2025 Ford Explorer vs 2025 GMC Acadia
2025 Ford Explorer vs 2025 GMC Acadia
If you're looking at capable midsize SUVs, the 2025 Ford Explorer and 2025 GMC Acadia are two compelling options. Both models balance spaciousness, advanced features, and impressive road performance, but they have different strengths.
Thornhill Ford is here to help you sort out the details with this comprehensive 2025 Ford Explorer vs 2025 GMC Acadia comparison. If you want to know more about the Explorer and take it for a test drive, head to our dealership in Chapmanville, WV.
Interior Comparison
In the 2025 Ford Explorer, you'll experience a practical yet refined cabin. Its layout is intuitive, with thoughtful placement of controls and available upscale materials, including genuine leather on upper trims. This three-row SUV accommodates up to seven passengers comfortably. The second row slides to provide access to the rear bench. Maximum cargo capacity reaches 87.8 cubic feet, making it ideal for large hauls.
The 2025 GMC Acadia also seats seven and features increased measurements for the new model year. It focuses on comfort and premium design, especially in higher trims like the Denali. With a cargo limit of 79.6 cubic feet, it falls a bit short of the Explorer in storage space but compensates with a quieter, more upscale environment throughout the cabin.
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2025 Ford Explorer Interior |
2025 GMC Acadia Interior |
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Rows: 3 Max Seating: 7 Max Cargo Capacity: 87.8 cubic feet Upholstery Options: Cloth, ActiveX™ synthetic leather, genuine leather (on higher trims) |
Rows: 3 Max Seating: 7 Max Cargo Capacity: 79.6 cubic feet Upholstery Options: Premium cloth, perforated leather-appointed seating |
Exterior Comparison
The 2025 Ford Explorer embraces a sleek, athletic appearance with clean lines and aerodynamic curves. The standard LED lighting and available roof rails add functionality, while trims like the ST-Line introduce sporty accents. Unique shades such as Eruption Green Metallic and Rapid Red enhance the Explorer’s road presence.
In contrast, the 2025 GMC Acadia sports a boxier, upright silhouette. Its larger grille and squared-off features appeal to drivers seeking a traditional SUV aesthetic. The off-road-ready AT4 trim adds dark exterior detailing and rugged cues, while Denali introduces chrome touches for a refined finish. Although bold, the Acadia's shape lacks some of the aerodynamic design cues seen on the Explorer.
Power & Performance
The 2025 Ford Explorer offers a variety of engine options, starting with a 2.3-liter turbocharged EcoBoost® 4-cylinder that produces 300 horsepower. A 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 is available in the ST trim and delivers 400 horsepower. Both powerplants pair with a 10-speed automatic transmission. Rear-wheel drive is standard, with all-wheel drive offered across trims. There is no retail hybrid or EV version for 2025; however, a hybrid Explorer is reserved for fleet-only use.
The 2025 GMC Acadia comes equipped with a single engine choice: a 2.5-liter turbo-four engine that puts out 328 horsepower and 326 lb-ft of torque. This setup is matched to an 8-speed automatic transmission and can be configured with either front- or all-wheel drive. Although powerful, the lack of additional powertrains such as hybrids or EVs may limit its appeal to eco-minded drivers.
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2025 Ford Explorer |
2025 GMC Acadia |
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Max Towing Capacity: 5,000 pounds (with available Class III Trailer Tow Package) Max Payload Capacity: 1,720 pounds _________________________ Base Engine: 2.3-liter EcoBoost® I-4 Horsepower: 300 Torque: 310 lb-ft Transmission: 10-speed automatic _________________________ Engine Upgrade: 3.0-liter EcoBoost® V6 Horsepower: 400 (ST trim) Torque: 415 lb-ft Transmission: 10-speed automatic |
Max Towing Capacity: 5,000 pounds Max Payload Capacity: 1,500 pounds _________________________ Base Engine: 2.5-liter Turbo I-4 Horsepower: 328 Torque: 326 lb-ft Transmission: 8-speed automatic |
Tech & Entertainment
The 2025 Ford Explorer incorporates Ford's SYNC® 4 system with an optional 13.2-inch infotainment screen or a standard 8-inch display. Wireless smartphone mirroring is included, and an available 12-speaker B&O® sound system provides an immersive audio experience. Additional features like 5G Wi-Fi capability and a head-up display on select trims offer high-tech convenience.
The 2025 GMC Acadia upgrades its interface with a 15-inch center touchscreen and an 11-inch digital instrument panel. Google Built-In allows voice commands and navigation via Google Maps. Though feature-rich, it may feel unfamiliar to those used to traditional controls. A Bose® sound system is available for an elevated audio experience.
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2025 Ford Explorer Top Technology Features |
2025 GMC Acadia Top Technology Features |
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Infotainment Screen Options: 8-inch standard, 13.2-inch available Audio System Options: 6-speaker system, 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen® Sound System Wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ compatibility 5G Wi-Fi hotspot Available head-up display |
Infotainment Screen Options: 15-inch touchscreen Audio System Options: Bose® premium audio Wireless smartphone integration Built-in Google Maps and Assistant Over-the-air updates |
Safety Features
Both models emphasize occupant safety through advanced driver assistance systems.
The 2025 Ford Explorer incorporates Ford Co-Pilot360™ as standard, offering safety features like blind spot monitoring, pre-collision assist, lane-keeping assist, and a rearview camera with a washer. More advanced systems, such as adaptive cruise control and a 360-degree camera, are available as options.
The 2025 GMC Acadia features GM’s Pro Safety Plus suite, which bundles technologies like automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and forward collision alert. Optional safety tools on higher trims include HD surround vision and driver attention monitoring.
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2025 Ford Explorer Standard Safety Features
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2025 GMC Acadia Standard Safety Features
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Thornhill Ford’s Final Take
The 2025 Ford Explorer is a strong match for drivers seeking a wide selection of powertrains, high towing capability, and generous cargo space.
Want to see the Explorer up close? Head to Thornhill Ford, and you also get to test drive a 2025 Ford Explorer for sale in Chapmanville, WV. Explore our inventory and let our team help you find the vehicle that fits your lifestyle.
Disclaimer: This content was drafted with AI assistance for initial drafting, reviewed by a subject-matter expert for accuracy, and edited by our team of writers and editors.