2021 Ford Explorer vs 2021 GMC Acadia near Dothan

2021 Ford Explorer vs 2021 GMC Acadia near Dothan, AL

Drivers who prefer vehicles that deliver outstanding muscle, a spacious interior, and up-to-date features will want to put the 2021 Ford Explorer on their shortlist for a midsize SUV, as this model goes to great lengths to satisfy your needs. Gilland Ford is certain you’ll fall in love after a test drive, so we’re ready to entice you into paying us a visit by comparing this ride to the 2021 GMC Acadia. If you still have questions, contact us!

Performance

First things first, let’s talk about how these two vehicles perform. Those who end up choosing the 2021 Explorer will have an easy time passing up the 2021 Acadia on the highway, thanks to the Ford’s standard 2.3L EcoBoost® 4-cylinder engine and its electrifying 300-hp¹ and 310 lb.-ft. of torque¹. The GMC doesn’t even come close to these specs, as its standard 2.5L naturally aspirated 4-cylinder system only manages to produce 193-hp and 188 lb.-ft. of torque. And even if you upgrade to its optional 3.6L V6 powertrain, you’ll still only wield 310-hp and 271 lb.-ft. of torque, whereas the Explorer ST’s 3.0L EcoBoost® V6 engine pumps out 400-hp¹ and 415 lb.-ft. of torque¹. Not to mention, the Ford has a 5,600-lb. maximum towing capacity² compared to the Acadia’s 4,000-lb. top trailering rating³. 

Which Has More Cargo Space?

Though the 2021 Ford Explorer and 2021 GMC Acadia are both three-row, midsize SUVs, you’ll notice that they don’t have the same amounts of space within their cabins. Should you elect to take home the former, you’ll have 18.2 cubic ft. of room⁴ behind the third row, whereas the latter doesn’t quite make the grade with just 12.8 cubic ft. of rear storage⁵. When it comes to maximum cargo space, these vehicles supply 87.8 and 79.0 cubic ft. of overall volume, respectively^4,5, which means you’ll have a lot more area in the Explorer for gear, equipment, and other essential items. As an added bonus, this Ford’s third row provides 32.2 inches of legroom to help keep your guests cozy. People might feel cramped in the Acadia due to the 29.7 inches of legroom offered in the third row.

Entertainment & Safety

The final piece of puzzle is technology. If entertainment is essential, then you’ll want to go with the Ford Explorer to experience the outstanding sound quality offered by its optional 14-speaker setup, especially since its rival from GMC only lets you spring for up to eight speakers in total. As a result, you might have a hard time keeping boredom at bay when traveling to Westgate Softball Complex for the big game. And to really seal the deal in its favor, the Explorer goes a bit further with respect to safety. Unlike the 2021 Acadia, its Lane-keeping System6 comes standard, so you won’t have to upgrade just benefit from its corrective capabilities. Moreover, you have the option to spring for Active Park Assist 2.06 to take the guesswork out of parallel maneuvers—something you won’t find anywhere on the GMC!

Gilland Ford is ready to answer your questions about the 2021 Ford Explorer vs 2021 GMC Acadia near Dothan, AL, so get in touch with us today to hear the whole story. We look forward to joining you for a spin around the block during our business hours!

1. Rating achieved using premium fuel

2. When properly equipped. See dealer for details.

3. Requires available 3.6L V6 engine and Trailering Package. Before you buy a vehicle or use it for trailering, carefully review the trailering section of the Owner’s Manual. The weight of passengers, cargo and options or accessories may reduce the amount you can tow.

4. Cargo and capacity limited by weight and distribution. 

5. Cargo and load capacity limited by weight and distribution. 

6. Driver-assist features are supplemental and do not replace the driver's attention, judgment and need to control the vehicle. It does not replace safe driving. See Owner's Manual for details and limitations.