2011 GMC Acadia vs. 2011 Chevrolet Traverse
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the 2011 GMC Acadia and 2011 Chevrolet Traverse contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the 2011 GMC Acadia and the 2011 Chevrolet Traverse.
In comparing the 2011 GMC Acadia's and the 2011 Chevrolet Traverse's specifications and ratings, the 2011 GMC Acadia has the advantage in the areas of reliability, interior volume, overall quality score and base engine power. The 2011 Chevrolet Traverse has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for used cars, and resale value. The 2011 GMC Acadia and 2011 Chevrolet Traverse have the same fuel efficiency. Based on this comparison of the 2011 GMC Acadia's and the 2011 Chevrolet Traverse's specifications and ratings, the 2011 GMC Acadia is a better car than the 2011 Chevrolet Traverse.
Pricing: A used 2011 GMC Acadia ranges from $3,695 to $11,324 while a used 2011 Chevrolet Traverse is priced between $3,495 to $10,667.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the 2011 GMC Acadia loses 53.1 percent of its value and the 2011 Chevrolet Traverse loses 51.9 percent of its value. This means the 2011 Chevrolet Traverse retains 1.2 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the 2011 GMC Acadia.
Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the GMC Acadia is 7.8 out of 10 while the Chevrolet Traverse's quality rating is 7.7 out of 10. This results in the GMC Acadia being ranked 8 out of 33 Best SUVs with 3 Rows and the Chevrolet Traverse being ranked 9 out of 33. Out of 31 Best Midsize SUVs, the GMC Acadia is ranked 10 and the Chevrolet Traverse is ranked 12. The GMC Acadia is also ranked 14 out of 66 Best Crossover SUVs while the Chevrolet Traverse is ranked 18 out of 66.
Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the GMC Acadia is 7.7 out of 10. For the Chevrolet Traverse the reliability rating is 7.5 out of 10. This gives the GMC Acadia a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Chevrolet Traverse.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the 2011 GMC Acadia’s base engine makes 288 horsepower, and the 2011 Chevrolet Traverse base engine makes 281 horsepower. Both the Acadia and the Traverse are rated to deliver an average of 19 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 528 miles. Both models use gasoline.
Passenger Space Comparison: While both models are crossover/midsize SUVs, the 2011 GMC Acadia has the advantage of offering more and rear leg room. The 2011 Chevrolet Traverse has the advantage in the areas of front shoulder room, rear head room, rear shoulder room, and cargo space. The 2011 GMC Acadia and 2011 Chevrolet Traverse are comparable in regards to front head room and front leg room.
Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, the 2011 GMC Acadia has higher safety ratings than the 2011 Chevrolet Traverse, with an average rating of 5 out of 5 Stars compared to 4.81 out of 5 Stars.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
32000
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize SUVs)
27240
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
21195 - 32000
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
29370
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize SUVs)
27240
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
21195 - 32000
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
7118
Price Range:
3695 - 11324
Category Avg Price:
(Midsize SUVs)
9347
Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
6759 - 16623
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
115
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
151025
# Good or Great Deals:
27
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
6759
Price Range:
3495 - 10667
Category Avg Price:
(Midsize SUVs)
9347
Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
6759 - 16623
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
146
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
149273
# Good or Great Deals:
38
GMC Acadia Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
7.8 / 10
Reliability:
7.7 / 10
Retained Value:
7.6 / 10
Safety:
8.0 / 10
Chevrolet Traverse Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
7.7 / 10
Reliability:
7.5 / 10
Retained Value:
7.7 / 10
Safety:
7.8 / 10
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for 2011 GMC Acadia
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
N/A
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
N/A
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for 2011 Chevrolet Traverse
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
N/A
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
N/A
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
3.8649394061031503
Typical Category Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
4.8
Category Range for Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
0.9 - 15.9
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
3.9792824953835537
Typical Category Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
4.8
Category Range for Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
0.9 - 15.9
GMC Acadia Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 66Ranking
1 out of / 33Ranking
1 out of / 31Ranking
2 out of / 66Ranking
2 out of / 33Ranking
3 out of / 66Ranking
4 out of / 31Ranking
5 out of / 66Ranking
5 out of / 31Ranking
6 out of / 66Ranking
6 out of / 33Ranking
6 out of / 31Ranking
7 out of / 31Ranking
8 out of / 33Ranking
8 out of / 33Ranking
10 out of / 66Ranking
10 out of / 31Ranking
10 out of / 31Ranking
10 out of / 29Ranking
11 out of / 66Ranking
11 out of / 31Ranking
13 out of / 33Ranking
13 out of / 31Ranking
13 out of / 31Ranking
13 out of / 26Ranking
14 out of / 66Ranking
14 out of / 33Ranking
14 out of / 33Ranking
14 out of / 31Ranking
16 out of / 33Ranking
17 out of / 33Ranking
17 out of / 29Ranking
19 out of / 66Ranking
20 out of / 31Ranking
21 out of / 33Ranking
23 out of / 26Ranking
24 out of / 66Ranking
24 out of / 31Ranking
25 out of / 33Ranking
25 out of / 33Ranking
29 out of / 66Ranking
30 out of / 54Ranking
45 out of / 66Ranking
52 out of / 54Ranking
59 out of / 66Chevrolet Traverse Rankings
Ranking
2 out of / 66Ranking
2 out of / 66Ranking
2 out of / 33Ranking
2 out of / 31Ranking
3 out of / 66Ranking
3 out of / 33Ranking
3 out of / 31Ranking
6 out of / 66Ranking
6 out of / 31Ranking
7 out of / 66Ranking
7 out of / 31Ranking
9 out of / 33Ranking
11 out of / 66Ranking
11 out of / 31Ranking
11 out of / 29Ranking
12 out of / 31Ranking
13 out of / 33Ranking
14 out of / 33Ranking
14 out of / 33Ranking
14 out of / 31Ranking
14 out of / 29Ranking
14 out of / 26Ranking
15 out of / 31Ranking
16 out of / 31Ranking
17 out of / 33Ranking
17 out of / 31Ranking
17 out of / 26Ranking
18 out of / 66Ranking
18 out of / 33Ranking
18 out of / 33Ranking
22 out of / 33Ranking
22 out of / 31Ranking
23 out of / 33Ranking
25 out of / 31Ranking
26 out of / 66Ranking
29 out of / 33Ranking
31 out of / 54Ranking
33 out of / 66Ranking
37 out of / 66Ranking
47 out of / 66Ranking
47 out of / 54Ranking
57 out of / 66Summary Review
GMC’s Acadia is a crossover SUV that offers seating from five to eight passengers, depending on model year and trim. Shoppers will find the Acadia is a bit like an upscale version of the Chevy Traverse.
Summary Review
The Chevy Traverse is a roomy three-row crossover SUV with room for up to eight passengers. The Traverse is Chevrolet’s third most popular model and a top seller in the segment.
Pros and Cons
- Near-luxury trims available
- Off-road-focused trims available
- Three engine choices
- No green (hybrid/electric) powertrain available
- Advanced active safety systems are optional, not standard
Pros and Cons
- Roomy for the segment
- High NHTSA safety rating
- Powerful V6 engine
- Older model years may lack safety systems taken for granted in this segment
- Adaptive Cruise Control remains an option
- No green powertrain available
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
2011 GMC Acadia Trim Levels
Denali, SL, SLE, SLT-1, SLT-2
2011 Chevrolet Traverse Trim Levels
LS, LT, LTZ
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 100000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
5 years / 100000 miles
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 100000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
5 years / 100000 miles
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
4.81 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
288 hp @ 6300 rpm
Torque:
270 foot-lbs @ 3400 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.062 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
2000 lbs
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
281 hp @ 6300 rpm
Torque:
266 foot-lbs @ 3400 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.059 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
2000 lbs
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
3.6 liters
Engine Configuration:
V
Number of Cylinders:
6
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
17 / 24 / 19
Range (city/hwy):
374 / 528 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Gasoline
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
3.6 liters
Engine Configuration:
V
Number of Cylinders:
6
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
17 / 24 / 19
Range (city/hwy):
374 / 528 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Gasoline
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Navigation System:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Available
Captain's seat:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Keyless Ignition:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Available
Power Lift Gate:
Available
Quad Seats:
Available
Roof Rack:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Voice Recognition:
Available
Adaptive Cruise Control:
N/A
Air Suspension:
N/A
Android Auto:
N/A
Apple CarPlay:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Heated Steering Wheel:
N/A
Internet Radio:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Power outlet:
N/A
Wifi:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Available
Bench Seats:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Navigation System:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Available
Captain's seat:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Keyless Ignition:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Available
Power Lift Gate:
Available
Quad Seats:
Available
Roof Rack:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Voice Recognition:
Available
Adaptive Cruise Control:
N/A
Air Suspension:
N/A
Android Auto:
N/A
Apple CarPlay:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Heated Steering Wheel:
N/A
Internet Radio:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Power outlet:
Available
Wifi:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Available
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Blind Spot Monitoring:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Forward Collision Warning:
N/A
Lane Departure Warning:
N/A
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Available
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Blind Spot Monitoring:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Forward Collision Warning:
N/A
Lane Departure Warning:
N/A
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
40.4 inches
Front Leg Room:
41.3 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
61.9 inches
Rear Head Room:
39.3 inches
Rear Leg Room:
36.9 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
61.1 inches
Cargo Space:
24.1 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
115.9 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
178.1 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
40.4 inches
Front Leg Room:
41.3 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
62 inches
Rear Head Room:
39.4 inches
Rear Leg Room:
36.8 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
61.3 inches
Cargo Space:
24.4 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
116.4 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
177.5 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
4656 lbs
Width:
78.2 inches
Height:
69.9 inches
Length:
200.7 inches
Wheelbase:
118.9 inches
Ground Clearance:
7.4 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
4790 lbs
Width:
78.4 inches
Height:
70.4 inches
Length:
205 inches
Wheelbase:
118.9 inches
Ground Clearance:
7.2 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
18.0 x 7.5 inches
Wheel Type:
painted aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
P255/65R18
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
17.0 x 7.5 inches
Wheel Type:
steel
Tire Size:
P245/70R17
Exterior Colors
Black
Carbon Black Metallic
Blue
Dark Blue Metallic / Ice Blue Metallic
Brown
Medium Brown Metallic
Gold
Gold Mist Metallic
Gray
Cyber Gray Metallic / Gray Green Metallic
Red
Red Jewel Tintcoat
Silver
Quicksilver Metallic
White
Summit White / White Diamond Tricoat
Exterior Colors
Black
Not available
Blue
Dark Blue Metallic
Brown
Not available
Gold
Not available
Gray
Cyber Gray Metallic
Red
Not available
Silver
Silver Ice Metallic
White
White
Interior Colors
Black
Ebony
Gray
Light Titanium
Interior Colors
Black
Not available
Gray
Dark Gray/Light Gray
