2026 GMC Acadia vs. 2026 Ford Explorer

The 2026 GMC Acadia gets right to business with a 2.5-liter turbocharged engine producing 328 horsepower and 326 pound-feet of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. That's a strong output for a family-oriented mid-size SUV. Drivers who need to tow will appreciate the Acadia's max trailering capacity of 5,000 pounds when properly equipped with the available Trailering Package.

Acadia Engine Output

The Acadia's turbocharged powertrain delivers a confident, responsive driving experience. Whether you're merging onto the highway or navigating winding roads, 328 horsepower gives you plenty of reserve power to work with. The 8-speed automatic transmission keeps things smooth across all driving conditions.

Trailering and Off-Road Capability

The Acadia's available Active Torque Control all-wheel drive system and off-road-tuned suspension on the AT4 trim take capability to another level. With a lifted ride height, 18-inch dark machined aluminum wheels wrapped in all-terrain tires, and an AT4-exclusive Terrain Mode within the Traction Select System, the Acadia is built to handle more than just school pickup lines. The Explorer offers capable performance, but the Acadia's dedicated AT4 off-road variant and standard Traction Select System with up to six available drive modes give it a more versatile edge for adventurous drivers.

Both SUVs seat families comfortably, but the Acadia brings a premium feel to even its base Elevation trim. All trims include heated driver and front passenger seats, a heated steering wheel, and heated power outside mirrors as standard features that often come as upgrades on competitors.

Seating and Cargo Room

The 2026 Acadia seats up to eight passengers across three rows, with a max cargo volume of 97.5 cubic feet behind the first row with rear seats folded flat. Behind the third row, cargo volume measures 23.0 cubic feet, giving you practical everyday utility. The Denali and Denali Ultimate trims add third-row power-folding seats and second-row one-touch folding seats, making reconfiguring the cabin effortless.

Premium Interior Finishes

Step into the Acadia Denali and you'll find leather-appointed first- and second-row seats, Galvano Silver interior accents, and a configurable 8-inch diagonal Head-Up Display. The Denali Ultimate raises the bar even further with Woodland Mahogany full-leather massaging front seats, a panoramic sunroof, and an exclusive interior design package. The Explorer offers a comfortable cabin, but the Acadia's trim-level execution provides a more refined, upscale atmosphere across the lineup.

The 2026 Acadia is loaded with forward-thinking technology that genuinely elevates the driving experience. At the center of it all is a 15-inch diagonal Premium GMC infotainment touchscreen, standard across all trims. The large display integrates Google built-in compatibility and voice-activated technology, providing a seamless, intuitive interface for navigation, entertainment, and connectivity.

Infotainment and Connectivity

Every 2026 Acadia trim comes equipped with the 15-inch diagonal Premium GMC infotainment system, an 11-inch diagonal Driver Information Center, and six USB ports distributed across all three rows. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility are included, so staying connected on the go is effortless. Drivers in Excelsior Mayfield, KY, who rely on their SUV for daily commuting and weekend adventures will find the Acadia's tech suite impressively complete from the start.

Driver Assistance Technology

One of the Acadia's standout advantages is available Super Cruise hands-free driver assistance technology, offered across all four trim levels Elevation, AT4, Denali, and Denali Ultimate and standard on the Denali Ultimate with a 3-year OnStar One plan. Super Cruise enables hands-free driving on a growing network of compatible roads, a genuinely impressive feature for highway travelers. While the Ford Explorer offers its own hands-free system, GMC's Super Cruise is widely recognized for its precision and ease of use.

Safety is where the 2026 Acadia truly distinguishes itself. The SUV comes standard with over 19 safety and driver assistance features across every trim level, giving buyers exceptional peace of mind without having to upgrade.

Standard Safety Features

The Acadia's standard safety suite includes Enhanced Automatic Emergency Braking, Blind Zone Steering Assist, Intersection Automatic Emergency Braking, Rear Cross Traffic Braking, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning, Front Pedestrian and Bicyclist Braking, Side Bicyclist Alert, and Rear Pedestrian Alert among others. This comprehensive list of active and passive safety technologies helps protect every occupant in a wide range of real-world driving scenarios.

Camera and Visibility Systems

The Acadia also offers nine camera views, including HD Surround Vision and a Rear Camera Mirror, helping drivers navigate tight parking lots and crowded spaces with ease. Reverse Automatic Braking and Rear Park Assist round out a well-developed visibility ecosystem. The Explorer includes solid safety tech, but the Acadia's sheer volume of standard features across all trims gives it a clear advantage in this category.

The 2026 GMC Acadia brings together powerful performance, a spacious and premium interior, cutting-edge technology, and an industry-leading standard safety suite in a package that's hard to beat. From the adventure-ready AT4 to the luxurious Denali Ultimate, every Acadia trim delivers meaningful value and thoughtful engineering.

The 2026 Ford Explorer is a capable mid-size SUV in its own right, but the Acadia's combination of standard features, available Super Cruise technology, and versatile trim lineup makes it the stronger choice for drivers who want more from their three-row SUV. If you're ready to explore everything the 2026 GMC Acadia has to offer, visit us and see it for yourself.