2026 Ford Explorer or Chevrolet Traverse: Which Three-Row SUV Handles Winter Roads and Highway Trips Best around Waupaca, WI?

Stevens Point Auto Center – 2026 Ford Explorer or Chevrolet Traverse: Which Three-Row SUV Handles Winter Roads and Highway Trips Best around Waupaca, WI?

Shoppers in central Wisconsin often ask a simple question with big implications for daily life: which three-row SUV provides steadier winter traction and lower-stress highway miles—Explorer or Traverse? The answer depends on how you drive, but some fundamentals clarify the choice. Explorer’s rear-wheel-drive platform contributes to balanced handling, and its available Intelligent 4WD distributes torque quickly when the pavement turns slick. Chevy’s Traverse counters with a front-drive-based layout and an Advanced Twin-Clutch AWD system on Z71 that helps manage rear-axle torque between the wheels. Both approaches are competent; the differences show up in how composed the vehicles feel during quick transitions, on crowned backroads, and while towing a small trailer in flurries.

Hands-free highway systems are another frequent point of comparison. Explorer’s available BlueCruise helps reduce fatigue during long stretches on compatible divided highways, and its prompts are intentionally straightforward. Traverse’s available Super Cruise® offers similar convenience, aided by a growing network of compatible roads, and pairs with OnStar® services. For cabin tech, Explorer’s standard 13.2-inch touchscreen with Ford Digital Experience ties together apps and services from Google and Amazon, while Traverse leans on a standard 17.7-inch display with Google built-in. Both connect with Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™, and both offer available surround-view camera systems for tight winter parking lots.

• Chassis balance: Explorer rides on a rear-drive-based platform that remains settled in quick maneuvers; Traverse’s layout emphasizes confident stability in a variety of common conditions.
• All-weather traction: Explorer’s available Intelligent 4WD reacts decisively to changing grip; Traverse’s available twin-clutch AWD on Z71 helps route torque between rear wheels for traction.
• Highway ease: Explorer’s available BlueCruise supports hands-free driving on compatible roads; Traverse’s available Super Cruise® offers a comparable hands-free experience.
• Driver visibility: Both offer available 360-degree camera views and clear digital screens that are easy to read when the weather turns gray.
• Towing confidence: Each provides standard trailering equipment and a 5,000-lb rating when properly equipped—handy for winter toys or a family trailer.

Power also plays a role in winter confidence. Explorer offers a muscular twin-turbo V6 in the ST, paired with a 10-speed automatic that keeps power available without abrupt downshifts. Traverse’s 2.5-liter turbo four matches well with its 8-speed, bringing solid response for everyday routes. If you value extra headroom for passing with a full cabin or merging on snow-compacted ramps, Explorer’s broader powertrain spread is hard to overlook. On the other hand, Traverse’s packaging allows generous cargo volume and seating flexibility that will appeal to families who carry lots of gear.

Ultimately, both SUVs can capably serve Wisconsin families through long winters and road-trip seasons. The deciding factor is the character you prefer: Explorer’s balanced chassis and powertrain choices deliver a composed, driver-forward feel, while Traverse’s space-first approach and available tech make it a strong family hauler. The best next step is a back-to-back drive on familiar roads to sense the differences in steering, braking, and ride quality first-hand.

Stevens Point Auto Center can help you compare features side by side, explain how hands-free systems operate in real life, and set up routes that reflect your commute and weekend routines. Our team is committed to clear guidance—no fluff—so you can focus on the details that matter most when snow and ice enter the forecast.

We are proud to be serving Plover, Wisconsin Rapids, and Waupaca with knowledgeable product specialists and test drives tailored to local roads. When you are ready, bring your questions about winter traction, towing, hands-free driving, and in-cabin tech, and we will connect them to the trims and options that fit your life.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Do hands-free systems work during winter conditions?

Hands-free systems like BlueCruise and Super Cruise® are designed for compatible roads and require active driver supervision at all times. Snow, ice, or heavy spray can limit sensor visibility, so the systems may prompt you to take full control. Think of them as supportive copilots—useful in clear conditions, and smart enough to disengage when the weather turns.

How should I test-drive for winter confidence?

Ask for a route with a mix of highway, two-lane roads, and neighborhood turns. Pay attention to steering feel, brake modulation, stability over patchy pavement, and how the transmission behaves at low speeds. Try a tight parking maneuver to evaluate camera clarity and sensor prompts.

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