Ford Explorer vs GMC Acadia
Big plans call for a big vehicle. When it comes to choosing a new SUV, there are plenty of factors to consider. Between storage space, engine performance, safety features, and more, you may be wondering which models out there fit your needs. Luckily, our team at LaFontaine Ford Flushing is here to help make your choice a little easier.
Below, our team has put two top SUV candidates head to head in this comparison of the Ford Explorer vs. the GMC Acadia. Continue reading to see which vehicle is the right fit for your journeys around Flushing, Flint, and Swartz Creek, MI.
Ford Explorer vs GMC Acadia: Performance
When it comes to performance options, both the Ford Explorer and the GMC Acadia come with gas-powered engine choices.
The Explorer comes with the following options:
- 2.3L EcoBoost® I4 Engine – provides 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque
- 3.0L EcoBoost® V6 Engine– provides 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque
Meanwhile, your choices on the GMC Arcadia are:
- Turbocharged Gas I4 Engine – provides 228 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque
- Gas V6 Engine – provides 310 horsepower and 271 lb-ft of torque
As you can see, while all of these engine choices do perform admirably, the Ford Explorer comes out ahead, with its less powerful I4 engine almost completely outperforming the Acadia’s more powerful V6 option.
Additionally, the Ford Explorer offers a hybrid engine—an option not found on the Acadia. Further, the 3.3L hybrid engine delivers 318 horsepower and 322 lb-ft of torque, solidly outperforming the Acadia’s V6 engine.
Ford Explorer vs GMC Acadia: Interior
Inside both the Explorer and the Acadia, you’ll find a spacious interior, with seating for up to seven passengers. Both SUVs can be equipped with cloth seating surfaces or premium seating materials to help keep you and your passengers comfortable. They include the available Tri-Diamond perforated leather seating in the Explorer and the available perforated leather-appointed seat trim in the Acadia.
Both vehicles also feature third row 50/50 split-fold seating that allows for greater cargo space. Let’s see what these models have to offer in terms of overall cargo space:
| Cargo Volume | Ford Explorer | GMC Acadia |
| Behind 3rd Row | 18.2 cubic feet | 12.8 cubic feet |
| Behind 2nd Row | 47.9 cubic feet | 41.7 cubic feet |
| Behind 1st Row | 87.8 cubic feet | 79 cubic feet |
As you can see, the Explorer comes out ahead of the Acadia in all three storage configurations, which makes it a great choice when you need to pack for that next big family trip.
Ford Explorer vs GMC Acadia: Safety
When it comes to choosing your next SUV, it’s important to know that you’ll feel secure and confident when you’re behind the wheel. For this reason, both the Ford Explorer and the GMC Acadia are equipped with suites of standard and available safety and driver assistance features in the form of Ford Co-Pilot360™ and GMC Pro Safety Plus.
Both include features, like:
- Pre-Collision Assist
- Adaptive Cruise Control
- Lane-Keeping System
Take on New Frontiers in the Ford Explorer!
In a comparison of the Ford Explorer vs. the GMC Acadia, both prove to be capable SUVs. However, the Explorer pulls ahead in terms of overall engine performance and interior space.
Drivers in Flushing, Flint, and Swartz Creek, Michigan, can see for themselves if the Explorer is the right fit for them by scheduling a test drive.
Stop by LaFontaine Ford Flushing or contact our team to schedule one today!