2023 GMC Acadia vs Ford Explorer: A Comparison

GMC Acadia vs Ford Explorer

Table of Contents

The 2023 GMC Acadia and Ford Explorer are two of the most popular mid-size SUVs on the market, both offering impressive features and capabilities that cater to families and adventure-seekers alike. As you consider which vehicle is right for you, it’s essential to delve into the details and compare their design, performance, and overall value. 

In this detailed comparison, we’ll examine what sets these two SUVs apart and help you determine which one best suits your needs and lifestyle.

Exterior Design:

The 2023 GMC Acadia showcases a refined and rugged design with bold lines and sculpted details. The signature GMC grille, LED headlamps, and C-shaped lighting elements create a distinct and modern look. With available 20-inch aluminum wheels and an optional hands-free power liftgate, the Acadia strikes a balance between style and practicality.

The 2023 Ford Explorer boasts a dynamic and athletic appearance, sporting a prominent front grille, sleek headlights, and a muscular stance. With its sculpted lines and available 20-inch wheels, the Explorer conveys an image of capability and confidence. The available twin-panel moonroof enhances the Explorer’s visual appeal, while the power liftgate offers convenience and ease of use.

Interior Design:

The interior of the 2023 Acadia is designed for comfort and convenience, featuring premium materials and soft-touch surfaces. The cabin showcases a modern layout, with an intuitive infotainment system, available wireless charging, and USB ports for device connectivity. Ambient lighting and an available panoramic sunroof create an inviting atmosphere, while the available heated and ventilated seats offer year-round comfort.

Inside the 2023 Explorer, you’ll find a well-appointed cabin with high-quality materials and a user-friendly design. The SYNC 4 infotainment system ensures seamless connectivity and entertainment, while the available wireless charging pad and multiple USB ports cater to your devices. The optional heated and ventilated seats, along with the available multi-contour seats with Active Motion, provide comfort and support on long drives.

Seating:

The Acadia offers a flexible seating configuration for up to seven passengers, with standard second-row captain’s chairs and an optional third-row bench seat. The Smart Slide second-row seating allows for easy access to the third row, ensuring your passengers can enter and exit with ease.

The Explorer can accommodate up to seven passengers as well, with a standard second-row bench seat and optional captain’s chairs. The E-Z Entry second-row seating provides quick and easy access to the third-row seats, making it hassle-free for passengers to settle in.

Storage:

The 2023 Acadia is designed with storage in mind, offering up to 79 cubic feet of cargo space with the second and third-row seats folded down. The flexible seating configurations and under-floor storage compartment provide versatile options for stowing your gear and belongings.

The 2023 Explorer boasts an impressive 87.8 cubic feet of cargo space when the second and third-row seats are folded. With a variety of storage solutions, including the available Cargo Management System, the Explorer ensures that you have ample room for all your gear and essentials.

Performance:

Under the hood, the Acadia offers three engine options: a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, a 2.5-liter four-cylinder, and a 3.6-liter V6 engine. The base engine delivers 228 horsepower, while the V6 option provides a robust 310 horsepower. The Acadia features a smooth-shifting 9-speed automatic transmission and is available with either front-wheel or all-wheel drive, ensuring optimal performance in various driving conditions.

The Explorer comes equipped with a standard 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder engine, producing 300 horsepower. Additional engine options include a 3.0-liter EcoBoost V6 (available in 400 or 365 horsepower variants) and a 3.3-liter hybrid powertrain, providing impressive power and efficiency. The Explorer utilizes a 10-speed automatic transmission and offers both rear-wheel and all-wheel drive options to cater to various driving preferences.

Fuel Efficiency:

The 2023 Acadia offers competitive fuel efficiency for its class. The base 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine achieves an EPA-estimated 21 mpg city and 27 mpg highway, while the 2.0-liter turbocharged engine offers 22 mpg city and 29 mpg highway. The more powerful 3.6-liter V6 engine delivers 19 mpg city and 27 mpg highway.

The 2023 Explorer is similarly fuel-efficient. The standard 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine yields an EPA-estimated 21 mpg city and 28 mpg highway. The 3.0-liter EcoBoost V6 engine provides 18 mpg city and 24 mpg highway, while the 3.3-liter hybrid powertrain impressively achieves 27 mpg city and 29 mpg highway.

Safety:

The Acadia is equipped with an array of standard safety features, including forward collision alert, automatic emergency braking, lane keep assist, and a rearview camera. The available Driver Alert Package adds features such as blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear park assist, enhancing overall safety.

The Explorer’s standard Ford Co-Pilot360 suite of safety features includes pre-collision assist with automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, and a rearview camera. Additional available safety technologies, such as adaptive cruise control, evasive steering assist, and Active Park Assist 2.0, ensure a safe and confident driving experience.

Trim Levels:

The 2023 Acadia is available in five trim levels: SL, SLE, SLT, AT4, and Denali. Each trim offers various features and options, catering to a range of preferences and budgets. The off-road-oriented AT4 trim features all-terrain tires and an advanced all-wheel-drive system, while the luxury-focused Denali trim boasts premium amenities and an upscale appearance.

The 2023 Explorer comes in six trim levels: Base, XLT, Limited, Timberline, ST, and Platinum. These trims offer a wide array of features and options to suit different needs and price points. The performance-focused ST trim delivers a sporty driving experience, while the luxurious Platinum trim offers top-of-the-line amenities and refined design elements.

Pricing:

The 2023 GMC Acadia starts at $33,600 for the base SL trim, with the price increasing based on the selected trim level and additional options. The range-topping Denali trim starts at $49,300, offering premium features and a refined driving experience.

The 2023 Ford Explorer has a starting price of $33,245 for the base trim, with higher trims and options affecting the overall cost. The luxurious Platinum trim starts at $54,740, providing an upscale and feature-rich SUV experience.

Key Differences:

Exterior Design:

The GMC Acadia sports a more refined and rugged design with bold lines and sculpted details, while the Ford Explorer has a dynamic and athletic appearance, highlighting its more aggressive stance.

Interior Design:

The Acadia focuses on comfort and convenience, featuring premium materials, ambient lighting, and an available panoramic sunroof. The Explorer, on the other hand, emphasizes high-quality materials, a user-friendly design, and optional multi-contour seats with Active Motion for additional comfort and support.

Seating Configuration:

The GMC Acadia comes standard with second-row captain’s chairs, while the Ford Explorer has a standard second-row bench seat. Both vehicles offer optional third-row bench seating and flexible seating arrangements for up to seven passengers.

Cargo Space:

The Ford Explorer boasts a more spacious cargo area, with up to 87.8 cubic feet of space compared to the Acadia’s 79 cubic feet. Additionally, the Explorer offers an available Cargo Management System, providing further storage versatility.

Performance:

The Acadia offers three engine options, including a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, a 2.5-liter four-cylinder, and a 3.6-liter V6 engine. The Explorer has a standard 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder engine, with additional options such as a 3.0-liter EcoBoost V6 and a 3.3-liter hybrid powertrain. The Explorer also has a 10-speed automatic transmission, compared to the Acadia’s 9-speed automatic transmission.

Fuel Efficiency:

The Ford Explorer has a slight edge in fuel efficiency, particularly with its hybrid powertrain, which achieves an impressive 27 mpg city and 29 mpg highway. The GMC Acadia, however, has competitive fuel efficiency in its class, with its various engine options delivering 21-22 mpg city and 27-29 mpg highway.

Safety Features:

Both vehicles come with a comprehensive suite of standard safety features. However, the Ford Explorer’s standard Ford Co-Pilot360 suite includes additional features like blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, which are only available in the Acadia’s optional Driver Alert Package.

Trim Levels:

The GMC Acadia is available in five trim levels (SL, SLE, SLT, AT4, and Denali), while the Ford Explorer offers six (Base, XLT, Limited, Timberline, ST, and Platinum). The Acadia’s off-road-focused AT4 trim and the Explorer’s performance-oriented ST trim cater to different preferences in terms of driving experience and capabilities.

Pricing:

The starting prices for both vehicles are similar, with the Acadia SL starting at $33,600 and the Explorer Base at $33,245. However, the range-topping Explorer Platinum trim is more expensive, starting at $54,740, compared to the Acadia Denali, which starts at $49,300.

Final Thoughts: :

After comparing the 2023 GMC Acadia and Ford Explorer in-depth, it’s clear that both vehicles are strong contenders in the mid-size SUV segment, each with their own unique advantages. While the Acadia boasts a refined design and versatile trim options, the Explorer delivers a more spacious cargo area, better fuel efficiency with its hybrid option, and additional safety features. Ultimately, the decision between these two SUVs will depend on your personal preferences, driving habits, and budget. By carefully considering the key differences, you can make an informed choice that ensures a satisfying driving experience for years to come.

Features Breakdown:

GMC Acadia:

  • Exterior Design:
    • Bold lines and sculpted details
    • Signature GMC grille
    • LED headlamps and C-shaped lighting elements
    • Available 20-inch aluminum wheels
    • Optional hands-free power liftgate
  • Interior Design:
    • Premium materials and soft-touch surfaces
    • Modern layout with intuitive infotainment system
    • Available wireless charging and USB ports
    • Ambient lighting and available panoramic sunroof
    • Heated and ventilated seats (optional)
  • Seating:
    • Flexible seating for up to seven passengers
    • Standard second-row captain’s chairs
    • Optional third-row bench seat
    • Smart Slide second-row seating for easy access
  • Storage:
    • Up to 79 cubic feet of cargo space
    • Flexible seating configurations
    • Under-floor storage compartment
  • Performance:
    • Three engine options (2.0L turbo, 2.5L, 3.6L V6)
    • 9-speed automatic transmission
    • Front-wheel or all-wheel drive options
  • Fuel Efficiency:
    • 21-22 mpg city, 27-29 mpg highway (varies by engine)
  • Safety:
    • Standard safety features (forward collision alert, automatic emergency braking, lane keep assist, rearview camera)
    • Available Driver Alert Package (blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, rear park assist)
  • Trim Levels:
    • SL, SLE, SLT, AT4, Denali
  • Pricing:
    • Starts at $33,600 (SL trim)
    • Range-topping Denali trim starts at $49,300

Ford Explorer:

  • Exterior Design:
    • Dynamic and athletic appearance
    • Prominent front grille and sleek headlights
    • Muscular stance and sculpted lines
    • Available 20-inch wheels
    • Available twin-panel moonroof and power liftgate
  • Interior Design:
    • High-quality materials and user-friendly design
    • SYNC 4 infotainment system
    • Available wireless charging pad and USB ports
    • Optional heated and ventilated seats
    • Multi-contour seats with Active Motion (optional)
  • Seating:
    • Accommodates up to seven passengers
    • Standard second-row bench seat
    • Optional captain’s chairs
    • E-Z Entry second-row seating for easy access
  • Storage:
    • Up to 87.8 cubic feet of cargo space
    • Flexible seating configurations
    • Available Cargo Management System
  • Performance:
    • Three engine options (2.3L EcoBoost, 3.0L EcoBoost V6, 3.3L hybrid)
    • 10-speed automatic transmission
    • Rear-wheel or all-wheel drive options
  • Fuel Efficiency:
    • 18-27 mpg city, 24-29 mpg highway (varies by engine)
  • Safety:
    • Standard Ford Co-Pilot360 suite (pre-collision assist, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, rearview camera)
    • Additional available safety technologies (adaptive cruise control, evasive steering assist, Active Park Assist 2.0)
  • Trim Levels:
    • Base, XLT, Limited, Timberline, ST, Platinum
  • Pricing:
    • Starts at $33,245 (Base trim)
    • Luxurious Platinum trim starts at $54,740

About Marcus The Car Guy

I've been in car sales and finance for over 20 years, working at the highest volume dealerships in the nation including Fletcher Jones, DCH and more. Want to pick my brain on finding cars, negotiating cars, and structuring car deals?

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