The 2025 Ford Explorer and GMC Acadia both show up strong in the three-row SUV game. If you're stuck trying to pick between them, this breakdown walks through what makes a difference—pricing, performance, in-cabin tech, fuel efficiency, and everything in between. Let's get into how the 2025 Ford Explorer compares to the 2025 GMC Acadia.
Key Takeaways
- The Explorer's prices are between $41,380 and $55,835; the Acadia starts at $44,495 and tops out at $59,085. Prices are effective July 1, 2025.
- The Explorer focuses on smart tech upgrades and offers more trim options than the Acadia.
- The Acadia gets a full redesign for 2025, bringing major changes inside and out.
Explorer and Acadia Changes for 2025
Ford played it smart for 2025 by focusing on meaningful tech updates instead of a full redesign. BlueCruise now comes standard, giving you hands-free highway driving. And with the new Digital Experience system, you get built-in Google Assistant, streaming, and smarter maps. Subtle exterior updates round it out. Explorer pricing is:
- Active: $41,380
- ST-Line: $46,190
- Tremor: est. $52,000
- Platinum: $53,695
- ST: $55,835
The Acadia went all-in this year. The 2025 redesign adds 18-inch wheels, enhanced seatbelt safety, a rear seat reminder, and vehicle health tracking. It also offers bench seating in all three rows for a standard 8-passenger setup. Optional add-ons include 22-inch wheels, lighting accents, badging packages, and extra lumbar support with the Elevation Premium Package.
Acadia's trims are:
- Elevation: $44,495
- AT4: $56,385
- Denali: $59,085
Fuel Economy in the 2025 Explorer vs. the GMC Acadia
If gas mileage is on your radar, the Explorer edges out the Acadia with just a bit more efficiency across the board. The turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder does the heavy lifting here, giving you 21 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway. If you go for the more powerful 3.0-liter V6, you’ll still get a respectable 18 mpg around town and 26 mpg out on the highway.
The Acadia, which comes with a single turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, doesn’t quite keep up. Depending on the trim and drivetrain setup, its fuel economy falls between 19 and 20 mpg in the city and 24 to 27 mpg on the highway. It’s not drastically different, but the Explorer’s options give you a little more breathing room at the pump.
Performance Differences in the Explorer vs. Acadia
The Explorer lets you choose how much power you want in your SUV. There’s a turbo 2.3L four-cylinder with 300 horses and 310 lb-ft of torque, or a twin-turbo 3.0L V6 with 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque. Both pair with a 10-speed auto and let you choose between rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.
The Acadia sticks with one setup across the board—a 328-hp turbo 2.5L four-cylinder mated with an 8-speed automatic. It comes standard with four-wheel drive, though some versions offer all-wheel drive instead.
Which Has a More Practical and Polished Cabin?
Explorer drivers will notice better cabin materials and more room up front. Power-sliding second-row seats now make access to the third row easier. Ford's new Digital Experience system adds better voice support and regular over-the-air updates.
The Acadia offers a clean, modern interior with soft materials and thoughtful storage. It’s roomy by default with bench seats for eight, but if you want captain’s chairs, they’re also available.
Which SUV is the Better Choice?
If you’re leaning Explorer, you’re not making a bad call—it edges out the competition with stronger engine options, thoughtful tech upgrades, and a more flexible trim lineup at a cheaper price. Stop by our showroom to check it out in person and see how well it fits into your daily life!