Suv showdown: gmc acadia denali vs ford explorer limited, which reigns supreme?
What To Know
- When it comes to premium midsize SUVs, the GMC Acadia Denali and the Ford Explorer Limited stand out as two of the most popular and capable options in the market.
- The Acadia Denali gets an estimated 19 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway, while the Explorer Limited returns 18 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway with the 2.
- If you need an SUV that can tow heavy loads or carry a large amount of cargo, the Ford Explorer Limited has a slight edge over the GMC Acadia Denali.
When it comes to premium midsize SUVs, the GMC Acadia Denali and the Ford Explorer Limited stand out as two of the most popular and capable options in the market. Both vehicles offer a blend of luxury, performance, and versatility, but which one is the right choice for you? In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll delve into the key differences between the GMC Acadia Denali and the Ford Explorer Limited to help you make an informed decision.
Performance and Fuel Economy
Under the hood, the GMC Acadia Denali features a powerful 3.6-liter V6 engine that produces 310 horsepower and 271 lb-ft of torque. The Ford Explorer Limited, on the other hand, offers a choice between a 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine with 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, or a 3.0-liter EcoBoost V6 with 365 horsepower and 380 lb-ft of torque.
When it comes to fuel economy, the GMC Acadia Denali slightly edges out the Ford Explorer Limited. The Acadia Denali gets an estimated 19 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway, while the Explorer Limited returns 18 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway with the 2.3-liter engine and 17 mpg in the city and 23 mpg on the highway with the 3.0-liter engine.
Interior and Features
Both the GMC Acadia Denali and the Ford Explorer Limited offer spacious and well-appointed interiors. The Acadia Denali features a sleek and modern cabin with high-quality materials and a user-friendly infotainment system. The Explorer Limited, on the other hand, boasts a more rugged and utilitarian interior with a focus on practicality and functionality.
In terms of features, the GMC Acadia Denali comes standard with a 10.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a Bose premium audio system, leather upholstery, and heated and ventilated front seats. The Ford Explorer Limited offers a similar level of equipment, including an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a Bang & Olufsen premium audio system, leather upholstery, and heated and cooled front seats.
Safety and Technology
Both the GMC Acadia Denali and the Ford Explorer Limited are equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety and technology features. The Acadia Denali comes standard with automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The Explorer Limited offers similar features, including blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane-keeping assist.
In terms of technology, the GMC Acadia Denali features a Wi-Fi hotspot, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, and a rear-seat entertainment system. The Ford Explorer Limited offers similar features, including a Wi-Fi hotspot, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, and a voice-activated navigation system.
Off-Road Capabilities
While both the GMC Acadia Denali and the Ford Explorer Limited are primarily designed for on-road use, they both offer some off-road capabilities. The Acadia Denali features an all-wheel-drive system with a terrain mode selector, while the Explorer Limited offers an optional Terrain Management System with seven different drive modes.
However, it’s important to note that neither of these vehicles is intended for serious off-roading. They are more suited for light off-road adventures, such as driving on dirt roads or in snowy conditions.
Towing and Payload Capacity
If you need an SUV that can tow heavy loads or carry a large amount of cargo, the Ford Explorer Limited has a slight edge over the GMC Acadia Denali. The Explorer Limited has a maximum towing capacity of 5,600 pounds and a maximum payload capacity of 1,800 pounds. The Acadia Denali, on the other hand, has a maximum towing capacity of 4,000 pounds and a maximum payload capacity of 1,500 pounds.
Price and Value
The GMC Acadia Denali and the Ford Explorer Limited are both priced similarly. The Acadia Denali starts at $47,595, while the Explorer Limited starts at $49,195. However, keep in mind that the Explorer Limited offers a more powerful engine and a higher towing capacity, which may be worth the extra cost for some buyers.
Which One is Right for You?
Ultimately, the choice between the GMC Acadia Denali and the Ford Explorer Limited depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you prioritize luxury, fuel economy, and a user-friendly interior, the Acadia Denali is a great option. If you need a more powerful engine, higher towing capacity, and a more rugged interior, the Explorer Limited is a better choice.
Questions You May Have
Q: Which SUV has a more spacious interior?
A: The Ford Explorer Limited has a slightly more spacious interior than the GMC Acadia Denali.
Q: Which SUV has a better infotainment system?
A: The GMC Acadia Denali has a more user-friendly infotainment system than the Ford Explorer Limited.
Q: Which SUV is better for off-roading?
A: The Ford Explorer Limited has slightly better off-road capabilities than the GMC Acadia Denali.
Q: Which SUV has a higher towing capacity?
A: The Ford Explorer Limited has a higher towing capacity than the GMC Acadia Denali.
Q: Which SUV is more expensive?
A: The Ford Explorer Limited is slightly more expensive than the GMC Acadia Denali.