, the Bronco delivers its 300 hp through a unique four-wheel-drive system, contrasting sharply with the Traverse's FWD bias and automatic gearbox. This comparison pits raw, focused grit against modern, practical volume.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Chevrolet Traverse

The 2026 Chevrolet Traverse wins due to its superior combined fuel economy of 23 MPG compared to the Bronco's 19 MPG, making daily drives cheaper.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Chevrolet Traverse

The Traverse provides more passenger and cargo volume, offering 22.9 cu ft of space and its crossover configuration is inherently more family-friendly than the rugged Bronco.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Ford Bronco

The 2025 Ford Bronco appeals more to driving enthusiasts with its standard 300 hp, 325 lb-ft torque, and the highly involving 7-speed manual transmission.

💰 Best Value

2025 Ford Bronco

Starting at $38,995, the Ford Bronco undercuts the Traverse's $40,800 MSRP while offering segment-defining 4WD capability.

Choose the Ford Bronco if...

You prioritize raw driving engagement and want a standard 7-speed manual transmission.
Off-road capability is essential, as indicated by its four-wheel-drive configuration.
You prefer a lower starting price of $38,995 for entry into a rugged SUV segment.

Choose the Chevrolet Traverse if...

You need maximum efficiency, benefiting from 27 MPG on the highway versus the Bronco's 21 MPG.
You require significant passenger and storage capacity, as the Traverse is 30.8 inches longer.
You prefer running on less expensive regular unleaded fuel instead of premium.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Ford Bronco	Chevrolet Traverse
Length	173.7"	204.5"
Width	75.9"	79.6"
Height	71.9"	69.6"
Wheelbase	100.4"	121.0"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Ford	Chevrolet
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	✓
Front Head Airbags	✓	✓
Rear Head Airbags	✓	✓
Electronic Stability Control	✓	✓
Traction Control System	✓	✓
LATCH System	✓	✓
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)	4-Wheel	4-Wheel
Front Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	✓	—
Brake Preparation System	✓	—
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Rear Headrests	2	2
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Blind Spot Monitor	—	✓
Lane Departure Warning	—	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	—	✓
Front Cross Traffic Alert	—	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	—	✓
Third Row Head Airbags	—	✓
Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation	—	✓
Rear Door Child Safety Locks	—	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	—	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	—	✓
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	—	✓
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	—	✓
Engine Immobilizer	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Ford	Chevrolet
Base Engine Displacement	2.3 L	2.5 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	300 hp @ 5700 rpm	328 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque	325 lb-ft @ 3400 rpm	326 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	Ford	Chevrolet
Transmission Type	7-speed manual	8-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	four wheel drive	front wheel drive
4WD System Type	Part Time	—
Transfer Case Gearing	Electronic Hi-Lo	—
Locking Hubs	Automatic	—
[object Object]	✓	—
[object Object]	✓	—
Hill Descent Control	✓	—

Fuel

Feature	Ford	Chevrolet
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (recommended)	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	18/21 MPG	20/27 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	19 MPG	23 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	304.2/354.9 mi.	388.0/523.8 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	16.9 gal.	19.4 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Ford	Chevrolet
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	—
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Cruise Control	✓	—
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	✓	—
Single Zone Climate Control	✓	—
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Tilt Steering Wheel	—	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	—	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	—	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	—	✓
3rd Row Cupholders	—	✓
Rear Door Pockets	—	✓
Front Seatback Storage	—	✓
Leatherette Steering Wheel	—	✓
Heated Steering Wheel	—	✓
Three Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control	—	✓
Sun Sensor	—	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Ford	Chevrolet
Infotainment Display	12.0 in	17.7 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	7	6
Subwoofer Count	1	—
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	3 months	3 months
Auxiliary Audio Input	—	✓
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	—	✓

Power Feature

Feature	Ford	Chevrolet
One-Touch Power Windows	2	4
Remote Keyless Entry	✓	—
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
Keyless Entry	—	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Ford	Chevrolet
Front Head Room	41.0 in.	42.6 in.
Front Leg Room	43.1 in.	44.3 in.
Front Shoulder Room	57.1 in.	62.3 in.
Front Hip Room	56.3 in.	58.7 in.
Seat Material: Cloth	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Manual Adjustments	6-way	—
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	6-way	4-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	—
Seat Material: Premium Cloth	—	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	—	8-way
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	—	Power
Driver Seat Heating	—	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	—	Multi-level

Rearseats

Feature	Ford	Chevrolet
Rear Head Room	39.8 in.	40.0 in.
Rear Leg Room	35.7 in.	41.5 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	51.8 in.	62.2 in.
Rear Hip Room	43.3 in.	58.6 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	—
Folding Rear Seatback	—	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	—	✓
Folding Center Armrest	—	✓
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Ford	Chevrolet
Wheel Finish	Painted Steel	Painted Alloy
Wheel Diameter	16 in	18 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	255/70R16	255/65R18
Spare Tire Type	Full Size Matching	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Outside Rear Mounted	Underbody Mounted

Suspension

Feature	Ford	Chevrolet
Front Suspension Type	Independent	—
Stabilizer Bar	✓	—
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	—	✓
Front Stabilizer Bar	—	✓
Rear Stabilizer Bar	—	✓

Warranty

Feature	Ford	Chevrolet
Basic Warranty	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	5 yr./ 60000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	5 yr./ unlimited mi.	6 yr./ 100000 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 Ford Bronco and 2026 Chevrolet Traverse.

How does the power difference between these two SUVs translate to real-world driving?

The 2026 Traverse has a 28 hp advantage, producing 328 hp to the Bronco's 300 hp, which will give the Traverse slightly quicker acceleration in highway merging situations. However, the Bronco's lower curb weight (implied by its smaller size) and standard 4WD might make it feel more lively off-road.

Which vehicle is significantly better for long-distance road trips regarding fuel costs?

The Traverse is the clear winner here, achieving 23 combined MPG versus the Bronco's 19 combined MPG. Furthermore, the Traverse uses regular unleaded fuel, whereas the Bronco recommends premium unleaded, creating a notable running cost difference.

Does the Bronco's smaller size make loading cargo difficult?

The 2025 Ford Bronco offers 20.6 cubic feet of cargo capacity. While respectable, it is smaller than the 2026 Traverse, which packs 22.9 cubic feet, making the Traverse better for hauling bulky items.

Is the 7-speed manual in the Bronco truly distinct from the Traverse's automatic?

Yes, the 7-speed manual transmission in the Bronco offers an intense, hands-on driving experience highly valued by driving purists. Conversely, the Traverse utilizes an 8-speed shiftable automatic, prioritizing convenience and smooth road use.

Considering the MSRP, what justifies the Traverse being more expensive?

The 2026 Chevrolet Traverse starts at $40,800, $1,805 more than the Bronco’s $38,995. Buyers are paying for the Traverse's greater size, higher peak horsepower, and better overall fuel efficiency metrics.

How does the height and width affect maneuverability in city vs. trail settings?

The Bronco is narrower at 75.9 inches compared to the Traverse's 79.6 inches, which aids passage on tight trails. The Traverse is lower at 69.6 inches versus the Bronco's 71.9 inches, which might slightly lower its center of gravity for paved performance.