2026 Chevy Traverse vs. Ford Explorer in Rockford, IL

3-Row SUV Head-to-Head: Best-in-Class Cargo & Best-in-Class Screen Size

The Ultimate 3-Row Family SUV Battle in Rockford

For growing families needing extra seating and weekend versatility across Northern Illinois, the Chevy Traverse and Ford Explorer are primary choices. The Traverse delivers best-in-class cargo space, a massive 17.7-inch touchscreen standard, and available Super Cruise hands-free driving tech for easy commutes down I-90.

Feature Comparison	2026 Chevy Traverse	2026 Ford Explorer
Maximum Cargo Volume	98.0 cu. ft. (Best-in-Class)	85.8 cu. ft.
Infotainment Screen	17.7-inch Diagonal Display (Standard)	13.2-inch Display
Hands-Free Driving Tech	Available Super Cruise™ (Includes Trailering Capability)	Available BlueCruise
Off-Road Trim Package	Traverse Z71 (Twin-Clutch AWD & All-Terrain Tires)	Explorer Tremor
Seating Capacity	Up to 8 Passengers	Up to 7 Passengers

Key Reasons Rockford Families Prefer the Chevy Traverse

Room for Everyone and Everything: With up to 98.0 cubic feet of cargo space, the Traverse easily accommodates sports gear, luggage, and road trip supplies better than the Explorer.
Massive Screen Experience: The standard 17.7-inch infotainment system gives intuitive control over navigation, media, and climate.
Z71 Off-Road Capability: The Traverse Z71 features extra ground clearance, skid plates, and twin-clutch AWD for tackling unpaved roads and deep winter snowdrifts.

Bring the Family to Test Drive the Traverse

Compare 7-passenger and 8-passenger configurations today at Lou Bachrodt Chevrolet in Rockford.

View Chevy Traverse Inventory

Frequently Asked Questions: Chevy Traverse vs. Ford Explorer

Q: Does the Chevy Traverse hold more cargo than the Ford Explorer?
A: Yes. The Chevy Traverse offers a best-in-class maximum cargo capacity of 98.0 cubic feet with rear seats folded, compared to 85.8 cubic feet in the Ford Explorer.

Q: How many passengers can seat in the Chevy Traverse vs. Ford Explorer?
A: The Chevy Traverse can seat up to 8 passengers with an available second-row bench seat or 7 passengers with second-row captain's chairs. The Ford Explorer maxes out at 7 passengers.

Q: Which SUV has more standard horsepower on base models?
A: The Chevy Traverse comes standard with a 2.5L Turbo engine producing 328 horsepower and 326 lb-ft of torque. The standard 2.3L EcoBoost in the Ford Explorer generates 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque.

Q: Can the Chevy Traverse and Ford Explorer tow a boat or camper?
A: Yes. Both the 2026 Chevy Traverse and Ford Explorer offer a maximum towing capacity of up to 5,000 lbs when properly equipped with trailering packages.

Q: Does the Chevy Traverse offer hands-free driving on Illinois highways?
A: Yes, available Super Cruise™ technology allows for true hands-free driving on over 400,000 miles of compatible roads across North America, including major routes like I-90 and I-39 around Rockford.

Q: Is the third row in the Chevy Traverse comfortable for adults?
A: Yes. The Traverse features one of the most adult-friendly third rows in the midsize SUV class, offering superior legroom (32.1 inches) and headroom compared to the tighter third row of the Ford Explorer.

Q: How does the Chevy Traverse handle Rockford winter weather?
A: Equipped with available All-Wheel Drive—or the advanced Twin-Clutch AWD system on the Z71 model—the Traverse provides exceptional control, torque vectoring, and stability through deep Northern Illinois snow and ice.

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