Choosing between the GMC Acadia vs Chevrolet Traverse? This article compares their features, performance, space, and value to help you decide which SUV is right for you.
Key Takeaways
- The GMC Acadia seats up to eight passengers and offers more standard luxury features, making it ideal for those seeking a well-equipped SUV.
- The Chevrolet Traverse provides a larger interior space and greater maximum cargo capacity, enhancing comfort and versatility for families.
- The Traverse boasts a higher towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped, compared to the Acadia’s 4,000-pound limit.
- Both SUVs feature advanced technology and safety systems, with the Acadia standing out for its unique features like Super Cruise and HD Surround Vision.
- The Acadia offers better fuel economy and a more compact size, making it easier to maneuver in urban settings, while the Traverse excels in spaciousness and cargo versatility.
GMC Acadia vs. Chevrolet Traverse: Feature Comparison
The Chevy Traverse offers a roomy interior that's perfect for families looking to get out of town on a weekend adventure.
When choosing between the new GMC Acadia and new Chevrolet Traverse, it's important to consider the features that best fit your lifestyle here in Calgary. The Acadia offers seating for up to eight, which is great if you have a larger family or often have extra passengers. It also comes with more standard features right off the bat, like a Bose premium audio system, which the lower trims of the Traverse don’t include.
On the flip side, the Traverse shines with its bigger interior space, giving you a roomier cabin that's perfect for those longer drives around Alberta or weekend trips out of the city. This extra space really adds to passenger comfort and convenience, especially when you’re comparing Traverse vs Acadia. The size differences between these two SUVs can make a big impact on your driving and passenger experience.
In the end, if you’re looking for more seating and standard features, the GMC Acadia is a solid choice. But if you value spaciousness and comfort for your crew, the Chevy Traverse might be the better fit for your Calgary adventures.
Trims and Standard Features
The GMC Acadia and Chevrolet Traverse both come in a variety of trims, each with their own set of standard features. The Acadia is available in the Elevation and Denali trims, priced around $56,500 and just under $70,000, respectively. These trims bring a touch of luxury with leatherette seats and premium features like a Bose audio system and HD Surround Vision—amenities you won’t find in the base trims of the Traverse. These upgrades definitely add to the overall driving experience.
On the other hand, the Chevy Traverse offers LT and RS trims, with the LT starting just over $54,000, making it a bit more budget-friendly compared to the Acadia’s Elevation. The Traverse’s base model comes with premium cloth upholstery, which isn’t quite as upscale as the Acadia’s leatherette. The RS trim, packed with more features, sits just above $70,000, putting it in close competition with the Acadia’s Denali trim.
Engine Performance and Towing Capacity
Both the GMC Acadia and Chevrolet Traverse come equipped with a 2.5-liter turbocharged engine that pumps out 328 horsepower and 326 lb.-ft. of torque. This means you’ve got plenty of power to handle everything from daily city driving around Calgary to weekend adventures in the Rockies.
That said, if towing is a priority for you, the Chevy Traverse takes the lead with a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds, compared to the Acadia’s 4,000-pound limit. So, whether you’re hauling a trailer to a cabin or towing a boat for a day on the lake, the Traverse might be the better fit.
Advanced Technology and Safety Features
The GMC Acadia offers a plethora of safety and infotainment features that will keep you both connected and safe on your travels.
Both the GMC Acadia and Chevrolet Traverse come well-equipped with advanced tech and safety features that Calgary drivers will appreciate. The Acadia, which earned the IIHS Top Safety Pick, shows a strong commitment to keeping you safe on Alberta roads. It includes over 15 standard safety and driver assistance features like Hill Descent Control, Hill Start Assist, and Front Pedestrian Braking to help you handle Calgary’s varied terrain and busy streets with confidence.
The Chevy Traverse also offers solid safety gear, including Chevy Safety Assist, Automatic Emergency Braking, and Lane Keep Assist. These features help enhance your peace of mind whether you’re navigating city traffic or heading out on a weekend trip.
On the tech side, the GMC Acadia really shines with standout features such as:
- Super Cruise for hands-free driving on compatible highways around Calgary
- An 8-inch Head-Up Display that keeps important info right in your line of sight
- A large 15-inch touchscreen for easy access to infotainment and navigation
- Engine Active Noise Cancellation that helps create a quieter cabin, perfect for long drives
Meanwhile, the Chevy Traverse offers HD Surround Vision on its higher trims, boosting visibility and safety during tight parking or tricky maneuvers. Both SUVs bring plenty to the table, but the Acadia’s extra tech touches and safety accolades give it a slight edge for those wanting a bit more sophistication in their ride.
Size and Interior Dimensions
While it doesn't quite have the same level of cargo and headspace as the Chevy Traverse, the GMC Acadia more than holds its own when it comes to interior comfort.
The Chevrolet Traverse is a bit longer than the GMC Acadia, giving you a little extra cargo space. The Traverse stretches to 204.3 inches in length, while the Acadia comes in at 193.4 inches. That extra length means more room inside, especially when it comes to hauling gear or groceries.
Both SUVs offer about the same front-row legroom at 41 inches. When it comes to the third row, the Acadia has more shoulder room, but the Traverse wins out with better third-row headroom—38.5 inches compared to Acadia’s 37.2 inches. On the flip side, the Acadia offers a bit more legroom and headroom in the second row, which can make a difference on those longer drives.
Calgary drivers will appreciate the Traverse’s Smart Slide seating feature, which makes getting into and out of the third row a breeze. This adds a nice touch of convenience, especially when you’ve got kids or friends hopping in and out during your weekend adventures around the city or out in the mountains.
Cargo Space and Versatility
When it comes to cargo space, the Chevy Traverse really stands out for Calgary families and those camping in SUVs - whether towing trailers or pitching tents nearby. It offers a generous maximum cargo room of 98.2 cubic feet when the seats are folded down. Even with all three rows in use, you still get a solid 23 cubic feet of space for gear, groceries, or whatever your day demands.
The GMC Acadia, though a bit more compact, doesn’t fall short on versatility. With the third row folded, it provides 41.7 cubic feet of cargo space—plenty for storing bikes without a bike rack, hauling large boxes after shopping sprees, or simple trips around town. Both SUVs deliver nearly identical maximum cargo capacity, topping 97 cubic feet behind the front seats, so you can count on either to handle your storage needs.
Whether you’re loading up for a family road trip or just running errands around Calgary, both the GMC Acadia and Chevy Traverse offer flexible interiors and ample cargo space that fit a busy lifestyle.
But How's the Driving Experience?
The GMC Acadia and Chevrolet Traverse both offer a driving experience that's perfect for daily commuting or weekend adventures.
Both the GMC Acadia and Chevrolet Traverse deliver a smooth driving experience, thanks to their 8-speed automatic transmissions that provide smooth gear changes and quick acceleration. The Acadia’s turbocharged engine really shines with its lively response, making city driving around Calgary feel effortless.
The Chevy Traverse, being a bit bigger, offers a steady and comfortable ride, especially on the highways outside the city. Its roomy interior is perfect for those long road trips or family getaways around Alberta. If versatility and space are your priorities, the Traverse is a solid pick.
On the flip side, the GMC Acadia’s more compact size and narrower width make it easier to handle on Calgary’s busy streets and tight parking spots. Its nimble handling and smaller footprint make it a great choice for daily city drives and commutes, showing off the Acadia’s adaptability. The new GMC Acadia continues to impress in these areas.
Fuel Economy and Efficiency
Fuel economy is an important factor for many Calgary drivers, and the GMC Acadia has the edge here. Depending on the trim and engine, it delivers a combined fuel economy of 21 to 23 mpg, with city driving reaching up to 20 mpg.
The Chevy Traverse, powered by its 3.6-liter V6 engine, offers a combined fuel economy between 18 and 22 mpg. On the highway, it can hit up to 27 mpg, which is solid for this class. Still, overall, it’s a bit less efficient than the Acadia.
So, if you’re looking to save a bit at the pump while cruising around Calgary and beyond, the Acadia’s fuel efficiency gives it a slight advantage. Over time, that can add up to noticeable savings, making it a smart choice for those focused on fuel economy.
Available Now at Shaw GMC
Book a test drive at Shaw GMC today to get a feel for both of these exciting new models!
To wrap things up, both the GMC Acadia and Chevy Traverse bring a lot to the table in terms of features, performance, and versatility. The Acadia shines with its extra seating capacity, fuel efficiency, and cutting-edge tech, making it a great pick if you’re after a more luxurious and efficient ride. Meanwhile, the Traverse stands out with its roomy interior, ample cargo space, and impressive towing capabilities—perfect for those who need that extra space and power.
At Shaw GMC, we know every driver has unique needs. If you’re looking for a stylish SUV that’s easy on fuel and packed with advanced features, the Acadia is a fantastic choice. But if hauling gear and passengers with plenty of room is your priority, the Traverse won’t disappoint. Either way, you’re getting a dependable, well-rounded SUV ready for your Calgary adventures.
Contact us today to book a test drive in one of these brand-new SUVs, or visit our location to speak with one of our experienced sales advisors to help you make the right decision for you! We're right here on the Blackfoot, just across the street from the Costume Shoppe, and we're ready to help you drive home in the SUV of your dreams.
