GM fans know that both the 2021 GMC Acadia and the 2021 Chevy Traverse are great SUV options. These two brands are always closely aligned; however, these two models are not identical at all. There are some major key differences between the two that make one stand out over the other. So, when you look at the 2021 GMC Acadia vs 2021 Chevy Traverse, which one’s better? The answer to this question really depends more on your needs than anything else. Both models are equally good; it just depends on if you want a luxury twist or if you’re more concerned with a little extra power.
Main Differences Between the Two Models
The 2021 GMC Acadia is designed for comfort, looks, and convenience, but it’s also capable of working. The 2021 Chevy Traverse, on the other hand, is designed with mostly strength and cargo in mind. For example, the only areas where the Traverse beats the Acadia are in cargo space and towing capacity. You can tow up to 1,000 pounds more with the Traverse, with slightly more cargo space, which is the only thing that really gives the Traverse an edge over the Acadia.
Overall, the main differences lie in that the Acadia comes with an off-roading trim called the AT4. Further, the Acadia is a bit smaller than the Traverse, although both models classify as mid-size SUVs. One major selling point for the Acadia is that it comes with more standard safety features than the Traverse. While the Traverse is definitely a safe model, you have to move up in trims to get to the good safety features. The Acadia, on the other hand, offers multiple driver assist features as standard on its lowest trims. This means it’s actually more affordable to get driver assist features on the Acadia than it is to get them on the Traverse.
Where the 2021 GMC Acadia Shines: Safety
There are many aspects here that make this model a great option, but let’s start with the 2021 Acadia’s safety features. GMC Pro Safety Plus comes standard on the Acadia’s three higher trims, and it’s available as an add-on for the base-level SLE trim. Pro Safety Plus includes Automatic Emergency Braking, which detects potential front-end collisions, automatically braking when necessary. It also comes with Front Pedestrian Braking, which works similarly, but with pedestrians rather than other vehicles. Rear Park Assist also helps you out by monitoring your distance from other vehicles when using reverse. It will send you alerts when you’re getting too close to an object, and it can even automatically brake you when you fail to stop.
Pro Safety Plus also comes with IntelliBeam headlights, which are automatic headlights. These LED lights adjust based on lighting. When another vehicle approaches, the system will automatically switch from high to low beams, removing the risk of bright lighting. When pure darkness hits again, the bright lights will trigger back on, all on their own. This not only keeps you from bright lighting others, but it also ensures that you never get pulled over for forgetting to turn your lights on in the city.
You’ll also gain access to helpful safety features such as Lane Change Alert with Side Blind Zone Alert, which makes multi-lane driving much safer. This system monitors your blind spots and alerts you if it’s unsafe to switch lanes. Further, the Acadia includes Rear Cross Traffic Alert, which makes baking out of parking spaces much easier. Basically, if a vehicle is coming down the parking aisle and you can’t see it, your Acadia can. While the 2021 Chevy Traverse does include these same safety options, their availability is much more complex. No matter what trim level you choose, you have access to these amazing safety features on the 2021 GMC Acadia.
Aesthetic Appeal and Interior Options
The 2021 Chevy Traverse is definitely not ugly. In fact, you can sport up this model through multiple exterior package options. However, the 2021 GMC Acadia outperforms its competition when it comes to aesthetic appeal. This is especially true when you choose the Acadia Denali trim. You’ll gain access to chrome accents and a chrome grille, 20-inch wheels, and Denali badging. Similarly, the off-roading AT4 trim includes blacked-out accents and wheels alongside a black chrome grille, giving it a sportier yet classy appeal.
The same is true for the Acadia’s interior. Even the lowest trim’s cloth interior is luxurious, but the second-level SLT trim and up include standard leather seats with heated and air-conditioned seating. The AT4 trim comes with its own unique AT4 stitching and black interior. The Denali steps it up with Ashwood accenting and a standard heated steering wheel. Plus, every 2021 Acadia trim comes with tri-zone climate controls, which means each passenger can adjust their own thermostat settings. No matter which trim you choose, you can add in the Dual SkyScape Sunroof.
While the 2021 Traverse does include many options for these features, it comes at a higher cost. While the Traverse seems more affordable at a base level, the High Country Traverse is actually around $4,000 more than the Acadia Denali, yet both models offer many of the same standard features.
The AT4 Off-Roading Perk
Many mid-size SUV drivers enjoy off-roading capabilities with their everyday commuter. While the Traverse does not include any off-road-specific trims, the 2021 Acadia does. The AT4 trim comes with several off-pavement features, such as its Traction Select System and Active Torque Control AWD. Thanks to Traction Select, you can choose from Normal, Sport, Trailer/Tow, and Snow modes to match the terrain. Further, Active Torque AWD disperses your torque appropriately so that you maintain better traction. You’ll also get Hill Start Assist and Hill Descent Control, making it easier to brake on inclines and reduce brake pressure on declines.
In addition to rough terrain capabilities, the Acadia also matches the Traverse by including helpful trailering features such as Hitch Guidance with Hitch View. This is a specialized backup camera that makes it easy to hook up your trailer alone.
2021 GMC Acadia and 2021 Chevy Traverse Commonailites
Both models come with several of the same technology features. These include Apple CarPlay and Android Auto music streaming, Amazon Alexa compatibility, and a 4G Wi-Fi hotspot. You’ll also get a remote start, and you can add a Head-Up Display, which projects your speed and other dashboard specs onto your windshield. In addition to these commonalities, the two models are also built similarly.
Why the 2021 GMC Acadia Wins the Battle
Both the Acadia and the Traverse are great mid-size SUV models. However, the Acadia does have several perks that the Traverse doesn’t have. These include an off-roading trim, better aesthetic appeal, and standard safety features. In addition to these features, the Acadia also has better fuel economy than the Traverse, putting it yet another step ahead.
Another downside to the Traverse is that it disperses its features across six different trims, actually making it more expensive than the Acadia once you get to the higher trim levels. You can get an Acadia Denali for cheaper than you can a Traverse High Country, but you’re getting the same tech and convenience features. If you want to save mileage, look stylish, and access the best standard safety features, you’ll want to pick the 2021 GMC Acadia over the 2021 Chevy Traverse.
