2026 Chevy Traverse or Ford Explorer: Which Three-Row SUV Offers the Most Family-Friendly Space near Kankakee, IL?

Route 1 Chevrolet - 2026 Chevy Traverse or Ford Explorer: Which Three-Row SUV Offers the Most Family-Friendly Space near Kankakee, IL?

When families ask which three-row SUV feels truly comfortable in all three rows while still leaving room for strollers, sports gear, and luggage, the comparison often narrows to the latest Chevrolet Traverse and Ford Explorer. Both fit the right footprint for school runs and road trips, but one delivers more usable space and an easier daily rhythm. In this deep dive, we focus on the core question parents around Kankakee, IL ask most: Which model offers the most family-friendly space and seamless flexibility?

The Traverse’s packaging advantage starts with its available eight-passenger configuration and best-in-class 98 cu. ft. max cargo volume. That combination matters on hectic Saturdays when the third row stays up for carpool duty, yet you still need to load a weekend cooler and folding chairs. Smart Slide second-row seats simplify entry to the third row, and on RS and High Country, One-Touch Fold second-row seats and power-folding second- and third-row seating transform the cabin at the press of a button. Ford’s cabin updates have made the Explorer function-forward in the first two rows, but the wayback remains tighter and closer to the floor for taller riders. If your life requires regular third-row use, the Traverse’s layout reduces fuss and preserves real comfort.

• Seating flexibility: Traverse offers available eight-passenger seating; Explorer is limited to six or seven.
• Cargo advantage: Traverse delivers a best-in-class 98 cu. ft. max cargo volume for bulky gear.
• Third-row access: Traverse Smart Slide seats make hopping in and out simpler for kids and adults.
• Everyday visibility: Traverse offers available HD Surround Vision to ease tight parking and school pickup lines.
• Hands-free ease: Traverse features an AutoSense Power Liftgate that opens without hunting for a sensor.

Technology also plays a role in family comfort. A standard 17.7-inch diagonal display in the Traverse makes camera views, navigation, and profiles feel more natural at a glance, while the 11-inch Driver Information Center provides uncluttered prompts right in the driver’s line of sight. Google built-in keeps everyday tasks familiar with Google Assistant, Google Maps, and Google Play, and available Super Cruise® adds hands-free driving on miles of compatible roads, ideal for long, straight highway stretches to tournaments or grandparents’ houses. Explorer’s infotainment updates bring strong app support and a large touch-screen, and Ford’s hands-free system is available on select trims, but the Traverse’s standard screen size and features simplify the learning curve for every driver in the household.

At the end of the day, the SUV that fits your family best is the one that makes busy days feel less busy. That’s where the Traverse’s wide, flat cargo floor, easy seat transformations, and calm, confident road manners come together. If you are juggling schedules and gear, those real-world differences show up daily—and that’s what matters most.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Does the Traverse really fit more behind the third row?

With best-in-class max cargo space and a cabin optimized for real-world packing, the Traverse offers more flexible room for everyday items and weekend equipment, even when all three rows are in play.

How easy is it to access the third row for kids in car seats?

Smart Slide second-row seats help streamline entry and exit. On upper trims, One-Touch Fold second-row seats and power-folding second- and third-row seating make quick cabin reconfigurations even easier around busy schedules.

Which tech features help during long family trips?

Available Super Cruise® for hands-free driving on compatible roads reduces fatigue on long, straight routes, while Google built-in keeps navigation and entertainment intuitive for every driver in the family.

If you’re weighing your options, Route 1 Chevrolet is your resource for side-by-side walkthroughs that spotlight the details families care about most. Our team is proudly serving Bourbonnais, Peotone, and Kankakee and can tailor a test drive route to your daily routine so you feel the difference where it counts.

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