2023 Ford Explorer Defeats 2023 GMC Acadia in Many Key Areas
Are you thinking about getting behind the wheel of the 2023 Ford Explorer or the 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 advantages, the Explorer defeats the Acadia in many key areas.
2023 Ford Explorer vs. 2023 GMC Acadia
In this 2023 Ford Explorer vs. 2023 GMC Acadia midsize SUV comparison, we evaluated several areas. This includes performance, gas mileage, towing, off-road capabilities, 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 fully gas-powered 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 capabilities
For off-road use, the Explorer is the better choice. For one, the four-wheel drive system offered for the Explorer is more effective at driving over challenging terrain than the all-wheel drive system for the Acadia. Also, the Explorer has higher ground clearance than the Acadia (up to 8.7 vs. 7.2 inches). Furthermore, while the Acadia offers an AT4 model for off-road use, it doesn’t match the capabilities of the Explorer Timberline trim.
Explorer vs. Acadia: Safety
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 didn’t receive any safety award from IIHS.
Explorer vs. Acadia: Passenger and cargo space
The 2023 Explorer is bigger 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.
However, while both SUVs are very reliable, the Acadia has a slight edge. It earned a J.D. Power reliability rating of 85/100, compared to 83/100 for the Explorer.
Explorer vs. Acadia: Price
Which midsize SUV costs more: the 2023 Explorer or the 2023 Acadia? The starting price of 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 of 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 2023 Ford Explorer vs. 2023 GMC Acadia midsize SUV comparison, the 2023 Explorer has most of the advantages. This includes advantages for performance, an efficient hybrid model, towing, off-road capabilities, safety, and passenger space. Conversely, the 2023 Acadia has a slight advantage for reliability.
