Mark Allen Chevrolet - Which three-row SUV gives families more real cargo space, the 2026 Chevrolet Traverse or 2026 Ford Explorer, around Broken Arrow, OK?
Families comparing these two mainstays want a straight answer on space: which one truly holds more of the strollers, sports bags, home store runs, and road trip luggage you need to carry every week? cargo-reality matters as much as numbers on a spec sheet. Here is the bottom line that shoppers tell us helps the most: the 2026 Chevrolet Traverse leads with best-in-class 98 cu. ft. of max cargo volume, a wide, flat load floor with the rear rows folded, and smart touches like an available AutoSense Power Liftgate that opens when your hands are full. Explorer offers useful capacity, but when you need the most room across a full season of family life, Traverse’s packaging and seat-folding simplicity make it the easier, roomier choice.
Beyond raw volume, the way space is shaped is equally important. The Traverse’s third-row 60/40 split bench, available One-Touch Fold second-row seats, and power-folding second- and third-row seating on RS and High Country trims help you reconfigure quickly when schedules change. With a standard 17.7-inch touchscreen and Google built-in, every driver in your household can easily call up maps, voice commands, and apps without digging through menus. Explorer’s refreshed interior is comfortable up front, yet many families find the Traverse’s third-row comfort and already-included cargo innovations more accommodating for carpool duty and longer trips.
- Max cargo volume: Traverse leads with 98 cu. ft., giving you class-best space for gear and luggage.
- Seat flexibility: Traverse offers available One-Touch Fold second-row and power-folding second- and third-row seating.
- Third-row access: Traverse Smart Slide Seats simplify entry for kids and adults.
- Hands-free loading: Traverse AutoSense Power Liftgate recognizes your presence to open seamlessly.
- Tech made simple: Traverse standard 17.7-inch screen and Google built-in keep routes and apps at your fingertips.
For families who also value weekend adventures, the Traverse Z71’s off-road suspension, skid plate, Hill Descent Control, and Advanced Twin-Clutch AWD System bring surefooted confidence on gravel roads and trailheads. If your after-school schedule takes you to fields and parks with uneven parking surfaces, that traction advantage pays off. And with standard trailering equipment supporting up to 5,000 pounds when equipped, bikes, kayaks, or a small camper fit right into your plans.
When we meet shoppers weighing both vehicles, our advice is to picture a typical busy month—school drop-offs, two weekend tournaments, a warehouse store run, and a quick trip for a family visit. The Traverse’s combination of deeper cargo capacity, flexible seating, and easy loading takes friction out of each stop. That is why one well-equipped SUV can feel like a second set of hands during the week and a willing road-trip partner on the weekend.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Does the Traverse’s larger cargo rating translate to easier packing day-to-day?
Yes. The best-in-class 98 cu. ft. rating reflects a cabin that folds flat and wide. In practice, that means fewer awkward angles, simpler loading of strollers and coolers, and more room left after luggage for the extra bag that always shows up last minute.
Is the third row comfortable enough for older kids on longer drives?
In the Traverse, the third row offers good legroom and a comfortable seating position for its class, with Smart Slide Seats making access straightforward. Explorer’s third row is serviceable for short hops, but most families tell us the Traverse is the better pick for full-row road-trip seating.
When you are ready to see how these differences feel, schedule a visit with Mark Allen Chevrolet for a hands-on look at cargo, seat-folding, and the control layout. We are serving Broken Arrow, Jenks, and Bixby with product specialists who can map features to your family’s routine and demonstrate the technology so it is ready to go the moment you take the wheel.
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Chevrolet Traverse