Traverse vs Acadia
Choosing between Chevrolet and GMC often comes down to a specific pair of products. In the three-row suv class, that pair is the Traverse and the Acadia. Lay the spec sheets side by side and you’ll see more overlap than contrast.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance Tie
- Fuel Economy & Range Tie
- Space & Practicality Traverse wins
- Off-road & Towing Tie
- Safety & Tech Traverse wins
- Price Traverse wins
- Engine & Performance7.6
- Fuel Economy & Range4.8
- Space & Practicality10.0
- Off-road & Towing5.3
- Engine & Performance7.6
- Fuel Economy & Range4.8
- Space & Practicality7.1
- Off-road & Towing5.3
Spec scores (0 to 10) are calculated from manufacturer specs against other models in the same class. See how the formula works. They are not reviews or user ratings.
Key Differences
-
The Traverse has room for 8 seats
Close, but not identical: the Traverse lists 8 seats and the Acadia lists 7 seats. Extra seats mean you can take more people along without taking a second car.
-
The Traverse has a bigger 17.7 in touchscreen
The gap on largest touchscreen is slim (17.7 in against 15 in), yet it tips toward the Traverse. A bigger touchscreen makes maps and phone mirroring easier to read at a glance.
Design & Size
Dimensions
| Spec | Traverse | Acadia |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 204 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Wheelbase | 120.9 in | 120.9 in |
Engine & Performance
Too close to call
If engine & performance matters most to you, this section won’t make the decision for you: they’re level. Treat engine & performance as common ground and look elsewhere for the deciding factor.
Fuel Economy & Range
Too close to call
The fuel economy & range specs are close enough that neither gets the point. For fuel economy & range, pick whichever you prefer for other reasons.
Space & Practicality
Traverse leads
In the space & practicality category, the Traverse is a step ahead rather than a leap ahead. Choose the Traverse and you get room for 8 seats. The Traverse has room for more passengers, useful for growing families and carpools. So if space & practicality tops your list, lean toward the Traverse.
Seats
Traverse: 8 seats Acadia: 7 seats Third-row seats are often best for kids, so check legroom figures if adults will sit there.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
Both the Traverse and the Acadia cover off-road & towing equally well on paper. Neither car gives you a reason to choose it on off-road & towing.
Safety & Tech
Traverse leads
It’s a narrow one, but the safety & tech round goes to the Traverse. The Traverse takes this one with a bigger 17.7 in touchscreen. The Traverse’s larger display gives navigation and menus more room. Prioritize safety & tech, and the Traverse is where you should land.
Largest touchscreen
Traverse: 17.7 in Acadia: 15 in Screen size isn’t everything (physical controls and software speed matter too), but bigger is easier to read.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | Traverse | Acadia |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Gas |
| Engine | 2.5L turbo I4 | 2.5L turbo I4 |
| Total system output | 328 hp | 328 hp |
| Torque | 326 lb-ft | 326 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | FWD (AWD available) | FWD (AWD available) |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | Traverse | Acadia |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 23 mpg | 23 mpg |
| Fuel economy (city) | 20 mpg | 20 mpg |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 27 mpg | 27 mpg |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | Traverse | Acadia |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 8 seats (winner) | 7 seats |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | 23 cu ft | 23 cu ft |
| Cargo (seats folded) | 98.2 cu ft Most room, seats folded | 97.5 cu ft |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | Traverse | Acadia |
|---|---|---|
| Max towing | 5,000 lb | 5,000 lb |
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | Traverse | Acadia |
|---|---|---|
| Largest touchscreen | 17.7 in (winner) Biggest touchscreen | 15 in |
| Driver-assist suite | Chevy Safety Assist | GMC Pro Safety |
| Basic warranty | 3 yr / 36,000 mi | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | Traverse | Acadia |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 204 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Wheelbase | 120.9 in | 120.9 in |
Price
| Spec | Traverse | Acadia |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | $40,700 (winner) | $43,000 |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Price & Value
At launch, the difference was a modest $2,300, with the Traverse slightly more affordable. The Traverse is both $2,300 cheaper and ahead on more of the specs we compared.
Based on US launch pricing as of launch. Deals and regional pricing can change the picture.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the Traverse if…
- you need more seats (8 seats vs 7 seats)
- you want the bigger touchscreen (17.7 in vs 15 in)
- you want more value for your money ($2,300 less at launch)
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for most people, the Traverse or the Acadia?
On the specs compared here, the Traverse makes more sense for most buyers; the Acadia doesn’t win a single measurable area.
Is the Traverse cheaper than the Acadia?
The Traverse is the cheaper option, launching at $2,300 less than the Acadia (launch prices as of launch).
Executive Summary
Here’s my take on Chevrolet’s Traverse versus GMC’s Acadia. If I had to name one reason, it’s that the Traverse brings room for 8 seats. And if that weren’t enough, the Traverse has a bigger 17.7 in touchscreen.
I’d steer space & practicality fans toward the Traverse and the things a spec sheet can’t capture fans toward the Acadia.
My pick: the Traverse.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.