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Gmc acadia vs. explorer showdown: which beast emerges victorious?

What To Know

  • The mid-size SUV segment is one of the most competitive in the automotive industry, with two of the most popular contenders being the GMC Acadia and the Ford Explorer.
  • The Acadia has earned a five-star safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), while the Explorer has received a five-star rating from both the NHTSA and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
  • The GMC Acadia has a more powerful V6 engine, while the Ford Explorer offers a wider range of powertrain options, including a more fuel-efficient EcoBoost four-cylinder.

The mid-size SUV segment is one of the most competitive in the automotive industry, with two of the most popular contenders being the GMC Acadia and the Ford Explorer. Both vehicles offer a compelling blend of space, versatility, and performance, making them ideal for families and adventure-seekers alike. In this comprehensive comparison, we will delve into the key differences between the GMC Acadia vs. Explorer, examining their specifications, features, and overall value proposition to determine which SUV reigns supreme.

Performance and Powertrain

Under the hood, the GMC Acadia offers a choice of two engines: a 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 193 horsepower and a 3.6-liter V6 with 310 horsepower. The Ford Explorer, on the other hand, boasts a wider range of powertrain options, including a 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder with 300 horsepower, a 3.3-liter V6 with 290 horsepower, and a 3.0-liter EcoBoost V6 with 365 horsepower. In terms of towing capacity, the Acadia can pull up to 4,000 pounds, while the Explorer can handle up to 5,600 pounds.

Interior and Comfort

Inside, both the GMC Acadia and the Ford Explorer offer spacious and comfortable cabins. The Acadia features an intuitive infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen, while the Explorer comes standard with a 10.1-inch touchscreen with the SYNC 4 infotainment system. Both vehicles offer ample seating for up to seven passengers, with the Acadia providing slightly more legroom in the third row.

Safety and Technology

When it comes to safety, the GMC Acadia and the Ford Explorer are both well-equipped. The Acadia has earned a five-star safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), while the Explorer has received a five-star rating from both the NHTSA and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Both SUVs offer a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance features, including adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking.

Fuel Economy

Fuel efficiency is an important consideration for many SUV buyers. The GMC Acadia with the four-cylinder engine achieves up to 22 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway. The Explorer with the EcoBoost four-cylinder engine offers slightly better fuel economy, with ratings of 23 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway.

Price and Value

The GMC Acadia starts at an MSRP of $34,500, while the Ford Explorer has a slightly lower starting price of $32,225. However, the Explorer offers a wider range of trim levels and optional features, which can significantly increase its price. Ultimately, the best value for your money will depend on your specific needs and budget.

Final Thoughts: The Verdict

Both the GMC Acadia and the Ford Explorer are excellent mid-size SUVs with their own unique strengths and weaknesses. The Acadia offers a more powerful V6 engine, while the Explorer boasts a wider range of powertrain options, including a fuel-efficient EcoBoost four-cylinder. The Explorer also has a slightly larger towing capacity and a more technologically advanced infotainment system. However, the Acadia provides more legroom in the third row and has a lower starting price. Ultimately, the best choice for you will depend on your individual priorities and preferences.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Which SUV has a better safety rating?

Both the GMC Acadia and the Ford Explorer have earned excellent safety ratings from the NHTSA and the IIHS.

2. Which SUV has a more powerful engine?

The GMC Acadia has a more powerful V6 engine, while the Ford Explorer offers a wider range of powertrain options, including a more fuel-efficient EcoBoost four-cylinder.

3. Which SUV has a larger towing capacity?

The Ford Explorer has a larger towing capacity of 5,600 pounds, compared to the Acadia’s 4,000 pounds.

4. Which SUV has a more spacious third row?

The GMC Acadia provides more legroom in the third row compared to the Ford Explorer.

5. Which SUV has a better infotainment system?

The Ford Explorer has a more advanced infotainment system with a larger touchscreen and more features.

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