The three-row SUV is the logical upgrade point as your passenger and cargo needs grow. The 2024 GMC Acadia and the 2024 Ford Explorer are two out of over twenty choices in the midsize segment. This segment is preferred by many, as it provides a versatile and spacious vehicle that can easily be maneuvered down city streets or parked in tight multi-story car parks.
So, which, between the 2024 Acadia or the 2024 Explorer, is the better fit for your needs? We'll have a three-part comparison to find out. We'll examine each vehicle's interior offerings, performance specifications, and safety equipment. Then, we can help you pick a winner.
Meanwhile, swing by David Scott Lee Crestview Buick GMC for a test drive in a 2024 Acadia. Our team will gladly help you out. Then, you can discover more about GMC’s versatile and value-packed midsize SUV.
The 2024 GMC Acadia and the 2024 Ford Explorer come with three rows of seating. However, the 2024 Acadia can accommodate up to eight occupants, while the 2024 Explorer can only seat seven. Moreover, this drops by one in each three-row SUV when you choose the optional captain chair arrangement for the second row. Hence, the 2024 Explorer can only seat six in this configuration. Meanwhile, the 2024 Explorer can still accommodate seven.
Captain chairs are useful for families with elderly parents living with them or tall kids. They offer two separate chairs with individual adjustments and armrests. Hence, there's no more fighting over backrest angles or armrests, and everyone can get comfortable.
Furthermore, the 2024 Acadia has received a redesigned interior. Hence, it now comes with an easy-to-use 15-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen. The quality of cabin materials has been improved as well. Then, GMC has relocated the gear shifter to the steering column. This frees up center console space, resulting in larger cup holders and a more spacious console storage box. You'll even find an 11-inch digital instrument cluster across the range. Meanwhile, the 2024 Explorer's cabin feels dated. It has a much smaller infotainment screen and doesn't offer a digital instrument cluster.
Standard amenities for either three-row SUV include dual-zone climate control, Bluetooth® hands-free and audio streaming, Apple CarPlay®, and Android Auto™. Buyers can even choose rear entertainment systems and wireless phone chargers. Furthermore, the 2024 Acadia offers a 16-speaker theater sound system upgrade. It also has underfloor storage to augment its generous cargo capacity.
Every 2024 Acadia is powered by a 2.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine. The engine can deliver 328 horsepower and 326 pound-feet of torque. Most trims are front-wheel drive, but all-wheel drive with Active Torque Control is available. An 8-speed automatic gearbox is standard. Higher trims include paddle shifters mounted on the steering wheel. This enables the driver to manually select gears.
The AT4 trim level comes with some off-road enhancements. It’s useful for those who like to engage in a spot of light off-roading, as it comes with plenty of factory enhancements. These include off-road tuned suspension, all-terrain tires, and underbody protection. It is only available with all-wheel drive.
Meanwhile, Ford offers two engines for the 2024 Explorer range. Lower trims are powered by a 2.3-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine with 300 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. Venturing up the trim ladder brings a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 with 400 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque. All trims get a 10-speed automatic gearbox and are rear-wheel drive. All-wheel drive is available.
The 2024 GMC Acadia has an extensive set of standard safety specifications. You'll find automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and lane-keeping assistance on all trims. Adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert are standard, too. Higher trims can pick GMC SuperCruise, which offers semi-autonomous driving. Meanwhile, the 2024 Explorer isn’t as well-equipped. Many of these features are optional or not available.
There's no question about it: the 2024 GMC Acadia comes out better than the Explorer. Fresh from a revamp, it beats the 2024 Explorer across all our criteria. The AT4 off-road trim is particularly appealing for those who are leasing an Acadia since you can't modify an off-road vehicle. Hence, its factory enhancements will make it pleasing to drive mild trails. It also has plenty of great safety features, which are critical for a family SUV.
Why not come to David Scott Lee Crestview Buick GMC today and see how you can take a 2024 Acadia home? Our team will help you pick the best trim, select attractive options, and secure financing.