2020 Ford Explorer vs 2019 GMC Acadia

The 2019 GMC Acadia was a handsome SUV with a shorter wheelbase that provided an athletic stance and an upscale appearance, thanks to its upright grille. Despite not being marketed as an upscale SUV, it was as nice as, if not nicer than, the more expensive Buick Envision. The Acadia had broader appeal than other GM vehicles like the Chevrolet Equinox and Buick Envision. Although considered a midsize SUV, it felt closer in size to compact competitors like the Nissan Rogue.

The 2020 Ford Explorer was a great-looking vehicle, more handsome than the Land Rover Discovery. The latest model refined its upscale, utilitarian design by removing excess fat from the body panels and making the 3-row SUV appear lower and more athletic. The widened headlights, extra-large grille, and italic "Explorer" lettering on the hood's edge gave it a prominent and recognizable face. The ST version, with black 21-inch rims, blacked-out trim, red brake calipers, rich Rapid Red paint, and quad exhaust pipes, was particularly striking. However, the interior was a letdown, with materials that felt cheap and unworthy of the vehicle's price point.

The 2019 GMC Acadia offered two engines: an inline 4-cylinder and a V6. The base 4-cylinder engine produced 193 horsepower and was adequate, but the 3.6-liter V6, making 310 hp, delivered fantastic acceleration. The V6 was available in the SLE-2 and higher trims, while the base SL and SLE-1 trims only offered the 4-cylinder. Power was sent through a 6-speed automatic transmission to either the front wheels or available AWD. The AWD system featured GMC’s Active Twin Clutch system, allowing drivers to switch between FWD, AWD, Sport mode, and All-Terrain mode. The V6 Acadia could tow up to 4,000 pounds when properly equipped. Fuel economy for the base 4-cylinder FWD was 21 mpg city, 26 highway, and 23 combined, while the V6 AWD returned 17/25/20.

The 2020 Ford Explorer featured a rear-wheel-drive (RWD) chassis, providing more even weight distribution. The ST trim, tuned by Ford Performance, had a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 with 400 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The ST delivered smooth, uninterrupted power and nimble handling. The Platinum trim offered a slightly detuned version of the same engine, producing 365 hp and 380 lb-ft. The base engine was a 2.3-liter turbo inline-four with 300 hp and 310 lb-ft. A gas-electric hybrid option combined a 3.3-liter V6 with an electric motor for a net 318 hp. The hybrid was rated at 23 mpg city, 26 highway, and 25 combined with AWD. The turbo V6 in ST and Platinum trims with AWD was rated at 18/24/20. Towing capacity ranged from 5,000 pounds for the hybrid to 5,600 pounds for the V6 AWD.

The 2019 GMC Acadia provided ample space for the driver and front passenger, with deep trays for small items and functional in-door bins. The SL, SLE-1, and SLE-2 trims featured 7-passenger seating with a middle bench seat, while the SLT-1 AWD had second-row captain’s chairs, reducing seating capacity to 6. The second-row seats were comfortable and provided decent head- and legroom, but the third-row seats were cramped and suitable only for kids. Cargo space was 12.8 cubic feet behind the rear seats, 41.7 cubic feet with the third row folded, and up to 79 cubic feet with both rows folded. This was small for the midsize SUV class.

The 2020 Ford Explorer offered generous space for passengers and cargo. The second row felt like first class, with air vents, USB ports, a center console, and a panoramic moonroof. The third row could accommodate six-foot-tall adults for short journeys. Cargo space was 18 cubic feet behind the third row, 48 cubic feet behind the second row, and 88 cubic feet with all seats folded. The Explorer had one of the largest cargo areas in its class. The interior featured physical knobs and switches for climate and stereo controls, but thick D-pillars and fuzzy 360-degree cameras created blind spots.

The 2019 GMC Acadia's base SL trim came with a 7-inch touchscreen running GMC’s IntelliLink infotainment system, which included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity, five USB ports, and a WiFi hotspot. The SLT-1 trim upgraded to an 8-inch screen, and the Denali trim added standard navigation. The SLT-1 and SLT-2 trims featured a 4.2-inch color information display within the gauge cluster, while the Denali had an 8-inch display, turning it into a semi-digital instrument panel. The Acadia also offered a color head-up display.

The 2020 Ford Explorer came standard with an 8-inch touchscreen with Sync 3 infotainment, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and 4G WiFi. Factory navigation was standard on all models except the base XLT. Keyless entry, remote start, 3-zone climate control, and SiriusXM satellite radio were also standard. The Premium Technology Package for ST and Platinum models included a 10-inch vertical touchscreen and a 12-inch digital instrument cluster. The touchscreen made viewing the map easier, and the interface was well-organized. However, the instrument panel felt unfinished, with wasted screen space and limited customization options. The Co-Pilot360 Assist+ semi-automated driving system was available but not as effective as competitors' systems.

The 2019 GMC Acadia came standard with front- and side-impact airbags, a reversing camera, and traction control. The Driver Alert Package 1, standard on the SLT-1 and optional on the SLE-2, added a blind-spot warning system, lane-change alert, and rear park assist. The SLT-2 trim included the Driver Alert Package 2, which added low-speed forward automatic braking, lane-departure warning, pedestrian detection, forward-collision alert, adaptive headlights, and high beams, as well as rear cross-traffic alert and front and rear parking sensors.

The 2020 Ford Explorer featured Ford Co-Pilot 360, which included forward emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, auto high beams, and lane-keep assist. The Assist+ option added adaptive cruise control with steering assist and reverse braking. A passenger front knee airbag was standard. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) rated the Explorer as Acceptable in the small overlap test on the driver's side.