2023 GMC Acadia Vs Chevy Traverse: A Comparison

GMC Acadia Vs Chevy Traverse

Table of Contents

Selecting the perfect midsize SUV can be a challenging task, especially when faced with an array of exceptional options. Two noteworthy contenders in the market are the 2023 GMC Acadia and the Chevy Traverse, both of which have garnered praise for their reliability, performance, and safety features.

To help you make an informed decision, we’ve thoroughly analyzed these two popular SUVs in various aspects. Read on to discover what sets them apart and how they can cater to your unique requirements and preferences.

Exterior Design

The 2023 GMC Acadia and Chevy Traverse have distinctive looks that set them apart from one another. The GMC Acadia boasts a bold, aggressive design with sharp lines and a commanding presence. The large, signature GMC grille is flanked by LED headlights, giving it a modern appearance. 

In contrast, the Chevy Traverse has a sleeker, more refined look, with smooth curves and aerodynamic design elements. Both SUVs offer a variety of wheel designs, with available sizes ranging from 18 to 20 inches.

Interior Design

Inside, the 2023 GMC Acadia and Chevy Traverse showcase thoughtful design elements and premium materials. The Acadia features a well-appointed cabin with a mix of soft-touch materials and brushed aluminum accents. The IntelliLink infotainment system provides a responsive touchscreen interface and supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, ensuring a seamless connection to your smartphone.

The Traverse’s interior, on the other hand, is characterized by its spaciousness and clean design. High-quality materials and abundant storage compartments make for a comfortable and practical environment. The Chevrolet Infotainment 3 system also supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, providing similar connectivity options to the Acadia.

Seating

Both the 2023 GMC Acadia and Chevy Traverse offer comfortable seating for passengers, but with different configurations. The Acadia comes standard with seating for five, with an optional third row available on higher trims, increasing passenger capacity to seven. The Traverse comes standard with three rows of seating, accommodating up to eight passengers, making it the more suitable option for larger families.

Storage

When it comes to cargo space, the Chevy Traverse has a clear advantage. With all seats in place, the Traverse offers 23.0 cubic feet of cargo space, which expands to 98.2 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded. 

The GMC Acadia, on the other hand, provides 12.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row (if equipped), expanding to 79.0 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded. Both vehicles come with various storage compartments and pockets throughout the cabin for smaller items.

Performance

The 2023 GMC Acadia and Chevy Traverse offer a range of powertrain options to suit various needs. The Acadia comes with a standard 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 228 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. Alternatively, a 3.6-liter V6 engine is available, generating 310 horsepower and 271 lb-ft of torque. Both engines are paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission.

The Traverse offers a single powertrain option – a 3.6-liter V6 engine producing 310 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque, mated to a 9-speed automatic transmission. Both SUVs are available with front-wheel or all-wheel drive, depending on the trim level.

Fuel Efficiency

Fuel economy is an important consideration for many buyers, and both the 2023 GMC Acadia and Chevy Traverse deliver competitive efficiency figures. The Acadia’s 2.0-liter engine achieves an EPA-estimated 22 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway, while the 3.6-liter V6 engine is rated at 19 mpg city and 26 mpg highway. 

The Traverse’s 3.6-liter V6 engine is slightly less efficient, with an EPA-estimated 18 mpg city and 27 mpg highway. Both SUVs offer similar fuel efficiency, with the Acadia’s 2.0-liter engine providing slightly better city mileage, while the Traverse edges out the Acadia in highway driving.

Safety

The 2023 GMC Acadia and Chevy Traverse are both equipped with a suite of advanced safety features to protect passengers and inspire driver confidence. Standard safety equipment on both models includes a forward collision alert, automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, lane departure warning, and a rearview camera. 

Higher trim levels offer additional features such as adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a surround-view camera system.

Both SUVs have been awarded top safety ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), reflecting their commitment to passenger protection.

Trim Levels

The 2023 GMC Acadia is available in four trim levels: SL, SLE, SLT, and Denali. The base SL trim comes well-equipped with features such as keyless entry, an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and a suite of standard safety features. Higher trims offer additional features such as leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, and a premium Bose audio system. The range-topping Denali trim adds chrome accents, a unique grille, and exclusive interior appointments.

The 2023 Chevy Traverse is offered in six trim levels: L, LS, LT Cloth, LT Leather, RS, and High Country. The entry-level L trim provides a solid foundation with features like a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, LED headlights, and a comprehensive safety suite. 

Moving up the trim levels, buyers can enjoy features such as leather upholstery, a larger 8-inch touchscreen, and a panoramic sunroof. The High Country trim represents the pinnacle of luxury in the Traverse lineup, offering premium materials, advanced safety features, and unique design elements.

Pricing

When comparing the pricing of the 2023 GMC Acadia and Chevy Traverse, it’s important to take into account the different trim levels and available features. The base GMC Acadia SL has a starting price of around $34,800, while the top-of-the-line Denali trim starts at approximately $49,300.

The Chevy Traverse has a lower starting price, with the base L trim beginning at around $33,700. The range-topping High Country trim is priced similarly to the Acadia Denali, with a starting price of about $52,000. Ultimately, the choice between the two SUVs will depend on personal preferences, budget, and desired features.

Key Differences

Exterior Design:

The GMC Acadia features a bold, aggressive design with sharp lines and a large grille, while the Chevy Traverse showcases a sleeker, more refined look with smooth curves and aerodynamic elements.

Interior Design:

The Acadia offers a more luxurious feel with a mix of soft-touch materials and brushed aluminum accents, while the Traverse focuses on spaciousness and practicality with its clean design and abundant storage compartments.

Seating Capacity:

The Acadia comes standard with seating for five, with an optional third row available to accommodate up to seven passengers. In contrast, the Traverse comes standard with three rows of seating, providing space for up to eight passengers.

Storage and Cargo Capacity:

The Chevy Traverse offers more cargo space, with 23.0 cubic feet behind the third row and 98.2 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded. The GMC Acadia provides 12.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row (if equipped) and 79.0 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded.

Performance Options:

The Acadia offers two engine options: a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine and a 3.6-liter V6 engine. The Traverse, on the other hand, is available with a single 3.6-liter V6 engine option.

Fuel Efficiency:

The Acadia’s 2.0-liter engine offers better city fuel economy at 22 mpg, compared to the Traverse’s 3.6-liter engine with 18 mpg city. However, the Traverse has a slightly better highway fuel economy at 27 mpg, while the Acadia’s 3.6-liter engine delivers 26 mpg on the highway.

Trim Levels and Pricing:

The GMC Acadia is available in four trim levels: SL, SLE, SLT, and Denali, with prices ranging from $34,800 to $49,300. The Chevy Traverse comes in six trim levels: L, LS, LT Cloth, LT Leather, RS, and High Country, with prices ranging from $33,700 to $52,000. The Traverse offers a broader range of trims and a lower starting price, while the Acadia’s Denali trim provides a more luxurious option.

Final Thoughts:

After examining the 2023 GMC Acadia and Chevy Traverse, it’s evident that both SUVs offer a compelling package for prospective buyers. Each vehicle has its strengths, with the Acadia presenting a bold design and more luxurious feel, while the Traverse excels in passenger space and cargo capacity. 

Ultimately, the decision between these two SUVs will depend on your specific needs, budget, and desired features. By carefully considering the differences outlined in this article, you’ll be better equipped to choose the SUV that aligns with your lifestyle and delivers the perfect blend of comfort, performance, and safety.

Features Breakdown

2023 GMC Acadia:

  • Exterior Design:
    • Bold, aggressive design
    • Sharp lines and large GMC grille
    • LED headlights
    • Available wheel sizes: 18 to 20 inches
  • Interior Design:
    • Well-appointed cabin with soft-touch materials and brushed aluminum accents
    • IntelliLink infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
  • Seating:
    • Standard seating for five
    • Optional third row available, increasing capacity to seven passengers
  • Storage:
    • 12.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row (if equipped)
    • 79.0 cubic feet with second and third rows folded
  • Performance:
    • Standard 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine: 228 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque
    • Optional 3.6-liter V6 engine: 310 hp and 271 lb-ft of torque
    • 9-speed automatic transmission
  • Fuel Efficiency:
    • 2.0-liter engine: 22 mpg city and 29 mpg highway
    • 3.6-liter engine: 19 mpg city and 26 mpg highway
  • Safety:
    • Standard forward collision alert, automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, lane departure warning, and rearview camera
    • Available adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and surround-view camera system
  • Trim Levels:
    • SL, SLE, SLT, and Denali
  • Pricing:
    • Base SL: starting at $34,800
    • Range-topping Denali: starting at $49,300

Chevy Traverse:

  • Exterior Design:
    • Sleek, refined design
    • Smooth curves and aerodynamic elements
    • Available wheel sizes: 18 to 20 inches
  • Interior Design:
    • Spacious cabin with high-quality materials
    • Chevrolet Infotainment 3 system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
  • Seating:
    • Standard seating for eight passengers with three rows
  • Storage:
    • 23.0 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row
    • 98.2 cubic feet with second and third rows folded
  • Performance:
    • 3.6-liter V6 engine: 310 hp and 266 lb-ft of torque
    • 9-speed automatic transmission
  • Fuel Efficiency:
    • 18 mpg city and 27 mpg highway
  • Safety:
    • Standard forward collision alert, automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, lane departure warning, and rearview camera
    • Available adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and surround-view camera system
  • Trim Levels:
    • L, LS, LT Cloth, LT Leather, RS, and High Country
  • Pricing:
    • Base L: starting at $33,700
    • Range-topping High Country: starting at $52,000

About Marcus The Car Guy

I've been in car sales and finance for over 20 years, working at the highest volume dealerships in the nation including Fletcher Jones, DCH and more. Want to pick my brain on finding cars, negotiating cars, and structuring car deals?

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