2026 Chevrolet Traverse vs 2026 Ford Explorer
Families comparing three-row SUVs inevitably land on the 2026 Chevrolet Traverse vs 2026 Ford Explorer because both nameplates promise space, technology, and everyday confidence. Where the difference emerges is in how thoroughly the Traverse delivers those promises. Chevrolet’s latest redesign brings a standard 17.7-inch diagonal touch-screen, a best-in-class 98 cu. ft. max cargo volume, available Super Cruise® hands-free driver assistance technology, and thoughtful features like Smart Slide second-row seats and an AutoSense Power Liftgate. The Explorer remains a known quantity with a strong feature set, but the Traverse pulls ahead with more usable space and a richer roster of advanced tech across trims. At Route 1 Chevrolet, our team in Momence, IL has helped countless shoppers from Bourbonnais and Peotone find a three-row SUV that keeps pace with busy routines, weekend getaways, and growing gear lists. If you need genuine three-row comfort, expansive cargo versatility, and available hands-free driving assistance on mapped roads, the Traverse checks those boxes with confidence and does so with a calm, premium demeanor that makes every drive feel easier.
| Feature | 2026 Chevrolet Traverse | 2026 Ford Explorer |
|---|---|---|
| Available Super Cruise® hands-free driver assistance technology | Yes | No |
| Standard 17.7-inch diagonal color touch-screen | Yes | No |
| Available 8-passenger seating | Yes | No |
| Best-in-class 98 cu. ft. max cargo volume | Yes | No |
| Advanced Twin-Clutch AWD System | Yes | No |
| Standard 11-inch diagonal Driver Information Center | Yes | No |
| Standard towing capacity up to 5,000 lbs with included trailering equipment | Yes | Yes |
| HD Surround Vision (available) | Yes | Yes |
| Z71 off-road package with Hill Descent Control | Yes | No |
| Smart Slide second-row seats | Yes | No |
Exterior - Chevrolet Dealer serving Momence, IL
The 2026 Traverse stands out with four personalities tailored to different lifestyles. LT leans into refined family functionality, while RS sharpens the look with blackout cues, RS badging, a flat-bottom steering wheel inside, and 22-inch high-gloss Black-painted aluminum wheels. High Country signals upscale intent with unique liftgate badging, chrome accents, Dark Gray decor, and power-folding second- and third-row seating. For adventure-minded drivers, Z71 builds in capability with an off-road suspension and skid plate, all-terrain tires, Terrain Mode, Hill Descent Control, and an Advanced Twin-Clutch AWD System. Color choices also reflect Chevrolet’s attention to detail, from Polar White Tricoat and Mosaic Black Metallic to Sandstone Gray, Radiant Red Tintcoat, Sterling Gray Metallic, and Lakeshore Blue Metallic. The Explorer adds a new Tremor trim with lifted suspension and all-terrain tires, a welcome step for light-trail excursions, but the Traverse Z71 integrates a broader suite of off-road-ready tuning and control. Whether you lean toward the RS’s street-smart stance or the Z71’s rugged confidence, our team at Route 1 Chevrolet is ready to walk you through the details and show you how these design choices translate to daily ease around town in Momence, IL.
Interior - 2026 Chevrolet Traverse in Momence, IL
The 2026 Chevrolet Traverse is built around family-first flexibility. It offers available seating for up to eight and provides a roomy third-row 60/40 split bench that’s easy to access thanks to Smart Slide second-row seats. Once inside, the technology is immediate and intuitive: an expansive 17.7-inch diagonal color touch-screen is standard, complemented by an 11-inch diagonal Driver Information Center that keeps navigation prompts, safety alerts, and key vehicle info within easy view. Google built-in compatibility brings Google Assistant, Google Maps, and Google Play into the cabin, while available OnStar® services can support safety, connectivity, and roadside peace of mind. RS and High Country trims add One-Touch Fold second-row seats and power-folding second- and third-row seating to streamline cargo changes. By contrast, the Explorer’s third row is workable for occasional use, but adults will note a lower seating position and tighter accommodations on longer trips. If your week includes school drop-offs, sports bags, strollers, and warehouse store runs, the 2026 Chevrolet Traverse answers with top-of-class max cargo room and broad, flat load space that simply swallows gear. At Route 1 Chevrolet in Momence, IL, we see families gravitate to that combination of approachable tech and honest, flexible room.
Chevrolet Traverse vs Ford Explorer Mechanical Specs
Confidence comes from a chassis that anticipates the everyday and the unexpected. The Traverse Z71 is a strong example, pairing frequency-based suspension dampers with an Advanced Twin-Clutch AWD System engineered to proactively shift torque laterally for enhanced traction and control. Terrain Mode and Hill Descent Control dial in trail composure without guesswork, and underbody protection adds peace of mind when the pavement ends. Across the line, steering and braking feel tuned for family duty—predictable, consistent, and reassuring when fully loaded with passengers and cargo. Chevrolet also equips Traverse models with included trailering equipment that supports a standard 5,000-lb towing capacity, making it easier to hitch a small boat or camper. Explorer models are composed and predictable in daily driving, and the new off-road trim expands the menu for occasional trail use. Even so, if you value lateral torque transfer and a chassis that feels settled on rough surfaces, the Z71’s twin-clutch hardware speaks for itself. Visit Route 1 Chevrolet in Momence, IL to see how these mechanical choices deliver quieter commutes, steadier highway runs, and genuine back-road capability when plans change.
Powertrain - Chevrolet Dealership in Momence, IL
Under the hood, the Traverse uses a turbocharged 2.5L engine and an 8-speed automatic transmission to deliver confident acceleration and relaxed cruising, even with a full cabin on board. The broad torque curve helps with quick passes and merging, while the 8-speed’s smart ratios balance brisk response with smooth shifts. When equipped with the included trailering equipment, the Traverse is rated to tow up to 5,000 lbs, which is enough for weekend toys or a small family trailer. The Explorer lineup offers a turbocharged four-cylinder on most trims, with a twin-turbo V-6 reserved for performance-focused variants. While the V-6 Explorer can feel quick, the Traverse counters with power that’s easy to access in everyday driving and an AWD approach on Z71 that prioritizes traction where it matters most. If you test-drive both, notice the Traverse’s calm, controlled demeanor at part throttle and its composed pull up to highway speed. That balance is exactly why the 2026 Chevrolet Traverse earns high marks from families who value predictable performance as much as outright punch, and it’s a key reason our guests choose it after cross-shopping at our showroom.
Safety - Chevrolet Traverse vs Ford Explorer
The 2026 Traverse is built with over 20 standard safety and driver assistance features through Chevy Safety Assist and more. Highlights include Automatic Emergency Braking, Front Pedestrian and Bicycle Braking, Blind Zone Steering Assist, Rear Cross Traffic Braking, and a Safety Alert Seat that subtly points attention in the direction of potential hazards. Available HD Surround Vision supports low-speed maneuvering in tight spaces, and available Super Cruise® enables hands-free driving on hundreds of thousands of miles of compatible roads in the U.S. and Canada—an advantage in long, straight stretches that reduces fatigue while preserving driver oversight and control. Explorer models deliver a robust suite of standard driver-assist features and offer available hands-free tech of their own, but if you want the added convenience of Chevrolet’s hands-free system when properly equipped, Super Cruise® is the difference-maker. Equally important is how logically the tech is presented: the Traverse’s large, standard 17.7-inch screen and 11-inch Driver Information Center surface alerts and guidance without clutter, supported by available OnStar® services for added reassurance when the unexpected happens.
Request more 2026 Chevrolet Traverse vs 2026 Ford Explorer in Momence, IL information
Among three-row family SUVs, the 2026 Chevrolet Traverse vs 2026 Ford Explorer comparison often comes down to space, tech, and confidence. The Traverse answers with best-in-class max cargo volume, available 8-passenger seating, standard big-screen infotainment, and the option for Super Cruise®—all wrapped in trims that let you prioritize style, off-road readiness, or luxury. Explorer remains a capable, familiar choice, but the Traverse’s packaging and feature execution better match how active families actually use their SUV day to day. When your calendar demands third-row comfort, simple loading and unloading, and intuitive technology, the Traverse keeps life moving with fewer compromises. We invite you to explore the lineup, take a close look at RS, High Country, and Z71, and feel the difference on a test drive. Our Route 1 Chevrolet team is ready to help you compare features and trims, answer your questions, and match you to the configuration that fits your routine. For everyday usability and long-term satisfaction, the Traverse makes a compelling case to earn your driveway.
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The Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price excludes tax, title, license, dealer fees and optional equipment. Dealer sets final price.
1Dealer Discount applied to everyone
1Dealer Discount applied to everyone