2025 Explorer vs 2025 Acadia in Shawnee, KS

2025 Ford Explorer vs 2025 GMC Acadia

If you're shopping for a spacious, family-friendly midsize SUV, the 2025 Ford Explorer and 2025 GMC Acadia are two of the top names around. Both gas-powered models bring a lot to the table, but they also have key differences that could affect your buying decision.

Whether you're focused on cargo space, performance, or everyday comfort, this 2025 Ford Explorer versus 2025 GMC Acadia comparison from Shawnee Mission Ford will help you decide which one best fits your lifestyle. We will take a closer look at both to help you make an informed choice.

Interior Comparison

The 2025 Ford Explorer continues to offer a smart blend of upscale style and practicality. Inside, you’ll find a clean, modern design with durable materials that still feel premium. Families will appreciate the spacious layout across all three rows, especially the sliding second row, which eases access to the third. The Max seating capacity is seven, and the Explorer provides generous space for both passengers and cargo. It’s an ideal SUV for road trips, busy weekdays, and weekend errands, offering everyday usability and comfort.

The 2025 GMC Acadia has undergone significant updates this year, increasing in size substantially. It now offers more interior room than before and seats up to eight passengers, depending on trim level and options selected. Its interior has an upscale vibe with more soft-touch surfaces and a new tech-forward design. It offers slightly less cargo space compared to the Explorer, especially when all seats are upright. With a more squared-off design, the cabin appears larger, but the actual cargo dimensions favor the Explorer.

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: 7 Max Cargo Capacity: 97.5 cubic feet Upholstery Options: Premium cloth, perforated leather-appointed seating

Exterior Comparison

While both SUVs now have bolder styling, they each take a different approach to appeal to distinct tastes.

The 2025 Ford Explorer looks athletic and rugged with a confident stance and clean, aerodynamic lines. Ford gives the Explorer a modern grille design and available blacked-out accents for a sportier edge. Roof rails come standard on most trims, while the ST-Line and Platinum trims add unique styling elements.

The redesigned Acadia embraces a boxier, truck-like profile that makes it look tougher than the outgoing model. Its squared-off grille and upright lines are meant to appeal to buyers who like a more traditional SUV shape. Higher trims like the Denali have chrome touches and unique wheel designs.

Both models offer hands-free liftgates and panoramic moonroofs, but the Explorer’s sleeker profile may be more suitable for those who prefer a sportier design.

2025 Ford Explorer Exterior	2025 GMC Acadia Exterior
Design style: Bold and functional Key elements: LED headlights, sculpted side profile, black roof rails Special Packages: ST, ST-Line appearance package, Platinum luxury trim Standout Paints: Rapid Red, Eruption Green Metallic, Star White	Design style: Upright and refined Key elements: Signature C-shaped lighting, squared-off fenders, larger grille Special Packages: AT4 off-road trim, Denali luxury trim Standout Paints: Volcanic Red Tintcoat, White Frost Tricoat, Downpour Metallic

Power & Performance

Both vehicles offer a confident driving experience, but they differ in how they deliver performance.

The 2025 Ford Explorer comes standard with a 2.3-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that balances power and efficiency. Higher trims are equipped with a 3.0-liter EcoBoost V6, making the Explorer one of the stronger performers in its segment. Rear-wheel drive is standard, with all-wheel drive available as an option across the lineup. If you’re interested in power, especially for towing or hauling heavier loads, the Explorer gives you more flexibility.

The 2025 GMC Acadia now comes with a single engine option across all trims: a 2.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel drive is available, and the Acadia offers a new off-road-ready AT4 trim.

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 & Entertainment

Technology in these midsize SUVs has come a long way. The 2025 Ford Explorer features a clean dashboard layout with an available 13.2-inch infotainment touchscreen and a fully digital instrument panel. It runs on Ford’s SYNC® 4 infotainment system, which is responsive and easy to use. The controls are intuitive, and voice commands work well.

The 2025 GMC Acadia is equally tech-forward, boasting a massive 15-inch touchscreen display and an 11-inch digital gauge cluster. It utilizes the new Google Built-In system, which offers voice-controlled apps and seamless Google Maps integration. The layout feels futuristic and immersive, but may take some getting used to if you prefer physical buttons.

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 & Olufsen	Infotainment Screen Options: 15-inch touchscreen Audio System Options: Bose® premium audio
Wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ Compatibility 5G Wi-Fi Hotspot Available Head-Up Display	Wireless Smartphone Integration Built-In Google Maps and Assistant Over-the-Air Updates

Safety Features

Both vehicles come standard with comprehensive safety suites. The 2025 Ford Explorer includes the Ford Co-Pilot360™, while the 2025 GMC Acadia comes equipped with GM’s Pro Safety Plus suite. Advanced driver assistance features are standard, but the higher trims of each model add even more tech.

Both SUVs also offer driver attention monitors, adaptive cruise control, and surround-view cameras on higher trims.

2025 Ford Explorer Standard Safety Features	2025 GMC Acadia Standard Safety Features
Blind-Spot Information System with Cross-Traffic Alert Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking Lane-Keeping Assist Post-Collision Braking Rearview Camera with Washer	Automatic Emergency Braking Forward Collision Alert Lane-Keeping Assist with Lane-Departure Warning Front Pedestrian Braking Following Distance Indicator

Shawnee Mission Ford’s Perspective

The 2025 Ford Explorer and 2025 GMC Acadia are both strong contenders in the midsize SUV segment. The Acadia offers bold new styling and a tech-forward interior, making it a great fit for families who prefer modern design. The Explorer stands out with its powerful engine options, higher towing capacity, and well-balanced driving dynamics.

If you're looking for a versatile, capable SUV with advanced safety and tech, come visit us at Shawnee Mission Ford. The 2025 Ford Explorer for sale in Shawnee, KS, could be the right fit for your needs. Explore our current inventory or contact us to schedule a test drive today.

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.