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2027 Chevrolet Traverse vs 2027 Ford Explorer: Full Comparison

The 2027 Chevrolet Traverse produces 328 hp, outpowering the 2027 Ford Explorer's 300 hp by a meaningful 28 hp. The Traverse also carries 40.6 more cubic feet of maximum cargo space than the Explorer. This page breaks down every key spec side by side, see current Traverse inventory at Umansky Chevrolet.

The Short Answer

The 2027 Traverse is the stronger pick for families who need maximum interior room, a larger touchscreen, and standard Google Built-In across all trims. The Explorer earns its spot for buyers who prioritize highway fuel economy (27 mpg hwy vs the Traverse's 24 mpg hwy on AWD trims) or want a rear-wheel-drive layout. Neither is a wrong choice, but the differences are sharp enough to matter.

 

Spec 2027 Chevrolet Traverse 2027 Ford Explorer
Engine 2.5L Turbo I-4 2.3L EcoBoost I-4
Horsepower 328 hp 300 hp
Torque 326 lb-ft 310 lb-ft
Transmission 8-speed automatic 10-speed automatic
Standard Drivetrain FWD (most trims) RWD (most trims)
AWD Optional (LT, RS, High Country); Standard (Z71) Optional (most trims); Standard (Tremor)
Towing 5,000 lbs 5,000 lbs (Active, ST-Line, Platinum)
Seating 7 standard (8 available on LT) 7 (6 on Tremor)
Cargo Behind 3rd Row 22.9 cu ft 16.3 cu ft
Cargo Behind 2nd Row 56.6 cu ft 46 cu ft
Max Cargo 98 cu ft 85.8 cu ft
EPA Combined MPG (FWD) 22 mpg 24 mpg
EPA City / Hwy (FWD) 20 / 26 mpg 20 / 27 mpg
Touchscreen 17.7 in 13.2 in
Digital Instrument Cluster 11 in 12.3 in
Basic Warranty 3 yr / 36,000 mi 3 yr / 36,000 mi
Powertrain Warranty 5 yr / 60,000 mi 5 yr / 60,000 mi

EPA fuel economy data for the 2027 Traverse 

 

EPA fuel economy data for the 2027 Explorer

Performance and Powertrain

The Traverse's 2.5L turbocharged four-cylinder delivers 328 hp and 326 lb-ft of torque through an 8-speed automatic. The Explorer's 2.3L EcoBoost four-cylinder checks in at 300 hp and 310 lb-ft through a 10-speed automatic. The Traverse holds a 28 hp and 16 lb-ft advantage in base-engine form, which translates to a more confident feel when merging, passing, or loading up all seven seats on a Wisconsin highway.

 

The Explorer counters with a 10-speed gearbox designed to keep the engine in a narrow, efficient rpm band, which explains its slight fuel economy edge. The Explorer Tremor and ST trims offer an available 3.0L twin-turbo V6, but that engine is limited to specific trim levels. Every Traverse trim runs the same 328 hp turbocharged four from LT through High Country.

 

Both vehicles share a 5,000 lb towing rating. The Traverse Z71 adds standard AWD and Hill Descent Control for buyers who need genuine off-pavement capability. The Explorer Tremor is Ford's off-road answer, with standard AWD and 8.7 inches of ground clearance (vs. 6.77 inches on most Traverse trims and 7.6 inches on the base Explorer).

 

2027 Traverse trims and powertrain details

A chevy traverse driving off-road.

Interior, Space and Cargo

Interior design of a chevy traverse.

This is where the Traverse pulls away most clearly. Behind the third row, the Traverse offers 22.9 cu ft versus the Explorer's 16.3 cu ft. That is 40 percent more usable space with all seats occupied. Behind the second row, the Traverse grows to 56.6 cu ft against the Explorer's 46 cu ft. At maximum capacity, the Traverse reaches 98 cu ft compared to the Explorer's 85.8 cu ft.

 

Interior dimensions tell a similar story. The Traverse provides 41.46 inches of second-row legroom versus 37.5 inches in the Explorer. Third-row shoulder room measures 57.72 inches in the Traverse against 54.6 inches in the Explorer. For families with three rows of regular passengers in the greater Milwaukee area, those extra inches matter on every trip.

 

The Traverse LT offers an optional 8-passenger seating configuration with a second-row bench. The Explorer caps at 7 passengers, and the Tremor trim seats only 6. Both vehicles offer tri-zone automatic climate control, rear air conditioning, and hands-free power liftgates, though the Traverse's AutoSense system activates with a foot motion rather than a key fob.

Technology and Safety

The Traverse's 17.7-inch touchscreen is the largest in this segment, more than four inches wider than the Explorer's 13.2-inch unit. Both vehicles run Google Maps navigation natively, but the Traverse adds the full Google Built-In suite including Google Play and Google Gemini across the lineup. The Explorer uses Google Maps and Google Assistant but does not offer Google Play or Gemini integration.

 

The Traverse pairs the touchscreen with an 11-inch Driver Information Center. The Explorer counters with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, which is the larger of the two in that position.

 

On connectivity, both vehicles include wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless phone charging, and Wi-Fi hotspot capability. The Explorer includes a 5G modem and an optional Bang and Olufsen audio system. The Traverse offers an available Bose audio system and available Super Cruise hands-free driver assistance, which the Explorer does not offer in any form.

 

For standard safety, the Traverse ships with Forward Collision Warning, Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, Blind-Spot Warning with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert and Intervention, Lane Keeping Assistance, Adaptive Cruise Control, Rear Pedestrian Alert, a 360-Degree Camera System, and a Rear-View Camera across the lineup. The Explorer carries Ford Co-Pilot360, Adaptive Cruise Control, and a 360-degree camera as standard. The Traverse's standard inclusion of Blind-Spot Intervention and Rear Cross-Traffic Braking is a meaningful step up from what Ford bundles at base.

 

2027 Traverse safety features overview

The front dash of a chevy traverse.

Value and Ownership

A red traverse sitting parked.

Both vehicles share identical warranty terms: 3 years / 36,000 miles bumper-to-bumper and 5 years / 60,000 miles powertrain. Both also include rust-through coverage for 6 years / 100,000 miles and one complimentary scheduled maintenance visit at 12 months or 12,000 miles.

 

The Explorer requires premium unleaded gasoline. The Traverse runs on regular unleaded (87 octane or higher), which lowers fuel costs over time for every mile driven around Glendale or across Wisconsin.

 

The Traverse's FWD trims return 20 city / 26 hwy mpg. AWD versions drop slightly to 20 city / 24 hwy mpg. The Explorer's FWD-equivalent (RWD) trims return 20 city / 27 hwy mpg, giving Ford a one-mpg highway edge on FWD-like configurations. Over a year of typical driving that gap is modest, but the Traverse's regular-fuel requirement offsets much of it at the pump.

 

Standard content on the Traverse LT includes heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, wireless charging, and the full 17.7-inch touchscreen. Buyers in the Milwaukee area who need that equipment level without moving up to a higher trim will find the Traverse delivers more standard technology per trim step.

 

Compare all 2027 Traverse trim levels

Which One Should You Buy

 

Choose the 2027 Chevrolet Traverse if:

You are hauling three rows of passengers regularly, need all cargo space available, or want standard Google Built-In with a class-leading touchscreen. The Z71 AWD is right for Glendale buyers who want genuine off-road ability without moving to a truck-based platform. If available Super Cruise hands-free driving is on your list, the Traverse is the only option between these two.

Choose the 2027 Ford Explorer if:

Highway fuel economy is your primary concern and you prefer a rear-wheel-drive default layout. The Explorer ST is a compelling pick for buyers who want the twin-turbo V6 and performance styling. The Tremor is the better trail rig if ground clearance is the deciding spec.

See the 2027 Traverse at Umansky Chevrolet in Glendale

The 2027 Traverse outmuscles the Explorer on horsepower, cargo volume, and standard tech, and it does it on regular fuel. Umansky Chevrolet carries the full Traverse lineup in Glendale, WI, so you can compare trims in person and put both hands on that 17.7-inch screen before you decide.

Frequently Asked Questions

2027 Chevrolet Traverse vs 2027 Ford Explorer

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