The Ford Explorer has an athletic character that makes it a trusted companion for weekend adventures. In contrast, the Chevy Traverse prioritizes space and comfort for all occupants when getting from Point A to Point B. Here's how these mid-size family crossovers stack up for 2026.
Key Takeaways:
- This year's Explorer lineup introduces the first-ever Tremor trim, making it the most rugged SUV Ford has ever built.
- The 2026 Traverse didn't change much, sticking to only minor updates.
- With an available 400-hp V6, the Explorer offers more muscle than the Traverse's engine options.
This year, the Explorer Tremor replaces the outgoing Timberline trim, but this isn't just a styling swap. Ford gives the Tremor a one-inch lift for added clearance, steel skid plates, and a Torsen limited-slip rear differential to help keep traction when conditions get loose. Ford aimed it at buyers who want something more capable on the trail than the average three-row SUV.
The 2026 Traverse stays mostly the same. Updates are light and mostly cosmetic, with the addition of Sandstone Gray and Polar White Tricoat paint options. There's also an added slim digital key card you can carry in your wallet, and the rear camera mirror is now standard on the LT trim. Outside of that, it's unchanged from last year.
Model Year Changes
| 2026 Ford Explorer |
2026 Chevy Traverse |
| Tremor trim replacing Timberline as off-road model |
Polar White Tricoat and Sandstone Gray colors added to the exterior palette |
| The Tremor adds a lifted suspension, trail tires, locker, skid plates, and redesigned bumpers |
The Driver Confidence package adds a digital key to the car |
| The lineup is otherwise unchanged |
Rear camera mirror introduced to the LT trim |
Which SUV's engine stands out among the 2026 Ford Explorer and Chevy Traverse?
Ford gives you a choice. Its standard engine is a 300-hp 2.3-liter EcoBoost, but the real difference comes from the available twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6 delivering 400 horsepower. (That engine comes standard on the ST and is available on the Platinum and Tremor trims.) Both SUVs are rated to tow up to 5,000 pounds, but the Explorer's 10-speed transmission and stronger V6 make it feel more confident when accelerating or pulling weight.
The Traverse, meanwhile, sticks with a single engine--a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder delivering 328 horsepower. It gets the job done, but there's no alternative if you want more power. It mates with an eight-speed automatic. Front-wheel drive is standard, and all-wheel drive is optional.
Where Does the 2026 Ford Explorer Shine?
Where the Explorer starts to pull ahead is in its connectivity. It comes with eight USB ports, so passengers in every row have access to charging, while the Traverse leaves the third row without dedicated ports. Ford's 13.2-inch system is also easy to navigate for a lot of drivers, especially when it comes to features like maps and media.
The Traverse, however, has the advantage of maximum space. It seats up to eight and offers about 98 cubic feet of cargo capacity. The Explorer tops out at seven passengers and around 86 cubic feet, so it's noticeably tighter. Chevy also has a larger screen size, with a 17.7-inch display dominating the dash.
Which SUV Should You Drive Off the Lot?
The Traverse moves a lot of people and gear with minimal effort. But the Explorer gives you more flexibility. Between the available V6 power and the addition of the Tremor trim, it handles towing, rougher terrain, and daily driving with more confidence. If you want something that goes beyond just hauling passengers, the Explorer is the better fit. See it today at Alan Jay Ford Sebring-it's the Alan Jay Way!