Which Suv Reigns Supreme: Ford Explorer Vs. Gmc Acadia – An In-depth Comparison

In the realm of three-row SUVs, two titans stand tall: the Ford Explorer and the GMC Acadia. Both vehicles boast impressive capabilities, sleek designs, and an array of features that cater to families and adventurers alike. But which one emerges as the superior choice? In this comprehensive comparison, we delve into the depths of the Ford Explorer vs GMC Acadia rivalry, examining their strengths, weaknesses, and everything in between to help you make an informed decision.

Performance and Capability: A Battle of Power and Efficiency

1. Engine Options and Performance:

• Ford Explorer: The Explorer offers a range of powertrains, including a standard 2.3L EcoBoost turbocharged four-cylinder engine that delivers 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. For those seeking more muscle, the Explorer ST boasts a potent 3.0L EcoBoost V6 engine that generates 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque.

• GMC Acadia: The Acadia’s engine lineup consists of a standard 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 230 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. Drivers can opt for the more robust 3.6L V6 engine, which churns out 310 horsepower and 271 lb-ft of torque.

2. Towing and Payload Capacity:

• Ford Explorer: With its robust powertrains, the Explorer offers impressive towing and payload capacities. Properly equipped, the Explorer can tow up to 5,600 pounds and carry a payload of up to 1,800 pounds.

• GMC Acadia: The Acadia also boasts respectable towing and payload capabilities. When properly equipped, it can tow up to 4,000 pounds and carry a payload of up to 1,600 pounds.

3. Fuel Efficiency:

• Ford Explorer: The Explorer’s fuel efficiency varies depending on the chosen powertrain. The standard 2.3L EcoBoost engine achieves an EPA-estimated 21 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway. The more powerful 3.0L EcoBoost engine returns an EPA-estimated 18 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway.

• GMC Acadia: The Acadia’s fuel efficiency is comparable to the Explorer’s. The standard 2.0L turbocharged engine delivers an EPA-estimated 22 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway. The 3.6L V6 engine achieves an EPA-estimated 19 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway.

Interior and Comfort: A Comparison of Space, Features, and Luxury

1. Seating and Cargo Space:

• Ford Explorer: The Explorer offers ample seating for up to seven passengers, with spacious legroom and headroom in all three rows. Behind the third row, the Explorer provides 18.2 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 87.8 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded down.

• GMC Acadia: The Acadia also offers seating for up to seven passengers, with comfortable accommodations in each row. Its cargo capacity is slightly less than the Explorer’s, with 12.8 cubic feet behind the third row and 79 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded down.

2. Infotainment and Technology:

• Ford Explorer: The Explorer features a user-friendly infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen display, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, and a premium audio system. It also boasts a range of advanced driver assistance features, including adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring.

• GMC Acadia: The Acadia’s infotainment system is also user-friendly, with a larger 10.2-inch touchscreen display, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, and a Bose audio system. It offers a similar suite of driver assistance features as the Explorer, including adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring.

3. Luxury and Comfort Features:

• Ford Explorer: The Explorer offers a host of luxury and comfort features, such as heated and ventilated front seats, a panoramic sunroof, and a hands-free liftgate.

• GMC Acadia: The Acadia matches the Explorer’s luxury offerings with heated and ventilated front seats, a panoramic sunroof, and a hands-free liftgate. It also adds a heated steering wheel and a rear-seat entertainment system.

Safety Features: A Comparison of Protection and Peace of Mind

Both the Ford Explorer and GMC Acadia have earned impressive safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). They come equipped with a comprehensive suite of active and passive safety features, including:

• Anti-lock brakes
• Stability control
• Traction control
• Airbags
• Tire pressure monitoring system
• Rearview camera

Additionally, the Explorer and Acadia offer a range of advanced driver assistance features, such as adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring, to enhance safety and provide peace of mind on the road.

Price and Value: A Matter of Budget and Priorities

1. Starting Price:

• Ford Explorer: The 2023 Ford Explorer has a starting price of $36,685 for the base XLT trim.

• GMC Acadia: The 2023 GMC Acadia has a slightly lower starting price of $35,800 for the base SLE trim.

2. Trim Levels and Options:

• Ford Explorer: The Explorer offers a wide range of trim levels and options, allowing buyers to customize their vehicle to their specific needs and budget.

• GMC Acadia: The Acadia also offers a variety of trim levels and options, providing buyers with the flexibility to choose the features and amenities they desire.

3. Value Proposition:

• Ford Explorer: The Explorer offers a compelling value proposition with its spacious interior, powerful engine options, and impressive safety features.

• GMC Acadia: The Acadia also provides excellent value for money, with its comfortable interior, capable powertrains, and comprehensive safety suite.

Takeaways: The Verdict – Deciding the Winner

The Ford Explorer and GMC Acadia are both exceptional three-row SUVs that offer a blend of performance, comfort, and safety. While the Explorer boasts more powerful engine options and a slightly larger cargo capacity, the Acadia counters with a lower starting price and a more user-friendly infotainment system. Ultimately, the choice between these two titans depends on your individual needs, preferences, and budget.

Basics You Wanted To Know

1. Which vehicle has better fuel efficiency, the Ford Explorer or GMC Acadia?

• The GMC Acadia has slightly better fuel efficiency than the Ford Explorer, with an EPA-estimated 22 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway compared to the Explorer’s 21 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway.

2. Which vehicle has more cargo space, the Ford Explorer or GMC Acadia?

• The Ford Explorer has more cargo space than the GMC Acadia, with 18.2 cubic feet behind the third row and 87.8 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded down compared to the Acadia’s 12.8 cubic feet behind the third row and 79 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded down.

3. Which vehicle has a better infotainment system, the Ford Explorer or GMC Acadia?

• The GMC Acadia has a slightly better infotainment system than the Ford Explorer, with a larger 10.2-inch touchscreen display compared to the Explorer’s 8-inch touchscreen. Both systems offer Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.

4. Which vehicle is more affordable, the Ford Explorer or GMC Acadia?

• The GMC Acadia is slightly more affordable than the Ford Explorer, with a starting price of $35,800 compared to the Explorer’s starting price of $36,685.

5. Which vehicle is safer, the Ford Explorer or GMC Acadia?

• Both the Ford Explorer and GMC Acadia have earned impressive safety ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS and offer a comprehensive suite of active and passive safety features.