I’ve been on a mission to find the ideal three-row SUV for my family’s needs, and after test-driving countless models, I’ve narrowed it down to three General Motors contenders: the Buick Enclave, Chevrolet Traverse, and GMC Acadia. Each offers a unique blend of style, space, and features, but which one truly stands out?
In this article, I’ll share my firsthand experience, breaking down the pros, cons, and key features of these SUVs to help you decide which one fits your lifestyle best. Let’s get started with a side-by-side comparison.
Comparison Table: Buick Enclave vs. Chevrolet Traverse vs. GMC Acadia (2025 Models)
| Feature | Buick Enclave | Chevrolet Traverse | GMC Acadia |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | $46,595 | $42,195 | $44,495 |
| Engine | 2.5L Turbo I-4, 328 hp | 2.5L Turbo I-4, 328 hp | 2.5L Turbo I-4, 328 hp |
| Fuel Economy (City/Hwy/Combined) | 20/27/23 MPG (FWD) | 20/27/23 MPG (FWD) | 20/27/23 MPG (FWD) |
| Seating Capacity | 7 | 7 or 8 | 7 or 8 |
| Cargo Space (Behind 3rd Row / Max) | 22.9 cu ft / 97.5 cu ft | 22.9 cu ft / 97.6 cu ft | 23.0 cu ft / 97.5 cu ft |
| Infotainment Screen | 30-inch LCD | 17.7-inch | 15-inch |
| Standard Features | QuietTuning, massaging seats, Bose audio | Adaptive Cruise Control, Google-based interface | Bose audio, HD Surround Vision |
| Towing Capacity | 5,000 lbs | 5,000 lbs | 5,000 lbs |
| NHTSA Safety Rating | 4.77/5 | 4.81/5 | 5/5 (frontal crash) |
My Journey with the Buick Enclave
When I slid into the driver’s seat of the 2025 Buick Enclave, it felt like stepping into a cozy, upscale lounge.
The cabin is where this SUV shines, with its QuietTuning technology making every ride whisper-quiet, even on busy highways.
I tested the Avenir trim, and the massaging front seats were a game-changer after a long day of errands.
The 30-inch diagonal LCD infotainment screen is massive, almost like having a tablet dashboard, and it’s intuitive with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
The leather-appointed seats and ambient lighting added a touch of luxury that made me feel like I was driving something far pricier than its $46,595 starting MSRP.
Performance-wise, the Enclave’s 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine delivers a robust 328 horsepower, which felt peppy enough for merging onto freeways or hauling my kids’ sports gear.
The eight-speed automatic transmission shifted smoothly, and the available all-wheel drive (AWD) gave me confidence during a rainy test drive. Fuel economy is decent at 20 MPG city and 27 MPG highway, but I noticed it’s no better or worse than its siblings.
Cargo space is a big win here. With 22.9 cubic feet behind the third row, I easily fit a week’s worth of groceries and a stroller. Folding down the second and third rows opens up a cavernous 97.5 cubic feet, perfect for road trips or moving furniture.
The seven-seat configuration is standard, which suits my family of five, though I wished for an eight-seat option for larger gatherings.
Safety is solid, with standard features like Forward Collision Alert, Front Pedestrian Braking, and Blind Zone Alert. The Enclave scored a 4.77 out of 5 in NHTSA safety ratings, which is reassuring but slightly lower than the Traverse.
My main gripe? The base model’s price feels steep compared to the Traverse, and the lack of a hybrid option in 2025 is a missed opportunity for better fuel efficiency. Also, while the interior is plush, some plastic trim pieces felt less premium than I expected for a “luxury” SUV.
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Pros of the Buick Enclave
- Luxurious interior with QuietTuning for a serene ride
- Massive 30-inch infotainment screen
- Massaging seats in higher trims
- Spacious cargo area (97.5 cu ft max)
- Smooth and powerful 328-hp engine
Cons of the Buick Enclave
- Higher starting price ($46,595)
- No hybrid option
- Some interior materials feel less premium
- No eight-seat configuration
- Slightly lower safety rating than Traverse
Exploring the Chevrolet Traverse
Next up, I took the 2025 Chevrolet Traverse for a spin, and it immediately struck me as the practical, budget-friendly option.
Starting at $42,195, it’s the most affordable of the trio, yet it doesn’t skimp on space or features.
The Traverse shares the same 2.5-liter turbo engine as the Enclave, pumping out 328 horsepower and 326 pound-feet of torque.
I found it just as capable for daily driving, whether navigating city streets or cruising on the highway.
The fuel economy matches the Enclave at 20/27/23 MPG (city/highway/combined), which is respectable but not outstanding.
The Traverse’s interior is where it differentiates itself. The 17.7-inch infotainment screen is smaller than the Enclave’s but still impressive, running GM’s new Google-based software, which felt snappy and user-friendly.
I appreciated the standard Adaptive Cruise Control, which made long drives less fatiguing, and the eight-way power driver’s seat was a nice touch for comfort.
The Traverse offers both seven- and eight-seat configurations, which was a lifesaver when I needed to carpool extra kids. Cargo space is nearly identical to the Enclave, with 22.9 cubic feet behind the third row and 97.6 cubic feet max, making it a haul-anything champ.
Safety is a strong suit, with a 4.81/5 NHTSA rating, slightly edging out the Enclave. Features like Rear Cross-Traffic Alert and a Rear Seat Reminder gave me peace of mind with my little ones in tow. However, the Traverse’s interior, while spacious, lacks the upscale vibe of the Enclave.
The materials are more utilitarian, and road noise was more noticeable, especially on rough pavement. I also heard from other owners on forums like Reddit that older Traverse models had transmission issues, which made me wonder about long-term reliability, though the 2025 model seems improved.
Pros of the Chevrolet Traverse
- Most affordable starting price ($42,195)
- Flexible seven- or eight-seat configurations
- High safety rating (4.81/5)
- Spacious cargo capacity (97.6 cu ft max)
- Modern Google-based infotainment system
Cons of the Chevrolet Traverse
- Less luxurious interior materials
- Noticeable road noise
- No hybrid option
- Potential reliability concerns based on older models
- Smaller infotainment screen (17.7 inches)
Taking on the GMC Acadia
Last but not least, I drove the 2025 GMC Acadia, which starts at $44,495 and feels like the rugged, feature-packed middle child.
Like its siblings, it’s powered by the same 2.5-liter turbo engine with 328 horsepower, offering identical fuel economy (20/27/23 MPG).
I tested the AT4 trim, which has an off-road-tuned suspension and a slightly lifted ride height, making it feel more adventurous than the Enclave or Traverse.
It handled gravel roads with ease, and the standard AWD was a nice touch for my occasional off-road jaunts.
The Acadia’s interior is a step above the Traverse in refinement but not quite as plush as the Enclave. The 15-inch infotainment screen is the smallest of the trio, but it’s still functional with wireless charging and a Bose premium audio system standard on higher trims. The HD Surround Vision camera was a standout, making parking in tight spaces a breeze.
Like the Traverse, the Acadia offers seven- or eight-seat configurations, and its cargo space is nearly identical (23.0 cu ft behind the third row, 97.5 cu ft max).
Safety is a highlight, with the Acadia earning a five-star NHTSA rating in frontal crash tests, outperforming both the Enclave and Traverse. Standard features like Active Noise Cancellation and a power liftgate added convenience. However, I found the engine noisier than the Enclave’s, and some reviewers on GMInsideNews noted the 2.5L’s NVH (noise, vibration, harshness) issues compared to the older 3.6L V6.
The Acadia also felt less luxurious than the Enclave, and its off-road focus might not appeal to everyone. Plus, recent posts on X mentioned a small batch of these SUVs being pulled for quality checks, which raised a slight red flag.
Pros of the GMC Acadia
- Best-in-class frontal crash safety rating (5/5)
- Off-road capability with AT4 trim
- Flexible seven- or eight-seat configurations
- Standard Bose audio and HD Surround Vision
- Competitive starting price ($44,495)
Cons of the GMC Acadia
- Noisier engine (NVH issues)
- Smaller 15-inch infotainment screen
- Less luxurious than Enclave
- Recent quality concerns
- Limited appeal for non-off-road drivers
Breaking Down the Differences
After driving all three, I noticed they share the same GM C1 platform, engine, and towing capacity (5,000 lbs), which makes sense since they’re built by the same company. But their personalities are distinct. The Enclave leans into luxury, with its quiet cabin and premium features like massaging seats. The Traverse is the practical, value-driven choice, offering the most seating flexibility and a lower price tag. The Acadia strikes a balance, blending rugged capability with upscale touches, especially in the Denali or AT4 trims.
Price is a big differentiator. The Traverse’s $42,195 starting MSRP makes it the budget-friendly pick, while the Enclave’s $46,595 feels like a splurge. The Acadia’s $44,495 splits the difference, but its standard features like Bose audio and HD Surround Vision give it an edge over the Traverse’s base model. Cargo space is nearly identical across the board, with the Traverse edging out slightly at 97.6 cubic feet max. Seating is where the Traverse and Acadia shine, offering an eight-seat option, while the Enclave is limited to seven.
Technology is another battleground. The Enclave’s 30-inch screen is a showstopper, but the Traverse’s 17.7-inch Google-based system feels more modern. The Acadia’s 15-inch screen is functional but less impressive. Safety ratings favor the Acadia for frontal crashes, but the Traverse’s overall score is slightly higher. Fuel economy is a wash, with no hybrid options to boost efficiency—a bummer in 2025 when competitors like the Toyota Highlander offer hybrids.
Reliability is trickier. The Enclave has a slight edge with an 8.8/10 reliability rating from iSeeCars, compared to the Traverse’s 8.2/10. However, older models of all three have had issues like transmission problems or timing chain concerns, as noted on Reddit. The Acadia’s recent quality check recall is worth monitoring, though it seems limited in scope.
Which SUV Fits Your Lifestyle?
As I reflected on my test drives, I realized the choice depends on what you value most. If you crave a luxurious, quiet ride and don’t mind paying extra, the Enclave is your match. Its upscale interior and massive screen make every drive feel special, but the higher price and lack of an eight-seat option might be dealbreakers. The Traverse is perfect if you’re budget-conscious and need maximum seating flexibility. It’s practical and safe but lacks the refinement of the Enclave. The Acadia is the adventurer’s choice, with off-road capability and strong safety scores, though its engine noise and smaller screen are drawbacks.
For my family, the Traverse’s affordability and eight-seat option won out, especially since we often carpool with friends. But if I were prioritizing comfort for long road trips, the Enclave’s luxury would be tempting. If you love off-roading or want a rugged vibe, the Acadia’s AT4 trim is a standout. Ultimately, test-driving these SUVs at a dealership like Lorenzo Buick GMC or Ray Skillman Buick GMC will help you feel the differences firsthand.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
The Buick Enclave is better for luxury and a quiet ride, with a larger 30-inch infotainment screen and premium features like massaging seats. The GMC Acadia excels in off-road capability and has a better frontal crash safety rating. Choose based on whether you prioritize comfort or ruggedness.
The Chevy Traverse is better for budget-conscious buyers, offering a lower starting price ($42,195) and flexible seating for up to eight. The GMC Acadia is better for off-road enthusiasts and includes more standard premium features like Bose audio. It depends on your budget and driving needs.
The GMC Acadia has a noisier engine, a smaller 15-inch infotainment screen, and less luxurious interior compared to the Enclave. Recent quality concerns and limited appeal for non-off-road drivers are also drawbacks.
The GMC Acadia is the most comparable to the Buick Enclave, as both are three-row SUVs on the same GM C1 platform with identical engines and similar cargo space. The Enclave leans toward luxury, while the Acadia offers rugged appeal.
Conclusion
After spending time with the Buick Enclave, Chevrolet Traverse, and GMC Acadia, I’m convinced there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Your choice depends on what matters most to you: the Enclave’s upscale comfort, the Traverse’s affordability and flexibility, or the Acadia’s rugged versatility. I’ve laid out the pros, cons, and key features to help you weigh your options. Test-drive these SUVs, think about your family’s needs, and you’ll find the perfect fit. Let me know if you need more insights to make your decision!
