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Best Snow Tires for SUVs2024 Chevrolet Traverse vs 2024 GMC Acadia
We compare two popular SUVs that share the same platform. Should you save some money and buy the Traverse, or go for the extra luxury of the Acadia?
GM’s Corporate Cousins
General Motors’ badge engineering has come a long way as evidenced by this 2024 Chevrolet Traverse vs. GMC Acadia matchup. Both models kick off their respective third generation with all-new sheet metal, a new turbocharged four-cylinder powertrain, and ample standard technology. Under the skin, it’s about as identical as they come, but from the outside, the Traverse and Acadia have distinct looks.
Featuring squared-off edges and a Camaro-esque front-end design, the 2024 Chevy Traverse looks a bit more street-smart than its more elegantly appointed 2024 GMC Acadia counterpart. Slightly different C-pillar treatments and standard 20” wheels aim to set off the GMC as a more luxurious three-row crossover, especially in Denali duds.
Befitting its station, the latest Acadia is more expensive than the Traverse, in base spec anyway. But does GMC deliver an SUV that’s worth spending up on versus the cheaper Chevy? Let’s find out.
Specs
It’s easy to compare specs on the 2024 Traverse and Acadia – because they’re identical. GM has discontinued the old V6 in favor of a 2.5L turbocharged inline-4 that makes 328 horsepower and 326 lb-ft of torque in both models. Also common is an 8-speed automatic that routes power to the front wheels. All-wheel drive (AWD) is standard on the Traverse Z71 and Acadia AT4 or a $2,000 option on the rest of the trim lines.
Unsurprisingly, fuel economy is also the same for both SUVs. With front-wheel drive (FWD), ratings are 20 mpg city, 27 mpg highway, and 23 mpg combined. With the AWD running gear, those figures drop to 19, 24, and 21, respectively. AWD models also have a larger 21.7-gallon gas tank than the 19.4-gallon unit in FWD Traverses and Acadias.
Driving and Performance
The commonalities continue from the driving experience perspective for the 2024 Traverse and Acadia. Independent suspension is standard all around and owners can expect a 0-60 mph time of around 7 seconds. Opting for the off-road geared Traverse Z71 or Acadia AT4 does bring several upgrades including an extra inch of ground clearance.
In both cases, all-terrain tires are fitted to 18” wheels, front skid plates and red tow hooks are installed, and a special twin-clutch AWD system is added. GM also re-tunes the suspension of the Z71 and AT4 twins for rough road adventures and includes the Trailering Package content. It features a heavy-duty cooling system, beefier alternator, and special camera views. So equipped, the 2024 Chevy Traverse and GMC Acadia can tow up to 5,000 pounds.
Comfort and Interior
As you might have guessed, there is a whole lot of similarity to the cabins of the latest Traverse and Acadia. But one key difference is passenger occupancy. The 2024 Traverse in base LS spec has room for 8 with a second-row bench, while the rest of the lineup swaps in second-row captain’s chairs, which means room for 7. With the 2024 Acadia, there is no second-row bench option, so it’s capped at 7. However, for 2025, the Acadia will add this 8-passenger option.
In either case, the interior of these GM siblings is spacious. Metrics like 41” of second-row legroom 32” of third-row legroom, and 98 cubic feet of cargo space with the second- and third-row seats folded are impressive. Both offer niceties like heated and ventilated front seats, leather upholstery, and a power-folding third row. But on the infotainment front, the Traverse goes bigger.
Standard on the 2024 Traverse is a 17.7” landscape-oriented touchscreen and 11” digital gauge cluster. Google built-in, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a Wi-Fi hotspot are all included as well. The 2025 GMC Acadia matches all of that except for its central display, which is a portrait-oriented 15” setup. A Bose 10-speaker audio system is also standard Acadia content versus the generic 6-speaker system in the Traverse.
Trims and Features
The 2024 Chevy Traverse starts at $38,995 for an LS model with 18” wheels, LED headlights, heated front seats, cloth upholstery, a surround-view monitor, and triple-zone automatic climate control. The list of advanced driver aids is lengthy and includes forward collision mitigation, a lane-keeping system, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, automatic high beams, adaptive cruise control, and the Safety Alert Seat.
In $41,395 LT spec, roof rails, upgraded cloth, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, and a wireless phone charging pad are added. The Traverse Z71 starts at $47,795 and is mainly distinguished by its off-road upgrades. At $55,595, the range-topping Traverse RS is loaded with 22” black rims, a hands-free liftgate, rain-sensing wipers, and a panoramic moonroof. Inside, highlights include leather with climatized front and heated rear seats, Super Cruise hands-free driving tech, and a self-parking system.
Over at GMC, the 2024 Acadia starts at $43,995 for the Elevation model. It matches the Traverse LS for content, while adding 20” wheels and a Bose audio system. The Acadia AT4 is effectively a Traverse Z71 from a features perspective, but with a starting price nearly $4,000 higher. At the top of the 2024 Acadia trim lineup is the Denali that starts at $55,695 or just $100 more than the Traverse RS.
Like the Traverse in RS guise, the Acadia Denali features a heated windshield wiper park system, a power-folding third-row seat, a power-adjustable steering column, and ambient lighting. Differences include a standard head-up display (HUD) on the Acadia and the option for a 16-speaker Bose audio system. However, Super Cruise is a $3,490 optional feature on the Denali versus being standard on the Traverse RS.
The Verdict
Unless you insist on having the GMC badge on your mid-size three-row crossover, there’s little reason to buy a 2024 Acadia over a 2024 Chevy Traverse. The Acadia costs an extra $5,000 versus the Traverse for a base model and doesn’t do enough to differentiate itself to justify that premium.
True, there are a few features like the HUD and Bose 16-speaker audio system that can only be found in the Acadia. But the stereo requires a $3,130 package and Super Cruise doesn’t come standard on any of the Acadia variants. In this General Motors matchup, it’s Chevy all the way. Be sure to check out the latest new car incentives before hitting the dealer lots.
