Compared: 2023 Chevrolet Traverse vs. 2023 GMC Acadia

General Motors' three-row crossovers cater to slightly different customers and budgets, but are chock-full of features.

Sami Haj-Assaad | 

Jan 30, 2023 | 3 min read

Chevrolet | GMC

For families on the go, a three-row crossover can be as practical as a minivan and more stylish. Two American offerings, the 2023 Chevrolet Traverse and the 2023 GMC Acadia, seem similar but have notable differences in pricing and features.

Chevrolet

2023 Chevrolet Traverse vs. 2023 GMC Acadia: Price

The Chevy Traverse is generally the more affordable option of the two, with a starting price of about $36,000 for the front-wheel-drive (FWD) LS model. Upgrading a Traverse to all-wheel drive (AWD) costs anywhere between $2,000 to $3,800, depending on the trim level. That’s an approachable price for the three-row crossover, but well-equipped, AWD versions of the High Country trim costs more than $55,000.

GMC

The entry-level GMC Acadia starts at about $38,000, but uses a turbocharged, 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine, as opposed to a 3.6L V6 in every version of the Traverse. The V6 is available as a $495 option on the Acadia’s SLT model, for a total price of just under $43,000. Upgrading to AWD costs $2,000, while the rugged AT4 trim comes with standard AWD for about $45,000. Top-trim Acadia Denali AWD models will set buyers back about $52,000, which is less than a similarly-equipped Chevy Traverse High Country.

Chevrolet

2023 Chevrolet Traverse vs. 2023 GMC Acadia: Features

Both SUVs come standard with features like three-zone climate control, LED headlights, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and a decent suite of safety equipment including automatic emergency braking and lane-keeping assist. Notably, the Acadia features larger infotainment and driver information screens than the base Traverse, making the GMC feel more high-tech. While the two vehicles offer plenty of available features and equipment, GMC bundles its options into packages, which can present noticeable jumps in pricing. In comparison, similar options come standard on many trims of the Traverse.

GMC

Available equipment on both crossovers includes a power liftgate, dual-pane sunroof, up to 20-inch wheels, and upgraded sound systems. The Traverse can be optioned with a 10-speaker Bose sound system, while the Acadia can only pack eight speakers, but the GMC can be equipped with a head-up display while the Traverse can’t. However, the Traverse can get power-folding rear seats, while the Acadia’s are all manual.

Chevrolet

2023 Chevrolet Traverse vs. 2023 GMC Acadia: Fuel Economy

With a 310-hp V6 that puts out 266 lb.-ft. of torque, the Traverse returns 21 mpg in FWD configurations and 20 mpg combined in AWD models.

GMC

The Acadia’s less powerful but more fuel-efficient four-cylinder makes 228 horsepower and 258 lb.-ft. of torque, and manages 25 mpg in FWD form, and 24 mpg with AWD. Interestingly, the V6 available in the Acadia is the same as the Traverse, but is slightly more fuel-efficient under the GMC’s hood, returning 22 mpg with FWD, and 21 mpg with AWD.

Sami Haj-Assaad

Sami Haj-Assaad is an award-winning automotive journalist who has contributed to several automotive, electric vehicle, luxury lifestyle, and technology publications. His work isn't just limited to the written word, as he's also hosted YouTube videos and podcasts. Having grown up in the '90s, he has a strong sense of attachment to that era's style, though he also loves to geek out about the modern, futuristic tech and powertrains rolling out today.