The 2024 Chevrolet Traverse and 2024 GMC Acadia once more exhibit remarkable similarity, reminiscent of their inaugural 2007 year. Initially, both were sizable midsize SUVs boasting three rows, sharing not only their underlying architecture but also their powertrains. However, in the 2017 edition, the Acadia diverged, shrinking by 7.2 inches in length, 3.4 inches in width, and shedding approximately 700 pounds while maintaining its crossover, three-row setup.
For 2024, GM has revamped the Traverse and the Acadia, with the latter rejoining the larger platform and mirroring the Chevy’s motor offering. Their configurations are likewise alike, with both advancing in the realm of tech features. This harkens back to a form of rebadged similarity, yet each still maintains distinct characteristics. Let us delve into and discern their differences.
GMC Acadia vs. Chevy Traverse: Styling
Both vehicles adopt a more robust, assertive facade inspired by the larger pickups and SUVs within their respective line-ups. Despite the semblance, these two remain monocoque structures, rather than the traditional body-on-frame titans. Design cues specific to each brand are evident: both models feature chiseled front ends dominated by expansive grilles, with the Traverse showcasing narrow LED headlamps, contrasting the Acadia’s LED C-shaped signature. The grille design differs among various editions.
Along their flanks, they demonstrate akin sculpted lines. Yet the Traverse introduces a separated rear pillar aesthetic initiated just after the second row, as opposed to Acadia’s extended glasshouse that reaches the back, enhancing visibility for both the rear occupants and the pilot.
GMC Acadia vs. Chevy Traverse: Interior technology and seating
Both the Chevy and GMC incorporate the latest iteration of GM’s entertainment interface with integrated Google services, yet featuring differing design aspects. The Traverse is equipped with a 17.7-inch wide-format touchscreen at the center, while the Acadia sports a 15.0-inch vertical touchscreen. Furthermore, both come with an 11.0-inch digital cluster for the driver. The interfaces are user-friendly, and they continue to include wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, despite GM’s shift away from phone mirroring integrations.
For the year 2024, GMC limits the Acadia to seven-seat configuration, with captain’s chairs in the second row accompanied by a three-seater bench in the back. On the other hand, the standard Traverse offers benches for both the second and third rows, with captain’s chairs optional on the Z71 and RS trims. In terms of upholstery, the Chevy has fabric options on entry-level models, whereas every GMC model boasts synthetic leather or genuine hide. A power-folding feature for both second and third rows is exclusive to the Acadia Denali, whereas the Traverse RS only offers a power-folding mechanism for the third row.
GMC Acadia vs. Chevrolet Traverse: Prices and features
GMC positions the Acadia at a loftier price point than the Traverse, albeit complemented by a richer assembly of standard conveniences. It is available in Elevation, AT4, and Denali versions, while the Traverse lineup includes LS, LT, Z71, and RS variants.
The base Acadia Elevation is priced starting from $43,995, destination fees inclusive, with all-wheel drive as an optional $2,000 addition. Its essential amenities encompass synthetic leather seating, 8-way power-adjustable heated front seats, a warming steering wheel, an 11.0-inch digital display panel, a 14.0-inch panel for infotainment, wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, an induction charging pad for devices, satellite radio, remote ignition capabilities, a 12-speaker Bose sound system, a powered liftgate, and 20-inch metallic rims.
Conversely, the Traverse initiates pricing at $38,995 for the front-wheel-drive LS trim. It seats eight instead of seven, features fabric seats in place of synthetic leather, a 6-way manual driver’s seat adjustment, and 18-inch metallic rims instead of 20-inch. It forfeits the built-in induction charger but retains the remainder of the base Acadia’s offerings.
Off-road oriented variants, the Acadia AT4 and Traverse Z71, share numerous similarities in kit and mechanical properties, inclusive of all-wheel-drive systems with twin-clutch rear differentials, trailering packages, additional drive modes for rough terrain, increased ground clearance by 1.2 inches, protective skid plates beneath the front, towing hooks, and 18-inch tyres designed for rough terrain. An Acadia AT4 asks for $51,395, whereas the Z71 demands $47,995. The Chevy’s seats maintain their fabric, whereas the GMC’s are dressed in synthetic leather.
The Denali sits atop the range at $55,695, replete with genuine leather seats, memory function for the driver’s chair, ventilated seats at the front, heated rear outbound seats, electronically adjustable seats for both the second and third rows, a heads-up information display, and a steering column adjustable in both tilt and reach.
The Traverse RS at $56,090 carries a similar suite of amenities. While missing the heads-up display and power-adjustable second row seen in the Denali, it offers 22-inch wheels in contrast to 20-inch, a power-operating third-row seat, a panoramic roof (available as an option on the Acadia Denali), and a 10-speaker Bose sound system versus the 12-speaker setup in the Acadia.
GMC Acadia vs. Chevrolet Traverse: Which is right for you?
They represent dual facets of an identical concept. Both the Traverse and Acadia cater to a similar clientele. The Acadia demands a slightly elevated price, delivering additional amenities per model compared to the Traverse, which forgoes none of Acadia’s protective features, powertrain performance, or the majority of its opulent equipment, with the RS trim even brandishing several features absent in the Acadia. This positions the Traverse as an overall superior value, yet this can shift for individuals seeking the extra features or the distinct GMC allure.
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