What suv is comparable to gmc acadia

Regardless of which engine is selected, the Acadia returns better fuel economy than the Traverse. The Acadia's standard engine is a 2.5-liter I-4 powering the front wheels only; that combination is EPA-rated at 21/31 mpg city/highway. Up next is a 2.0-liter turbocharged I-4 that gets 22/29 mpg with FWD and 22/27 mpg with AWD. The range-topping 3.6-liter V-6 in the Acadia is the same engine that's standard in the Traverse. In the Acadia it returns 19/27 mpg with FWD and 19/26 mpg with AWD. That's better than the Traverse, which is certified by the EPA at 18/27 mpg with FWD and 17/25 mpg with AWD.

Spare the measuring tape: The Acadia is simply smaller than the Traverse. At 193.4 inches long on a 112.5-inch wheelbase, the Acadia is more compact than the 204.3 inch long, 120.9 inch wheelbase Traverse. Narrower, too, at 75.4 inches against 78.6 inches. The 66.7-inch-tall Acadia is also shorter than the 70.7-inch-tall Traverse. All this means that the Acadia is easier to fit in small parking spaces, low garages, or tight gaps in traffic. That's all aided by the Acadia's surprisingly accurate steering and tight handling.

The Acadia ekes out an advantage over the Traverse in NHTSA crash testing. In overall safety and side crash testing, both vehicles receive the highest possible score of five stars. As is common for SUVs, both earn four stars in rollover testing. However, in frontal crash testing the Acadia receives five stars, while the Traverse gets only four.

From the IIHS, the Acadia and Traverse receive the highest Good score in each of the five crashworthiness tests they were evaluated for. In headlight testing, the Traverse's standard HID projector units got a Poor score, the lowest, while its available LED setup got an Acceptable score, the second-highest; the Acadia's headlights were not evaluated for 2021.

Although the Acadia's third-row seat is reasonably spacious for a vehicle of this size, it's just not as roomy as in the Traverse. Third-row legroom measures 29.7 inches in the Acadia, quite a bit less than the 33.5 inches found in the Traverse. Headroom in the Acadia's third row measures 37.2 inches, a one-inch deficit to the Traverse's 38.2 inches.

However, the Acadia has more second-row legroom, with 39.7 inches to the Traverse's 38.4 inches. Second-row headroom is closer, at 39.6 inches in the Acadia and 40.0 inches in the Traverse. Front-row legroom is identical in both SUVs at 41.0 inches. Front-row headroom is a spacious 40.0 inches in the Acadia, but still less than the 41.3 inches found in the Traverse. Passengers in the front two rows of either SUV will be comfortable, but third-row riders will appreciate the Traverse's extra space.

Who needs a full-size SUV? The Traverse is positively cavernous, offering cargo capacity to rival some SUVs in the category above. With all the seats upright, cargo space measures 23.0 cubic feet. Folding the third row expands it to 57.8 cubic feet. Maximum capacity with the third and second rows folded measures 98.2 cubic feet. At that point, there are nearly 89.8 inches of cargo floor length to put things in the Traverse.

The Acadia has a decent amount of cargo space, but not as much. It's compromised when all three rows of seats are upright, providing just 12.8 cubic feet. With the third-row seat folded space increases to 41.7 cubic feet. When

MotorTrend's vehicle rankings are dynamic, calculated as we gather test data, new models join a segment, and weighed differently depending on the vehicle's type or purpose. Both the Traverse and Acadia compete in the three-row SUV category, and the Traverse ranks higher based on that segment's criteria. The Traverse accelerates quickly and brakes impressively while providing a comfortable ride. The Acadia handles better than the Traverse, but that's not typically a top priority among three-row SUV shoppers. Until the Acadia receives a major update or full redesign, it'll likely rank lower than the Traverse based on the merits that matter for family-oriented crossovers.

There's certain appeal in the Acadia's segment-splitting approach. The GMC isn't as ponderous as a proper three-row SUV, and the third row is large enough for occasional use. Acceleration is quick and handling is solid, but all-around performance isn't great.

We wouldn't pick it over the Traverse. Indeed, the Traverse is much larger, but drivers seeking excellent interior capacity will find it in this three-row Chevrolet crossover. At the same time it drives well, getting up to speed quickly, braking confidently, and riding nicely. It's not the most stylish, high-tech, or efficient vehicle in the segment, but the Traverse is our choice between these two. It simply provides more for drivers seeking a vehicle designed to make carrying people and things easy.

2021 GMC Acadia Pros Over Chevrolet Traverse

• Better fuel economy regardless of engine
• Smaller and easier to maneuver
• Higher NHTSA crash safety scores

2021 Chevrolet Traverse Pros Over GMC Acadia

• More third-row passenger space
• Massive, segment-best cargo capacity
• Affordable base price