2020 Ford Explorer vs 2020 GMC Acadia

The 2020 Ford Explorer's transition to a rear-wheel-drive (RWD) chassis, akin to setups used in luxury brands like BMW, marked a significant investment in performance. The Explorer ST, equipped with a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 engine delivering 400 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque, proved particularly compelling. The 10-speed automatic transmission facilitated smooth shifts, albeit with an occasional jerk during downshifting. The ST's nimble handling, crisp steering, and commendable ride quality despite large wheels were impressive. The Subaru's ride remained composed over rough surfaces despite lacking adaptive dampers. Lesser models featured a 2.3-liter turbo inline-four with 300 horsepower, sufficient for spirited performance. However, the hybrid variant mixed a 3.3-liter V6 with an electric motor for 318 horsepower, failing to deliver considerable fuel economy benefits. Towing capacities varied, maxing at 5,600 pounds with the V6 AWD and an optional towing package.

In comparison, the 2020 GMC Acadia offered three engine options: a 193-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder, a new 230-horsepower 2.0-liter turbo-four, and a 310-horsepower 3.6-liter V6. All paired with a new nine-speed automatic transmission. The Acadia AT4 and Denali trims featured the 3.6-liter V6, delivering smooth, refined power and up to 4,000 pounds of towing capacity. The AT4's AWD system supported off-road ambitions. The Acadia’s ride and handling qualities were finely tuned, making for a comfortable and predictable driving experience. Fuel economy reached 21 mpg in combined driving for the test model, aided by engine start/stop and cylinder deactivation systems. While it lacked memorable driving character, the Acadia's performance was competent and reliable, providing adequate power and efficiency for everyday use.

The 2020 Ford Explorer proved spacious and practical for road trips, boasting ample room for passengers and cargo. The second row featured air vents, USB ports, and a panoramic moonroof, enhancing the premium feel. The third row accommodated six-foot adults for short trips but lacked long-distance comfort. Easy-exit second-row captain's chairs improved accessibility, though the cargo space behind the third row was cut to 18 cubic feet (down from 21 cubic feet). Despite this, overall cargo capacity grew to 48 cubic feet behind the second row and 88 cubic feet with all seats folded, making it one of the largest in its class. The Explorer's ergonomics benefited from physical knobs and switches, though the thick D-pillars and fuzzy 360-degree cameras were drawbacks.

The 2020 GMC Acadia offered flexible configurations, seating five, six, or seven passengers depending on the trim. Denali trims included standard second-row captain’s chairs, with a bench seat available at no extra cost. The front seats were wide and supportive, with 10-way power adjustments, heating, and ventilation. The rear passengers enjoyed a similar level of comfort with heated captain's chairs, air conditioning vents, and ample charging options. While the smaller modern Acadia offered less interior space compared to older models, the third-row seat managed decent comfort, especially with the second-row seats slid forward. Cargo volume stood at a modest 12.1 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 41.7 cubic feet with the third row folded and 79 cubic feet with the second row down, achieving average storage for its segment.

The 2020 Ford Explorer came with a standard 8-inch touchscreen featuring Sync 3 infotainment, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 4G WiFi hotspot. Navigation was optional on lower trims and standard on higher ones. Practical features included keyless entry, remote start, and a three-zone climate control system. The optional Premium Technology Package introduced a 10-inch vertical touchscreen and a 12-inch digital instrument cluster for ST and Platinum models. Despite visually appealing graphics and animations, the instrument panel lacked customization and had underutilized space. The semi-automated Co-Pilot360 Assist+ driving system demonstrated potential but needed refinement for better lane tracking and reliability.

Similarly, the 2020 GMC Acadia provided essential infotainment features such as Bluetooth connectivity, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and GMC Connected Services with a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. Its 8-inch touchscreen boasted higher resolution and improved user experience for 2020. The voice-recognition technology performed adequately, though some prompts required multiple attempts. Additional tech upgrades included new USB-C ports, an optional more powerful wireless charging pad, a high-definition surround-view camera, and a rear camera mirror offering an unobstructed wide-angle view. The infotainment system was user-friendly and intuitive, accommodating both tech-savvy and novice users alike.

The 2020 Ford Explorer integrated the Ford Co-Pilot 360 suite, offering forward emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, auto high beams, and lane-keep assist as standard. The Assist+ option added adaptive cruise control with steering assist and reverse braking. However, the reverse braking occasionally triggered false alarms. A standard knee airbag enhanced passenger safety. While NHTSA hadn't tested the 2020 Explorer, the IIHS rated it Acceptable in the driver's small overlap test.

Conversely, the 2020 GMC Acadia's safety features lagged behind expectations. Standard equipment included a rear-seat reminder system and Teen Driver technology. GMC Connected Services with automatic collision notification and emergency calling came with a short trial period. Base models had blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic alert. Higher trims like the SLT and AT4 offered a Driver Alert Package with forward collision warning, low-speed automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane-keeping assist, pedestrian braking, parking sensors, auto high-beams, and a head-up display. Enhanced automatic emergency braking was exclusive to the Denali trim. The NHTSA awarded the Acadia 5-star ratings in various assessments, with a 4-star rating for rollover resistance. The IIHS provided high marks in tested categories, though some tests were incomplete.