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Chevrolet Traverse vs Ford Explorer

2026 Chevrolet Traverse vs 2026 Ford Explorer — two standard SUVs compared on efficiency, size, safety and reliability.

Chevrolet Traverse

2026 Chevrolet Traverse

Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 2WDAWD/4WD
VS4 – 2Chevrolet Traverse wins 4 of 6 categories
Ford Explorer

2026 Ford Explorer

Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 2WDAWD/4WD

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The short version

The Ford Explorer is more fuel-efficient: 24 vs 22 MPG combined in its best version.

That works out to about $250 a year less in fuel for the Ford Explorer (EPA estimate, 15,000 miles).

The Chevrolet Traverse is the bigger car, about 6 inches longer.

Across all model years since 2005, the Chevrolet Traverse has had fewer recall campaigns (29 vs 105).

The two cars

The 2026 Chevrolet Traverse is a standard SUV offered with a 2.5L 4-cyl turbo engine and front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. It measures about 204 inches long and 80 inches wide on a 121-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,793 lb (4dr SUV).

The 2026 Ford Explorer is a standard SUV offered with 2 engines (2.3L 4-cyl turbo and 3.0L 6-cyl turbo) and rear-wheel drive and part-time 4-wheel drive. It measures about 199 inches long and 79 inches wide on a 119-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,458 lb (4dr SUV).

Buying used? The 2022 Traverse and the 2024 Explorer have the fewest problems in our data; avoid the 2018 Traverse and the 2016 Explorer.

Basics

Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
Class
Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
Regular Gasoline
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
2.5L 4-cyl turbo
Engines
2.3L 4-cyl turbo, 3.0L 6-cyl turbo
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Drivetrain
Rear-Wheel Drive, Part-time 4-Wheel Drive

Efficiency

22 MPG
Best combined MPG
24 MPG
20 city
City / highway MPG (best)
20 city
$3,050
Fuel cost per year (EPA)
$2,800

Performance & space

204.3 in
Length
198.8 in
79.5 in
Width
78.7 in
70.9 in
Height
70.1 in
4,793 lb
Curb weight (lightest)
4,458 lb

Safety & reliability

11
Driver-assist features standard
10
1
Recalls (2026)
15
29
Recalls, all years since 2005
105
26
Owner complaints (latest year)
42

Interest

7,536
Wikipedia views, 30 days
23,294

Buying used

2022
Best used year
2024
2018
Year to avoid
2016

Green = clearly better. Prices are not included. How we calculate this →

Which one should you choose?

Choose the Chevrolet Traverse if…

  • You want more room (6 in longer)
  • You put reliability history first (29 vs 105 recalls since 2005)

Choose the Ford Explorer if…

  • You want lower fuel bills (24 vs 22 MPG)
  • You want something easier to park (6 in shorter)

Pros & cons of each

2026 Chevrolet Traverse

  • AWD / 4WD available

2026 Ford Explorer

  • AWD / 4WD available
  • Lots of standard safety tech4 of 5 key driver aids standard on the versions we checked.
  • 15 recallsMore than similar models (about 1). Confirm repairs with the VIN.

Full 2026 Chevrolet Traverse specs →Full 2026 Ford Explorer specs →Compare fuel costs for your driving →Compare size & garage fit →