As you narrow your list of three-row SUVs, it helps to know how popular rivals stack up against one another. Thanks to a full redesign, the new GMC Acadia becomes one of the market's leading three-row mid-size SUVs, surpassing the Ford Explorer. Before shopping at Dale Willey Automotive, see how the redesigned GMC Acadia gets an A grade and edges the rival Explorer.
GMC Acadia vs. Ford Explorer Interior
Seating & Legroom
With the ability to haul more passengers, a new GMC Acadia appeals to growing families from Lawrence, KS. The three spacious rows of seating for the GMC Acadia house seven to eight passengers, while the Ford Explorer seats six to seven travelers.
Although exact legroom figures for the redesigned SUV have yet to be released, the last-generation GMC Acadia already topped the Ford Explorer's second-row legroom by a full inch. We do know that the next-gen GMC Acadia provides more front-row legroom than any SUV in its class, including the Ford Explorer. The GMC Acadia grows in size, and that will provide the GMC SUV with more legroom than the Explorer.
Cargo Space
The days of the Ford Explorer being the more spacious SUV are long gone. Now, it's the GMC Acadia that gives Topeka, KS travelers extra cargo space. Expanding to 98 cubic feet, the GMC Acadia offers 10 additional cubic feet. The Ford Explorer expands to 88 cubic feet of cargo space. What changed? The redesigned GMC Acadia added 11 inches to its wheelbase, while also becoming taller and wider — all resulting in a 24% cargo capacity increase that the Explorer can't match.
Features
Heated leather seats and second-row captain's chairs are shared interior features for these new SUVs.
GMC Acadia vs. Ford Explorer Performance
Engines
If Eudora, KS drivers desire a new SUV with a power boost, they'll appreciate the GMC Acadia, which is now more powerful than ever. Both SUVs share a turbocharged 4-cylinder engine for base models. The GMC Acadia's base powertrain has a larger displacement of 2.5 liters, topping the Ford Explorer at 2.3 liters. Ford's three-row mid-size SUV outputs 300 standard horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. These performance outputs are below the new GMC Acadia, which now generates 328 horsepower and 326 pound-feet of torque.
Fuel Economy
By swapping out the V6 powertrain for the turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that's more fuel-efficient, the new GMC Acadia will earn higher fuel economy ratings than ever before and will likely top the Ford Explorer at 28 miles per gallon. Enjoy fuel-efficient travels taking I-70 between Topeka, KS, Lawrence, KS, and Kansas City, KS in a new GMC Acadia.
Capability
Both new SUVs can tow 5,000 pounds. The Ford Explorer's Timberline model mirrors the GMC Acadia's AT4 model and its off-road prowess. The GMC Acadia offers an Active Torque Control AWD system, while the Ford Explorer offers a Terrain Management System™ with Intelligent 4WD.
GMC Acadia vs. Ford Explorer Technology
Multimedia
When Kansas City, KS drivers grab the keys to a new GMC Acadia, they get a larger touchscreen and wireless smartphone access. The Acadia's new 15-inch diagonal display — part of the premium GMC Infotainment System featuring Google built-in and navigation — is larger than the Ford Explorer's 10.1-inch LCD capacitive touchscreen.
The Explorer has SYNC® 3 as its tech setup, but Apple CarPlay®/Android Auto™ compatibility is not wireless. As you ride from Ottawa, KS to events in Kansas City, KS, the new GMC Acadia eliminates cords and provides more seamless smartphone access through wireless Apple CarPlay®/Android Auto™ integration.
Instrument Panels
The GMC Acadia's Driver Information Center features an 11-inch diagonal display Driver Information Center. This keeps Eudora, KS drivers informed. The Ford Explorer's instrument panel is only 4.2 inches.
Sound Systems
The Ford Explorer offers a 14-speaker Bang & Olufsen® sound system. The new GMC Acadia counters with a 12-speaker Bose® premium audio system, but there are up to 16 speakers on the GMC Acadia Denali.
Driver-Assistance Technology
Drive your GMC Acadia hands-free up I-35 from Ottawa, KS to Kansas City, KS with Super Cruise™, which counters Ford BlueCruise in the Explorer.
Speed Limit Assist and Traffic Sign Recognition are standard GMC Acadia safety features to assist you in traffic around Topeka, KS and Kansas City, KS. The Explorer's Ford Co-Pilot360™ suite does not include these features.
Buy a New GMC Acadia in Lawrence, KS from a Dealer with 50 Years of Customer Service
Families from Lawrence, KS will love the GMC Acadia as the three-row SUV enters a new generation better than ever. Dale Willey Automotive has been serving Kansans for 50 years, and our commitment to customer care will shine through as you shop for a new GMC Acadia in Lawrence, KS.
Test Drive a New GMC Acadia in Lawrence, KS
The new GMC Acadia is more spacious, more powerful, and more tech-centric. If you still need to be sold on the superior SUV, a GMC Acadia test drive will leave no doubt in your mind. Make the trip from Eudora, KS or Topeka, KS to test drive a new GMC Acadia today at Dale Willey Automotive.
New GMC Acadia SUVs are for sale near Kansas City, KS. Elevation, Elevation Premium, AT4, and Denali trim levels are options for the all-new 2024 GMC Acadia. Buy or lease the superior new SUV at your Lawrence, KS GMC dealer — home of the redesigned GMC Acadia.