Chevrolet Traverse 71·Ford Explorer 76on the MotiveGrid Score·Ford Explorer about $3,904 less over 5 years
The verdict
The 2026 Ford Explorer is the cheaper one to own — roughly $3,904 less over five years, mostly because it holds its value better. The Chevrolet Traverse counters with more cargo room (22.9 vs 18.2 cu ft) and seating for 7.
Go with the Ford Explorer for the better long-term value; consider the Chevrolet Traverse if you prioritize more cargo space and more passenger space.
Last updated May 2026 · National-average estimates
Chevrolet Traverse vs. Ford Explorer
MotiveGrid scores, key specs, and five-year cost comparison: 2026 Chevrolet Traverse versus 2026 Ford Explorer.
Metric
Chevrolet Traverse
Ford Explorer
MotiveGrid Score
71
76
Cost of Ownership
63
68
Powertrain
57
67
Driver Assistance
22
43
Livability
58
40
Safety
97
99
5-Year Cost to Own
$63,572
$59,668
Depreciation (5-yr)
$24,032
$22,387
Fuel / Energy (5-yr)
$16,036
$14,034
Insurance (5-yr)
$11,185
$11,755
Maintenance (5-yr)
$2,490
$2,490
Tires (5-yr)
$2,150
$2,150
Financing (5-yr)
$6,515
$5,787
Registration (5-yr)
$1,165
$1,065
Starting Price
$43,300
$38,465
Horsepower
328 hp
300 hp
MPG (combined)
21 mpg
24 mpg
Cargo volume
22.9 cu ft
18.2 cu ft
Seating
7
6
Towing capacity
—
5,300 lbs
Drivetrain
AWD
RWD
Gas
2026$43,300
MSRP
$43,300
Mo · 5yr
$1,060
$63,572 / 5 years
Best for comfort & features
Gas
2026$38,465
MSRP
$38,465
Mo · 5yr
$994
$59,668 / 5 years
Best for long-term savings
VS
01 · The MotiveGrid Score
Five measured pillars, weighted into one score.
Cost, Powertrain, Driver Assistance, Livability, and Safety — each scored against its class, then combined into a single MotiveGrid Score. Built by our engineering team and benchmarked against independent sources like NHTSA, IIHS, and CarEdge. How it’s calculated →
Ford Explorer scores higher overall.
Chevrolet Traverse
0
/ 100
Ford Explorer
0
/ 100
CostFive-year all-in cost to own, benchmarked against the class median.
Traverse
63
Explorer
68
Winner: Explorer
$3,904 cheaper / 5 yrs
PowertrainEnergy efficiency paired with long-term ownership confidence.
Traverse
57
Explorer
67
Winner: Explorer
+10 pts
Driver AssistHighway driving support, parking convenience, and hands-free automation.
Traverse
22
Explorer
43
Winner: Explorer
+21 pts
Strong highway driving support▲
LivabilityPassenger space, cargo room, and everyday maneuverability.
Traverse
58
Explorer
40
Winner: Traverse
+18 pts
Roomy cabin and cargo▲
SafetyCrash-test protection plus standard crash-avoidance features.
Ford Explorer is the better pick for long-term ownership — about $3,904 cheaper over 5 years with stronger fundamentals on running cost.
Chevrolet Traverse still wins if your priority is best for comfort & features.
Daily commuter
Ford Explorer
Lowest energy cost per mile
Budget-focused
Ford Explorer
Cheapest to own across 5 years
Family hauler
Chevrolet Traverse
More cargo room with a 6th seat
Highway driver
Ford Explorer
Better adaptive cruise + lane keep
City driver
Ford Explorer
Easiest to park and maneuver in tight spots
03
Cost of Ownership
Monthly running costs — national baseline.
Adjust for your situation
State
Miles/yr15,000
Loan rate7%
Down payment20%
Chevrolet Traverse
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$1,060
$63,572 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$1,060/mo
Ford Explorer
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$994
$59,668 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$994/mo
04
Frequently asked questions
Ford Explorer comes out about $3,904 cheaper over 5 years on running costs (depreciation, fuel/energy, insurance, maintenance, financing). The gap shifts with your state, annual miles, and loan rate — use the "Adjust for your situation" panel above.