Battle of the Three-Row Crossover SUVs

People typically select an SUV based on how they plan to use it, whether that means everyday driving or includes plans for outdoor activities. GMC offers two midsize three-row crossover SUVs of comparable size but with different strengths, the Chevrolet Traverse and the GMC Acadia. Together, they cover the midsize SUV niche but differ in size, fuel economy, and maneuverability.

A More Efficient, Versatile Three-Row Crossover

If you’re buying an SUV, it’s probably safe to assume it will serve as an everyday vehicle, your ride to and from work, school, the grocery, etc. Naturally, that places emphasis on fuel economy, which gives the GMC Acadia a slight advantage over the Chevrolet Traverse, a wider, heavier model better suited for hauling and heavy-duty work.

At 21 mpg city/31 mpg highway (front-wheel drive), the GMC Acadia’s base trim engine is more efficient than the Traverse’s 18 mpg city/27 mpg highway. The Chevrolet Traverse’s standard engine (3.6-liter, V-6) is more powerful, generating just over 300 horsepower than the Acadia’s 2.0-liter four-cylinder, which delivers 228 hp. According to Motor Trend, the two SUVs are close when it comes to torque.

The Acadia also comes with a 3.6-liter, V-6 that delivers 310 hp. Both vehicles come standard with front-wheel drive(all-wheel drive is optional)and their respective powertrains feature nine-speed automatic transmissions.

Interior Space and Trims

The Chevrolet Traverse has a modest advantage over the GMC Acadia when it comes to interior square footage. The Traverse accommodates as many as eight passengers in its three rows and has 98 cubic feet of cargo space. The three-row GMC Acadia seats up to seven passengers and provides just under 80 cubic feet for storage. According to cars.com, the Acadia has more headroom in the back row, while the Traverse’s front seats are more comfortable if you’re a tall person.

The Traverse comes in five trims, starting with the base model LS at $34,895 and topping out with the High Country model at a little over $52,000. The GMC Acadia has four trims that are priced comparably to the Chevrolet Traverse, starting with the SLE, which stickers at just under $36,000. The Acadia’s top-of-the-line Denali comes in at approximately $48,000, a bit more of a bargain than the Traverse’s High Country.

High Marks for Safety

The GMC Acadia and Chevrolet Traverse rate highly in the safety department, and have virtually identical features. Both include front and side impact airbags, collision-prevention and all-wheel antilock brakes, rearview cameras, blind-spot warning alerts, panoramic monitors, lane departure warning, running lights, seatbelt pretensioners, and more. Both vehicles are excellent examples of GMC’s commitment to safety. More importantly, they rank among the safest SUVs on the market.

Overview

Choosing between the GMC Acadia and Chevrolet Traverse can be difficult. Both are family-friendly, safe, and have ample interior size without overdoing it. However, there are a few differentiators that can help settle the issue.

The GMC Acadia is a bit better on acceleration, capable of going from zero to 30 mph in 2.6 seconds compared to the Traverse’s 3.0 seconds. It’s also slightly more economical at the pump, its four-wheel drive version delivering slightly better mileage than Traverse’s 19/26 mpg. And don’t overlook maneuverability, an important factor if you’re driving the smaller GMC Acadia in city traffic and having to find parking spots every day. Based on the conveniences of everyday use, the GMC Acadia is a slightly better option.