2025 Explorer vs 2025 Acadia in Salem, VA
2025 Ford Explorer vs 2025 GMC Acadia
Choosing the right three-row SUV for your family is a major decision. In a crowded market, the 2025 Ford Explorer and the fully redesigned 2025 GMC Acadia are two top contenders. Both offer the space and features modern families need, but they provide very different answers to the question of what a family SUV should be.
The team at Berglund Ford Salem understands the priorities of drivers in Salem, VA. We've put together this detailed 2025 Ford Explorer vs 2025 GMC Acadia comparison to look beyond the spec sheets and explore the real-world differences between these two SUVs, helping you make an informed choice.
Interior Comparison
The 2025 Ford Explorer features a refreshed, driver-focused cabin with new soft-touch materials and the intuitive new Ford Digital Experience infotainment system. Meanwhile, the 2025 GMC Acadia, now larger in every dimension, boasts a cavernous interior dominated by a massive portrait-oriented touchscreen and offers more third-row and cargo space than the Explorer. Both vehicles offer seating for up to seven passengers and have flexible cargo solutions.
2025 Ford Explorer Interior | 2025 GMC Acadia Interior |
Rows: Three Max Seating: Seven Max Cargo Capacity: 87.8 cubic feet Upholstery Options: Cloth, ActiveX™, Leather | Rows: Three Max Seating: Eight Max Cargo Capacity: 97.5 cubic feet Upholstery Options: Cloth, CoreTec, Leather |
Exterior Comparison
While both SUVs have a strong and modern presence, their exterior designs signal different priorities. The 2025 Explorer maintains its signature athletic and lean profile, with sculpted body lines that hint at its performance-oriented platform. Available packages like the ST-Line enhance this sporty look with unique grille and wheel designs.
The 2025 GMC Acadia, on the other hand, adopts a much larger, boxier, and more truck-like design for its new generation. Its tall, upright stance gives it an imposing presence on the road. The rugged AT4 trim level leans into this further, with all-terrain tires, a lifted suspension, and unique exterior cladding that emphasizes off-road style. The Explorer’s design suggests sporty agility, while the Acadia’s new look projects size and ruggedness.
Power and Performance
The driving experience is a key differentiator between these two SUVs, stemming from different platforms. The 2025 Ford Explorer is built on a rear-wheel-drive-based architecture, which provides balanced and engaging handling. It offers a powerful standard turbocharged 4-cylinder engine and a potent twin-turbo V6 in the ST model for true performance.
The 2025 GMC Acadia uses a front-wheel-drive-based platform and now comes with a single powertrain: a 2.5-liter turbo 4-cylinder. While powerful, it prioritizes smooth, comfortable cruising over the athletic feel of the Explorer. For drivers who enjoy a responsive and fun-to-drive vehicle, the Explorer's platform is the clear standout.
2025 Ford Explorer | 2025 GMC Acadia |
Max Towing Capacity: 5,000 Pounds | Max Towing Capacity: 5,000 Pounds |
Base Engine: 2.3-liter EcoBoost® I-4 Horsepower: 300 Torque: 310 lb-ft Transmission: 10-Speed Automatic | Base Engine: 2.5-liter Turbo I-4 Horsepower: 328 Torque: 326 lb-ft Transmission: Eight-Speed Automatic |
Available Engine: 3.0-liter EcoBoost® V6 Horsepower: 400 Torque: 415 lb-ft Transmission: 10-Speed Automatic |
Tech and Entertainment
Both SUVs are packed with the latest technology. The 2025 Explorer debuts the new Ford Digital Experience, which integrates Google apps like Maps and Assistant directly into the standard 13.2-inch touchscreen for a seamless user experience.
The 2025 GMC Acadia counters with its own built-in Google system, presented on a massive, standard 15-inch portrait-oriented display. Both vehicles also offer sophisticated hands-free highway driving assists: Ford BlueCruise and GMC's Super Cruise.
2025 Ford Explorer Top Technology Features | 2025 GMC Acadia Top Technology Features |
Infotainment Screen: 13.2-inch Standard Display Audio System Options:
Ford Digital Experience with Google Built-In Available Ford BlueCruise Hands-Free Highway Driving | Infotainment Screen: 15-inch standard display Audio System Options:
Google Built-in Available Feature: Super Cruise™ Hands-Free Driver Assistance |
Safety Features
Ford and GMC prioritize family safety, so these automakers have comprehensive suites of standard features in their vehicles. The 2025 Explorer comes standard with Ford Co-Pilot360™ Assist+, while the 2025 Acadia includes the GMC Pro Safety package. Both provide driver-assist technologies that families in Salem, VA, look for, including automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist.
2025 Ford Explorer Standard Safety Features | 2025 GMC Acadia Standard Safety Features |
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Berglund Ford Salem's Bottom Line
Choosing between these two capable three-row SUVs comes down to your family's priorities. The all-new 2025 GMC Acadia is an excellent choice for buyers who need the absolute maximum amount of passenger and cargo space and prefer a comfortable, cruising ride.
The 2025 Ford Explorer, however, is the superior option for those who want a versatile family hauler but refuse to compromise on an engaging driving experience. Its unique rear-wheel-drive architecture provides a level of handling and performance that sets it apart in the segment. Combined with its powerful engine options and the intuitive new Ford Digital Experience, the Explorer proves that a family SUV can still be fun to drive.
The best way to feel the difference is from behind the wheel. Visit us at Berglund Ford Salem to test drive a 2025 Ford Explorer for sale in Salem, VA. Come and experience how the Explorer perfectly blends family-friendly utility with a thrilling performance.
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Disclaimer: This content was drafted with AI assistance for initial drafting, reviewed by a subject-matter expert for accuracy, and edited by our team of writers and editors.