2025 Chevy Traverse vs 2025 GMC Acadia
From families to commuters, three-row midsize SUVs serve a purpose for virtually any type of driver. They're more spacious than compact offerings but aren’t as cumbersome to handle as full-size SUVs, and when it comes to accommodating your pack and anyone else you’re traveling with, plus all of their belongings, these models simply shine. Two particular models on the market that collect fans wherever they travel are the Chevy Traverse and GMC Acadia, and when it comes to offering you the better ride, one outperforms the other. So, when it comes to the 2025 Chevy Traverse vs 2025 GMC Acadia, which three-row SUV should you choose?
For 2025, the Chevy Traverse welcomes the top-tier High Country trim back into its lineup, elevating the status of this practical everyday family commuter to new heights. The GMC Acadia receives a few small upgrades for its latest year on the streets, including new wheel options on some of its trims and a standard Trailering Package to make towing easier. Here at North Park Chevrolet, when you want to ensure that you’re taking advantage of the best selection of vehicles available, you’ll want to shop here. When comparing these two models in the areas of cargo and convenience, trim selection, connectivity and safety, and performance, it’ll be immediately apparent that one vehicle far surpasses the other in every respect.
| 2025 Chevy Traverse | vs | 2025 GMC Acadia |
| $40,700 [a] | MSRP | $43,000 |
| 98 cu.ft. | Cargo Space | 97.5 cu.ft. |
| 5,000 lbs | Towing | 5,000 lbs |
| 17.7 in | Screen Size | 15 in |
Cargo & Convenience
Room for Everything
Those seeking out a three-row midsize SUV that can handle more cargo will want to look closely at the 2025 Chevy Traverse, which showcases best-in-class cargo volume of 98 cu.ft. Whether you’re loading up with camping gear or sports equipment, you can depend on the Traverse to handle it with ease. Although the GMC Acadia isn’t far behind, with a maximum cargo volume of 97.5 cu.ft., if you’re in need of more space, every little bit helps. Both models are able to be configured to suit your needs, offering access to features like 60/40 split rear seating to make room for additional cargo, as well as an AutoSense Liftgate on the menu to reveal your vehicle’s cargo hold, even when your hands are full, sensing the presence of the key fob behind it and opening in an instant.
Room for Everyone
Both of these vehicles provide three roomy rows to accommodate passengers, which is why so many families are drawn to these particular models. You’ll find that One-Touch Fold second-row seats make it easy to access the back row, while power folding second and third-row seating make it a breeze to accommodate more inside your vehicle.
Both the Traverse and Acadia can seat up to eight; however, when you need maximum cargo volume in your SUV, the Traverse delivers, and when you want more standard features without having to pay extra, the Traverse delivers again. In the end, when you want more convenient cargo solutions, more space for your things, and a more affordable price, you’ll find this with the Traverse.
Trim Selection
High-End Travelers
Those who want to surround themselves in luxury while they make their way to all their destinations, even if it’s primarily to the school or to the park for playdates, will want to choose a sophisticated trim, which can be found in both model lineups. You may assume that nothing can top the Denali trim that GMC offers, but maybe you haven’t met Chevy’s High Country trim, which is back on the Traverse’s roster for 2025. Featuring leather-appointed seats with bronze accents, chrome elements dotting its exterior, and 22-inch high-gloss wheels, the High Country is a head-turner from every angle.
Of course, the Acadia has the Denali, which shows off leather-appointed first and second-row seats, a specialized Denali grille, and silver accents throughout; however, this is the only upscale trim available for the Acadia. The Traverse, on the other hand, has an additional high-level trim, and that’s the RS, which features unique RS badging, a flat-bottom steering wheel, Jet Black leather-appointed seats with red accents, and more sporty features to round out its athletic appeal. If you want more trim options, especially when it comes to upper-level trims, you’ll find them with the Traverse.
Rugged Explorers
Both the Traverse and Acadia can take on their fair share of challenges off-road as well, with the Traverse offering the Z71 trim and the Acadia offering the AT4. The Traverse Z71 won’t hesitate to venture off the beaten path, with features like a twin-clutch all-wheel drive system, standard Terrain Mode, and specialized dampers to make any ride more stable and secure, no matter the surface that sits beneath its tires. The Acadia AT4 has its own set of features to conquer the great outdoors, including a specialized AWD system, off-road tuned suspension, and a lifted ride height; however, its starting price is significantly higher than the Traverse Z71. If you want to take advantage of plenty of the same features to deal with unsavory terrain for less, the Traverse Z71 is the way to go.
Entry-Level Models
Finally, when it comes to easing into three-row midsize SUV life, many drivers opt for affordable base models in order to achieve this, offering them the ideal blend of comfort and practicality without the high sticker price of more luxurious models. The Traverse’s LT trim is a perfect example of this, with access to second-row captain’s chairs, cozy seating elements, a standard wireless phone charger, and more desirable elements. The Acadia’s entry-level option is the Elevation, which offers an eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, premium appointments, and plenty of tech to influence the journey. All in all, when you want a larger selection of trims for more affordable prices, you’ll find it with the Traverse; the Acadia offers fewer trims and higher starting prices, making this model out of financial reach for many.
Connectivity & Safety
Stay Up to Date With Your Day
Remaining connected to your day is imperative for any driver, especially parents and professionals who need access to cutting-edge tech during their journeys. Fortunately, the Traverse and Acadia can both be armed with advanced tech to ensure maximum connection during the daily drive. The 2025 Traverse comes standard with a huge 17.7-inch diagonal color touchscreen, which presents you with everything from apps to contacts to music and more, allowing you to immerse yourself in the drive like never before.
Unfortunately, the 2025 Acadia doesn’t offer quite as big a screen, with a 15-inch display as your only option. Both systems provide you with Google built-in capabilities, smartphone integration, voice recognition, and a customizable software system; however, if you want a larger touchscreen display, you’ll want to choose the Traverse.
Safety First
Many parents choose the Traverse and Acadia to confidently take them and their kiddos everywhere they need to go, and you may already be well aware that kids have a lot going on. This requires a vehicle that is safe and armed with advanced features to ensure everyone’s safety on board at all times. The great news is that both the Chevy Traverse and GMC Acadia are recognized as IIHS Top Safety Picks, featuring access to a standard suite of sophisticated features to ensure you remain secure on the open road. They also offer available Super Cruise hands-free driving tech, which allows you to trust in your vehicle to navigate your ride for you as you take your hands off the wheel and enjoy the scenery as it zips by.
Performance
Engine Power
Both the 2025 Chevy Traverse and 2025 GMC Acadia are equipped with the same engine—a 2.5L turbocharged four-cylinder that makes 328 hp and 326 lb-ft of torque. Both are able to tow up to 5,000 lbs, making it easy to pull your camper or a trailer full of ATVs out to the woods for some time unplugged. Both are also incredibly efficient, achieving an EPA-estimated 20 MPG on city streets and 27 MPG on the highway, making them ideal for busy parents shuttling the little ones back and forth from school to daycare to sports practice and everywhere else they need to go. These models may seem the same, but there are differences when it comes to the quality of the ride.
Ride Quality
The Traverse is known to be a confident traveler, with enough power to tow heavier loads without that hulking feeling that you tend to experience in larger SUVs. Its competent handling allows you to feel secure on the open road and anywhere else you’re traveling, and with firm braking and a fine-tuned suspension, you’ll feel confident trekking through any environment when you’re riding in the Traverse. The Acadia, on the other hand, is marketed as an upscale vehicle; however, for the price that you pay for this particular model, you would expect a more comfortable ride. Unfortunately, it can feel a bit slow-moving on the road, and with truck-like handling, it may not be a great fit for every driver.
Visit Us for Your Traverse Today
When you want it all in a three-row midsize SUV, you’ll find it in the 2025 Chevy Traverse, and for far less than what you’d pay for the Acadia. The Acadia may look stylish and refined; however, it doesn’t offer as much cargo volume as the Traverse, nor does it have as many trims in its arsenal. It also has a smaller touchscreen, and its ride quality could use some work, making the Traverse a top pick for drivers who demand excellence in their everyday vehicles.
North Park Chevrolet is excited to help you find the Traverse model that meets your needs, offering you a wonderful inventory, fair pricing, and knowledgeable professionals leading the way. Stop by today and let’s get you behind the wheel of a Traverse model that checks every box on your list of must-haves.