Thinking of getting behind the wheel of the 2023 Ford Explorer or 2023 GMC Acadia? See how the two midsize SUVs stack up in this 2023 Ford Explorer vs. 2023 GMC Acadia comparison. With its plethora of benefits, the Explorer beats the Acadia in many key areas.
2023 Ford Explorer vs. 2023 GMC Acadia
In this comparison between the 2023 Ford Explorer and the 2023 GMC Acadia midsize SUV, we evaluated several areas. This includes performance, gas mileage, towing, off-road capability, safety, passenger and cargo space, warranty coverage, reliability and price.
Explorer vs. Acadia: Performance
For performance, the 2023 Ford Explorer offers more powerful engine options than the 2023 GMC Acadia. This includes a 2.3-liter EcoBoost I-4 (300 horsepower), a 3.3-liter V-6 hybrid (318 horsepower) and a 3.0-liter EcoBoost V-6 (400 horsepower).
In comparison, the Acadia offers two engine options: a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder (228 horsepower) and a 3.6-liter V-6 (310 horsepower).
Explorer vs. Acadia: Gas mileage
For efficiency, the all-gas Explorer has an estimated fuel economy of up to 24 combined mpg, while the Explorer Hybrid has a gas mileage of up to 27 combined mpg. In comparison, the Acadia has an estimated fuel economy of up to 24 combined mpg.
Explorer vs. Acadia: Towing
The 2023 Explorer can tow more than the 2023 Acadia. It has a maximum towing capacity of 5,600 pounds, compared to 4,000 pounds for the Acadia.
Explorer vs. Acadia: Off-road capability
For off-road use, the Explorer is the better choice. First, the all-wheel-drive system offered for the Explorer is more efficient when driving in challenging terrain than the all-wheel-drive system for the Acadia. Additionally, the Explorer has higher ground clearance than the Acadia (up to 8.7 vs. 7.2 inches). Also, while the Acadia offers an off-road AT4 model, it doesn’t match the features of the Explorer Timberline trim.
Explorer vs. Acadia: Security
Given its history, the Explorer has the advantage for safety. For the previous model year, it earned an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award, which is the highest possible IIHS rating. However, the Acadia did not receive a safety award from the IIHS.
Explorer vs. Acadia: Passenger and cargo space
The 2023 Explorer is larger than the 2023 Acadia, resulting in more cargo space. It has a total passenger volume of 152.7 cu-ft and a maximum cargo capacity of 87.8 cu-ft. In comparison, the Acadia has a total passenger volume of 143.8 cu-ft and a maximum cargo capacity of 79.0 cu-ft.
Explorer vs. Acadia: Warranty coverage and reliability
For warranty coverage, both the Explorer and Acadia have a 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty.
But while both SUVs are very reliable, the Acadia has a slight edge. It earned a JD Power reliability rating of 85/100, compared to 83/100 for the Explorer.
Explorer vs. Acadia: Price
Which Midsize SUV Costs More: 2023 Explorer or 2023 Acadia? The starting price for the 2023 Explorer ranges from $36,760 MSRP for the Base trim up to $54,130 MSRP for the King Ranch trim. In comparison, the starting price for the 2023 Acadia ranges from $36,800 MSRP for the SLE trim up to $48,105 for the Denali trim.
2023 Ford Explorer vs. 2023 GMC Acadia: Which Midsize SUV Is Better?
In this comparison between the 2023 Ford Explorer and the 2023 GMC Acadia midsize SUV, the 2023 Explorer has the most advantages. This includes benefits for performance, an efficient hybrid model, towing, off-road capability, safety and passenger space. Conversely, the 2023 Acadia has a slight advantage for reliability.
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