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2024 Kia Soul ReviewHead-to-Head: GMC Acadia vs Ford Explorer
We find out if GMC’s upscale Acadia SUV can take down the legendary Ford Explorer in this complete head-to-head breakdown.
2022 GMC Acadia vs 2022 Ford: Three-Row Show Down
The Ford Explorer was the launching pad for the modern SUV as we know it today. It popularized the category like never before and has been largely successful ever since. That’s impressive considering all of the rivals that have been born to challenge it. One of those rivals is the unlikely GMC Acadia and we say unlikely because one might expect the Chevrolet Traverse to be a more natural combatant. Sure, the Traverse starts a little lower but take a look at the Acadia on paper and it’s even better suited to take on the blue oval badge. Not only does it start at nearly the same price, but it offers more luxury than its Chevrolet cousin. Let the 3-row midsize SUV head-to-head begin.
Specs
The 2022 Ford Explorer starts at $37,005 and its top-level trim, before options, comes in at $55,125. Across that vast price gap, buyers will find a base 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that develops 300 horsepower, a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 with 400 horsepower, and a 3.3-liter hybrid V6 with 318 horsepower. All Explorers use the same 10-speed automatic transmission. In general, the Explorer is a rear-wheel drive SUV but AWD is available and sometimes standard depending on the trim. Altogether, there are 10 different trim levels available with combined fuel economy ratings from 20 mpg to 27 mpg.
On the other side of the coin is the 2022 GMC Acadia with its front-wheel drive layout and no hybrid option to choose from. AWD is available and a 310 horsepower V6 is also standard on the top two trim levels. Below that though, buyers will have to settle for a 228 horsepower turbocharged inline four-cylinder. A nine-speed automatic gearbox is the only one available across the lineup. According to the EPA, combined fuel economy ratings for the Acadia range from 21 to 25. Pricing for the base Acadia starts at $36,145 while the MSRP for the Acadia Denali is $47,945.
Driving and Performance
The Explorer might have started out as a sort of do-it-all rugged SUV but to drive it today makes it feel like it was built for the road. That’s not to say that it’s less rugged, in fact, it’s more capable off-road than ever before, but it’s also far more capable on-road than ever before. Even the base engine feels peppy and responsive. At higher RPMs it can be a little less than melodious in tone but as a driving implement it’s engaging and fun. The hybrid motor is good too, offering nearly the same response but with very slightly better fuel economy. It also features excellent regenerative braking.
The twin-turbo V6 used for trim levels like the ST, Platinum, and King Ranch is a total riot. It’s sincerely fast and uses the 10-speed transmission to the full with quick gear changes and accurate downshifts. What’s nice is that if you just want a fast highway cruiser, there are trims for that, but if you’d prefer a sharper almost canyon-carving-capable SUV, there’s the ST with better suspension components to support that driving style.
We like the Acadia for everyday driving situations as it’s calm, quiet, and composed like the best family cars should be. The base powertrain is adequate and nothing more. The pedals and steering wheel provide above-average feedback so it’s easy to place at lower speeds. Once on the highway, it can be much harder to pilot swiftly. Unlike the Ford, GMC offers no sporty version of the Acadia made for sharpness on the road itself so buyers will need to suffice with the 310 horsepower V6 and little else to support it.
Similar to Ford’s Timberline trim level, the Acadia has an off-road focused trim called the AT4. Again though, unlike the Ford, the GMC just doesn’t compete when it comes to actual capability and equipment. Where the Explorer gets an LSD, skid plates, AT tires, a lift kit, and an off-road-tuned suspension, the Acadia gets nothing to match that except the tires. As far as driving characteristics go, the GMC is left in the dust by the Ford.
Comfort and Interior
Every Explorer comes with the same general interior layout that prioritizes comfort and ease of use over flashy design and glitzy textures. The dash features consistent panel gaps and familiar control placement. The front-row seating is spacious and highly adjustable. Upper trims even offer massaging seats but keep in mind that when off they can feel lumpy depending on your body type. The second row is less spacious than one might expect. Both knee and headroom are more limited than we expected but most passengers will likely be capable of finding a comfortable seating position.
The third row is by far the least accommodating but keep in mind that it’s still large enough for adults to take shorter trips back there without major complaint. Road noise from the engine, gusts of wind, and other loud vehicles can be heard within the cabin quite easily. Cargo space is good with 18.2 cu-ft behind the third row and up to 87.8 cu-ft of cargo space with all the seats folded down.
There’s no question that the Acadia’s biggest draw is its interior where it’s quieter than the Explorer and features the same easy-to-use layout. It even has some nice stylistic choices that break up the dash. At the same time, it can feel a little simplistic and overly basic compared to the Explorer. The materials aren’t as nice either once we start comparing upper-end trim levels. Of course, by the time that the Explorer feels nicer inside, you’ll be paying thousands more than you would for an Acadia Denali.
The first two rows of the Acadia are very spacious and comfortable with supportive and adjustable seating. The third row is better than in the Ford too. Some of that comfortable passenger space is taken from the cargo area. Behind the third row is just 12.8 cu-ft of space. Much like the Ford things get a lot better with the seats folded (79 cu-ft of space).
Trims and Features
There are ten trims for the Ford Explorer and a brief rundown of what to expect with each.
Base – This trim gets the base 2.3-liter engine, rear-wheel drive, LED headlights, tri-zone automatic climate control, an 8-inch infotainment system, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, six speakers, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, and a power liftgate. Forward collision mitigation, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keep assist are all standard.
XLT – The XLT adds roof rails, upgraded interior trim, heated front seats, second-row USB ports, second-row captain’s chairs, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.
ST-Line – This more sporty trim gets 20-inch wheels, Black interior trim, faux leather upholstery, a 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system, a wireless device charger, and integrated navigation. Adaptive cruise control, a lane-keeping assist system, and a surround-view camera system are all standard.
Timberline – The off-road-focused Timberline adds a limited-slip differential, standard all-wheel drive, all-terrain tires, an off-road-specific suspension, a taller ride height, underbody skid plates, faux leather upholstery, a towing package, and revised front and rear bumpers.
Limited – This classy trim focuses on luxury with interior ambient lighting, ventilated front seats, leather upholstery, a heated steering wheel, power-folding heated second-row seats, and second-row sunshades.
Limited Platinum – This trim adds the 3.3-liter hybrid engine to the Limited trim’s features.
ST – Consider this the most athletic Explorer on pavement. It adds the 3.0-liter V6 along with a sports suspension, paddle shifters, front sports seats, and a digital instrument pad.
King Ranch – Not unlike the Limited, the KR adds luxury with a 10.1-inch infotainment screen, massaging front seats, unique leather upholstery, a digital driver information cluster, real wood interior trim, and a 14-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system.
Platinum – The top Platinum trim adds additional leather upholstery, an automated parking system, 21-inch wheels, and adaptive headlights.
Platinum Hybrid – Combine the Platinum trim with a hybrid engine and you’ll get this, the Platinum Hybrid.
GMC sells the Acadia in four specific trims.
SLE – This base trim gets the 228-hp four-cylinder engine along with 18-inch wheels, an 8-inch infotainment system, six speakers, active noise cancellation, five USB ports, tri-zone automatic climate control, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay. Safety features include parking sensors, lane-keep assist, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring.
SLT – The SLT adds a hands-free tailgate, heated front seats, leather upholstery, fog lights, remote start, an integrated navigation system, roof rails, an eight-speaker Bose sound system, and a household-style power outlet.
AT4 – This rugged-looking trim offers the 310 horsepower V6 and AWD as standard equipment. It also gets special 17-inch wheels with all-terrain tires, hill descent control, hill hold assist, and black exterior trim
Denali – The ultimate Acadia Denali trim comes with a wireless charging pad, 20-inch wheels, a unique grille, adaptive suspension, heated second-row seats, a digital gauge cluster, driver’s seat memory functions, a heads-up display, and an eight-way power-adjustable passenger seat.
The Verdict
As a complete package, the Ford Explorer continues to come out on top in this battle. From driving dynamics to features it’s just the better vehicle. Buyers who consider slight improvements in comfort and pricing to be hugely impactful could probably convince themselves to buy the Acadia though. Still, we think Ford has provided a far more flexible and functional all-around SUV. It’s almost like they’ve been doing it for decades.
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