GMC Acadia vs Chevrolet Traverse

Both the GMC Acadia and Chevrolet Traverse are equipped with a 2.5L turbocharged engine, generating the same 328 hp and 326 lbs.-ft. of torque. However, the Acadia stands out with its more responsive performance, thanks to its Active Torque Control All-Wheel-Drive in the AT4 trim, which improves traction on rugged terrain and wet conditions—like Graniteville’s sudden thunderstorms. The Traverse’s twin-clutch AWD provides sportier handling, while the Acadia’s AWD system excels in stability and fuel economy, making it a better choice for everyday driving.

Here is where the Acadia truly pulls ahead. Both the Acadia and the Traverse are designed to accommodate families, with standard seating for 8 in the Acadia and 7 with the capacity for 8 in the Traverse. Both vehicles provide about 98 cu. ft. of cargo space as well as highly flexible seating options for outstanding versatility of use.

The GMC Acadia is considered the more premium option generally and is certainly roomier than the very spacious Traverse. Offering more hip and legroom in both the 2nd and 3rd rows, and greater 2nd-row head and shoulder room, the Acadia is focused on passenger comfort. While the Traverse offers more overall interior space, front row space is prioritized. The Traverse’s standard 4-way power-adjustable front seats cannot compare to the 8-way standard in the Acadia with 2-way lumbar in just the Elevation base trim.

While both vehicles feature luxury trims with features like heated and ventilated seats, leather upholstery, wood accents, and high-end convenience features, the Acadia’s thoughtful interior themes like Forest Storm in the off-road AT4 trim with a panoramic sunroof, shows a greater attention to detail that extends to the meticulous craftsmanship. The Traverse offers premium materials but lacks the same level of high-end finishes in its higher trims.

Both the 2025 GMC Acadia and the 2025 Chevrolet Traverse offer robust tech features. The Traverse features a massive 17.7” touchscreen infotainment system as standard with similar connectivity options as the Acadia’s standard, smaller 15-inch Premium GMC Infotainment System. Wireless Apple CarPlay®, Android Auto™, navigation, and integration with Google Built-In and Amazon Alexa make either vehicle a superior option for families. However, the Acadia’s premium features extend to technology also, and they come as standard. Your playlists come to life with the standard 12-speaker Bose® premium audio system in every Acadia trim, while the Traverse offers a more standard audio setup.

The Acadia provides an extensive tech list as standard that the Traverse does not offer without upgrading to higher trims. Every Acadia features an HD Surround Vision camera, Head-Up Display, and a wireless charging pad. None of these features com in the Traverse’s entry-level trims, giving the Acadia a strong edge in the tech department.

Safety is a strong point for both the Acadia and the Traverse, with both claiming the title of IIHS Top Safety Pick. Both fortify the SUV with standard features such as Rear Cross-Traffic Braking, Blind Zone Steering Assist, and Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning. The Traverse also offers the renowned Super Cruise™ hands-free driving system on higher trims. However, once again, the Acadia treats all trims to a more in-depth safety package as standard.

The Acadia equips every trim with Intersection Automatic Braking, Traffic Sign Recognition, HD Surround Vision with a rear camera washer, Rear Pedestrian Alert, and a stronger Enhanced Automatic Emergency Braking system than the Traverse’s more basic Automatic Emergency Braking. Importantly, the GMC Acadia supports the 5,000-lb. towing capacity with standard Hitch Guidance with Hitch View for safer towing. These are all offered in the Chevrolet Traverse, but again, you must upgrade to a higher trim to obtain them.

While both the 2025 GMC Acadia and 2025 Chevrolet Traverse are capable, family-friendly SUVs, the Acadia delivers a more premium experience with thoughtful features that put your family first, including more comfortable dimensions for your passengers, higher quality materials, more standard tech features that the Traverse requires an upgrade for in both safety and entertainment, and offers a more refined combination of performance, luxury, and safety features. While the vehicles are matched in power and capability for the most part, it’s the luxury of the drive in every respect where the 2025 GMC Acadia makes its mark.

Visit Gerald Jones GMC in Graniteville, SC, to explore our 2025 GMC Acadia inventory and experience it firsthand.