Matt Bowers Ford · Metairie, Louisiana
Explorer vs. Traverse.
Make room for what matters.
Compare the 2026 Ford Explorer and Chevrolet Traverse for family seating, cargo, engines and towing. Then find an Explorer for your drive around Metairie, New Orleans and Kenner.
Inventory may include multiple model years. Confirm year, seating and equipment on the individual vehicle.
Two three-row SUVs. Different reasons to choose.
Put Explorer on your shortlist
Consider Explorer if you want six or seven seats, rear-wheel-drive or Intelligent 4WD choices, and an available EcoBoost V6 on select models. Bring your everyday priorities to a test drive and compare the exact equipment.
Where Traverse makes its case
Traverse offers more published maximum cargo room and available eight-passenger seating on LT. If carrying eight people is essential, that is a meaningful difference. Confirm how much luggage space you need with everyone aboard.
2026 Explorer vs. Traverse at a glance
| Compare | Ford Explorer | Chevy Traverse |
|---|---|---|
| Seating | 6 or 7, depending on configuration | 7 or 8; 8-passenger seating available on LT with second-row bench |
| Maximum cargo volume* | Up to 85.8 cu. ft. | Up to 97.6 cu. ft. (approximately 98) |
| Engine choices | 2.3L EcoBoost I-4; available 3.0L EcoBoost V6 on select models | 2.5L turbocharged engine |
| Drive options | Rear-wheel drive or available Intelligent 4WD; varies by model | Front-wheel drive or available AWD; varies by model |
| Maximum towing** | Up to 5,000 lbs; standard Class III Trailer Tow Package | Up to 5,000 lbs when properly equipped |
| Off-road-focused model | Explorer Tremor | Traverse Z71 |
*Maximum cargo figures require the second and third rows folded. Explorer maximum varies by model; 85.8 cu. ft. applies to select models. GM's 2026 fleet specification lists 97.6 cu. ft.; Chevrolet's retail page rounds this to 98. Cargo capacity is limited by weight and distribution. Manufacturer measurement methods may differ.
**Towing ratings are maximums for properly equipped vehicles. Passengers, cargo, accessories, trailer tongue weight and configuration affect the capacity of your vehicle. Verify ratings and required equipment before towing.
Compare the space you'll actually use.
Seats first
Count your usual passengers. Compare a second-row bench with captain's chairs, access to the third row and how the seating arrangement works for your family. Bring child seats to check fit using the vehicle and child-seat instructions.
Cargo with people aboard
Maximum cargo volume describes the seats folded, not a full family plus luggage. Bring your stroller, sports bags or everyday gear to check the load area with the seats in the position you need.
On your test drive, check rear visibility, parking, third-row access and seat comfort. Ask our team to demonstrate the controls and equipment on the Explorer you are considering.
Explore our Ford Explorer model guideA weekend trailer? Compare the whole setup.
Both SUVs advertise up to 5,000 lbs of maximum towing when properly equipped. That headline alone does not decide which vehicle fits your trip. Review the loaded trailer, passengers, luggage, hitch equipment and vehicle ratings together.
Tell us what you plan to tow. We can help review the specific Explorer's equipment and manufacturer information before you choose.
Ask About an Explorer's Towing SetupA better experience before, during & after the sale.
Before your visit
Tell us your priorities. Request equipment details, photos or a walkaround video and confirm the Explorer is available before you make the trip.
When you buy
Compare the actual vehicle, take a test drive and ask about pricing, your trade and financing. Take time to understand the equipment and paperwork. Financing is subject to credit approval.
Through ownership
Our Metairie Ford service team can help with maintenance and ownership questions. Qualifying vehicles include our Lifetime Powertrain Warranty, subject to its terms and required maintenance.
Lifetime Powertrain Warranty: Applies to qualifying vehicles for as long as the original purchaser owns the vehicle. Eligibility, coverage, limitations and exclusions apply. Commercial-use vehicles are excluded. All lube, oil and filter changes must be performed at a Matt Bowers dealership or service center to maintain coverage. See dealer for actual warranty terms.
Explorer vs. Traverse FAQs
Is the Ford Explorer or Chevy Traverse better for my family?
Start with your passenger count, the cargo you carry with every seat occupied, and the features you will use. Explorer offers six- or seven-passenger configurations and an available EcoBoost V6. Traverse offers more maximum cargo volume and available eight-passenger seating on LT. Compare the actual vehicles and take a test drive before deciding.
Does the Explorer seat eight passengers?
No. The 2026 Explorer seats six or seven, depending on the model and seating configuration. The 2026 Traverse offers seven seats or available eight-passenger seating on LT with the second-row bench. Confirm the seating layout on the specific vehicle.
Which has more cargo room: Explorer or Traverse?
Traverse has the larger published maximum cargo volume: up to 97.6 cubic feet, rounded to 98 on Chevrolet's retail site, versus up to 85.8 cubic feet for Explorer. These figures require the second and third rows folded. They do not describe luggage space with all passengers seated.
Can both SUVs tow 5,000 pounds?
Both advertise maximum towing of up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped. The 2026 Explorer includes the Class III Trailer Tow Package. Actual capacity depends on the specific vehicle, equipment, occupants, cargo and trailer. Check the owner's manual and vehicle ratings before towing.
Where can I test drive an Explorer near New Orleans or Kenner?
Request a visit to Matt Bowers Ford at 3724 Veterans Memorial Blvd, Metairie, LA 70002. Tell us which Explorer interests you, your seating needs and preferred visit time. Our team will confirm the vehicle and appointment.
Bring your family. Find your Explorer.
Shop available Explorers at Matt Bowers Ford, then request an appointment to compare seating, cargo space and equipment in person. We serve Metairie, New Orleans, Kenner and Greater New Orleans.
Appointments are subject to confirmation and vehicle availability.
3724 Veterans Memorial Blvd · Metairie, LA 70002Call 504-293-1100
Sources & comparison notes
2026 U.S. model information checked November 11, 2026. Specifications and feature availability vary by trim, seating, powertrain and equipment. Confirm the exact vehicle before purchase. No price or incentive is promised on this page.
