Three row SUVs are go-to picks for families who want a solid road companion, offering comfort, power and space, but finding the right one to check all your boxes can be challenging. If you’re not sure which works for you, take a look at this 2025 Ford Explorer vs 2025 GMC Acadia comparison to help you cut through the noise.
Key Takeaways
- Ford’s Explorer runs from $41,380 to $55,835, while the 2025 Acadia ranges from $44,495 to $59,085. Prices effective as of July 1, 2025.
- The Explorer focuses on smarter tech upgrades, while the Acadia gets a full design reboot.
- The Explorer lineup gives you more trim choices than the Acadia.
Pricing and What’s New for the Explorer and Acadia in 2025
Ford didn’t completely overhaul the Explorer this year; instead, it leaned into tech, adding BlueCruise hands-free driving as standard and rolling out the new Digital Experience system. That includes built-in Google Assistant, streaming apps, and improved navigation. It also got a minor facelift with new grille and lighting updates.
Ford Explorer lineup prices are:
- Active: $41,380
- ST-Line: $46,190
- Tremor: est. $52,000
- Platinum: $53,695
- ST: $55,835
The 2025 GMC Acadia got a top-to-bottom refresh. Now you get 18-inch wheels standard, along with safety upgrades like seatbelt tensioners and a rear seat reminder. You’ll also see vehicle health monitoring and standard 8-passenger seating.
GMC dealers offer plenty of extras too, like 22-inch wheels, blacked-out emblems, lighting packages, and the Elevation Premium Package, which throws in perks like passenger lumbar support.
Acadia trim prices are:
- Elevation: $44,495
- AT4: $56,385
- Denali: $59,085
The Explorer gives you two engine options. Most trims come with a 300-horsepower turbo four-cylinder paired to a 10-speed automatic. Want something more powerful? The ST and Platinum trims feature a 400-horsepower twin-turbo V6. Both engines are available with either rear- or all-wheel drive.
The Acadia features a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder delivering 328 horsepower and 326 lb-ft of torque. It uses an 8-speed automatic and defaults to four-wheel drive, although all-wheel drive is optional on some trims.
Which SUV Goes Farther on a Tank?
Fuel efficiency is close, but the Explorer has the advantage, especially around town. Here's how mileage breaks down between these two popular SUVs.
- Explorer 2.3L: 21 mpg city/28 mpg highway
- Explorer 3.0L V6: 18 mpg city/26 mpg highway
Acadia fuel economy doesn't quite meet these numbers. It gets 9 to 20 mpg in the city and 24 to 27 mpg on the highway.
Interior Vibes and Everyday Functionality for the Explorer and Acadia
The Explorer feels more polished this year. You’ll notice better materials, fresh interior color options, and more space for the front passenger. Third-row access also gets easier thanks to a new one-touch sliding second row, and updated tech setup brings better voice controls and wireless upgrades.
The Acadia goes for a modern, minimal layout with soft materials and lots of storage. It seats eight out of the box with standard bench seats (or you can go for captain’s chairs if you’d rather have more breathing room in the second row.)
Which SUV Feels More Like You?
Both options are strong, but the 2025 Explorer pulls ahead with better engine choices, smarter in-car tech, and small changes that make a big impact on daily driving. Want to see if it clicks? Take it out for a test drive to experience it firsthand!