Are you looking for a large SUV, but are not sure which one will best fit your needs? Let’s compare the 2025 Ford Explorer and GMC Acadia in performance, interior, pricing, and more to find out which midsize SUV is right for you.
Key Takeaways
- The Ford Explorer starts at a lower price and is a great choice for those who value practicality more than luxury.
- In the Explorer, you will find two powertrain options and the ST trim has the most horsepower of either SUV.
- Your Explorer will have many standard and optional safety features available.
- The larger Acadia can seat up to eight passengers, while the Explorer seats up to seven.
Which SUV has the lower price? The Explorer beats the Acadia in price.
The Ford Explorer has long been a popular choice for a family vehicle. This SUV is a practical and affordable choice. It comes in four available trims to best fit your individual needs: Active, ST Line, Platinum, and ST. The prices start from $41,745 to $56,465 depending on the trim and options you choose.
The Acadia has three available trims: Elevation, AT4, and Denali. The starting prices range from $44,495 to $59,085.
While the Acadia focuses more on luxury features and options, the 2025 Explorer still has plenty of creature comforts. You’ll find new accents as well as available multicontour front seats and an available PowerFold third row seat. You can get one of two Bang & Olufson speaker packages available that both come with a subwoofer and available fabric-wrapped acoustic sound bar. You’ll also get a wireless charging system and ambient lighting to complete your in-car experience.
What engine options are available in the Ford Explorer?
There are a variety of powertrains available in the Explorer. You can have your choice of powertrains with the Explorer. The base model has a turbocharged 2.3 L four-cylinder engine rated for 300 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. As you move up in trim levels, the ST has a turbocharged 3.0 L V-6 getting 400 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque. The Platinum trim can also come with the V-6. Both motors are paired with a ten-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive, with optional all-wheel drive.
The Explorer has a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds across all models, which come with the Class III Towing package, including a hitch, a trailer wiring harness, and a trailer sway control system.
The Acadia has one powertrain option, a 328 horsepower turbocharged 2.5 L inline-four engine. It is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It is front-wheel drive with optional all-wheel drive. And like the Explorer, it can tow up to 5,000 pounds with its standard towing package.
What are the safety features in the Explorer? In 2025, the Explorer continues to have many safety features.
In 2019, the Ford Explorer started featuring self-sealing tires, which are a great safety feature. As are the large brake discs and pads for stronger braking. The Explorer also features BLIS the blind spot information system and adaptive cruise control in all trims. The available Co-Pilot 360 Technology offers even more safety with these features: a lane keeping system, evasive steering assist, a rear-view camera, hill descent control, and cross traffic alert, pre-collision assist with emergency braking, BLIS extends to trailer coverage, and auto high-beam headlamps.
Which SUV can seat more passengers? The Acadia seats eight in the standard model.
While the Explorer is spacious, the Acadia is a larger vehicle with more cubic feet of cargo space and slightly more passenger space. The standard Acadia can accommodate eight passengers compared to only seven in the Explorer.
Summary
The 2025 Acadia is a larger SUV that focuses more on size and luxury. The Explorer is an affordable and comfortable option for those that care about practicality, but still enjoy the creature comforts. It boasts plenty of muscle while covering your safety concerns. It is an excellent option for your family. At Jarrett-Gordon Ford of Davenport you will be able to learn all about which SUV is the right choice for you; contact them today!