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| Yes | Standard Touchscreen | No |
| Yes | Standard Apple CarPlay & Android Auto | No |
| Yes | Denali Trim Available | No |
Trying to choose between the 2019 GMC Acadia vs 2019 Ford Explorer? Both of these midsize SUVs are popular vehicles in their class. However, they each have their own unique sets of strengths that may appeal to different consumers. While the new Acadia is incredibly versatile, affordable, and tech-friendly, the Explorer is basic in terms of technology and focuses more on its power and performance. In order to determine which of these two vehicles is right for you, we’ll have to take a closer look at how they compare across a few key categories.
The 2019 GMC Acadia offers everything a tech-savvy driver could imagine, and all included as standard. On the base model, drivers will find a large touchscreen display, both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as five USB ports and a WiFi hotspot. Meanwhile, the 2019 GMC Acadia is also generous in terms of standard safety technology, offering a rearview camera, Teen Driver technology, and a rear seat alert system on the base model. In terms of power and efficiency, the Acadia does not disappoint. Drivers can choose between an efficient base engine or a powerful V6 engine, which makes customizing your new SUV to your exact performance needs easy.
Meanwhile, the 2019 Ford Explorer offers an incredibly high level of power with its available EcoBoost engine with 365 hp. However, its fuel economy ratings become quite low given its power and handling can be difficult with the Explorer’s bulky design. While the Explorer offers a slightly higher level of power, it does not put the same focus on its standard technology features. In fact, the base model of the Explorer lacks a touchscreen display and many other key entertainment features, offering only one USB port, Bluetooth, and a very small display.
When it comes to the 2019 GMC Acadia and the 2019 Ford Explorer, it seems the Acadia is simply the more versatile SUV. However, to determine which vehicle is the perfect fit for you, there are still a few qualities that need to compared. So, let’s take an even closer look at how these vehicles compare in terms of performance, entertainment, and safety.
 
When it comes to performance, both the 2019 GMC Acadia and 2019 Ford Explorer are powerful, efficient, and capable. Drivers looking for a versatile SUV will appreciate what both of these vehicles have to offer. However, the 2019 GMC Acadia offers superior handling compared to the 2019 Ford Explorer, giving it the overall edge.
The 2019 GMC Acadia offers two engine options, including the standard 193 hp 2.5L 4-cylinder. If you’re looking for more power and capability, you’ll want to opt for the V6 engine capable of 310 hp. However, drivers looking to prioritize fuel efficiency will enjoy higher fuel economy ratings with the Acadia’s standard engine, which earns up to 21 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway. The fuel economy ratings of the V6 engine drop slightly given its high level of power, earning up to 18 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway. When it comes to handling, drivers and critics note that the Acadia offers some of the best performance in the midsize SUV class, which is packed with bulky competitors like the 2019 Ford Explorer. Although large, the Acadia offers tight handling and easy maneuverability, making it the ideal vehicle for drivers looking for a larger vehicle that is still fun and easy to drive.
The 2019 Ford Explorer offers impressive performance thanks to its three powerful engines. Drivers looking for the highest level of power can enjoy a twin-turbocharged V6 engine which produces up to 365 hp. However, fuel economy ratings become exceptionally low given this level of power, offering up to 16 mpg in the city and 22 mpg on the highway when equipped with the V6 engine. Critics also note that the Explorer is incredibly bulky and can be extremely awkward in certain driving situations. Difficult handling and a lack of maneuverability enhance the Explorer’s awkwardness, making it an unenjoyable ride in the city or on twisty roads. However, the 2019 Ford Explorer does offer more than enough power for the adventure seeker.
If you’re looking for standard entertainment technology, the 2019 Ford Explorer is not for you. The base model of the Explorer offers only the most basic entertainment features, lacking many technologies that have become industry standards. However, the 2019 GMC Acadia offers an exceptionally generous entertainment suite and an incredible selection of available features as well.
The 2019 GMC Acadia offers every feature the tech-savvy driver is looking for. Included on its base trim level is a 7-inch touchscreen display, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, a WiFi hotspot, satellite radio, and a USB port for almost every passenger onboard. Meanwhile, drivers can also choose to upgrade to a long list of available entertainment features including navigation, a Bose surround-sound system, a larger touchscreen display, and a rear seat entertainment suite. The infotainment system onboard the Acadia is one of the top-ranked systems on the market, mostly due to its user-friendly interface and sharp graphics. Overall, there’s not much you won’t find onboard the 2019 GMC Acadia in terms of entertainment technology, and you’ll likely be happy with the generous set of standard tech features.
Meanwhile, the 2019 Ford Explorer features very few standard technologies on its base model, forcing tech-savvy drivers to upgrade to higher trim levels with steep price differences. With the first trim level of the Explorer drivers are offered a small 4.2-inch non-touchscreen display, one USB port, and Bluetooth, but that’s about it. The base model lacks the consumer-favorites like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as a WiFi hotspot. While upgrading to higher trim levels will allow you to enjoy similar features to the Acadia’s base trim level, the pricing of each trim level jumps exponentially. Critics note that the 2019 Ford Explorer offers one of the worst entertainment suites in the midsize SUV class, while still listing as a more expensive vehicle than many of its tech-friendly competitors. Drivers looking for plenty of technology to keep themselves and their passengers fully entertained and connected will want to opt for the 2019 GMC Acadia over the 2019 Ford Explorer.
Both the 2019 GMC Acadia and 2019 Ford Explorer received high scores during their safety and crash testing with the NHTSA. However, the Acadia offers more standard safety features than the Explorer, making it the winner of the safety comparison.
The 2019 GMC Acadia earned a perfect five-star overall rating from the NHTSA with its all-wheel drive configuration, as well as high scores from its testing with the IIHS. Helping the Acadia achieve these scores are a long list of standard and available safety features, as well as high-quality construction and a maintained reputation of reliability. On the base model of the 2019 GMC Acadia, drivers will find a standard rearview camera, rear seat alert system, and Teen Driver technology, which allows parents of young drivers to set speed and volume restrictions to ensure safe driving habits. Meanwhile, available safety features include forward collision warning, lane keep assist, front and rear parking sensors, side blind zone monitoring with lane change alert, forward automatic braking, rear cross traffic alert, and a driver alert seat. Overall, the 2019 GMC Acadia is a safe and reliable midsize SUV with plenty of standard and available technology to keep everyone onboard as safe as possible.
The 2019 Ford Explorer is also an incredibly safe vehicle, earning a five-star rating from the NHTSA. However, the IIHS gave the Explorer mixed safety scores due to its low performance in two out of the six test categories. The base model of the new Explorer features a rearview camera and Ford’s MyKey technology, which is similar to GMC’s Teen Driver technology but is designed for secondary drivers. In terms of available safety features, the 2019 Ford Explorer offers lane departure warning, forward collision warning, front and rear parking sensors, adaptive cruise control, automatic park assist, and rain-sensing wipers. Both the 2019 GMC Acadia and 2019 Ford Explorer are safe vehicles with an abundance of safety tech, however with more standard features and top scores from both the NHTSA and IIHS, the 2019 GMC Acadia is the better choice overall.
If you’re looking for a high-quality and reliable vehicle, you’ll want to visit Rick Hendrick Buick GMC Duluth for your next purchase. As your local Buick and GMC dealership, we offer a wide variety of new, used, and CPO vehicles that are all priced as low as possible for our valued customers. Whether you’re looking for a luxurious SUV, a versatile family vehicle, or a powerful truck, our inventory will have you covered. And with additional benefits like haggle-free pricing, on-site financing and serving, and excellent customer service, we’ll make sure your car-buying experience is easy and enjoyable. So, when it’s time to purchase your next vehicle, be sure to check out Rick Hendrick Buick GMC Duluth!
*Images, fuel economy, and other stats, may reflect higher trim levels, options, or features that may result in a higher cost from the starting MSRP.
MSRP excludes tax, license, registration, additional options, and possible destination charges. Dealers set own prices.