2026 GM Triplets: Buick Enclave, GMC Acadia, and Chevy Traverse Review
The 2026 General Motors triplets, the Buick Enclave, GMC Acadia, and Chevy Traverse, are some of the most family-friendly mid-to-large SUVs in the American market. For those who don’t want a minivan or cannot afford a full-size SUV, this trio offers a practical alternative. Surprisingly, their interiors are sometimes bigger than a Chevy Tahoe, yet their price tags are significantly lower.
Pricing Overview
The starting prices, including destination, are as follows:
Chevy Traverse: $42,695
GMC Acadia: $45,595
Buick Enclave: $48,995 (top-end equipped here: $66,510)
These SUVs are more affordable than traditional body-on-frame full-size SUVs and even the new Toyota Grand Highlander, though slightly higher than the Hyundai Palisade. The interior space, however, is often larger in the GM triplets.
Powertrain and Performance
All three models share the same engine and drivetrain:
Engine: 2.5L 4-cylinder turbo
Power: 328 hp, 326 lb-ft torque
Fuel economy: 21–23 mpg (FWD/AWD)
Towing: 5,000 lb
This engine is based on the 2.7L turbo from Silverado and Sierra pickups. While concerns about turbo longevity exist, these engines handle heavier vehicles with higher towing capacity.
Acceleration & Handling:
0–60 mph: Buick Enclave – 7.3 sec | Chevy Traverse – 7.1 sec
Braking distance: Enclave – 124 ft | Traverse – 116 ft
Front-wheel drive-based suspension with available AWD
Excellent grip and polished handling for a vehicle of this size
The Z71 (Chevy) and AT4 (GMC) trims offer twin-clutch rear axle with torque vectoring, enhancing handling. The Buick does not currently feature this system.
Exterior Styling
Styling is the main differentiator between the three models:
Chevy Traverse: Truckier look, rugged feel.
GMC Acadia: Balanced design, preferred by many for its styling.
Buick Enclave: More elegant and premium, featuring a stretched Buick design language.
Key exterior features of the Enclave:
Divorced LED headlamps with integrated turn signals and daytime running lights
Full-width LED tail lights
Tow hitch receiver with a 2-inch receiver and 7-pin wiring harness
Maximum towing capacity: 5,000 lb
Despite differences in styling, all three models share nearly identical interior dimensions and cargo capacities.
Dimensions and Interior Space
Acadia length: 204 inches
Traverse/Enclave length: 207.6 inches
Interior space: Essentially identical in all three models (headroom, legroom, cargo capacity)
Interior wider than competitors like the Highlander or Pilot
Third-row seating: Comfortable, but does not slide forward
Cargo Capacity:
Behind third row: 23.6 cubic feet
Can fit four 24-inch roller bags comfortably
Under load floor: Space for slimmer 22-inch roller bag and spare tire
Between hatch and second row: Can accommodate 12 roller bags while seating four passengers
Interior Comfort and Features
Front Seats:
Similar comfort across all three models
Available massage function for driver and passenger
Power memory-link tilt-telescopic steering column
Four-way adjustable lumbar support for passenger seat
Second Row:
Generous headroom even with panoramic moonroof
Wide seats, three-across seating comfortable
Tilting and sliding functionality for easy access to third row
Third Row:
Slightly elevated floorboards
Comfortable for adults, wider than competitors
No child seat anchors
Infotainment:
Chevy Traverse: 17.7-inch horizontal touchscreen, 11-inch instrument cluster
GMC Acadia: 15-inch vertical touchscreen
Buick Enclave: Long, elegant screen design, similar to twin 12-inch layouts
All three support Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but screen size and layout differ. GMC’s portrait display is considered easier for navigation and app use.
Dashboard and Interior Materials:
Chrome and silver accents enhance premium feel
Floating center console with deep storage
Lighter interior options (ivory/blue) available in Buick
Imitation leather, metallic strips, and realistic wood trims in Acadia
Ride Quality and Driving Experience
Comfortable ride with fully independent suspension
No adaptive dampers, reducing maintenance costs
Smooth on rough roads, better than Traverse in recent tests
Engine noise is noticeable in the cabin, more than competitors
Comparison with Competitors
| Model | Starting Price | Engine | Third Row Comfort | Hybrid Option |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chevy Traverse | $42,695 | 2.5L turbo | Good | No |
| GMC Acadia | $45,595 | 2.5L turbo | Good | No |
| Buick Enclave | $48,995 | 2.5L turbo | Good | No |
| Hyundai Palisade | $34,000+ | 3.8L V6 | Decent | Yes |
| Toyota Grand Highlander | $50,000+ | 2.4L turbo/Hybrid | Decent | Yes |
| Lexus TX | $55,000+ | V6 Plug-in Hybrid | Good | Yes |
Key Takeaways:
GM triplets offer roomier interiors than competitors in mid-large SUV class.
Styling is the primary difference between the three, while performance and handling are similar.
Buick Enclave is the most premium, Chevrolet Traverse the most affordable, and GMC Acadia sits in between.
No hybrid options for the US market yet, which could affect competitiveness.
Conclusion
The 2026 GM triplets, Traverse, Acadia, and Enclave, stand out for their interior space, family-friendly features, and comfortable ride. If a roomy cabin and family-friendly features matter to you, these three SUVs are worth considering. Each has its own style and infotainment layout, but all deliver strong value and are easier on the wallet than larger full-size SUVs like the Highlander or Lexus TX.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the starting prices of the 2026 GM triplets?
The Chevy Traverse starts at $42,695 including destination. The GMC Acadia starts at $45,595, while the Buick Enclave starts at $48,950 and can go up to $66,510 as equipped.
How do the interiors compare between the Traverse, Acadia, and Enclave?
Despite styling differences, the interior dimensions are nearly identical across all three. Combined legroom is 117.9 inches, and second and third row widths are wider than average, making three-across seating more comfortable. The Buick Enclave adds a more premium feel with elegant materials and styling.
What engines and performance figures do these SUVs have?
All three SUVs use a 2.5L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine producing 328 hp and 326 lb-ft of torque. Fuel economy ranges from 21 to 23 mpg depending on FWD or AWD. They tow up to 5,000 lb, with the engine derived from the 2.7L turbo in Silverado and Sierra pickups.
How do these GM SUVs compare to the Toyota Grand Highlander and Hyundai Palisade?
The GM triplets are generally bigger inside than the Grand Highlander and Palisade, especially in third-row comfort and cargo space. While slightly more expensive than the Palisade, the interior room rivals full-size SUVs like the Tahoe in key dimensions. The styling choice often becomes the main differentiator.
Do these SUVs offer hybrid options?
Currently, there are no hybrid or plug-in hybrid options in the U.S. market for these GM triplets. Hybrid models exist in China, but General Motors has not introduced them to the U.S. lineup.
How is the ride comfort and suspension on these SUVs?
All three have a unibody design with fully independent suspension, providing a comfortable ride even on rough roads. The Buick Enclave is slightly smoother, but overall, the ride quality is above average for mid-large SUVs without adaptive damping systems.
How is the infotainment system across the three SUVs?
The Chevy Traverse has the largest 17.7-inch horizontal screen, the GMC Acadia has a 15-inch portrait display, and the Buick Enclave has a sleek long display with slightly less screen real estate. All support Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with full two-screen navigation integration.
What is the cargo capacity of the GM triplets?
Each SUV offers 23.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, enough for four 24-inch roller bags. The second row folds and slides to allow easier access to the third row and increases flexibility for families or long trips.
