Starting at
Starting at
193-310 | Horsepower (hp) | 310 |
271 | Max Torque (lb-ft) | 266 |
22/29 | Fuel Economy (city/hwy mpg) | 18/27 |
When you’re looking for a new midsize SUV, you might be considering either the 2021 GMC Acadia or the 2021 Chevy Traverse. Both the Acadia and the Traverse are fantastic vehicles, but the odds are good you’re only going to be able to fit one in your driveway, so it’s important that you decide on the vehicle that’s best for you. So between the 2021 GMC Acadia vs 2021 Chevy Traverse, which midsize SUV comes out on top? Which vehicle should you add to your family’s driveway?
If you’re searching for a midsize SUV, you’re going to want to consider features that set these SUVs apart from all the rest. Each of these vehicles gives families plenty of space for both passengers and cargo, and each of these SUVs comes with plenty of safety features. So how do you decide which one is the right one for you?
Today we’re going to take a close look at what exactly sets these two midsize SUVs apart. They might look very similar at first glance, but when you begin to dig deeper, there are features that certain families might be more attracted to. Only after you take a good look at the comparisons will you be able to make an informed decision for yourself.
When it comes to interior comfort, you really can’t go wrong with either the 2021 GMC Acadia or the 2021 Chevy Traverse. Both of these midsize SUVs feature comfortable seats and plenty of space for both cargo and passengers. However, there is one aspect of interior comfort where these two SUVs differ, and that is the number of available seats.
The 2021 GMC Acadia can effortlessly and comfortably fit 7 passengers. The 2021 Chevy Traverse can fit 8 passengers, and you might look at that number and think to yourself, “Wow! 8 passengers is awesome! Why would I opt for the lesser option?” The reason you will want to look at the Acadia instead of the Traverse is because you want your passengers to actually be comfortable.
When you opt for the 2021 Acadia, your second row of seating is going to feature lush and enjoyable bucket seats that your passengers are going to enjoy riding in. On the other hand, the 8 seater Traverse features a second row of bench seats that are less enjoyable for everybody. These bench seats are difficult to, well, traverse when sending passengers to the third row, and they’re less comfortable overall for everybody who sits in them. If you don’t actually plan on using all 8 seats, it would be to your benefit to go with the Acadia instead of the Traverse, so all of your road trips are filled with happy passengers.
If you want an 8 seater SUV, you can easily upgrade to something bigger like the GMC Yukon. If you opt for the 8-seater Chevy Traverse, you’re going to be faced with cramped passengers who are stuck with little to no wiggle room. Have you ever tried to put a handful of car seats into a vehicle that was too small to fit them in? That’s no fun either. When it comes to passenger comfort, the 7 seat GMC Acadia is a fantastic vehicle that will ensure everybody in your vehicle is as happy and comfortable as possible.
Fuel efficiency is one of the most important things to look at when shopping for a new car. When you end up with a fuel-efficient vehicle, you will be setting yourself up for years worth of savings due to all the gasoline you won’t have to buy. So how do the 2021 GMC Acadia and the 2021 Chevy Traverse compare as far as fuel mileage goes?
If you plan on spending most of your time driving on the highway, you’ll be pleased to know that both the 2021 Acadia and the 2021 Traverse get similar fuel economy ratings with their V6 engines. The 2021 GMC Acadia and the 2021 Chevy Traverse both get up to 27 MPG worth of highway miles with their 3.6L V6. This rating goes down when driving in the city, so you’ll want to keep that in mind, but if you spend more time driving than idling at city lights, you’re going to end up with some pretty good gas mileage, no matter which SUV you end up with.
Both GMC and Chevy have worked hard to supply us with vehicles that won’t break that bank every time we go to the gas pumps. Our days should be spent living and enjoying ourselves, not giving away all of our hard-earned money to the fuel pump. So it’s a wonderful thing that both the Acadia and the Traverse get up to 27 MPG worth of highway mileage.
However, if you want the most efficient SUV possible, then you should opt for the GMC Acadia with the 2.0L turbocharged I-4 engine. With this engine, you can get up to 22 MPG in the city and 29 MPG on the highway. This is perfect for people who want a large SUV and have a lot of commuting to do during the day.
When it comes to safety features, both GMC and Chevy have made an effort to include all of the very best safety options in their midsize SUVs. If you care about keeping your family safe, you’ll be happy to know that the Acadia and the Traverse both will serve you well. After all, isn’t focusing on getting our loved ones home safely each and every day one of the most important goals?
Both the 2021 Acadia and the 2021 Traverse have Automatic Emergency Braking and Forward Collision Alert. Each of these systems monitors the road in front of you for potential obstacles or points of collision. If you begin to get too close to the vehicle or pedestrian in front of you, your vehicle will alert you. If you keep getting too close, your vehicle will then automatically apply the brakes so you can avoid a front-end collision.
The Acadia and the Traverse also have Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning that monitors your position in your lane. If you begin to drive out of your lane without turning on your turn signal, each of these midsize SUVs will alert you to your drifting. If you do not react appropriately, your SUV will then apply a gentle steering wheel adjustment that guides you safely back into your own lane. This kind of safety feature saves lives every single year, and you’ll be thrilled to know your SUV will have this safety option.
The 2021 GMC Acadia has that the 2021 Chevy Traverse also both have a Following Distance Indicator. If you are driving too closely to the vehicle in front of you, you will get an alert. But how do you know if you are following too closely? The 2021 Acadia will display the gap between you and the car in front of you so you can see for yourself if you are following at a safe distance or not. Tailgating is a huge safety issue, and this safety feature works with you to keep you and everybody around you safe and secure, no matter where you are or how fast you are going.
There are plenty more safety features that both the Acadia and the Traverse have in common because safety is something that should be similar across all vehicles. The exact safety features will depend on which trim package you opt for. Be sure to ask your friendly sales team which trim levels come with which safety features, so you will be sure to get a vehicle that includes the features that are most important to you.