2026 Ford Explorer vs 2026 Chevrolet Traverse in Petoskey, MI
2026 Ford Explorer vs 2026 Chevrolet Traverse
When customers weigh the 2026 Ford Explorer vs 2026 Chevrolet Traverse, the choice often comes down to how each SUV is engineered to fit daily life. The Explorer retains its rear-wheel-drive foundation with available all-wheel drive, a confidence-inspiring chassis balance, and a broad spread of trims and technologies that target families, commuters, and weekend adventurers alike. After last year’s refresh, it brings a modernized cabin anchored by a standard 13.2-inch touchscreen running the Ford Digital Experience, plus widely available driver-assist tech. The Traverse counters with a roomy interior, up to eight seats, an expansive 17.7-inch center display, and available Super Cruise® hands-free driving. Yet, for power, drivability, and off-road hardware, the Explorer’s portfolio is uniquely compelling. At Brown Motors in Petoskey, MI, we match shoppers to the exact Explorer configuration that suits their routine—whether that means a smooth, efficient turbocharged four-cylinder or the athletic ST. If your shortlist is down to 2026 Ford Explorer vs 2026 Chevrolet Traverse, this side-by-side will help clarify why the Explorer’s platform, powertrains, and tech make it the stronger long-term partner.
| Feature | 2026 Ford Explorer | 2026 Chevrolet Traverse |
|---|---|---|
| Rear-wheel drive standard, AWD available | Yes | No |
| 10-speed automatic transmission | Yes | No |
| Available 400-hp twin-turbo V6 performance model | Yes | No |
| Factory off-road trim with lifted suspension | Yes | No |
| Available limited-slip rear differential | Yes | No |
| 5,000-lb towing with included trailering equipment | Yes | Yes |
| Hands-free highway driving system available | Yes (BlueCruise) | Yes (Super Cruise®) |
| Large infotainment with Google built-in | Yes | Yes |
| Premium Bang & Olufsen audio available | Yes | No |
| Seats up to eight passengers | No | Yes |
Exterior - Ford Dealer serving Petoskey, MI
The 2026 Ford Explorer projects poised athleticism—crisp body lines, a confident stance, and proportions that reflect its rear-drive architecture. Trim personalities are clearly defined: the ST leans bold and performance-oriented, while the new Tremor elevates trail credibility with its lifted suspension, special 18-inch wheels, and all-terrain tires. Lighting signatures are modern and purposeful, and wheel choices scale from practical to assertive, letting drivers dial in the look that matches their routine. By comparison, the 2026 Chevrolet Traverse wears a broader, squared-off form that prioritizes interior volume and makes room for expressive trims like RS and the adventure-leaning Z71. The Z71 adds off-road cues—skid-plate styling and all-terrain tires—paired with a Twin-Clutch AWD system and Hill Descent Control. Both vehicles offer hands-free liftgates, roof-rail options, and a palette of contemporary colors. The difference is in the details: the Explorer’s balanced proportions and tighter overhangs deliver a stance that looks equally at home downtown or at the trailhead. Around Charlevoix and Cheboygan, shoppers who value a refined, athletic aesthetic often gravitate to Explorer’s design—especially when they see Tremor’s ride height and purposeful tire-and-wheel setup in person.
Interior - 2026 Ford Explorer in Petoskey, MI
Both SUVs serve busy households well, but the environments they create are distinct. The 2026 Ford Explorer focuses on smart ergonomics and tactile improvements introduced in the recent refresh, with more soft-touch surfaces across the dash and doors, intuitive switchgear, and a standard 13.2-inch central screen aligned for natural sightlines. Families will appreciate straightforward third-row access—second-row seats slide at the touch of a button—and abundant charging, including available ports that reach every row. The 2026 Chevrolet Traverse emphasizes maximum volume, with up to eight-passenger capacity and best-in-class 98 cu. ft. of cargo space when seats are stowed. Its expansive 17.7-inch screen and 11-inch Driver Information Center add a tech-forward feel, while available power-folding second- and third-row seating on select trims simplifies reconfiguration. Where the Explorer shines is in the way the cockpit wraps around the driver—easy-to-reach controls, clear outward visibility, and confident seating positions across trims. Add the available Bang & Olufsen audio system for rich, crisp sound, and the cabin feels tailored rather than simply large. For customers who prefer an interior that supports active weeks without fuss, we recommend starting your test drive in the Explorer at Brown Motors.
Ford Explorer vs Chevrolet Traverse Mechanical Specs
Chassis character is where the Explorer separates itself. Built on a rear-wheel-drive architecture with available all-wheel drive, the 2026 Ford Explorer feels composed and responsive, whether navigating slick winter mornings or sweeping two-lane roads. The ST’s performance tuning adds meaningful bite, while the Tremor’s lifted suspension and limited-slip rear differential add traction confidence in uneven conditions. Across the lineup, a 10-speed automatic transmission helps keep the engine in its sweet spot, smoothing out daily driving and weekend towing alike. The 2026 Chevrolet Traverse is front-wheel-drive based, with available all-wheel drive and, on Z71, a Twin-Clutch AWD system that enhances traction distribution across the rear. It adds Terrain Mode and Hill Descent Control for rougher tracks. Both SUVs are rated to tow up to 5,000 pounds with included trailering equipment, and each offers robust drive modes to adapt to changing surfaces. But if you prefer the balanced feel of a rear-drive foundation—especially in quick transitions or when towing—the Explorer’s platform advantage is tangible. Our team at Brown Motors demonstrates this difference on local test loops in Petoskey, MI, so you can feel it for yourself.
Powertrain - Ford Dealership in Petoskey, MI
The Explorer’s powertrain map offers breadth and headroom. Most trims are powered by a refined 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder making an energetic 300 horsepower and 310 lb.-ft. of torque, paired to a 10-speed automatic. Enthusiasts and confident passers will gravitate to the ST, which upgrades to a twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6 rated at 400 horsepower and 415 lb.-ft. of torque, delivering genuinely quick acceleration. The Tremor applies that torque with trail-friendly gearing and traction-focused hardware. The 2026 Chevrolet Traverse consolidates around a single engine—a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder rated at 328 horsepower and 326 lb.-ft.—paired to an 8-speed automatic. It’s a strong one-engine solution that emphasizes smoothness and efficiency, and it pairs effectively with the Z71’s traction tech. Drivers prioritizing maximum passing punch or a higher-performance character will likely prefer the Explorer’s available V6, along with its 10-speed’s close-ratio responsiveness. For families planning road trips, boat launches, or frequent on-ramp merges, our advisors at Brown Motors can help you choose between the 2.3-liter turbo’s broad everyday capability and the ST’s confident surge. If you are researching in Petoskey, MI, you will appreciate how quickly the Explorer settles into a relaxed yet capable rhythm on our highways and byways.
Safety - Ford Explorer vs Chevrolet Traverse
Modern family SUVs must deliver advanced driver assistance, and both models do. Every 2026 Ford Explorer is equipped with core features such as forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, and lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist. Available upgrades include a self-parking system and BlueCruise hands-free highway driving on compatible roadways when properly equipped. The digital experience supports over-the-air updates to add features or enhancements over time. The 2026 Chevrolet Traverse includes Chevy Safety Assist and over 20 standard safety and driver assistance features across the lineup, plus available technologies such as HD Surround Vision and Super Cruise® hands-free driving capability on compatible roads. Both vehicles incorporate robust structural engineering and comprehensive airbag coverage. Where the Explorer stands out is the way its driver-monitoring and lane-keeping systems blend with a rear-drive chassis to reduce steering corrections and driver fatigue, especially during long stints. For customers evaluating hands-free systems, our team explains how BlueCruise operates, subscription options, and feature availability by trim. Testing these systems back-to-back in Petoskey, MI provides clarity on which experience feels most natural to you and your family.
Request more 2026 Ford Explorer vs 2026 Chevrolet Traverse in Petoskey, MI information
We understand why this comparison is popular—2026 Ford Explorer vs 2026 Chevrolet Traverse pits two capable three-row SUVs against each other. If your priority is maximum seating and cargo volume, the Traverse’s up-to-eight seating and generous cargo rating are persuasive. But for most shoppers balancing daily comfort with confident dynamics, compelling technology, and headroom for growth, the Explorer has the edge. Its rear-wheel-drive platform, 10-speed automatic, and available 400-horsepower V6 ST create a driving character the Traverse cannot match. Add the Tremor’s lifted suspension and limited-slip rear differential, the Ford Digital Experience on a standard 13.2-inch screen, and available BlueCruise, and you have a future-ready SUV that’s easy to live with today. At Brown Motors, our goal is to help you feel these differences on the road and tailor an Explorer that suits your weeks and weekends. Visit us in Petoskey, MI to explore trims and features in detail, then take a route that reflects your commute and family habits. For Northern Michigan families from Petoskey, MI to lakeshore getaways, the 2026 Ford Explorer consistently proves to be the smarter, more engaging choice.