2027 Ford Explorer vs 2027 Chevrolet Traverse: Which 3-Row SUV Should You Buy?
The 2027 Ford Explorer produces 300 hp and adds a 13.2-inch touchscreen plus native Google integration as standard equipment. That puts it ahead of the previous Explorer generation in tech, though the Traverse counters with more raw cargo volume. This page breaks down every key spec side by side so you can choose with confidence before visiting George Coleman Ford.
The Short Answer
The 2027 Explorer is the pick for buyers who want a sportier drive, a wider trim selection that tops out with a dedicated performance model, and a more connected cabin. The 2027 Traverse wins on outright cargo room and front-row legroom. Neither vehicle is the wrong answer, but they suit genuinely different households.
Specs Head-to-Head
| Specification | 2027 Ford Explorer | 2027 Chevrolet Traverse |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 2.3L EcoBoost Turbo I-4 (std) / 3.0L Twin-Turbo V6 (ST, Tremor, Platinum opt) | 2.5L Turbo I-4 |
| Horsepower | 300 hp (2.3L) | 328 hp |
| Torque | 310 lb-ft (2.3L) | 326 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 10-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Standard Drivetrain | Rear-wheel drive | Front-wheel drive |
| AWD | Optional (standard on Tremor) | Optional on most trims (standard on Z71) |
| EPA Combined MPG | 24 mpg | 22 mpg (FWD LT / RS) |
| Seating | 7 | 7 |
| Cargo Behind 3rd Row | 16.3 cu ft | 22.9 cu ft |
| Max Cargo | 85.8 cu ft | 98.0 cu ft |
| Towing | 5,300 lbs | 5,000 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 119.1 in | 121.0 in |
| Overall Length | 198.7 in | 204.5 in |
| Ground Clearance | 7.6 in (base) / 8.7 in (Tremor) | 6.77 in (FWD/AWD LT, RS) |
| Basic Warranty | 3 yr / 36,000 mi | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
| Powertrain Warranty | 5 yr / 60,000 mi | 5 yr / 60,000 mi |
Performance and Powertrain
The Explorer carries a clear structural advantage in powertrain depth. The base 2.3L EcoBoost I-4 produces 300 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque through a 10-speed automatic, and buyers who want more can step into the 3.0L Twin-Turbo V6 on the ST, Tremor, or Platinum. The Traverse offers only one engine option, a 2.5L turbocharged inline-4 making 328 hp and 326 lb-ft. On paper, the Traverse engine has a horsepower advantage over the Explorer's base motor, but the Explorer's optional V6 raises output substantially beyond what the Traverse can match.
Drivetrain architecture is another real differentiator. The Explorer is rear-wheel-drive by default, which contributes to a more engaging driving feel. The Traverse starts on front-wheel drive. Both offer AWD, but the Explorer's Tremor trim adds standard AWD with increased ground clearance (8.7 inches versus the Traverse's 6.77 inches), making it the stronger choice for light off-road use or mountain driving in the Upstate South Carolina area.
Towing also favors the Explorer at 5,300 lbs compared to the Traverse's 5,000 lbs, a meaningful gap if you tow a boat or small camper.
Interior, Space, and Cargo
The Traverse has a genuine advantage in passenger and cargo volume. Its 22.9 cu ft behind the third row beats the Explorer's 16.3 cu ft by a wide margin, and maximum cargo stretches to 98 cu ft versus 85.8 cu ft in the Explorer. Shoppers who regularly haul bulky items or need maximum hauling flexibility will notice that gap in everyday use.
Dimensional legroom figures also favor the Traverse. The Traverse delivers 41.46 inches of second-row legroom and 44.29 inches in the front, both wider measurements than the Explorer's corresponding 37.5 and 43 inches.
The Explorer responds with a more spacious third-row shoulder room measurement (54.6 in) and a notably wider range of trim personalities, from the active-lifestyle-focused Active and off-road-ready Tremor to the performance-oriented ST. The Explorer's third-row occupants also get 31.8 inches of legroom, which is competitive with the Traverse's 32.1 inches.
Technology and Safety
Both SUVs carry Google's ecosystem natively, but the implementations differ. The Explorer runs a 13.2-inch center touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital cluster, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 5G modem, and Google Maps with Google Assistant. The Ford Connectivity Package adds streaming, karaoke, and parked games for the first year at no additional cost.
The Traverse counters with a larger 17.7-inch touchscreen and an 11-inch digital information center, also with Google Built-In including Google Gemini. Super Cruise hands-free driving assistance is available on the Traverse (standard on RS AWD trim), while the Explorer's Co-Pilot360 suite handles adaptive cruise and automated emergency braking without a hands-free hands-off-wheel option in its current confirmed U.S. spec.
On audio, the Explorer offers the B&O Bang and Olufsen 10-speaker system with an available upgrade to a 14-speaker 980W system. The Traverse has an available Bose premium audio system.
Safety coverage is strong on both vehicles. The Explorer includes Ford Co-Pilot360 with adaptive cruise and a 360-degree camera standard. The Traverse carries forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, rear pedestrian alert, and its own 360-degree camera system standard across trims.
Value and Ownership
Both vehicles match on the foundational warranty: 3 years and 36,000 miles bumper-to-bumper, and 5 years and 60,000 miles powertrain. The Traverse adds rust-through protection to 6 years and 100,000 miles, which the Explorer does not list in its verified warranty terms.
The Explorer gets up to 27 mpg highway and 24 mpg combined on the 2.3L engine, running on premium fuel. The Traverse returns 22 mpg combined on the FWD configuration, using regular unleaded gasoline. Shoppers who drive high annual mileage will see the Explorer's efficiency advantage compound over time, partially offsetting the premium fuel requirement.
The Explorer's five-trim lineup, Active, ST-Line, Tremor, ST, and Platinum, gives buyers a meaningful range of personalities. The Tremor brings off-road capability with 8.7 inches of ground clearance. The ST uses the 3.0L twin-turbo V6 as its standard engine. The Traverse's seven configurations across FWD and AWD variants serve buyers who want mainstream versatility and the Z71 serves buyers who want light trail capability, but it lacks a dedicated performance tier to match the Explorer ST.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the 2027 Ford Explorer if you:
- Want a rear-wheel-drive foundation with a sportier feel
- Need more than 300 hp and want a twin-turbo V6 option
- Plan to tow a boat or camper (5,300 lb capacity beats the Traverse)
- Want off-road capability without buying a truck (Tremor, 8.7 in ground clearance)
- Prioritize fuel efficiency (24 mpg combined vs 22 mpg on the Traverse FWD)
Choose the 2027 Chevrolet Traverse if you:
- Haul bulky cargo regularly and need every cubic foot (98 cu ft max)
- Want more front and second-row legroom
- Prefer a larger center screen (17.7 inches vs 13.2 inches)
- Want available Super Cruise hands-free driving assistance
- Use regular-grade gasoline exclusively
See the 2027 Ford Explorer at George Coleman Ford in Travelers Rest
The Explorer's rear-wheel-drive architecture, 5,300-lb tow rating, and five distinct trim levels give Upstate South Carolina buyers a range that the Traverse simply does not replicate. George Coleman Ford carries 2027 Explorer inventory across the lineup, from the everyday-ready Active to the track-tuned ST.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the 2027 Ford Explorer or the 2027 Chevrolet Traverse have more cargo space?
The Traverse has more cargo space, with 22.9 cu ft behind the third row and 98 cu ft maximum compared to the Explorer's 16.3 cu ft behind the third row and 85.8 cu ft maximum.
Which has better fuel economy, the 2027 Explorer or the 2027 Traverse?
The Explorer returns better combined fuel economy at 24 mpg combined versus 22 mpg combined for the Traverse. The Explorer uses premium fuel; the Traverse uses regular unleaded.
Does the 2027 Ford Explorer have AWD?
Yes. AWD is optional on most Explorer trims and comes standard on the Tremor. The Tremor also delivers 8.7 inches of ground clearance, the highest in the lineup.
Which SUV tows more, the Explorer or the Traverse?
The Explorer tows more at 5,300 lbs versus the Traverse's 5,000 lbs.
Does the 2027 Explorer have Google Maps built in?
Yes. The Explorer includes Google Maps native navigation, Google Assistant voice controls, and a 5G modem standard, all accessible through the 13.2-inch touchscreen.
Can I get a performance version of the 2027 Explorer or the 2027 Traverse?
The Explorer offers the ST trim with the standard 3.0L Twin-Turbo V6. The Traverse does not offer a confirmed dedicated performance trim with a higher-output engine in the U.S. spec provided.
Where can I test drive the 2027 Ford Explorer near Travelers Rest, SC?
George Coleman Ford in Travelers Rest carries 2027 Explorer inventory. Check current availability online, then schedule a test drive online.