2026 Chevrolet Traverse vs 2026 Ford Explorer for Fayetteville, NC
Fayetteville, NC | Powers-Swain Chevrolet
2026 Chevy Traverse vs. Ford Explorer
Fayetteville families need a three-row SUV that handles the All American Freeway at rush hour, a full load of baseball gear, and a weekend run to Carvers Creek State Park. The 2026 Traverse delivers 98 cu ft of cargo space and a 17.7-inch touchscreen at $40,800. See why Cumberland County drivers pick the Traverse.
2026 Traverse Starting$40,800*MSRP. See dealer for details.
Side by Side
2026 Traverse vs. 2026 Explorer: The Numbers
Every key spec, head to head. Traverse wins are marked. Explorer wins shown fairly.
Feature
2026 Chevy Traverse
2026 Ford Explorer
Starting MSRP
$40,800
$38,465 WIN
Standard Engine
✓2.5L Turbo I4
2.3L Turbo I4
Horsepower
✓328 hp
300 hp
Fuel Economy (Hwy)
27 mpg FWD
29 mpg RWD WIN
Max Cargo Volume
✓98 cu ft (Best-in-Class)
85.8 cu ft
Standard Touchscreen
✓17.7-inch
13.2-inch
Max Seating
✓Up to 8 passengers
Up to 7 passengers
AWD Availability
✓Available all trims
Available (+$2,000)
Towing Capacity
5,000 lbs
5,000 lbs
Powertrain Warranty
✓5 yr / 60,000 mi
3 yr / 36,000 mi
Hands-Free Driver Assist
✓Super Cruise available
BlueCruise available
Why the Traverse Wins
Four Key Advantages for Fayetteville Families
Choose a tab to explore where the 2026 Traverse leads the Explorer.
Best-in-Class
98 Cu Ft of Cargo: No Comparison
The 2026 Traverse holds 98 cubic feet of cargo with all seats folded. That beats the Explorer by more than 12 cubic feet. Whether you park at Crown Coliseum for a concert or pack for a long weekend at Falls Lake, the Traverse fits more of what matters.
The Explorer tops out at 85.8 cubic feet. That gap is real at the grocery store, at the soccer field off Cliffdale Road, and on a family camping trip to Carvers Creek State Park.
98Cu Ft Max
12+More Than Explorer
#1In Its Class
Technology Lead
17.7-Inch Screen. Standard on Every Traverse.
Every 2026 Traverse ships with a 17.7-inch diagonal touchscreen. Google built-in comes ready for Google Maps, Google Assistant, and Google Play. The Explorer starts with a 13.2-inch screen, a 4.5-inch gap that you notice every single day.
Traverse also offers Super Cruise, Chevy's hands-free driver assistance technology. Driving up I-95 toward Smithfield or across US-401 toward Sanford just got easier.
17.7"Standard Screen
4.5"Larger Than Explorer
11"Driver Info Center
Family Capacity
Seat 8 Passengers. The Explorer Stops at 7.
The 2026 Traverse fits up to 8 passengers. That means the whole carpool group from Hope Mills fits without sending anyone in a second car. Third-row legroom matches what adults actually need on a drive from Fayetteville to the Outer Banks.
The Explorer carries 7 at most. For large families near Fort Liberty or Spring Lake, that one extra seat matters every school week.
8Max Passengers
3Full Rows
60/403rd Row Split
Peace of Mind
5-Year Powertrain Warranty. Ford Offers 3.
The 2026 Traverse comes with a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. The Ford Explorer covers the powertrain for only 3 years and 36,000 miles. Military families on PCS orders who may drive long distances need that extra coverage.
Powers-Swain Chevrolet backs every Traverse with dealership service right here on Raeford Road. You get longer factory coverage and a local team that knows your name.
5 yrPowertrain Warranty
60KMiles Covered
2xLonger Than Ford
The Full Story
Why Fayetteville Drivers Compare These Two SUVs
The 2026 Chevrolet Traverse and the 2026 Ford Explorer both aim at three-row families in Cumberland County. Both carry seven or eight passengers. Both tow up to 5,000 pounds. Both run on a turbocharged engine with a 10-speed automatic. At that point, the differences come into focus fast. The Traverse leads on cargo space, screen size, seating capacity, and powertrain warranty. The Explorer starts about $2,300 lower and gets slightly better highway fuel economy with the base RWD setup.
For families who commute down Raeford Road, run kids to Fayetteville Academy, visit friends at Fort Liberty, and take long weekend trips to Wrightsville Beach, the Traverse checks more boxes. Powers-Swain Chevrolet has served Fayetteville families since the dealership opened, with a service department you can walk into any weekday. Read on for the full comparison.
Full Comparison
Complete Spec Sheet: 2026 Traverse vs. 2026 Explorer
All key specifications side by side. Winning cells are marked in red.
| Specification | 2026 Chevy Traverse | 2026 Ford Explorer |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | $40,800 | W$38,465 |
| Engine (Standard) | W2.5L Turbo I4 | 2.3L Turbo I4 |
| Horsepower (Standard) | W328 hp | 300 hp |
| Torque (Standard) | W326 lb-ft | 311 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 10-speed automatic |
| Highway MPG (std drivetrain) | 27 mpg FWD | W29 mpg RWD |
| City MPG | 20 mpg FWD | 20 mpg RWD |
| Max Cargo Volume | W98 cu ft | 85.8 cu ft |
| Max Seating | W8 passengers | 7 passengers |
| Standard Touchscreen | W17.7 inches | 13.2 inches |
| Google Built-In | WStandard | Standard |
| Wireless Apple CarPlay | Standard | Standard |
| Wireless Android Auto | Standard | Standard |
| Towing Capacity (max) | 5,000 lbs | 5,000 lbs |
| AWD Option | WAll trims | Most trims (+$2,000) |
| Hands-Free Driving | WSuper Cruise avail. | BlueCruise avail. |
| Standard Safety Suite | Chevy Safety Assist | Ford Co-Pilot360 |
| AutoSense Power Liftgate | Standard | Available |
| Basic Warranty | 3 yr / 36,000 mi | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
| Powertrain Warranty | W5 yr / 60,000 mi | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
| Roadside Assistance | W5 yr / 60,000 mi | 5 yr / 60,000 mi |
Powertrain
328 Horsepower: More Than the Explorer Can Match
The 2026 Traverse runs a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that puts out 328 horsepower and 326 lb-ft of torque. The Explorer's base engine makes 300 horsepower. That 28-horsepower gap shows up when you merge onto I-95 North with a full family and a loaded cargo bay.
The Traverse pairs that engine with an 8-speed automatic. Fuel economy lands at 20 city and 27 highway with front-wheel drive. AWD models return 19 city and 24 highway, covering the round trip from Fayetteville to the Sandhills with ease.
- 328 hp / 326 lb-ft torque on every Traverse trim
- 8-speed automatic transmission standard
- AWD available on all trim levels
- Z71 adds Twin-Clutch AWD with Terrain Mode and Hill Descent
Cargo Space
Best-in-Class 98 Cu Ft: The Explorer Can't Keep Up
The 2026 Traverse holds 98 cubic feet of maximum cargo volume. That is best-in-class. The Explorer tops out at 85.8 cubic feet. Load up camping supplies for Raven Rock State Park, sports gear for a weekend travel tournament, or PCS boxes for a move to Fort Liberty. The Traverse takes it all.
The AutoSense Power Liftgate opens hands-free when it detects your presence. The RS and High Country add One-Touch Fold second-row seats and power-folding second- and third-row seating for one-tap cargo access.
- 98 cu ft max cargo - best in class
- AutoSense Power Liftgate standard
- Smart Slide second-row seats for easy third-row access
- 60/40 third-row split bench for flexible configurations
Interior Technology
17.7-Inch Screen. Super Cruise. Google Built-In.
Every 2026 Traverse ships with a 17.7-inch diagonal touchscreen as standard. No upgrade required. Google built-in means Google Maps pulls your route without a phone connection. The Explorer starts at 13.2 inches, a noticeable step down for daily use on the All American Freeway or NC-87.
Available Super Cruise lets you drive hands-free on compatible divided highways. The system covers thousands of miles of mapped highways, including stretches of I-95 and I-40 that connect Fayetteville to Raleigh and Wilmington.
- 17.7" diagonal touchscreen standard on all trims
- 11" diagonal Driver Information Center
- Google built-in with Maps, Assistant, and Play Store
- Super Cruise hands-free driver assistance available
Rear-Seat Comfort
Real Third-Row Seats for Real Adults
The Traverse third row seats adults without complaint. On a 3-hour drive from Fayetteville to the Outer Banks, that matters. The Explorer's third row fits kids well but leaves adult passengers short on headroom and legroom on longer trips.
Traverse seats seven or eight depending on your second-row choice. Bench seating in the second row opens the eighth spot. Captain's chairs trade one seat for easier third-row access. Either way, the Traverse has a real answer for large families in Cumberland County.
- Seats up to 8 with second-row bench option
- 60/40 third-row split for flexible cargo and passenger mix
- Smart Slide seats for smooth rear-seat access
- Tri-zone climate control keeps all three rows comfortable
Photo Gallery
2026 Chevrolet Traverse Gallery
Exterior and interior views of the Traverse. See inventory at Powers-Swain Chevrolet in Fayetteville.
By the Numbers
Why the 2026 Traverse Stands Apart
The four biggest advantages for Fayetteville and Fort Liberty families.
98Cubic Feet of CargoBest-in-class max cargo volume. Explorer carries 85.8.
328Horsepower28 more than the Explorer's standard engine output.
17.7"Standard Touchscreen4.5 inches larger than the Explorer's base 13.2-inch display.
5 yrPowertrain WarrantyDouble the Explorer's 3-year powertrain coverage.
Serving Fayetteville, Fort Liberty,
Hope Mills, Spring Lake, and
all of Cumberland County
Hope Mills, Spring Lake, and
all of Cumberland County
About Us
Powers-Swain Chevrolet: Fayetteville's Chevrolet Home
Powers-Swain Chevrolet is a family-owned dealership on Raeford Road in Fayetteville, NC. The team specializes in serving military families at Fort Liberty and civilian families throughout Cumberland County. New vehicles, pre-owned inventory, financing, service, parts, and a collision center are all on site.
Military appreciation runs deep at Powers-Swain. The dealership has built long-standing relationships with service members and their families across multiple tours of duty in the Fayetteville area. Whether you're buying your first new Traverse or returning for a scheduled service visit, the same team that sold you the vehicle takes care of it.
1Location on Raeford Rd
FullService Department
Mil.Appreciation Programs
Customer Reviews
What Fayetteville Drivers Say About Powers-Swain
Real reviews from real Cumberland County customers.
Find Us
Visit Powers-Swain Chevrolet in Fayetteville, NC
We are on Raeford Road, minutes from Fort Liberty and the All American Freeway. Spring Lake, Hope Mills, Raeford, and all of Cumberland County are a short drive away. Come in for a Traverse test drive any day of the week.
| Dealership | Powers-Swain Chevrolet |
| Phone | (910) 728-4612 |
| Website | pschevy.com |
| Serving | Fayetteville, Fort Liberty, Spring Lake, Hope Mills, Raeford, Cumberland County |
| Inventory | View Traverse Inventory |
Common Questions
Traverse vs. Explorer: Questions from Fayetteville Shoppers
Real answers for Cumberland County families comparing these two SUVs.
Yes. The Traverse handles all of Fayetteville's main corridors well. Raeford Road, the All American Freeway, Bragg Boulevard, and I-295 are part of the daily routine for most families here. The Traverse's 328 horsepower gives confident merging, and its 98 cu ft cargo bay handles everything from school pickups to weekend camping gear for Carvers Creek State Park. The available AWD is a bonus for the occasional ice storm that hits Cumberland County in January and February.
Yes. Powers-Swain Chevrolet sits on Raeford Road, a few miles from the main Fort Liberty gate. The full-service department handles routine maintenance, warranty work, and collision repair on site. Military families on PCS orders often return to Powers-Swain on subsequent tours because the service team maintains accurate records and builds long-term relationships with customers.
The 2026 Traverse starts at $40,800 and the Explorer starts at $38,465. That is a $2,335 gap at the base level. However, the Traverse's base LT trim includes a 17.7-inch touchscreen, 8-passenger capacity, and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. The Explorer's base trim has a 13.2-inch screen and a 3-year/36,000-mile powertrain warranty. When you price comparable feature levels, the Traverse often delivers more for the money.
Absolutely. The drive from Fayetteville to the Outer Banks runs about 3 hours through Goldsboro and down US-70. The Traverse seats up to 8 passengers and holds 98 cu ft of gear with all seats down. Front-wheel drive models return 27 mpg on the highway, keeping fuel costs reasonable on the round trip. The 21.7-gallon AWD tank covers the distance with fewer stops than some competitors.
Fayetteville sees ice storms a few times each winter, especially in January and February. The Traverse's available AWD system gives traction on Raeford Road or Cliffdale Road when roads get slick. The Z71 trim adds Advanced Twin-Clutch AWD with Terrain Mode and Hill Descent Control for more demanding winter conditions. The Explorer also offers AWD, but it costs about $2,000 extra on most trims.
Yes. Powers-Swain Chevrolet serves Fort Liberty service members and veterans with dedicated programs. GM Financial and Chevrolet offer military discount programs for active-duty, reserve, and recently separated personnel. The dealership team is familiar with the SCRA and BAH considerations that affect military car-buying decisions. Call (910) 728-4612 to ask about current military incentives on the 2026 Traverse.
Inventory changes daily. You can browse current Traverse stock at pschevy.com or call (910) 728-4612 to ask about specific trims, colors, and options. The LT, Z71, High Country, and RS trims are all available to order if a specific configuration is not on the lot. The sales team can also locate a vehicle through the GM dealer network for faster delivery.
Call (910) 728-4612 or visit pschevy.com to request a test drive. The dealership is on Raeford Road in Fayetteville, open seven days a week. The sales team can set up a route that covers Raeford Road, the All American Freeway on-ramp, and a stretch of I-295 so you feel the Traverse at highway speed before you decide. Test drives typically take 30 to 45 minutes.
Powers-Swain Chevrolet is on Raeford Road (US-401) in Fayetteville. From downtown, head west on Hay Street to Ramsey Street, then south to Raeford Road. From Fort Liberty, take the All American Freeway south and exit at Raeford Road heading west. The dealership is about 10 minutes from the fort's main gate. Customers from Hope Mills, Spring Lake, and Lumberton use US-401 or I-95 to reach the store.
Ready to Drive?
Find Your 2026 Traverse at Powers-Swain Chevrolet
Fayetteville families have trusted Powers-Swain Chevrolet for new Chevrolet vehicles, expert service, and military-friendly financing. Come in and see the 2026 Traverse in person on Raeford Road.
Powers-Swain Chevrolet | Raeford Road, Fayetteville, NC | pschevy.com