CARVSLABFeel the physics before you buy

Matchup

Ford Explorer vs Chevrolet Traverse

The 2026 Explorer Active 4WD against the 2026 Traverse LT AWD, through ten physics labs and every official rating we could find.

Last checked Oct 24, 2026. Every figure links to its source.

Open this matchup in the 3D lab

2026 Ford Explorer2026 Chevrolet Traverse

The short answer

  • The Explorer stops from 70 mph in 170 ft, 8 ft shorter than the Traverse (178 ft). TestedCar and DriverTestedCar and Driver
  • NHTSA puts the Explorer’s single-vehicle rollover risk lower: 15.1% risk against 18.5% risk for the Traverse. TestedNHTSATestedNHTSA
  • The Explorer gets to 60 mph 1.1 s sooner: 6.2 s against 7.3 s. TestedCar and DriverTestedCar and Driver
  • The Traverse has 11.0 cu ft more cargo space behind its second row: 57.0 cu ft against 46.0 cu ft. PublishedThe Car ConnectionTestedCar and Driver

Who each one suits

The Explorer drives and stops better: 8 ft shorter from 70 mph, 60 mph 1.1 s sooner, lower rollover risk, 2 mpg better, and a Good grade in the IIHS moderate overlap test against the Traverse’s Acceptable.

The Traverse is the family hauler: seven seats against six, nearly twice the second-row knee room for a 5-ft-11 passenger (8.0 in against 4.1), more head room, and low beams that reach 117 ft farther.

At a glance

ExplorerTraverse
Starting price, this trim$44,380PublishedValor Ford$44,795PublishedGM Authority
Powertrain2.3 L EcoBoost turbocharged four with port and direct injection · Intelligent 4WD: rear-drive based, with an electronically controlled clutch to the front axle2.5 L turbocharged four (LK0) with direct injection · AWD with an electronically controlled rear coupling (driver-selectable)
0–60 mph, tested or claimed6.2 sTestedCar and Driver7.3 sTestedCar and Driver
Braking 70–0 mph, tested170 ft (51.8 m)TestedCar and Driver178 ft (54.3 m)TestedCar and Driver
EPA combined23 mpg (10.2 L/100 km)PublishedEPA21 mpg (11.2 L/100 km)PublishedEPA
Cargo behind the second row46.0 cu ft (1,303 L)PublishedThe Car Connection57.0 cu ft (1,614 L)TestedCar and Driver
Large suitcases, packed8Simulated, estimated inputsfrom Ford8Simulatedfrom C/D
Seats6Published7Published
Crash ratingsNHTSA 5★ overall · IIHS Top Safety PickNHTSA 5★ overall · IIHS crash tests G/A/G

Acceleration

The Explorer gets to 60 mph 1.1 s sooner: 6.2 s against 7.3 s.

ExplorerTraverse
Power300 hp (224 kW)PublishedFord328 hp (245 kW)PublishedC/D
Torque310 lb-ft (420 Nm)PublishedFord326 lb-ft (442 Nm)PublishedC/D
0–60 mph, tested or claimed6.2 sTestedCar and Driver7.3 sTestedCar and Driver
0–60 mph, our simulation6.4 sSimulatedfrom Car and Driver7.4 sSimulatedfrom Car and Driver
Passing, 50–70 mph4.7 sTestedCar and Driver4.8 sTestedCar and Driver
Quarter mile14.9 sTestedCar and Driver15.6 sTestedCar and Driver
Watch it in The Shove

Braking and stopping distance

The Explorer stops from 70 mph in 170 ft, 8 ft shorter than the Traverse (178 ft).

ExplorerTraverse
Braking 70–0 mph, tested170 ft (51.8 m)TestedCar and Driver178 ft (54.3 m)TestedCar and Driver
Braking 60–0 mph, tested127 ft (38.7 m)TestedMotorTrend114 ft (34.7 m)TestedMotorTrend
Wet road from 70 mph, 1 s reaction354 ft (108.0 m)Simulatedfrom Car and Driver367 ft (111.7 m)Simulatedfrom Car and Driver
Dry road from 70 mph, 1 s reaction273 ft (83.1 m)Simulatedfrom Car and Driver281 ft (85.6 m)Simulatedfrom Car and Driver
Packed snow from 30 mph, 1 s reaction164 ft (50.0 m)Simulatedfrom Car and Driver170 ft (51.8 m)Simulatedfrom Car and Driver
Watch it in The Stop

Rollover

NHTSA puts the Explorer’s single-vehicle rollover risk lower: 15.1% risk against 18.5% risk for the Traverse.

ExplorerTraverse
NHTSA rollover rating4★ · 15.1% riskTestedNHTSA4★ · 18.5% riskTestedNHTSA
Sideways slide that trips it into a roll12 mph (19 km/h)Simulatedfrom NHTSA11 mph (18 km/h)Simulated, estimated inputsfrom NHTSA
Static stability factor (half-track ÷ CoG height)1.25Simulatedfrom NHTSA1.19Simulated, estimated inputsfrom NHTSA
Watch it in The Tipping Point

Efficiency and running costs

At 15,000 miles a year and national average prices, the Explorer costs about $279 a year less to run: $2,920/yr against $3,199/yr.

ExplorerTraverse
EPA combined23 mpg (10.2 L/100 km)PublishedEPA21 mpg (11.2 L/100 km)PublishedEPA
Fuel or charging, 15,000 mi a year$2,920/yrDerivedEPA$3,199/yrDerivedEPA
Steady 75 mph, our simulation28 mpg (8.4 L/100 km)Simulatedfrom Car and Driver20 mpg (11.8 L/100 km)Simulated, estimated inputsfrom Car and Driver
Drag coefficient0.35DerivedEPA0.43DerivedEPA
Watch it in The Invisible Wall

Grip, snow and maneuvering

The Explorer rides higher: 7.6 in of ground clearance against 6.8 in.

ExplorerTraverse
Skidpad grip, tested0.81 gTestedCar and Driver0.81 gTestedCar and Driver
Cornering grip, our simulation0.81 gSimulatedfrom Car and Driver0.81 gSimulatedfrom Car and Driver
Pulling away on packed snow0.27 gSimulatedfrom Car and Driver0.26 gSimulatedfrom Car and Driver
Turning circle38.7 ft (11.8 m)PublishedKBB39.0 ft (11.9 m)PublishedGizmoDriver
Ground clearance7.6 in (19 cm)PublishedFord6.8 in (17 cm)PublishedC/D
TiresHankook Kinergy GT (H436) 255/65R18 111H · 255/65R18PublishedSimpleTire255/65R18 all-season · 255/65R18PublishedC/D
Watch it in The Grip Budget

Space, luggage and fit

The Traverse has 11.0 cu ft more cargo space behind its second row: 57.0 cu ft against 46.0 cu ft.

ExplorerTraverse
Seats6Published7Published
Large suitcases, packed8Simulated, estimated inputsfrom Ford8Simulatedfrom C/D
Carry-ons in the space left4Simulated, estimated inputsfrom Ford6Simulatedfrom C/D
Cargo behind the second row46.0 cu ft (1,303 L)PublishedThe Car Connection57.0 cu ft (1,614 L)TestedCar and Driver
Cargo, seats folded85.8 cu ft (2,430 L)PublishedFord98.0 cu ft (2,775 L)TestedCar and Driver
Towing5,000 lb (2,268 kg)PublishedFord5,000 lb (2,268 kg)PublishedC/D
Driver head room, 6 ft 4 in driver+1.0 in (3 cm)Simulated, estimated inputs+2.2 in (6 cm)Simulated, estimated inputs
Driver head room, 5 ft 11 in driver+3.5 in (9 cm)Simulated, estimated inputs+4.0 in (10 cm)Simulated, estimated inputs
Driver head room, 5 ft 4 in driver+6.7 in (17 cm)Simulated, estimated inputs+6.8 in (17 cm)Simulated, estimated inputs
Rear head room, 5 ft 11 in passenger+3.0 in (8 cm)Simulated, estimated inputs+3.1 in (8 cm)Simulated, estimated inputs
Rear knee room, 5 ft 11 in behind 5 ft 11 in+4.1 in (10 cm)Simulated, estimated inputs+8.0 in (20 cm)Simulated, estimated inputs
Rear head and knee, 6 ft 4 in behind 6 ft 4 in+0.5 in head · −0.2 in kneeSimulated, estimated inputs+0.5 in head · +3.7 in kneeSimulated, estimated inputs
Front head room, published40.7 in (103 cm)PublishedFord42.6 in (108 cm)PublishedC/D
Rear head room, published40.5 in (103 cm)PublishedFord40.0 in (102 cm)PublishedC/D
Rear leg room, published37.5 in (95 cm)PublishedFord41.5 in (105 cm)PublishedC/D
Watch it in Live In It

Visibility

From the driver’s seat the Explorer’s hood hides the first 25 ft of road; the Traverse’s hides 33 ft.

ExplorerTraverse
Road hidden in front of the bumper, 5 ft 9 in driver25 ft (7.7 m)Simulated33 ft (10.0 m)Simulated
Ground visible within 33 ft ahead41%Simulated41%Simulated
Watch it in Can You See Me?

Headlights and night stopping

On low beams, the fastest you can drive the Traverse and still stop inside the lit road is 84 mph; in the Explorer it’s 70 mph (dry road, 1.5-second reaction).

ExplorerTraverse
IIHS headlight ratingGoodTestedIIHSGoodTestedIIHS
Low beams, straight road (right edge)326 ft (99.5 m)TestedIIHS443 ft (135.1 m)TestedIIHS
Fastest you can stop inside the low beams70 mph (113 km/h)Simulatedfrom IIHS84 mph (136 km/h)Simulatedfrom IIHS
High beams, straight road (right edge)576 ft (175.6 m)TestedIIHS512 ft (156.0 m)TestedIIHS
Watch it in After Dark

Crash safety

In the IIHS moderate overlap front test the Explorer rates Good and the Traverse Acceptable.

ExplorerTraverse
NHTSA overall5★TestedNHTSA5★TestedNHTSA
IIHS small overlap frontGoodTestedIIHSGoodTestedIIHS
IIHS moderate overlap front (updated)GoodTestedIIHSAcceptableTestedIIHS
IIHS side (updated)GoodTestedIIHSGoodTestedIIHS
IIHS award2026 Top Safety PickPublishedIIHSno data
Curb weight4,498 lb (2,040 kg)TestedCar and Driver4,865 lb (2,207 kg)TestedCar and Driver
Watch it in The Impact

Where each one wins

Ford Explorer

  • The Explorer stops from 70 mph in 170 ft, 8 ft shorter than the Traverse (178 ft). TestedCar and DriverTestedCar and Driver
  • NHTSA puts the Explorer’s single-vehicle rollover risk lower: 15.1% risk against 18.5% risk for the Traverse. TestedNHTSATestedNHTSA
  • The Explorer gets to 60 mph 1.1 s sooner: 6.2 s against 7.3 s. TestedCar and DriverTestedCar and Driver
  • At 15,000 miles a year and national average prices, the Explorer costs about $279 a year less to run: $2,920/yr against $3,199/yr. DerivedEPADerivedEPA
  • From the driver’s seat the Explorer’s hood hides the first 25 ft of road; the Traverse’s hides 33 ft. Simulated
  • The Explorer is rated 23 mpg combined by the EPA, 2 mpg better than the Traverse (21 mpg). PublishedEPAPublishedEPA
  • In the IIHS moderate overlap front test the Explorer rates Good and the Traverse Acceptable. TestedIIHSTestedIIHS
  • The Explorer rides higher: 7.6 in of ground clearance against 6.8 in. PublishedFordPublishedC/D
  • It takes a 12 mph sideways slide into a curb to roll the Explorer; the Traverse goes over at 11 mph. Simulatedfrom NHTSASimulated, estimated inputsfrom NHTSA

Chevrolet Traverse

  • The Traverse has 11.0 cu ft more cargo space behind its second row: 57.0 cu ft against 46.0 cu ft. PublishedThe Car ConnectionTestedCar and Driver
  • Behind a 5-ft-11 driver, a 5-ft-11 passenger gets +8.0 in of knee room in the Traverse and +4.1 in in the Explorer. Simulated, estimated inputs
  • On low beams, the fastest you can drive the Traverse and still stop inside the lit road is 84 mph; in the Explorer it’s 70 mph (dry road, 1.5-second reaction). Simulatedfrom IIHSSimulatedfrom IIHS
  • IIHS measured the Traverse’s low beams lighting the road 117 ft farther on a straightaway: 443 ft against 326 ft. TestedIIHSTestedIIHS
  • The Traverse seats 7; the Explorer seats 6. Published
  • A 6-ft-4 driver has +2.2 in between head and headliner in the Traverse and +1.0 in in the Explorer. Simulated, estimated inputs
  • The Traverse makes 28 hp more: 328 hp against 300 hp. PublishedFordPublishedC/D

Weigh them by what matters to you in the lab’s verdict

Other trims

Keep comparing

Sources

  1. Car and Driver: 2020 Ford Explorer vs. 2020 Kia Telluride: comparison test (Explorer XLT AWD 2.3 L test data) (2019-10)
  2. Car and Driver: Tested: 2024 Chevrolet Traverse Is Large but Lacks Charisma (RS AWD) (2024-09)
  3. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings: 2026 Ford Explorer Gas SUV 4WD (VehicleId 21405) (2026-10)
  4. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings: 2026 Chevrolet Traverse SUV ICE AWD (VehicleId 21869) (2026-10)
  5. The Car Connection: 2026 Ford Explorer specifications (cargo volume to the 2nd and 3rd rows) (2026-10)
  6. Valor Ford: 2026 Ford Explorer trims and pricing: Ford MSRP by trim and $1,795 destination (dealer reproduction of Ford’s price list) (2026-10)
  7. GM Authority: 2026 Chevy Traverse gets destination freight charge increase (MSRP plus destination by trim) (2026-01)
  8. US EPA (fueleconomy.gov): 2026 Ford Explorer AWD 2.3 L (id 49907) and 3.0 L (id 49906) ratings (2026-10)
  9. US EPA (fueleconomy.gov): 2026 Chevrolet Traverse AWD (id 49574) and FWD ratings (2026-10)
  10. Ford Motor Company: 2026 Ford Explorer models and specs (dimensions, interior room, cargo, towing, engines) (2026-10)
  11. Car and Driver (Chrome data): 2026 Chevrolet Traverse FWD LT features and specs (dimensions, interior, cargo, brakes, tires, engine) (2026-10)
  12. MotorTrend: 2025 Ford Explorer Active RWD First Test (2026-10)
  13. MotorTrend: 2025 Chevrolet Traverse High Country AWD First Test (2025-06)
  14. Car and Driver: Tested: 2025 Buick Enclave Is a Big, Cushy Family Cruiser (Avenir FWD, 75-mph highway test) (2024-12)
  15. US EPA: Data on cars used for testing fuel economy, MY2026 (Ford Explorer coastdown targets) (2026-01)
  16. US EPA: Data on cars used for testing fuel economy, MY2026 (Chevrolet Traverse AWD and FWD coastdown targets) (2026-01)
  17. Kelley Blue Book: 2026 Ford Explorer specs (turning diameter) (2026-10)
  18. GizmoDriver: 2026 Chevrolet Traverse turning circle by trim (2026-10)
  19. SimpleTire: 2025 Ford Explorer OE tires by trim (Active: Hankook Kinergy GT H436 255/65R18 111H) (2026-10)
  20. IIHS: 2026 Ford Explorer 4-door SUV ratings (2026-10)
  21. IIHS: 2026 Chevrolet Traverse ratings (2026-10)
  22. IIHS: IIHS pushes improvements in crash avoidance with 2026 awards (Mar 24, 2026) (2026-03)

Badges: Published figures come from the maker, a regulator or a rating agency; Tested from an independent instrumented test; Simulated are computed by our physics from those inputs (how); Estimate means no published value exists. Confirm figures with the maker or your dealer before you buy.