What To Know
- The Acadia received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a “Good” rating in all six crash tests conducted by the IIHS.
- The Explorer received a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a “Good” rating in all six crash tests conducted by the IIHS.
- The Acadia is a more affordable option with a slightly smaller interior, while the Explorer is more powerful and has a slightly larger interior.
When it comes to choosing a midsize SUV, the GMC Acadia and Ford Explorer are two of the most popular options on the market. Both vehicles offer spacious interiors, powerful engines, and a variety of features. But which one is the right choice for you?
In this blog post, we’ll compare the GMC Acadia vs. Ford Explorer in several key areas, including:
- Price
- Engine performance
- Fuel economy
- Interior space
- Features
- Safety
- Reliability
By the end of this post, you’ll have all the information you need to make an informed decision about which SUV is right for you.
Price
The GMC Acadia has a starting price of $34,900, while the Ford Explorer starts at $36,685. However, both vehicles offer a variety of trim levels and options, so the actual price you pay will depend on the specific configuration you choose.
Engine Performance
The GMC Acadia comes standard with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 193 horsepower and 188 lb-ft of torque. The Ford Explorer, on the other hand, comes standard with a 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder engine that produces 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque.
If you’re looking for more power, both the Acadia and Explorer offer optional V6 engines. The Acadia’s 3.6-liter V6 produces 310 horsepower and 271 lb-ft of torque, while the Explorer’s 3.5-liter V6 produces 290 horsepower and 255 lb-ft of torque.
Fuel Economy
The GMC Acadia with the 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine gets an EPA-estimated 22 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway. The Ford Explorer with the 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder engine gets an EPA-estimated 21 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway.
Interior Space
The GMC Acadia and Ford Explorer both offer spacious interiors with plenty of room for passengers and cargo. The Acadia has a total passenger volume of 128.7 cubic feet, while the Explorer has a total passenger volume of 152.7 cubic feet.
When it comes to cargo space, the Acadia offers 12.8 cubic feet behind the third row of seats, 41.7 cubic feet behind the second row of seats, and 79 cubic feet with both rows of seats folded down. The Explorer offers 18.2 cubic feet behind the third row of seats, 47.9 cubic feet behind the second row of seats, and 87.8 cubic feet with both rows of seats folded down.
Features
Both the GMC Acadia and Ford Explorer offer a variety of features, including:
- Infotainment systems with touchscreens
- Bluetooth connectivity
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility
- Navigation systems
- Power liftgates
- Panoramic sunroofs
- Heated and cooled seats
Safety
The GMC Acadia and Ford Explorer have both received good safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
The Acadia received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a “Good” rating in all six crash tests conducted by the IIHS. The Explorer received a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a “Good” rating in all six crash tests conducted by the IIHS.
Reliability
Both the GMC Acadia and Ford Explorer have average reliability ratings from J.D. Power and Associates. The Acadia received a score of 77 out of 100, while the Explorer received a score of 76 out of 100.
Final Verdict
The GMC Acadia and Ford Explorer are both excellent choices for midsize SUV shoppers. The Acadia is a more affordable option with a slightly smaller interior, while the Explorer is more powerful and has a slightly larger interior. Ultimately, the best choice for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which SUV has the best fuel economy?
A: The GMC Acadia with the 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine has the best fuel economy, with an EPA-estimated 22 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway.
Q: Which SUV has the most cargo space?
A: The Ford Explorer has the most cargo space, with 18.2 cubic feet behind the third row of seats, 47.9 cubic feet behind the second row of seats, and 87.8 cubic feet with both rows of seats folded down.
Q: Which SUV has the best safety ratings?
A: Both the GMC Acadia and Ford Explorer have received good safety ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS. However, the Acadia received a slightly higher overall safety rating from the NHTSA.