The 2022 Chevy Traverse and 2022 GMC Acadia are similar in a lot of ways. Just like the Silverado and Sierra, Colorado and Canyon, or Equinox and Terrain, these two are one another’s Chevy and GMC equivalent. In recent years, both of these vehicles have received plenty of mediocre reviews. The 2022 model year is nothing new. Both the Traverse and Acadia are decent SUV offerings but fail to exceed their opponents. Comparing the two, we’ll see which is the better “sibling” General Motors vehicle.

Chevy Traverse and GMC Acadia: New for 2022

The Chevy Traverse received a refresh for the new model year. This includes exterior styling changes as well as new standard driver-assistance features. Lane-keeping assist, pedestrian detection, and automated emergency braking highlight the new standard driver-assistance features. The interior features brand new upholstery designs as well as an optional 8.0-inch gauge cluster display.

The GMC Acadia had its entry-level SL trim cut from the lineup completely. The 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine also went to the grave along with the SL trim, leaving two remaining available engines. The same driver-assistance features are now standard on the Acadia as the Traverse, though the Acadia also get blind-spot monitoring. A brand new color called Light Stone Metallic is new this model year, as are 18- and 20-inch wheels.

Trim levels and pricing

The Traverse has five available trim levels starting with the LS base model. CarAndDriver recommends the next step up, LT, as the best value as far as pricing and included equipment. The LS base trim starts nearly $20,000 cheaper than the most expensive trim in the lineup. For an additional (roughly) $2,000, the LT trim gains second-row captain’s chairs, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, heated exterior mirrors, roof rails, SiriusXM satellite radio, and fog lamps.

With the subtraction of the SL base trim for the 2022 model year, the SLE has become the base model. There are now four trim levels in total, which have a range of only about $12,000 from bottom to top. CarAndDriver recommends the SLT Acadia, one step up from the base model. The SLT trim adds remote start, heated front seats, in-dash navigation, a hands-free tailgate, and leather upholstery.

Chevy Traverse and GMC Acadia gas mileage

The Chevy Traverse gets an estimated 27 highway mpg with the High Country all-wheel drive model. In the city, it averages 18-mpg. The gas mileage is surprisingly good for this midsize SUV, which is near the top rankings among standard gas-powered vehicles. Hybrid and electric SUVs obviously run away with the fuel economy title.

The GMC Acadia’s front-wheel-drive variant gets 22 city and 29 highway miles per gallon using the four-cylinder engine. Those numbers are reduced to 19 city and 27 highway mpg when the V6 engine is present. Nearly identical to the Traverse, but the Acadia’s four-cylinder does give it the slight fuel economy advantage.

Which has the better interior?

The interior of the 2022 Chevy Traverse has three rows and plenty of space for up to eight passengers. It has a maximum cargo space of 98.2 cubic feet and can be equipped with loads of optional features. The High Country trim gains perforated leather-appointed front and second-row seats with suede inserts. It also has a dual-panel power sunroof, the Chevrolet Infotainment 3 Premium with navigation, and more. Though starting at $52,395, it might not be worth it.

The 2022 GMC Acadia can seat up to seven passengers in its three rows of seats. Its max cargo volume can reach up to 79 cubic feet which is significantly less than that of the Traverse. Though the top of the line Denali starts at a lower price than the Traverse High Country by quite a margin. The Denali comes with Smart Slide second-row seats, wood accents, aluminum trim, French seam stitching, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. The dual Skyscape sunroof is available on all trims but comes standard with the Denali version.

The two of these vehicles are identical in a lot of ways. That’s usually what happens when two vehicles from different automakers share the same platform and are similarly designed. Both have ample standard equipment, but must be upgraded to higher trims to really gain those luxurious touches. When topping out the trim levels, the Traverse gets significantly more expensive. That’s why we’d first recommend the 2022 Chevy Traverse LT as the best value option, but if you need more out of the vehicle and want to get a higher trim, go for the 2022 GMC Acadia Denali.