VS
At a Glance
Power
328hp @ 5500
300hp @ 5500
Torque
326lb-ft @ 3500
310lb-ft @ 3500
Fuel
22 mpg est.
24 mpg est.
Towing
—
5000lbs
Engine
—
2.3 L/140ci
Choosing between the Chevrolet Traverse and the Ford Explorer is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The Chevrolet Traverse delivers 328hp @ 5500 while the Ford Explorer produces 300hp @ 5500. On fuel, the Traverse returns 22 mpg est. while the Explorer uses 24 mpg est. — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at $42,800 for the Traverse and $50,965 for the Explorer. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Specification
Chevrolet TraverseAWD 4dr LT w/2LT 2026 - From $42,800
Ford ExplorerPlatinum RWD 2026 - From $50,965
Performance
Power Output (hp)
328hp @ 5500
300hp @ 5500
Torque (lb-ft)
326lb-ft @ 3500
310lb-ft @ 3500
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
—
2.3 L/140ci
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Gasoline
Forced Induction Device
Turbocharged
Turbocharged
Transmission
Automatic
Automatic w/OD
Number of Gears
8
—
Drive Wheels
All Wheel Drive
Rear Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy (Combined, est.)
22 mpg est.
24 mpg est.
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
20mpg
20 (2025)mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
24mpg
29 (2025)mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
21.7gal
17.9gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
204.49in
198.8in
Width (in)
79.57in
78.9in
Height (in)
69.57in
69.6in
Wheelbase (in)
121in
119.1in
Curb Weight (lbs)
4793lbs
4344lbs
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity (lbs)
—
5000lbs
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
—
✓ Standard
Traction Control
—
✓ Standard
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Backup Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Rear Parking Aid
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Power Seat Adjustment
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
—
✓ Standard
Trailer Hitch
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Traverse
Fuel Economy
Explorer
Value
Traverse
Practicality
Explorer
Pros & Cons
Chevrolet Traverse
Lower starting price ($42,800)
Higher fuel consumption (22 mpg est.)
Ford Explorer
Better fuel economy (24 mpg est.)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Traverse or Explorer?
The Traverse gets 22 mpg est. and the Explorer gets 24 mpg est. on the combined cycle. The Explorer is the more fuel-efficient choice. In real-world conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, actual figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the Traverse or Explorer?
The Traverse produces 328hp @ 5500 and 326lb-ft @ 3500 of torque while the Explorer delivers 300hp @ 5500 and 310lb-ft @ 3500 of torque. The Traverse is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Traverse and Explorer?
The Traverse starts from $42,800 and the Explorer from $50,965. The Traverse is cheaper by $8,165 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Traverse or Explorer?
The Traverse has a braked towing capacity of not specified and the Explorer can tow 5000lbs. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Traverse or the Explorer?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the mpg figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day driving - commutes, school runs and highway trips - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.