Chevy Traverse vs GMC Acadia: SUV Showdown
Are you searching for the top three-row midsize SUV? The Chevy Traverse vs GMC Acadia comparison might help you decide. These SUVs are made by General Motors. They have big interiors, great performance, and features perfect for families. This showdown covers their prices, design, performance, and safety.
The Chevy Traverse can fit up to 8 people and has a huge cargo space of 98.2 cubic feet. This makes it great for big families or if you need a lot of storage. The GMC Acadia fits 7 people and is a bit smaller, with 79.0 cubic feet for cargo. For pricing, the Traverse is $38,995 and the Acadia is $43,995. The Traverse can tow up to 5,000 pounds and the Acadia 4,000 pounds. This means the Traverse can carry more weight.
By the end of this, you’ll know which SUV is best for you. Let’s look at what makes these two SUVs stand out in the competition.
Introduction to the Chevy Traverse and GMC Acadia
The Chevy Traverse and GMC Acadia are big names in the midsize SUV world. They’re perfect for families or anyone who wants a mix of usefulness and fancy features. The Traverse is known for its roomy interior. It can fit up to eight people, making it great for large families. Plus, it has a cargo space of 97.6 cubic feet with seats folded down.
On the other hand, the GMC Acadia is a bit more upscale. It usually seats seven and mixes comfort with high-tech perks. The Acadia is designed to make your drive nicer with its luxury touches. It has 79.0 cubic feet of cargo space when you fold the back seats, which is plenty for daily use or trips.
Knowing what these two SUVs offer helps you pick one that fits your life best. They stand out for their practical features and luxury. This is why both the Traverse and Acadia are top choices in their category.
Pricing and Value Comparison
Comparing the Chevy Traverse and GMC Acadia’s costs can help you decide which to buy. We’ll look at starting prices, high-end models, and the value each trim level offers.
Starting Prices and Trim Levels
The 2024 Chevrolet Traverse starts at $38,995 for the LS model with front-wheel drive. The GMC Acadia’s base model, the Elevation, starts at $43,995. That’s a $5,000 difference between them. The Traverse can seat eight people, while the Acadia has room for seven.
The Traverse has seven different trim levels. This offers buyers more options. The Acadia has five trim levels. This comparison shows that the Traverse might suit families who need more seats better.
Cost of High-End Models
If you’re looking at high-end options, the Traverse Z71 is $47,995. The Acadia AT4 costs $51,395, which is $3,400 more. The top Acadia Denali goes for $55,695. Meanwhile, the Traverse RS is $56,090, making it $395 pricier than the Acadia Denali.
There are also differences in the base models’ features. For example, the Traverse has a 6-way manually adjustable driver’s seat. All Acadia models come with 8-way power-adjustable front seats. This shows how each Chevy Traverse pricing and GMC Acadia pricing targets different customer preferences.
Design and Exterior Comparison
The Chevrolet Traverse and GMC Acadia showcase unique styles. Each aims to meet different tastes while offering benefits. The Traverse focuses on a sporty and practical look. It stands out with bold lines and a modern shape. 
Its exterior features a large front grille and attractive LED lights. These elements boost its modern vibe. The Traverse is not just about looks. It also provides great visibility for safe driving.
Chevrolet Traverse Design Features
The Chevy Traverse comes with design elements that show off its strong character. It is big enough to fit up to 8 people comfortably. If you fold down the second and third rows, you get a huge cargo space of 97.6 cubic feet. This makes it perfect for trips or moving stuff.
The outside design blends style with functionality. It stands out in the crowded SUV market. Elements like sculpted sides and a high ride add to its bold road presence.
GMC Acadia Exterior Characteristics
The GMC Acadia has a refined and sophisticated look. Its design is streamlined, mixing elegance with durability. The front and lower body are designed to cut through air better. It’s aimed at those who want a family SUV that looks upscale.
Up to 7 people can fit inside the Acadia, without skimping on comfort or style. Though it’s a bit smaller than the Traverse, the Acadia still offers a big cargo area of 79.0 cubic feet. This makes it a smart pick for daily needs.
Interior Features and Comfort
When it comes to interior space, both the Chevy Traverse and GMC Acadia are top choices. They both offer a lot of comfort and handy features. The kind of seating and the quality of materials used are crucial in deciding between these two SUVs.
Seating Capacity and Configurations
The Chevy Traverse really shines with room for up to eight people. It has lots of legroom and space above, making it great for big families. It boasts a massive 158.3 cubic feet for passengers, giving everyone plenty of room.
The GMC Acadia, meanwhile, can fit up to seven people. It has fancy second-row captain’s chairs that make rides extra comfy. Getting to the third row is easy in the Acadia, but tall people might feel a bit squeezed on long trips. With 135.3 cubic feet for passengers, the Acadia is comfy but not as spacious as the Traverse.
Material Quality and Technology
Both SUVs feature top-notch materials inside. The Chevy Traverse is decked out with soft-touch materials, giving it a classy vibe. It also has a big 17.7-inch screen for its infotainment system, making it fun and easy to use.
The GMC Acadia comes with a smaller 15-inch screen but doesn’t skimp on elegance. The materials in the Acadia feel luxurious. The Traverse has more than 23 cubic feet of space for stuff behind the last row, which grows to over 98 cubic feet when you fold down the seats. The Acadia, on the other hand, has a total of 79 cubic feet for cargo with the seats down. Each SUV offers something special for families, but the Traverse is known for its roomier inside.
Performance and Powertrains
Driving the Chevy Traverse or GMC Acadia feels different depending on the engine. Knowing which engine offers both power and efficiency is key.
Engine Options Overview
The Chevy Traverse kicks off with a powerful 3.6L V6 engine. It delivers 310 horsepower in all trims. The GMC Acadia has a few engine choices. It starts with a 2.5L four-cylinder that gives 193 horsepower. There’s also a 3.6L V6 option for more punch.
By the 2025 model year, both will have a 2.5-liter turbocharged engine. This engine will boast 328 horsepower and 326 lb-ft of torque.
Towing Capacities and Fuel Efficiency
Both vehicles can tow up to 5,000 pounds with the right setup. When we look at fuel economy, the Traverse gets up to 20 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway. This is slightly better than the Acadia’s combined 23 mpg.
The choice between Chevy Traverse’s engines and GMC Acadia’s powertrains comes down to your needs. They offer a range of options for anyone.
Safety Ratings and Features
The Chevy Traverse and GMC Acadia are both leaders in safety. They have high marks from important groups. These SUVs make sure drivers and passengers are safe with great features and ratings. If safety matters most to you, knowing about these can help you choose.
Crash Test Ratings
The Chevy Traverse and GMC Acadia are dependable on the road, according to safety ratings. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gave the Chevy Traverse a 4.81 out of 5-star rating. Meanwhile, the GMC Acadia scored even higher, with 4.88 stars. This shows they both take safety seriously.
Standard Safety Equipment Comparison
The GMC Acadia and Chevy Traverse both have important safety tools. But, they offer different features. The Acadia has the Pro Safety Plus system in all versions, which helps watch spots you can’t see and warns about traffic behind you. The Traverse has the Chevy Safety Assist Suite, but you need to get the LT Cloth version to get these tools. Below are their key safety features:
- GMC Acadia: Pro Safety Plus (Blind-spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, rear parking assist)
- Chevy Traverse: Chevy Safety Assist (Requires upgrading to LT Cloth for similar standards)
Chevy Traverse vs GMC Acadia: Key Differences and Similarities
Comparing the Chevy Traverse and GMC Acadia shows key differences and similarities. Both are large midsize three-row SUVs. They share a platform since 2007.
The Chevy Traverse stands out for its size. It’s bigger than the Acadia, offering more room for up to eight passengers. It also has the largest cargo space among midsize SUVs, with 97.8 cubic feet. The Acadia, however, has up to 97.5 cubic feet of cargo space. It fits up to seven passengers with more compact seating.
Technology-wise, both SUVs have great infotainment systems. The Traverse comes with a 17.7-inch touchscreen. The Acadia has a 15.0-inch touchscreen. Both have an 11.0-inch digital instrument cluster, making important info easy to see.
The pricing shows differences between the two. The Traverse LS starts at $38,995. The base Acadia Elevation is at $43,995. High-end models like the Traverse RS and Acadia Denali show they target different buyers.
In performance, the Acadia is similar to the Traverse. Both have a V6 engine with 328 horsepower. They can tow up to 5,000 pounds. For fuel economy, both get 20 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway.
Your choice might depend on your needs. The Traverse’s size is great for big families. If you prefer luxury, the Acadia’s upscale interior might appeal to you. Both SUVs are strong options in their market.
| Feature | Chevy Traverse | GMC Acadia |
|---|---|---|
| Seating Capacity | Up to 8 passengers | Up to 7 passengers |
| Maximum Cargo Space | 97.8 cubic feet | 97.5 cubic feet |
| Base Price | $38,995 (LS) | $43,995 (Elevation) |
| Standard Touchscreen Size | 17.7 inches | 15.0 inches |
| Standard Engine | V6 | V6 (optional four-cylinder) |
| Towing Capacity | 5,000 pounds | 5,000 pounds |
Reliability and Resale Values
In choosing between the Chevy Traverse and the GMC Acadia, Chevy Traverse reliability is key. Both have a strong reliability reputation. The Traverse has a reliability score of 8.2 out of 10. The Acadia is slightly ahead with a rating of 8.4 out of 10.
The GMC Acadia resale value is usually higher than the Traverse’s. This is due to its premium brand image. The five-year depreciation rate for the Traverse stands at about 49.2%. For the Acadia, it’s 50.2%. However, both vehicles keep their value quite well.
The Traverse is ranked 13th in the Best SUVs with 3 Rows category. The Acadia is slightly better, ranked at 12th. Both SUVs can last between 8.6 to 13.7 years. This means they offer plenty of mileage before they need to be replaced.
You can expect the Traverse to keep a value score of 7.436 out of 10. The Acadia is close behind with a score of 7.375 out of 10. Both scores show they hold up well in the midsize SUV market.
Customer Reviews and Market Reception
People love the Chevy Traverse for its roominess. It fits up to 8 people and gives lots of legroom in the back. This makes it great for families who love to travel. On the other hand, the GMC Acadia is known for looking fancy. It gives a smooth ride, but it doesn’t have much room for stuff and can seat 7 or 6 people.
The Traverse and Acadia both get praise for their strong V6 engines, which have 310 horsepower. However, some folks wish the Traverse was better on gas. The Acadia’s smaller size and reduced space have gotten mixed reviews. Shoppers need to think about what matters more to them, as each car offers something special.
Conclusion
In the Chevy Traverse vs GMC Acadia comparison, you’ve learned a lot about both SUVs. If you need space for passengers and cargo, the Chevy Traverse is a great pick. It’s perfect for big families who want comfort and space.
On the other hand, if luxury and high-end features are what you’re after, the GMC Acadia is the way to go. It shines with its advanced tech and fancy trim levels, making it a top luxury choice. When picking your SUV, looking at cargo space and engine details will guide you.
Making the right choice comes down to what you and your lifestyle need. Think about what matters most to you. This will help you pick the SUV that fits your life best, be it the roomy Chevy Traverse or the upscale GMC Acadia.
FAQ
What are the main differences between the Chevy Traverse and GMC Acadia?
The Chevy Traverse and GMC Acadia differ mainly in size, seating, and luxury. The Traverse fits up to eight people and is bigger. Meanwhile, the Acadia seats seven and focuses on luxury materials.
Which SUV is more budget-friendly?
The Chevy Traverse’s starting price is around ,995. The GMC Acadia has a similar price but with less power and seats. This makes the Traverse a better deal for big families.
How do their performance specs compare?
The Traverse has a 3.6L V6 engine with 310 horsepower. The Acadia comes with a 2.5L engine, offering 193 horsepower. This gives different options for drivers.
Are there significant differences in safety ratings?
Both SUVs score high in safety, with the Traverse getting four stars overall from the NHTSA. The Acadia has earned five stars in some categories. They have similar safety features.
Which SUV maintains a higher resale value?
The GMC Acadia often has a higher resale value due to its luxurious brand. However, both models keep good values over time.
What are the most praised features in customer reviews for each SUV?
Reviews often highlight the Traverse’s space and design for families. The Acadia is praised for its luxury and smooth drive.
How does cargo space compare between the two SUVs?
The Chevy Traverse offers more cargo space, making it great for storage needs. The GMC Acadia has less space, especially when fully seated, but is more luxurious.
