2023 GMC Acadia Vs Ford Explorer

If you love the size and comfort of an SUV, there are two vehicles on the market that may excite you. The 2023 GMC Acadia and the 2023 Ford Explorer are both popular SUVs that provide versatility and outstanding performance. Both vehicles also offer an array of advanced features, including tech and safety, making each SUV a cutting-edge choice for your next ride.

Are you ready to shop around for your next new vehicle? Consider the Acadia and the Explorer, and visit Hiley Buick GMC of Fort Worth to exlore. For now, let’s take a look at all the differences between the 2023 GMC Acadia vs. the 2023 Ford Explorer. View our inventory of New GMCs or if you have any questions, give us a call at (817)-632-8800.

Design and Exterior

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The 2023 Acadia’s standard trim comes with 18-inch machined aluminum wheels with dark accents and deep tinted glass on all windows except for the front row seats, making for a striking appearance. There are also heated power outside mirrors and LED headlamps, ensuring you’ll always get the best visibility possible.

On the exterior of the 2023 Explorer, you’ll notice unique features like body-color rear spoilers and a liftgate applique. The lower body side cladding is black, as well as the door handles. If you want extra protection on your bumper, you can add a textured black film bumper protector.

Interior and Seating Capacity

As SUVs, both of these vehicles offer plenty of space, making them ideal choices for families or drivers who frequently bring large groups of friends along for the adventure. On the Acadia, you’ll have seating capacity for seven, with 43 inches of leg room and 40.7 inches of head room in the front row and 39 inches of leg room and 40.5 inches of head room in the back row. There’s also 87.8 cubic feet of cargo space, meaning you can bring all your equipment with you easily.

The Explorer also has seating capacity for seven, with 41 inches of leg room and 40 inches of head room in the front row and 39.7 inches of leg room and 39.6 inches of head room in the rear row. In terms of cargo space, you’ll get 79 cubic feet, which is still impressive, even being a bit lower than the Acadia.

Performance and Engine Options

There are two engine options for the 2023 Acadia. First, the 2-liter four-cylinder option achieves 228 HP and 258 lb/ft of torque. This engine gets 22 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway when you choose front-wheel drive, with the highway efficiency dropping to 27 mpg when you add all-wheel drive. You can also opt for a 3.6-liter V6 engine, which offers 310 HP and 271 lb/ft of torque.

For the 2023 Explorer, there are three engine options, the first being a 2.3-liter EcoBoost I-4 engine with 300 HP and 310 lb/ft of torque. This engine provides 21 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway. The next option is a 3-liter EcoBoost V6 engine, which achieves 400 HP and 415 lb/ft of torque, as well as 18 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway.

If you’re interested in a hybrid model, you can choose the 3.3-liter V6 hybrid engine when opting for the Limited Hybrid and Platinum Hybrid trims, achieving 318 HP and 322 lb/ft of torque. Depending on the trim you choose, you’ll get between 23 and 27 mpg in the city and between 24 and 28 mpg on the highway.

Technology and Infotainment

You won’t find a shortage of tech features on either of these vehicles. The 2023 Acadia comes standard with an eight-inch diagonal GMC infotainment system, with built-in navigation being added on higher trims. There’s also the capability to connect to Bluetooth and Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. There are also USB ports and a Wi-Fi hotspot cable to keep you connected on the go.

On the 2023 Explorer, you’ll get SYNC 3 technology, which allows you to access different types of entertainment by voice command, including SiriusXM satellite radio. For easy charging, there’s a wireless charging pad. You’ll also enjoy a B&O sound system with 12 speakers.

Safety Features

The 2023 Acadia comes standard with Acadia Pro Safety Plus, a suite of safety features with various driver-assist technologies. These include automatic emergency braking, front pedestrian braking, lane keep assist with lane departure warning, and forward collision alert.

On the 2023 Explorer, you’ll get Ford Co-Pilot 360. This includes driver assist features like active park assist, post-collision braking, and rear parking sensors.

Off-Road Capability

With both of these models offering all-wheel drive, you can take either option on offroading expeditions. However, the Explorer may be a bit better for offroading, since its four-wheel drive system is slightly better equipped to handle different types of terrain than the Acadia. For the best offroading experience in the Acadia, you can opt for the AT4 model that’s designed for offroading.

Towing Capacity

The maximum towing capacity for the 2023 Acadia is 3,500 pounds when choosing the 2-liter Turbo Engine. This jumps to 4,000 pounds when you upgrade to the 3.6-liter V6 engine. This is enough power to tow a boat, jetskis, or other recreational vehicles.

For the 2023 Explorer, the maximum towing capacity is between 5,000 and 5,600 pounds, depending on what package you choose. For example, if you add the Class IV Trailer Tow Package, you can reach the ultimate maximum of 5,600 pounds. This makes it easy to bring along any cargo or recreational vehicles you want to tow.

Fuel Efficiency

The 2023 Acadia’s standard fuel efficiency is 22 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway. For the Explorer, the fuel efficiency when choosing a standard trim and features is 21 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway. The Explorer also offers a hybrid model, which gets 27 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway on the standard configuration.

Meet the Acadia and the Explorer at Hiley Buick GMC of Fort Worth