Every 2027 Traverse uses a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that makes 328 horsepower and 326 lb-ft of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic. You don't have to step up to a pricey trim to get full power. It's the same engine on the LT as on the High Country.
2027 Chevrolet Traverse Vs. 2027 Ford Explorer
Discover Our Traverse Inventory!The Quick Answer: Traverse or Explorer?
The short answer: the 2027 Chevrolet Traverse is the better pick for most Erie families. It seats up to eight, holds about 12 more cubic feet of cargo than the Explorer, and gives every trim the same 328-horsepower turbo engine. The 2027 Ford Explorer makes sense if you want a sporty drive, the twin-turbo V6, or the off-road Tremor.
Both are three-row midsize SUVs that tow up to 5,000 pounds, offer all-wheel or four-wheel drive, and come with hands-free highway driving tech. The differences show up in seating, cargo room, standard power, and screen size. Here's how they compare, from our team at Dave Hallman Chevrolet on State Street in Erie.
Performance: Standard Power on Every Traverse
The 2027 Explorer starts with a 2.3-liter turbo four-cylinder rated at 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft. Its twin-turbo 3.0L V6 is rated up to 400 horsepower, or 385 on Explorers sold in Pennsylvania. It's standard only on the ST and optional on the Tremor and Platinum.
Space: Room for Eight and Then Some
The Traverse seats up to eight on the LT with its second-row bench, and seven on other trims. Fold both rear rows, and you get 98 cubic feet of cargo space, which Chevrolet rates best in class and about 12 cubic feet more than the Explorer's 85.8. Even with every seat in use, there's 22.9 cubic feet behind the third row for groceries, hockey bags, or a weekend's worth of luggage.
The Explorer seats six, or seven with the available second-row bench, and has 16.3 cubic feet behind its third row.
Technology: A Bigger Screen and Hands-Free Driving
The Traverse comes standard with a 17.7-inch touchscreen and an 11-inch driver display, plus wireless phone connectivity and Google built-in. Super Cruise hands-free driving is available on compatible highways, including long stretches of I-90, and standard on the RS and High Country.
The Explorer has a 13.2-inch touchscreen. Ford's BlueCruise hands-free system is standard on the ST and Platinum and available on other trims.
Built for Erie Winters
Lake-effect snow is a fact of life here, so drivetrain matters. All-wheel drive is available on the Traverse LT and RS and standard on the off-road-ready Z71. The Explorer is rear-wheel drive in base form, with four-wheel drive available (standard on the Tremor). If you're shopping for snow, make sure the Explorer you're looking at has 4WD.
Both SUVs tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped, enough for a small boat headed to Presque Isle or a pop-up camper.
2027 Traverse vs. 2027 Explorer: Side-by-Side Specs
| Feature | 2027 Chevrolet Traverse | 2027 Ford Explorer |
|---|---|---|
| Standard engine | 2.5L turbo 4-cylinder | 2.3L EcoBoost turbo 4-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 328 hp (every trim) | 300 hp; 3.0L V6 up to 400 hp (385 hp on Pennsylvania-sold models) |
| Torque | 326 lb-ft | 310 lb-ft (415 lb-ft V6) |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 10-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | FWD standard, AWD available (standard on Z71) | RWD standard, 4WD available (standard on Tremor) |
| Seating | Up to 8 (LT with 2nd-row bench; other trims seat 7) | 6 standard, 7 with available 2nd-row bench (not on Tremor) |
| Max cargo space | 98 cu ft (best-in-class, per Chevrolet) | 85.8 cu ft (85.3 on Tremor, Platinum, ST) |
| Cargo behind 3rd row | 22.9 cu ft | 16.3 cu ft |
| Max towing | 5,000 lbs (LT, Z71, RS) | 5,000 lbs (every model) |
| Fuel economy (EPA) | 20 city / 26 hwy mpg (FWD) | Varies by engine and drivetrain |
| Center touchscreen | 17.7 in | 13.2 in |
| Hands-free highway driving | Super Cruise available (standard on RS, High Country) | BlueCruise available (standard on ST, Platinum) |
| Trims | LT, Z71, RS, High Country | Active, ST-Line, Tremor, Platinum, ST |
Specs from chevrolet.com and ford.com.
Which One Should You Choose?
Choose the 2027 Chevy Traverse if you:
- Need seating for up to eight
- Haul a lot of gear and want the most cargo space in the class
- Want full power without paying for a top trim
- Plan to use hands-free highway driving on road trips
Choose the 2027 Ford Explorer if you:
- Want a sportier, rear-drive-based driving feel
- Want V6 power or the off-road-tuned Tremor
- Only need six or seven seats
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Chevy Traverse bigger than the Ford Explorer?
Yes. The 2027 Traverse seats up to eight and offers up to 98 cubic feet of cargo space. The 2027 Explorer seats six or seven and offers up to 85.8 cubic feet.
Which has more horsepower, the Traverse or the Explorer?
The Traverse makes 328 horsepower on every trim. The Explorer's standard engine makes 300 horsepower, and its 3.0L V6 (standard on ST, available on Tremor and Platinum) makes up to 400, or 385 on Pennsylvania-sold models.
Can the Traverse and Explorer handle Erie winters?
Both can. All-wheel drive is available on the Traverse LT and RS and standard on the Z71. The Explorer is rear-wheel drive standard, with four-wheel drive available and standard on the Tremor.
How much can the 2027 Traverse tow?
Up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped, the same maximum as the 2027 Explorer.
What trims does the 2027 Chevy Traverse come in?
The 2027 Traverse comes in four trims: LT, Z71, RS, and High Country. Every trim uses the same 328-horsepower turbo engine.
What's new for the 2027 Ford Explorer?
Ford made the 3.0L V6 available on the Platinum, added a Sinister appearance package for the ST, and added two new colors, Avalanche Gray and Ruby Red. The standard 300-horsepower engine carries over.
Can I lease or finance a 2027 Traverse at Dave Hallman Chevrolet?
Yes. We offer financing and lease options, and you can get pre-approved online or value your trade before you visit.
Test-Drive the 2027 Traverse in Erie
The best way to compare is to sit in the third row and fold the seats yourself. Stop by Dave Hallman Chevrolet at 1925 State Street in Erie to browse our Traverse inventory or schedule a test drive. Ask about current Traverse offers on our specials page.
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