Choosing between the 2026 Ford Explorer and the 2026 Chevrolet Traverse is a challenge for Central Texas families searching for the perfect family SUV. You need something that handles Waco’s daily demands — whether that’s squeezing through downtown traffic during the lunch rush or loading up for weekend adventures at Lake Waco. To help you decide, our team at Bird Kultgen Ford compare the Chevrolet Traverse vs. Ford Explorer in terms of performance, interior comfort, technology features, and practicality.
2026 Ford Explorer vs. 2026 Chevrolet Traverse: Complete Specs Breakdown
Let’s start by comparing the Chevrolet Traverse vs. Ford Explorer specs. The Explorer offers greater engine flexibility with its standard turbo 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 300 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque and optional twin-turbo 3.0-liter V-6 engine that generates 400 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque. The Traverse offers only one engine choice: a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder that delivers 328 hp and 326 lb-ft of torque.
Size differences affect daily driving. The Traverse measures 204.5 inches long, 79.6 inches wide, and 70.9 inches tall with a 120.9-inch wheelbase, making it a big vehicle for downtown parking or school zones. The Explorer is 198.7 inches long, 78.9 inches wide, and 69.8 inches tall, with a 119.1-inch wheelbase, making parking lots and Waco neighborhoods easier to navigate.
The Explorer’s turbo four engine with rear-wheel drive achieves 20 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway, while the twin-turbo V-6 engine delivers 18 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway. The front-wheel-drive Traverse delivers 20 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway, while the all-wheel-drive model drops to 19 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway.
Interior Space and Family Comfort Showdown
The Chevrolet Traverse’s three rows accommodate eight passengers with standard bench seating or seven with captain’s chairs, while the Explorer seats seven with bench seating or six with captain’s chairs. The Traverse’s larger size means more space. Its front headroom reaches 42.6 inches vs. the Explorer’s 40.7 inches, and front legroom stretches to 44.3 inches vs. the Explorer’s 43 inches.
In terms of second-row legroom, the Traverse offers 41.5 inches vs. the Explorer’s 39 inches, though the Explorer counters with a superior second-row headroom of 40.5 inches, compared to the Traverse’s 39.9 inches. The third-row positions differ dramatically. The Traverse delivers an adult-friendly space with 38.3 inches of headroom and 32.1 inches of legroom. The Explorer offers similar measurements — 38.9 inches of headroom and 32.2 inches of legroom — but feels more cramped for adults.
The Traverse provides 22.9 cubic feet of cargo capacity behind the third row, compared with the Explorer’s 16.3 cubic feet. Fold the third row, and the Traverse opens to 56.6 cubic feet, while the Explorer provides 46 cubic feet. In terms of maximum capacity, the Traverse provides 98 cubic feet vs. the Explorer’s 85.8 cubic feet — a difference that matters if you regularly haul large items.
Technology and Infotainment Battle
The Traverse features a massive 17.7-inch touch screen that handles climate, navigation, and settings with tablet-like clarity, while the Explorer’s 13.2-inch display runs Ford’s Digital Experience software with quicker touch response. Both offer wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but the Traverse adds Google Built-in with Google Assistant, Google Maps, and Google Play.
Driver displays differ significantly. Each Explorer model features a customizable 12.3-inch digital cluster that adapts to your style — navigation for Austin commutes or performance data for Lake Whitney backroads. The Traverse offers an 11-inch driver information center with clear guidance and vehicle data. The Explorer includes a standard 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system on all trims except the base Active.
Connectivity varies by approach. The Explorer provides eight USB ports, three 12-volt outlets, and FordPass Connect with 5G LTE Wi-Fi supporting 10 devices — great for I-35 traffic jams. The Traverse includes onboard Wi-Fi and natural voice recognition for conversational navigation commands. Both offer smartphone apps for remote start, cabin preconditioning, and door locks — essential for Central Texas summers.
Safety Features and Crash Test Performance
The Explorer includes Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist+ with forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. The Traverse features Chevy Safety Assist with six systems: auto emergency braking, forward collision alert, front pedestrian braking, following distance indicator, lane-keep assist with lane departure warning, and IntelliBeam auto high beams.
For highway trips, the Explorer’s BlueCruise (available on all trims except the base) handles steering and speed with driver monitoring, and the Traverse offers Super Cruise (optional on LT/Z71, standard on RS/High Country) with similar hands-free capability.
The Explorer scored Good in all the major Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) categories, while the Traverse earned the 2025 IIHS Top Safety Pick award. The Traverse adds Teen Driver Technology with speed warnings, volume limits, and driving report cards.
Towing and Utility for Texas Lifestyle
Both models handle 5,000 pounds of towing — enough for boats, campers, or trailers to Canyon Lake and perfect for Jet Skis or travel trailers to Fredericksburg. Identical capacity means your choice depends on features and confidence.
Towing packages differ. The Explorer includes a Class III Trailer Tow Package with engine oil cooler, sway control, and AdvanceTrac System with Roll Stability Control. The Traverse offers a standard Trailering Package with hitch and cover, Hitch View and Guidance, heavy-duty cooling, and a 220-amp alternator. It also adds Tow/Haul mode and trailer blind-spot monitoring for lane changes.
Ground clearance matters on Texas backroads. The Explorer offers 7.6-8.2 inches vs. the Traverse’s 6.7-7.8 inches — extra clearance helps on Brazos River trails or steep driveways. The new Explorer Tremor features a lifted suspension and all-terrain tires for serious off-road work, and both provide all-wheel drive for ice storms or muddy trails after heavy rain.
Which Is the Best SUV Choice for You?
Your choice boils down to what matters most for your family’s lifestyle. The Traverse offers extra space, perfect for large families, and its 17.7-inch screen, Google integration, and IIHS Top Safety Pick award highlight Chevrolet’s technology-forward approach and safety commitment. The Explorer counters with dual engine options, better fuel economy, higher ground clearance, and rear-drive handling that feels more balanced on winding Hill Country routes.
For most Waco families, the Explorer is the smarter long-term choice. The available twin-turbo V-6 engine handles I-35 highway driving and hill climbs around Cameron Park confidently, while the standard turbo four engine delivers excellent fuel economy for local daily trips. Its 10-speed automatic transmission shifts more smoothly than the Traverse’s eight-speed equivalent, and its more compact size makes navigating tight parking lots and downtown Waco streets easier than with the Traverse. The new Tremor trim adds serious off-road capability if you regularly venture beyond city limits.
Test-Drive the 2026 Explorer at Bird Kultgen Ford
Want to experience the 2026 Explorer firsthand? Contact us at Bird Kultgen Ford to schedule a test-drive. Our experienced team will explain trim differences, arrange competitive financing, and help you find the perfect SUV for your Waco lifestyle.
Connect with us
Recent Blog Entries
- 2026 Ford SUV Lineup Breakdown: Which Model Fits Your Life in Waco, TX?
- What Ford Handles Texas Backroads Best? Our Top Picks for Rural Driving in Waco, TX
- Best Restaurants To Celebrate The New Year’s at in Waco, TX
- 2026 Ford F-150 vs. The Competition: How the F-150 Stands Out in the Truck Market
- Local Eats: Top BBQ Joints in Waco You Can Drive to Today