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2018 GMC Acadia vs. 2018 Ford Explorer: Which Is Best?
2018 Ford Explorer vs GMC Acadia
Although many families used to prefer mid-size sedans, today’s shoppers are flocking to SUVs — especially three-row models. And the No. 1 choice for three-row mid-size SUVs? Based on sales numbers, that’s the 2018 Ford Explorer. In fact, the Explorer has been the best-selling three-row SUV in the country ever since the fifth-generation model went on sale in 2011. Yet other folks would rather stand out from the crowd. For those customers, a vehicle like the 2018 GMC Acadia can fit the bill. The Acadia is built on the same proven platform as GM’s mainstream Chevrolet Traverse. But it gets an extra dash of Professional Grade amenities.
Of course, that may still leave some people wondering: When it comes to the GMC Acadia vs. the Ford Explorer, which is best?
Performance
The 2018 GMC Acadia is the fuel economy leader of the two. It earns EPA ratings of 21 mpg city/26 mpg highway/23 mpg combined with a standard four-cylinder engine. The most fuel-efficient 2018 Ford Explorer puts up an EPA line of 19/27/22 with an optional four-cylinder turbo. The Explorer’s standard engine, a naturally aspirated V6, has ratings of 17/24/20. It also showcases almost 100 more horsepower, and five times the towing capacity, of the standard Acadia engine.
The Acadia also offers a V6 engine, but the Explorer pushes its power advantage with an available 3.5-liter turbo V6 for the Sport model. This engine produces 365 horsepower and 350 pound-feet of torque, then gets matched with a sport-tuned suspension. With the limited appeal of the Acadia’s low-output four-cylinder engine, the Explorer gets the nod for overall performance.
Ford Explorer
Photo by Ford
Capability
SUV shoppers also care about how much an SUV can tow, as well as where it can go. As regards both, the 2018 Ford Explorer is the definite winner. The Explorer has a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds with either its standard naturally aspirated V6 or its potent V6 turbo. This compares to the 2018 GMC Acadia, which can pull 1,000 pounds with its standard four-cylinder engine and 4,000 pounds with its optional naturally aspirated V6.
The Acadia offers a sophisticated twin-clutch all-wheel-drive setup that can split torque between the left and right rear wheels. But the Explorer is better suited for a certain amount of SUV-style off-road work. Credit for that goes to an Intelligent Terrain Management System with dedicated settings for normal conditions, sand, mud and ruts, and grass or gravel.
Ford Explorer
Photo by Ford
Safety
The Explorer took home a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA with both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. The front-drive Acadia earned four stars. Neither vehicle has a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS. That said, only the Acadia passed the IIHS small front-overlap frontal crash tests, and it’s the only one to receive the highest possible IIHS grade for front crash-prevention technologies.
In terms of safety technologies, the 2018 Ford Explorer and 2018 GMC Acadia can be ordered with adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping systems, forward-collision warnings, automatic forward braking, and more. The Acadia adds a special seat that reinforces other warnings with directionally based vibrations in the seat cushion. The Ford counters with automatic parking assistance.
GMC Acadia
Photo by GMC
Infotainment Technology
As for infotainment technology, it’s really not a close call. True, both the 2018 GMC Acadia and the 2018 Ford Explorer offer mobile Wi-Fi, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, 8-inch touchscreens, navigation, and upscale audio systems. Additionally, both SUVs are available with DVD rear-seat entertainment systems with dual monitors mounted in the backs of the front-seat headrests.
The difference is that for the Acadia, those key connectivity features — mobile Wi-Fi and advanced smartphone integration — are standard. Moreover, the standard infotainment system for the Acadia relies on a 7-inch touchscreen. The Explorer’s standard setup provides a 4.2-inch display that's not a touchscreen. All that’s enough to make up for Ford’s more advanced optional sound system. Leveraging 10 speakers and 500 watts of power, it ensures impressive sound reproduction with Sony’s “Clear Phase” and “Live Acoustics” technologies.
GMC Acadia
Photo by GMC
Exterior Design
The 2018 GMC Acadia and Ford Explorer both feature dual-pane power-opening roofs, plenty of LED lighting, and an extensive variety of wheel designs. The Acadia supplies seven alloy wheel sets, including examples with 17-, 18- and 20-inch diameters. The Explorer sticks to 18- and 20-inch alloy wheels, but with nine separate styles. Each vehicle also delivers functional upgrades such as hands-free rear liftgates, running boards, and roof rails and crossbars.
Nonetheless, we do like the rugged looks of the Explorer more than the sleek appearance of the Acadia. What seals the deal for the Ford is a tougher, more traditional SUV shape with taller windows and a more upright stance.
Ford Explorer
Photo by Ford
Interior Design
The modern cabin for the 2018 GMC Acadia is noticeably stylish, thanks in part to a distinctive “floating” center stack. With the 2018 Ford Explorer, the look is more traditional — though still attractive. Also, the Explorer more than makes up for its conventional design with important advantages in passenger and cargo volume.
Because it’s 5 inches longer on the outside, the Ford sets the pace on inside. The Explorer comes with the most headroom in all three rows and the most legroom for the first and third rows. Indeed, the Explorer has a 2.1-inch advantage for back-seat passengers. The Explorer’s cargo benefits range from 64 percent more space with all seats in use to a more moderate lead of 2.7 cubic feet with all seats folded. This means another victory for the Explorer.
Ford Explorer
Photo by Ford
Luxury
The results in this category may come as a surprise. After all, the top-of-the-line trim for the 2018 GMC Acadia is a member of the well-regarded Denali family. That makes it part of a GMC sub-brand specifically engineered for luxury customers. The Acadia Denali offers supple leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, heated outboard second-row seats, a heated leather-wrapped steering wheel, French-seamed stitching, and real-wood cabin trim.
The thing is, you can find all of those high-end cues in the 2018 Ford Explorer Platinum — and then some. The fanciest Ford happens to provide uplevel equipment that the Denali can’t. For instance, the Explorer Platinum serves up standard massage-function front seats and power-adjustable pedals.
Photo by Ford
Pricing and Value
Since we’re comparing a mainstream choice with one from a slightly more premium brand, you might expect the 2018 Ford Explorer to be less expensive than a 2018 GMC Acadia. But it’s not. The Acadia opens at $29,000, while the Explorer has an MSRP of $32,140. It’s a difference of more than 10 percent, and remember, the Acadia has standard technologies — like a 7-inch touchscreen, mobile Wi-Fi, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay—that are missing from the Explorer.
At the other end of the spectrum, the pricing difference is even bigger. The Acadia Denali, with an MSRP of $45,100, has a sticker price that’s almost $9,000 less than an Explorer Platinum. Sure, the Explorer is somewhat larger than the Acadia, and the Platinum has those fancy massage seats, but the value play comes from GMC.
Photo by GMC
Overall
Tallying up the eight categories, the final score today shows the 2018 Ford Explorer with a 5-3 win over the 2018 GMC Acadia. But that doesn’t tell the whole story. GMC’s decision to offer a standard four-cylinder engine for the Acadia is going to cross the high-value model off of some people’s shopping lists.
Meanwhile, the Explorer has more of the traits people look for in three-row SUVs, including a higher towing capacity, more space for people and cargo, and a more capable all-wheel-drive setup. Those factors all go toward making the Explorer a better choice for most drivers. Finally, despite GMC’s premium reputation, the Acadia Denali can’t match the Explorer Platinum for ultra-lux cues like massage-function front seats. As a result, if you’re thinking about buying an Explorer or an Acadia, we suggest you think Ford first.
Photo by Ford