2025 Explorer vs 2025 Acadia in Bedford, VA
2025 Ford Explorer vs 2025 GMC Acadia
Searching for a capable midsize SUV that accommodates your daily needs and weekend plans? The 2025 Ford Explorer and 2025 GMC Acadia are standout options, each offering space, strength, and style. While both models have plenty to offer, they serve slightly different purposes. At Berglund Ford of Bedford in Bedford, VA, we’ve broken down what sets them apart to help you determine which SUV best fits your lifestyle.
Interior Comparison
Inside the 2025 Ford Explorer, you’ll find a sleek, functional layout designed for families on the move. Its cabin features quality materials and a user-friendly setup. Second-row seats slide forward to make third-row access easier, and with seating for up to seven, it’s ready for any group trip. Whether you’re loading up for a long drive or just heading to work, the Explorer provides a comfortable and versatile environment.
The GMC Acadia enters 2025 with a new model with expanded dimensions that offer additional passenger space. The interior sports refined materials and a modern design that leans toward luxury.
2025 Ford Explorer Interior | 2025 GMC Acadia Interior |
Rows: 3 Max Seating: 7 Max Cargo Capacity: 85.8 cubic feet Upholstery Options: Cloth, ActiveX™ synthetic leather, genuine leather (on higher trims) | Rows: 3 Max Seating: 8 Max Cargo Capacity: 97.5 cubic feet Upholstery Options: Premium cloth, perforated leather-appointed seating |
Exterior Comparison
The 2025 Ford Explorer and 2025 GMC Acadia approach their exterior design in different ways. The Ford Explorer emphasizes sleek capability, while the GMC Acadia leans toward a bolder, boxier look.
With its sporty stance and refined lines, the 2025 Ford Explorer looks both strong and agile. LED headlights and a sculpted profile give it a dynamic appearance, while black roof rails and bold accents on trims like ST-Line and Platinum add flair. Eye-catching colors like Rapid Red and Eruption Green Metallic enhance its road presence, and functional design elements – like the hands-free liftgate – add everyday convenience.
GMC’s redesign gives the 2025 Acadia a more upright and rugged appearance. Its squared-off grille and blocky styling mimic the look of a traditional SUV. The upper trims, like the Denali and AT4, add signature wheels and flashy design cues, ranging from chrome accents to darker off-road-ready looks. Color options like Volcanic Red Tintcoat help it stand out, but it lacks the Explorer’s aerodynamic polish.
Power and Performance
Under the hood, both SUVs deliver capable performance, but the 2025 Explorer has a slight edge over the 2025 Acadia in this match up.
The 2025 Ford Explorer is powered by a 2.3-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder as standard, blending solid horsepower with efficiency. For drivers craving more muscle, the 3.0-liter EcoBoost V6 brings serious power – especially helpful for towing and highway acceleration. Rear-wheel drive comes standard, while all-wheel drive is widely available, making the Explorer adaptable to various driving needs.
The 2025 Acadia is equipped with a 2.5-liter turbo-four engine. It delivers strong torque and horsepower numbers for daily tasks, and its 8-speed transmission provides smooth shifts. The off-road-focused AT4 trim adds some rugged appeal, but the lack of engine variety limits its flexibility, especially for towing.
2025 Ford Explorer | 2025 GMC Acadia |
Max Towing Capacity: 5,000 pounds (with available Class III Trailer Tow Package) Max Payload Capacity: 1,720 pounds _________________________ Base Engine: 2.3-liter EcoBoost I-4 Horsepower: 300 Torque: 310 lb-ft Transmission: 10-speed automatic _________________________ Engine Upgrade: 3.0-liter EcoBoost V6 Horsepower: 400 (ST trim) Torque: 415 lb-ft Transmission: 10-speed automatic | Max Towing Capacity: 5,000 pounds Max Payload Capacity: 1,500 pounds _________________________ Base Engine: 2.5-liter Turbo I-4 Horsepower: 328 Torque: 326 lb-ft Transmission: 8-speed automatic |
Tech and Entertainment
Both vehicles shine when it comes to technology, offering advanced infotainment and connectivity systems.
In the 2025 Ford Explorer, an optional 13.2-inch touchscreen is paired with a digital instrument cluster to keep you connected. Ford’s SYNC® 4 interface is fast and intuitive, offering easy access to apps and settings. Audiophiles will enjoy the 12-speaker B&O® Sound System, and available features like a head-up display and 5G Wi-Fi hotspot enhance the driving experience.
The 2025 GMC Acadia features a 15-inch central display and an 11-inch digital gauge panel. Powered by Google Built-In, the interface emphasizes voice control and integration with services like Google Maps. While it’s futuristic in feel, the system may not suit drivers who prefer traditional buttons and knobs.
2025 Ford Explorer Top Technology Features | 2025 GMC Acadia Top Technology Features |
Infotainment Screen Options: 8-inch (Standard), 13.2-inch (Available) Audio System Options: 6-speaker system, 12-speaker B&O® Sound System by Bang and Olufsen Wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ Compatibility 5G Wi-Fi Hotspot Available Head-Up Display | Infotainment Screen: 15-inch touchscreen Audio System Options: Bose® Premium Audio Wireless Smartphone Integration Built-in Google Maps and Assistant Over-The-Air Updates |
Safety Features
Both midsize SUVs are strong in the safety department, with robust packages of driver assistance tools.
The 2025 Ford Explorer includes Ford Co-Pilot360™, which covers key systems like lane-keeping assist, automatic emergency braking, and blind spot monitoring. Additional features – such as adaptive cruise control and a 360-degree camera – are available on higher trims.
The 2025 GMC Acadia is similarly equipped with GM’s Pro Safety Plus suite, featuring collision alerts, lane-keeping, and pedestrian braking. It also includes driver attention technology on certain trims, plus other high-end assist systems.
2025 Ford Explorer Standard Safety Features | 2025 GMC Acadia Standard Safety Features |
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Berglund Ford of Bedford’s Bottom Line
In the end, the right choice depends on what you value most. The 2025 GMC Acadia stands out for its revamped design and advanced tech interface, making it a good pick for drivers who prioritize a fresh look and modern tools. Meanwhile, the 2025 Ford Explorer brings more powertrain variety, better cargo volume, and higher towing capability, making it a practical choice for everyday versatility.
If you’re ready to take the next step, stop by Berglund Ford of Bedford to learn more about a 2025 Ford Explorer for sale in Bedford, VA. Schedule a test drive to discover how the new Explorer could be the right SUV for you.
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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.