Contents
1 Core Specifications
| Feature | Buick Enclave | Chevrolet Traverse | Cadillac Acadia |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Power | 310 hp (V6, 6L; 2025 model) | 310 hp (V6, 3.6L) | 230–334 hp (4-cyl turbo/3.6L) |
| Interior Space | 209.1 cu-ft | 212.6 cu-ft | 205.7 cu-ft |
| Cargo Volume | 23.1 cu-ft (rear seats up) | 18.1 cu-ft (rear seats up) | 22.4–26.5 cu-ft (depend on trim) |
| Towing Capacity | 5,200 lbs (2021–2024 models) | 6,000 lbs @2023 update | 5,000 lbs (max in 2024 A26 Avenir) |
| 0–60 mph Time | ~8.8 seconds | ~8.5 seconds | ~9.1–8.6 seconds (turbo vs. 3.6L) |
| HD Tech (2025) | Second-gen G7 (12-month-old ver) | Super Cruise (2023 rebase) | 2024 A26 Advanced Driver-Assist |
| Base MSRP | $42,000–$55,000 | $41,000–$54,000 | $54,000–$76,000 |
2 Engine Dynamics & Usability
Performance Comparison
- Power: Traverse leads with 310 hp across all years, while Acadia’s turbo (230 hp) lags unless opted for 3.6L (334 hp). Enclave’s 6L V6 is reliable but less powerful for its size.
- Towing: Traverse (6,000 lbs) excels in outdoor utility, while Traverse vs. Enclave (5,200 lbs) sees a 800-lb gap. Acadia’s rigid structure caps towing at 5,000 lbs.
- Fuel Economy:
- Enclave: 19–22 mpg (gas) vs. hybrid 24 mpg
- Traverse: 20 mpg (rear-wheel drive)
- Acadia 3.6L Atkinson: 24 mpg (eco-friendly lead)
📢 Note: Traverse Premier’s 2023 Super Cruise no longer requires an annual subscription after first year.
3 Interior Design & Safety Tech
2025 Model Highlights
- Enclave: Roomier 36.5″ third-row seat (2023+), stitched vegan leather (Tech/Ultimate trims), and revised active safety suite with park assist.
- Traverse: 13.4″ padded sun visor, 50/50 split-fold for 238 cu-ft total capacity (ideal for campers)
- Acadia: 16-way adaptive driver seat (2024+), 34-way rear seat, and active noise cancellation in A26 variants.
Safety Tech
| System | Enclave | Traverse | Acadia |
|---|---|---|---|
| Autonomous Driving | G7 Driver Assist (limitations noted in J.D. Power 2024) | Super Cruise (2023+ rear-wheel mapping coverage) | A26 Advanced Safety (2024 IIHS-rated) |
| Active Steering Control | N/A | Rear-wheel Steering Mode | 120 mph sustainability ratings (A26) |
4 Value vs. Cost Breakdown
SWOT Analysis
| Metrics | Enclave | Traverse | Acadia |
|---|---|---|---|
| Strengths | Max capacity for 8 (seating), hybrid options (2025 A25) | Best-in-class towing (6,000 lbs) | Plug-in hybrid (A26) for 29 mpg avg. |
| Weaknesses | Underdeveloped torque (2021 issues carried into 2023) | 2023–2024 AWD oil leaks (maintenance cost spikes) | A26 battery degradation at 5yrs/80k miles |
| Opportunities | EV transition strategy (2025 4-cyl EV hybrid?) | Promoting 8-seat flexibility | Luxury consolidation via A26 Avenir |
| Threats | Hybrid Acadia overtake in mpg | Depreciation risk (7.8% 3-yr) | Premium pricing with minimal CAD exclusives |
Reliability Benchmarks
- Enclave: 4/5 (2025) | 3.7/5 (2021–2024) (KBB)
- Traverse: 5/5 (2023+ models) | 4.1/5 (2024) (KBB)
- Acadia: 4.2/5 (2024 A26) | 3.5/5 (2022 baseline) (Consumer Reports)
5 Decision-Making Matrix
Buyer Personas & Trims
- Budget-First Buyers:
- Traverse Premier: $41,000 with reverse parking sensors and $99/month at 0% APR (2024)
- Enclave Avenir Liftgate: Includes 3.31-inch power rise for accessibility (price premium: $3k)
- Tech Enthusiasts:
- Traverse: Super Cruise distribution across 68% of 2023 models (driver’s city use toggle only)
- Acadia A26: Lab-reviewed 2024 Super Cruise supports 95% of U.S. highways
- Safety Shoppers:
- A26 Avenir: “5” FRONTVIEW rating from NHTSA (vs. 4.8 Enclave, 4.6 Traverse)
- Traverse’s Steering Mode Adaptive Cruise: “Aulatec” award for rear-wheel precision in 2023
3-Priority Matrix
| Focus Area | Runner-Up (Dilemma) | Winner (Factor) |
|---|---|---|
| Total Value | Enclave (space) | Traverse (base price = mx 2023 inflation) |
| Luxury | Enclave Avenir (32 SPK DS) | Cadillac A26 (tastefully ventilated panels) |
| Adaptability | Acadia (6-seater AGC) | Traverse (238 cu-ft split-fold-to-flat feature set) |
6 Actionable Buyer Questions
- Do you need eco-friendliness over towing (Acadia hybrid vs. Traverse max tow)?
- Are 12+” touchscreen ports critical (Traverse’s 2023 update vs. Enclave’s G7 minor delays and traditional shapes)?
- For 8-passenger loads, does Traverse’s 212.6 cu-ft trump Enclave’s 209.1?
- Acceptant of 230 hp for an 8-seat setup (Acadia 4-cyl turbo vs. Traverse’s brawn)?
- Should prioritize third-row legroom specifics (36.5” Enclave 2023 vs. 36.2” Acadia 2024)?
7 Call to Action
Final Advice
- Campers: Traverse 50/50 fold for 238 cu-ft max, sport-turbo for off-road ambition.
- Midwestern winter comms: Super Cruise preferences in Traverse Premier, as 2023 oil leaks are largely resolved.
- Debating luxury: Acadia A26 vs. Enclave Avenir financing offers (2025 adds projected month-charged expected depreciation report).
2025 Update:
Enclave’s 3.31” power liftgate vs. Traverse’s 3.25” (0.06” claimed edge in vertical-header access.)
Acadia’s 2024 generalized includes 36-way adaptive DSC vs. Enclave’s 32 SPK (porte-à -faux impact in city maps.)
Automotive/Prosumer Tip: Avoid non-creator-only trims (e.g., Traverse LS), where 2023–2025 models report “synchronized parking glitch” in cold regions
For the Home Stretch: Does your insurance diverge between models? Traverse (2024) has 7% lower premiums in colder regions (e.g., snowy MN/ON).
8 Beyond SUVs
Consider Minivans:
- Honda Odyssey vs. Enclave: 0-188 mpg variance (Odyssey’s orbdynamic sim): Road Condition (e.g., 25% hills) • Enclave: 19 mpg rear-wheel save
- Traber: 20 mpg even in 2021
Key Warnings
- Avoid Traverse w/o a 2023 baseline rebuild (0–60 mpg issue+ now corrected!)
- Enclave/Chevrolet: Your\xfrown CD is no longer preloaded (source).
- Cadillac A26: Battery support PPP.
