Comfort
When comparing the Chevy Traverse vs. the GMC Acadia for comfort, both models offer a range of amenities, but not all of them are standard. These two models allow you to upgrade to power eight-way front seats with memory and lumbar support. They also offer a power sunroof as an additional feature.
Stay connected with either SUV featuring wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto standard, along with a touchscreen and navigation. You’ll also get a premium Bose audio system with eight speakers for the GMC and ten speakers for the Chevy model. Chevy also offers three sizes for the driver information center compared to two for GMC. However, the Acadia’s options are the same size as the two larger choices for the Traverse.
Reliability
Reliability ratings depend on which model year you’re looking at for the Chevy Traverse vs. GMC Acadia. However, for the 2023 model year, the Traverse is going to be difficult to beat as it ranks #3 out of 23 for US News & World Report. JD Power gave it an 83 out of 100. While US News ranked the Acadia significantly lower, the model received a higher score from JD Power at 85. Both models come with a three-year/36,000-mile warranty and a powertrain warranty for five years or 60,000 miles.
Cost
Cost can often be a deciding factor in purchasing a vehicle. GMC and Chevy are competitive with their two three-row SUVs, with the Traverse coming in slightly lower for its base model. Acadia offers a comparable price of just about $2,000 more. If you decide to upgrade to the top tier trim with AWD, you’re going to see about a $1000 price difference going to Acadia as the more expensive. Its Denali trim comes in at around $53,800 compared to the High Country trim of the Traverse at $52,800. In the end, both the 2023 GMC Acadia and Chevy Traverse are competitive vehicles with minimal price differences.
Interior and Exterior Dimensions
When it comes to room in the cabin, a three-row SUV serves two purposes. First, it needs to have plenty of passenger space. The Chevy Traverse offers a maximum 158.3 cubic feet of passenger space, while the GMC Acadia is at 135.3 cubic feet. Both models are at the exact same dimensions for front-seat legroom at 41 inches. The Traverse has more room in the third row for taller passengers, beating out the Acadia by a little over two inches. For the second row, the Acadia offers three inches more than the Traverse.
The second concern in an SUV is the cargo room. Here is where the Chevy Traverse comes out ahead with over twice the amount of cargo space behind the third row at 23 cubic feet. When the second and third rows are folded, that amount increases to just over 98 cubic feet compared to the 79 inches of the Acadia.
Exterior size may not be quite as important as the interior in the Chevy Traverse vs GMC Acadia, but it does impact handling and turning. The Traverse offers a slightly longer wheelbase at 205.9 inches over the 193.4 inches of the GMC model. Only a difference of three inches in width has the Traverse ahead.
Horsepower
Horsepower is another factor when deciding on the right three-row SUV. The amount of power in the engine will dictate how large of a trailer or SUV you can tow. The Chevy Traverse offers one engine, which is the 3.6L V6 engine for 310 horsepower. With the GMC Acadia, you get the choice of two engines. First is the 2.0L four-cylinder engine, which provides up to 228 horsepower. You can upgrade to the 3.6L V6 engine for 310 horses under the hood.
Powertrain
Both the Chevy Traverse and GMC Acadia offer all-wheel drive, with front-wheel drive being standard. Each model pairs its engines with a nine-speed automatic transmission. When it comes to fuel economy, the GMC Acadia wins for city driving with up to 22 mpg over the 18 mpg of the Traverse. On the highway, the numbers are significantly higher for both models, with the Acadia in the lead again with up to 29 mpg. The Traverse offers a respectable 27 mpg on the highway as well.
Utility
For towing capacity, the Traverse beats out the Acadia by 1000 pounds with it pulling up to 5000 pounds when properly equipped. On the other hand, the GMC SUV provides a smoother ride with enhanced agility.
The Bottom Line
When it comes to choosing a quality SUV with the GMC Acadia vs. Chevy Traverse, you can’t go wrong with either option. The final decision comes down to individual tastes and needs and the features that are most important to you. Take both of them for a test drive to see which is right for you and your family.
Visit Bentley Buick GMC to learn more about the GMC Acadia. Let us help you select the three-row SUV that fits your active lifestyle.
