Chevy Traverse vs Ford Explorer: 2027 Traverse vs 2027 Explorer Compared
Last updated: October 18, 2026 | Emich Chevrolet, Lakewood | Specs from each manufacturer
The Chevy Traverse and Ford Explorer are both three-row family SUVs that tow 5,000 lbs, but they are built differently: the Traverse for space, the Explorer with available V6 power. Here is the 2027 Traverse against the 2027 Explorer, using each manufacturer’s published specs.
Quick Verdict
The 2027 Traverse is the roomier SUV, with far more cargo space (98 vs 85.8 cu ft maximum and 22.9 vs 16.3 behind the third row), seating for up to eight, more standard power (328 vs 300 hp), a 17.7-inch touchscreen and Super Cruise, which GM says also works while towing. The 2027 Explorer starts $2,420 lower ($38,680 vs $41,100), is EPA-rated slightly higher (23 vs 22 mpg combined), offers a twin-turbo V6 with up to 400 hp (385 hp as sold in Colorado) and has more ground clearance on its off-road Tremor. Both tow 5,000 lbs.
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New 2027 Traverse LT and Z71 models on our Lakewood lot, with real-time pricing.
The Matchup: Space vs V6 Power
Both are 2027 models on sale now. The Explorer comes with RWD or Intelligent 4WD, and the Traverse with FWD or AWD.
Every Traverse uses a 328-hp 2.5L turbo four-cylinder with an 8-speed automatic. The Explorer’s standard 2.3L EcoBoost makes 300 hp, and the ST comes standard with, and the Tremor and Platinum offer, a 3.0L twin-turbo V6 rated at up to 400 hp; as sold in Colorado, Ford rates it at 385 hp on the Tremor and ST and 383 hp on the Platinum. Every Explorer has a 10-speed automatic.
The Traverse is 5.7 inches longer (204.4 vs 198.7 in.) and uses the space well: 22.9 vs 16.3 cu ft behind the third row, 56.6 vs 46.0 behind the second and 98 vs 85.8 maximum. It seats seven or eight vs six or seven in the Explorer, with slightly more third-row legroom (32.1 vs 31.8 in.).
Traverse vs Explorer Specs
| Spec | 2027 Chevy Traverse | 2027 Ford Explorer |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP (excl. destination) | $41,100 (LT FWD); $43,100 with AWD; $1,995 destination | $38,680 (Active RWD); $1,795 destination |
| Standard engine | 2.5L turbo 4-cyl, 328 hp / 326 lb-ft | 2.3L turbo 4-cyl, 300 hp / 310 lb-ft |
| Most powerful engine | Same (only engine) | 3.0L twin-turbo V6, up to 400 hp / 415 lb-ft (385 hp as sold in Colorado on Tremor and ST; 383 hp on Platinum) |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 10-speed automatic |
| Drive | FWD; AWD +$2,000; Z71 AWD only | RWD; Intelligent 4WD available; Tremor 4WD only |
| Best EPA combined | 22 mpg (FWD) | 23 mpg (2.3L) |
| Max towing | 5,000 lbs | 5,000 lbs |
| Seating | 7 standard; 8 available (LT) | 6 standard; 7 available (not Tremor) |
| 3rd-row legroom | 32.1 in. | 31.8 in. |
| Cargo behind 3rd row | 22.9 cu ft | 16.3 cu ft |
| Cargo behind 2nd row | 56.6 cu ft | 46.0 cu ft |
| Max cargo | 98 cu ft (97.6 in Build & Price) | 85.8 cu ft |
| Length | 204.4 in. | 198.7 in. |
| Ground clearance | 6.77 in. (Z71 7.76 in.) | 7.6 in. (Tremor 8.7 in.) |
| Center screen | 17.7 in. | 13.2 in. |
| Hands-free driving | Super Cruise: standard on RS and High Country, available on LT and Z71; GM lists hands-free trailering | BlueCruise: equipped on ST and Platinum, available on ST-Line and Tremor; Ford lists BlueCruise with towing only for the F-150 |
| Warranty | 3 yr/36,000 mi; 5 yr/60,000 mi powertrain | 3 yr/36,000 mi; 5 yr/60,000 mi powertrain |
Sources: chevrolet.com and Build & Price (2027 Traverse); ford.com 2027 Explorer page and specifications; fueleconomy.gov. Bold marks the better figure. Chevrolet calls the Traverse’s 98 cu ft best in class, based on its latest available competitive data.
By the Numbers
Max cargo (behind 1st row)
Cargo behind the 3rd row
Starting price
MSRP in dollars, excluding destination. Lower is better.
Off-Road Trims: Z71 vs Tremor
The Explorer Tremor ($49,415) has standard 4WD, a Torsen limited-slip rear axle, a raised off-road suspension, steel deflector plates, all-terrain tires and 8.7 inches of ground clearance, and it offers the V6. The Traverse Z71 ($49,400) has a twin-clutch AWD system that sends torque to the rear wheel with the most traction, Hill Descent Control, an off-road suspension, a skid plate, all-terrain tires and 7.76 inches of clearance. The Tremor seats six; the Z71 seats seven.
Reasons to Choose Each
Choose the Chevy Traverse if you want
- Much more cargo space, especially behind the third row
- Seating for up to eight
- More standard horsepower
- A 17.7-inch touchscreen with Google built-in
- Super Cruise, including hands-free trailering
Choose the Ford Explorer if you want
- A lower starting price
- An available twin-turbo V6 with up to 400 hp (385 hp as sold in Colorado)
- Slightly better fuel economy
- More ground clearance and the Tremor’s limited-slip rear axle
- RWD-based models
Interior and Technology
Every Traverse has a 17.7-inch touchscreen and an 11-inch driver display with Google built-in (service plan required) and the available Google Gemini assistant. The Explorer has a 13.2-inch center screen and a 12.3-inch cluster with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and Google Maps and apps.
Ford Co-Pilot360 is standard on the Explorer, including Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop-and-Go and Lane Centering and BLIS. The Traverse has more than 20 standard safety and driver-assistance features, including Adaptive Cruise Control and Blind Zone Steering Assist. Both offer hands-free highway driving; GM lists the Traverse among vehicles with hands-free trailering on Super Cruise, while Ford lists BlueCruise towing only for the F-150. NHTSA rates the 2027 Explorer and the 2026 Traverse five stars overall; NHTSA has not yet rated the 2027 Traverse.
The Bottom Line
If you want the lowest starting price, V6 performance or a more off-road-ready Tremor, the Explorer is the pick. For families who need space, the Traverse is the better choice: more cargo room in every configuration, seating for up to eight, a bigger screen and hands-free driving that also works while towing.
More Comparisons
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Traverse vs Explorer FAQs
Which is cheaper, the Traverse or the Explorer?
The 2027 Explorer starts at $38,680 (Active RWD) and the 2027 Traverse at $41,100 (LT FWD). Destination is $1,795 for Ford and $1,995 for Chevrolet.
Which has more room?
The Traverse: 22.9 vs 16.3 cu ft behind the third row, 56.6 vs 46.0 behind the second and 98 vs 85.8 maximum. It also seats up to eight vs seven and has slightly more third-row legroom.
Which tows more?
Neither. Both are rated to tow 5,000 lbs: every Traverse with its standard Trailering Package, and every Explorer with its standard Class III Trailer Tow Package.
Super Cruise or BlueCruise: which is better for towing?
GM lists the Traverse among vehicles that offer hands-free trailering with Super Cruise on compatible roads. Ford lists BlueCruise with towing only for the 2027 F-150, not the Explorer.
Sources: chevrolet.com 2027 Traverse page, chevrolet.com Build & Price, GM News, fueleconomy.gov and NHTSA for Chevrolet; each competitor’s official website, specifications, price sheets and press materials, fueleconomy.gov, NHTSA and IIHS for the rival, reviewed October 18, 2026. MSRP excludes destination, tax, title, license, dealer fees and options; destination charges differ by brand. Towing ratings depend on configuration and equipment and are for comparison only; review the owner’s manual before towing. EPA estimates; actual mileage will vary. Super Cruise and other hands-free systems require an active plan or trial and work only on compatible roads; always pay attention to the road. All trademarks belong to their respective owners. Emich Chevrolet sells new Chevrolet vehicles. Safety or driver assistance features are no substitute for the driver’s responsibility to operate the vehicle in a safe manner. Read the vehicle Owner’s Manual for important feature limitations and information.