Written byFew midsize SUV nameplates have been around as long as the GMC Acadia and Ford Explorer. These two vehicles hold their ground clearance in a competitive landscape, combining performance with technology and comfort with versatility. With something for everyone, both SUVs are enticing options for the family needing room for plenty of people, those wanting power, or tech geeks just chasing the latest technology.
The refreshed GMC Acadia joins the segment, offering a new turbo-4 under the hood, interior upgrades, and advanced tech, including Super Cruise. It focuses on luxury and utility and intends to take on the competition head-on. The Ford Explorer, on the other hand, is a fully realized do-it-all SUV with multiple powertrain choices, up to and including a hybrid,a roomy interior, and Ford’s proven safety record.
In this side-by-side comparison, we will cover the following aspects:
- Performance & Engine Options : Which SUV Has More Horsepower, Torque, and Driving Dynamics?
- Interior & Comfort : Which one has more room, nicer materials & conveniences?
- Tech & Safety : How do their infotainment systems, driver aids, and safety tech stack up?
- Fuel Efficiency : Which SUV offers more miles per gallon and range?
- Pricing & Value : Which provides better value for money?
These SUVs excel in their own right, but ultimately, only one can be the best. Which SUV comes out on top? Let’s find out!
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1. Performance & Engine Options
The GMC Acadia and Ford Explorer enter the ring with a turbocharged punch for the midsize SUV crown, but one takes a slight edge in overall ability.
GMC Acadia
Powering the GMC Acadia is a 2.5L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine rated at 328 horsepower and 326 lb-ft of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. The Acadia feels lively and confident with this powertrain—that horsepower is well-used. The Acadia with the high-output engine has a responsive throttle and plenty of power for merging onto highways and breezing past slower vehicles. GMC hasn’t released official times for 0-60 mph yet, but estimates put it in the 6-second range. The SUV will probably have a towing capacity of about 5,000 pounds, so it should be good enough to lug around a small trailer or a boat.
Ford Explorer
By comparison, the Ford Explorer has a turbo 2.3L 4-cylinder that pairs 300 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque to a 10-speed automatic. It shifts smoothly and has a good amount of low-end torque, but the Acadia has the edge when it comes to power. A hybrid is also for the Explorer, which increases fuel economy but comes at the cost of a bit of power. Performance is decent, with a 0-60 mph time of less than 6.8 seconds and up to 5,300 pounds of towing capacity when properly equipped.
Winner: 2025 GMC Acadia
With a high-output engine and more substantial brake figures, the GMC Acadia offers some more acceleration while engaging the drive. The Explorer provides a hybrid but slightly less towing, but the Acadia’s healthy turbocharged output gives it the edge overall.
2. Interior & Comfort
While the GMC Acadia and Ford Explorer have roomy interiors, the Acadia takes the lead with more premium materials and cargo space. Both offer plenty of family utility and long-distance appeal, but one is the more polished pick.
GMC Acadia
With the Acadia, GMC has upped its game in terms of a premium, luxurious cabin. Inside, premium materials, well-bolstered seats, and an upscale design complete the driver-friendly experience. The biggest thing that stands out is the 15-inch infotainment screen, which gives it a high-tech, modern look. It’s a solid choice as a family vehicle, and with available seating and people, it’s also an excellent option for growing broods. It also comes with 97.5 cubic feet of cargo space, which is a lot of space for gear, luggage, or groceries;
Ford Explorer
The Ford Explorer offers a pleasant, functional interior but isn’t as lovely as the Acadia. They’re decent, but not at the level of luxury materials you get from a GMC. The Explorer has a functional 12-inch infotainment screen that is smaller than the Acadia’s. It can accommodate up to seven, meaning it’s slightly less friendly for large-ish group adventures. Another is its 87.8 cubic feet of cargo space, which is not as generous as the Acadia and maybe a nail in the coffin for some buyers who crave more room.
Winner: GMC Acadia
The Acadia sets itself apart here with a more upscale cabin, a larger 15-inch infotainment touchscreen, and class-leading cargo space. For buyers looking for comfort and versatility, its style, space, and tech mix make it the helper choice.
3. Technology & Safety Features
In today’s auto industry, technology and safety features must be innovative for an SUV to maintain a strong presence. Technology is one area where the GMC Acadia and Ford Explorer become very similar, with both vehicles focusing on driver assistance and connectivity. They keep driving safe and secure with hands-free driving, all-around visibility, and more. Here, we take a closer look at what each of the SUVs has to offer in this section.
GMC Acadia:
GMC Acadia’s fresh technology for the Acadia includes Super Cruise, a hands-free driving system that can operate on certain highways. This passive feature helps you relax and face long road trips with less fatigue. The 360-degree comes in handy in loading activities because it improves visibility, thereby helpful in parking and turning. The Acadia also includes standard adaptive cruise control, which automatically adjusts the speed to keep a safe distance from vehicles in front of it.
Ford Explorer:
The Explorer responds with its own arsenal of smart safety features. Ford Co-Pilot360, a suite of driver-assistance technology with lane-keeping assist, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spo monitoring, is also available. It also has a 360-degree camera like the Acadia and standard adaptive cruise control for a more relaxed highway drive.
Winner: Tie
Both SUVs provide a solid combination of safety and tech, too, with adaptive cruise control and a 360-degree camera available as standard. Regarding high-tech driving help, the Acadia wins hands-free driving with its Super Cruise, but the Explorer has a more comprehensive driver-assist repertoire in its Co-Pilot 360. Neither model in this category represents a winner for its tech and safety offerings, so we’ll have to call this a draw!
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4. Fuel Efficiency & Driving Range
Fuel efficiency is essential when comparing the GMC Acadia to the Ford Explorer. If you commute daily to work, take the occasional long road trip, or want to scale back the cost at the pump, finding a vehicle with higher MPG ratings can pay off in the long run. While both models offer competitive efficiency for their segment, one prevails over the other in terms of fuel economy overall.
GMC Acadia
The Acadia is a stylish midsize SUV that boasts an estimated 22 MPG city and 28 MPG highway. These are solid figures compared to the new midsize SUV competition and a fair tradeoff for extra performance while saving gas. Thanks to its effective engine tuning and aerodynamic exterior, the Acadia makes a realistic pick for those keen on getting to the station less often.
Ford Explorer
The Ford Explorer falls second with an estimated city/highway MPG 21/27. It might not be a big gap, but it still translates to higher fuel usage when applying it over long trips. With engines designed to amp up the Explorer’s already performance-driven persona, it’s understandable that the Ford is a bit less efficient than optimum, but owners more interested in muscle might not care.
Winner: GMC Acadia
The category win goes to the GMC Acadia here, as it offers a slight advantage in fuel economy. While the difference isn’t massive, it can add up over miles, resulting in extra pennies in the driver of the Acadia’s pocket, particularly for heavy-footed folks. If you want the right mix of performance but still want a vehicle that is relatively easy on fuel, the Acadia is a more fuel-efficient alternative.
5. Price & Value
Price is one of the most significant decision factors between midsize SUVs, as it translates to overall value. Consumers want affordable versatility, not quasi-luxury, at an inflated price. Midsize SUVs are closely matched with around the same price for shoppers unless you’re shopping the GMC Acadia and the Ford Explorer, which are twins, save for their price structure.
On the other hand, the Ford Explorer is the more budget-oriented of these models, with a base price of $38,500. Meanwhile, the GMC Acadia is just a pricier, starting at $39,995. The $1,495 may not sound like a ton of money, but when it comes to the Explorer, it could be the difference between some extra equipment or a trim that sits higher up on the food chain if it has to compete within the same budget.
Value also includes long-term ownership costs beyond the base price. Ford Explorers have had good resale value throughout history and come with very competitive financing or leasing offers. Since Ford is cheaper upfront, buyers have more leeway to spend on options or higher trims, getting more bang for their buck. While much pricier than the rest of the pack, the GMC Acadia earns its keep with a more upscale interior and modern technology. Still, the Explorer is simply the better value for money for budget-minded buyers.
Winner: Ford Explorer
Ford Explorer Price and value are strong points in favor of the Ford Explorer, which is why we evaluated it as the best value pick in this comparison; though, as with many Quick Factor test comparisons, the most logical price-value evaluation was based not on sticker price, but instead on what each SUV offers for the money. This model starts at $38,500—the Explorer’s base price ranged from $ 36,000 to $53,000—and serves as a more compelling price leader for buyers searching for a value-oriented midsize SUV.
Because the two trims are so close in price, buyers can save money or move up a trim while keeping the same overall spend. Ford’s excellent resale value and attractive financing don’t hurt the company’s appeal. Plus, the Explorer is a better buy for most shoppers, even though the GMC Acadia serves up plenty of fanciness.
Final Verdict: Which One Should You Buy?
From the GMC Acadia to the Ford Explorer: top options with strengths all their own—until you decide where to prioritize. The Acadia is the way to go if you want the more powerful engine, added cargo space, and the respected premium feeling interior you expect from GMC. The GMC provides an upscale driving experience with a premium cabin and all the contemporary car tech for the comfort-oriented driver. However, the Ford Explorer makes a great alternative if the emphasis in your life revolves around affordability and saving money at the gas station. Ford does offer a hybrid version.
The Explorer strikes a nice chord of capability vs efficiency, making it a practical family SUV. Still, the Acadia pulls ahead with its overall performance, fuel economy, and nicer interior. The Acadia also offers a more refined interior with much more room, additional fuel economy, and all-around improvements over the Ford Explorer, making it a clear pick.
Although the Explorer is no slouch, buyers seeking a premium, well-rounded SUV will be better served by the more powerful, luxurious, and efficient Acadia. The GMC Acadia is your more substantial investment if you value performance and comfort above cost savings.
