2021 Ford Explorer vs. 2021 GMC Acadia

iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the 2021 Ford Explorer and 2021 GMC Acadia contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the 2021 Ford Explorer and the 2021 GMC Acadia.

When we compare the 2021 Ford Explorer's and the 2021 GMC Acadia's specifications and ratings, the 2021 Ford Explorer has the advantage in the areas of fuel efficiency, resale value, interior volume, overall quality score and base engine power. The 2021 GMC Acadia has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for used cars, and reliability. Based on this comparison of the 2021 Ford Explorer's and the 2021 GMC Acadia's specifications and ratings, the 2021 Ford Explorer is a better car than the 2021 GMC Acadia.

Pricing: A used 2021 Ford Explorer ranges from $20,779 to $38,288 while a used 2021 GMC Acadia is priced between $19,993 to $34,907.

Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the 2021 Ford Explorer loses 52.9 percent of its value and the 2021 GMC Acadia loses 53.1 percent of its value. This means the 2021 Ford Explorer retains 0.2 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the 2021 GMC Acadia.

Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Ford Explorer is 8.4 out of 10 while the GMC Acadia's quality rating is 7.8 out of 10. This results in the Ford Explorer being ranked 6 out of 31 Best Midsize SUVs and the GMC Acadia being ranked 10 out of 31. Out of 33 Best SUVs with 3 Rows, the Ford Explorer is ranked 7 and the GMC Acadia is ranked 8. The Ford Explorer is also ranked 13 out of 66 Best Crossover SUVs while the GMC Acadia is ranked 16 out of 66.

Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Ford Explorer is 7.5 out of 10. For the GMC Acadia the reliability rating is 7.7 out of 10. This gives the GMC Acadia a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Ford Explorer.

Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the 2021 Ford Explorer’s base engine makes 300 horsepower, and the 2021 GMC Acadia base engine makes 193 horsepower. The Explorer is rated to deliver an average of 24 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 501 miles. The Acadia is rated to deliver an average of 23 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 513 miles.This gives the 2021 Ford Explorer the advantage in fuel efficiency and the 2021 GMC Acadia the advantage in maximum range. Both models use regular unleaded.

Passenger Space Comparison: While both models are crossover/midsize SUVs, the 2021 Ford Explorer has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front head room, front shoulder room, front leg room, rear head room, rear shoulder room, and cargo space. The 2021 GMC Acadia has the advantage in the area of rear leg room.

Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, both the 2021 Ford Explorer and the 2021 GMC Acadia have the same average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars.

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Model & Pricing
2021 Ford Explorer
2021 GMC Acadia

2021 Ford Explorer
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2021 Ford Explorer for Sale

2021 GMC Acadia
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2021 GMC Acadia for Sale

New Car Pricing

Asking Price:

-

Starting MSRP:

32925

Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize SUVs)

32108

Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize SUVs)

27000 - 37580

New Car Pricing

Asking Price:

-

Starting MSRP:

29800

Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize SUVs)

32108

Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize SUVs)

27000 - 37580

Used Car Pricing

Avg Used Car Price:

28781

Price Range:

20779 - 38288

Category Avg Price:
(Midsize SUVs)

28757

Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize SUVs)

22434 - 40434

# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:

2042

Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:

79935

# Good or Great Deals:

1131

Used Car Pricing

Avg Used Car Price:

27040

Price Range:

19993 - 34907

Category Avg Price:
(Midsize SUVs)

28757

Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize SUVs)

22434 - 40434

# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:

702

Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:

81021

# Good or Great Deals:

405

Ford Explorer Scores & Rankings

Overall Score:

8.4 / 10

Reliability:

7.5 / 10

Retained Value:

7.6 / 10

Safety:

10.0 / 10

GMC Acadia Scores & Rankings

Overall Score:

7.8 / 10

Reliability:

7.7 / 10

Retained Value:

7.6 / 10

Safety:

8.0 / 10



iSeeCars Reliability Insights for 2021 Ford Explorer

Remaining Life Expectancy (years):

5.3

Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Midsize SUVs)

7.6

Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Midsize SUVs)

4.7 - 12.6

Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:

0.153

iSeeCars Reliability Insights for 2021 GMC Acadia

Remaining Life Expectancy (years):

7.3

Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Midsize SUVs)

7.6

Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Midsize SUVs)

4.7 - 12.6

Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:

0.191



Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls

Expected Lifetime Recalls:

26.43417358703503

Typical Category Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)

7.2

Category Range for Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)

1.1 - 26.4

Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls

Expected Lifetime Recalls:

2.190377517469993

Typical Category Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)

7.2

Category Range for Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)

1.1 - 26.4

Ford Explorer Rankings

Crossover SUVs with the Most Horsepower

2 / 66

Best Family SUVs with 3 Rows

2 / 33

Safest SUVs with 3 Rows

2 / 33

Best Family Midsize SUVs

3 / 31

Safest Midsize SUVs

3 / 31

Best Crossover SUVs Under $40k

3 / 14

Best Midsize SUVs Under $40k

3 / 13

Best SUVs with 3 Rows Under $40k

3 / 8

Safest Crossover SUVs

4 / 66

Best Family Crossover SUVs

5 / 66

Most Reliable SUVs with 3 Rows Under $40k

5 / 8

Crossover SUVs with the Most Cargo Space

6 / 66

Best Midsize SUVs

6 / 31

Midsize SUVs with the Most Horsepower

6 / 31

Most Affordable SUVs with 3 Rows

6 / 29

Best Gas Mileage SUVs with 3 Rows

7 / 33

Best SUVs with 3 Rows

7 / 33

Best Gas Mileage Midsize SUVs

7 / 31

Midsize SUVs with the Most Cargo Space

7 / 31

Most Affordable Midsize SUVs

7 / 26

Most Reliable Midsize SUVs Under $40k

8 / 13

Best Crossover SUVs for Towing

9 / 66

Best SUVs with 3 Rows for the Money

9 / 29

Most Reliable Crossover SUVs Under $40k

9 / 14

Best Midsize SUVs for Towing

11 / 31

Most Comfortable Midsize SUVs

11 / 31

Best Midsize SUVs for the Money

11 / 26

Most Comfortable Crossover SUVs

12 / 66

Best Crossover SUVs

13 / 66

SUVs with 3 Rows with the Most Horsepower

13 / 33

Most Comfortable SUVs with 3 Rows

14 / 33

Best Off-road Midsize SUVs

14 / 31

Most Reliable Midsize SUVs

14 / 31

Best Crossover SUVs for Tall People

15 / 66

Best Midsize SUVs for Tall People

15 / 31

Best Off-road Crossover SUVs

16 / 66

Most Reliable SUVs with 3 Rows

16 / 33

Best Off-road SUVs with 3 Rows

17 / 33

SUVs with 3 Rows with the Most Cargo Space

18 / 33

Best SUVs with 3 Rows for Towing

20 / 33

Best SUVs with 3 Rows for Tall People

21 / 33

Midsize SUVs with Best Resale Value

24 / 31

SUVs with 3 Rows with Best Resale Value

27 / 33

Midsize SUVs with the Most Legroom

27 / 31

Best Crossover SUVs for the Money

29 / 54

Most Reliable Crossover SUVs

30 / 66

SUVs with 3 Rows with the Most Legroom

31 / 33

Most Affordable Crossover SUVs

37 / 54

Best Gas Mileage Crossover SUVs

38 / 66

Crossover SUVs with the Most Legroom

47 / 66

Crossover SUVs with Best Resale Value

59 / 66

GMC Acadia Rankings

Most Comfortable Crossover SUVs

1 / 66

Most Comfortable SUVs with 3 Rows

1 / 33

Most Comfortable Midsize SUVs

1 / 31

Best Crossover SUVs for Tall People

2 / 66

Best SUVs with 3 Rows for Tall People

2 / 33

Crossover SUVs with the Most Cargo Space

3 / 66

Midsize SUVs with the Most Cargo Space

4 / 31

Crossover SUVs with the Most Legroom

5 / 66

Best Midsize SUVs for Tall People

5 / 31

Crossover SUVs with the Most Horsepower

6 / 66

Best Family SUVs with 3 Rows

6 / 33

Most Reliable SUVs with 3 Rows

6 / 33

Midsize SUVs with the Most Legroom

6 / 31

Best Family Midsize SUVs

7 / 31

Best SUVs with 3 Rows

8 / 33

Safest SUVs with 3 Rows

8 / 33

Most Reliable Midsize SUVs

9 / 31

Best Crossover SUVs for Towing

10 / 66

Best Midsize SUVs

10 / 31

Midsize SUVs with the Most Horsepower

10 / 31

Best SUVs with 3 Rows for the Money

10 / 29

Safest Midsize SUVs

11 / 31

Best Family Crossover SUVs

12 / 66

Best Midsize SUVs for the Money

12 / 26

SUVs with 3 Rows with the Most Legroom

13 / 33

Best Midsize SUVs for Towing

13 / 31

SUVs with 3 Rows with the Most Cargo Space

14 / 33

Most Reliable Crossover SUVs

15 / 66

Best Crossover SUVs

16 / 66

Best Gas Mileage Midsize SUVs

16 / 31

Best Gas Mileage SUVs with 3 Rows

17 / 33

SUVs with 3 Rows with the Most Horsepower

17 / 33

Most Affordable SUVs with 3 Rows

17 / 29

Safest Crossover SUVs

19 / 66

Best Off-road Midsize SUVs

20 / 31

Best SUVs with 3 Rows for Towing

21 / 33

Midsize SUVs with Best Resale Value

23 / 31

Most Affordable Midsize SUVs

23 / 26

Best Off-road SUVs with 3 Rows

25 / 33

SUVs with 3 Rows with Best Resale Value

26 / 33

Best Off-road Crossover SUVs

29 / 66

Best Crossover SUVs for the Money

30 / 54

Best Gas Mileage Crossover SUVs

48 / 66

Most Affordable Crossover SUVs

52 / 54

Crossover SUVs with Best Resale Value

58 / 66

Summary Review

The Ford Explorer is one of the defining vehicles of its segment. This three-row SUV is big, tough, and versatile. Ford redesigned its Explorer for 2020, switching it back to a rear-wheel-drive-based vehicle with a more rugged foundation.

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Summary Review

GMC’s Acadia is a crossover SUV that offers seating from five to eight passengers, depending on model year and trim. Shoppers will find the Acadia is a bit like an upscale version of the Chevy Traverse. 

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Pros and Cons

  • Passenger Space
  • Advanced 4X4 all-wheel-drive system available
  • Class-leading engines on many trims, including a hybrid

  • Older models lack some basic advanced safety systems common for their model years
  • No 8-passenger seating option for 2021

Pros and Cons

  • Near-luxury trims available
  • Off-road-focused trims available
  • Three engine choices

  • No green (hybrid/electric) powertrain available
  • Advanced active safety systems are optional, not standard

Available Body Styles

SUV

Available Body Styles

SUV

Available Drivetrain Options

Flex Fuel, Gasoline

Available Drivetrain Options

Gasoline

2021 Ford Explorer Trim Levels

Base, King Ranch, Limited, Platinum, Police Interceptor Utility, ST, Timberline, XLT

2021 GMC Acadia Trim Levels

AT4, Denali, SL, SLE, SLT

Warranty Information

Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:

3 years / 36000 miles

Warranty, Powertrain:

5 years / 60000 miles

Warranty, Roadside Assistance:

5 years / 60000 miles

Warranty Information

Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:

3 years / 36000 miles

Warranty, Powertrain:

5 years / 60000 miles

Warranty, Roadside Assistance:

5 years / 60000 miles

Safety Ratings

NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):

5 out of 5 Stars

2026 NHTSA Overall Rating:

4 out of 5 Stars

2026 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:

5 out of 5 Stars

2026 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:

5 out of 5 Stars

2026 NHTSA Rollover Rating:

4 out of 5 Stars

IIHS Safety Rating:

Not yet available

Safety Ratings

NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):

5 out of 5 Stars

2026 NHTSA Overall Rating:

4 out of 5 Stars

2026 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:

5 out of 5 Stars

2026 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:

5 out of 5 Stars

2026 NHTSA Rollover Rating:

4 out of 5 Stars

IIHS Safety Rating:

Not yet available

Base Drivetrain Specs

Horsepower:

300 hp @ 5500 rpm

Torque:

310 foot-lbs @ 3500 rpm

Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):

0.069 hp per pound

Towing capacity:

Not yet available

Base Drivetrain Specs

Horsepower:

193 hp @ 6300 rpm

Torque:

188 foot-lbs @ 4400 rpm

Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):

0.049 hp per pound

Towing capacity:

Not yet available

Engine Specifications

Engine Size:

2.3 liters

Engine Configuration:

Inline

Number of Cylinders:

4

Transmission:

Automatic

Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:

RWD / AWD

EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):


21 / 28 / 24

Range (city/hwy):

376 / 501 miles

Recommended Fuel Type:

Regular Unleaded

Engine Specifications

Engine Size:

2.5 liters

Engine Configuration:

Inline

Number of Cylinders:

4

Transmission:

Automatic

Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:

FWD / 4X4

EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):


21 / 27 / 23

Range (city/hwy):

399 / 513 miles

Recommended Fuel Type:

Regular Unleaded

Standard/Optional Features

Alloy wheels:

Standard

Android Auto:

Standard

Apple CarPlay:

Standard

Bench Seats:

Standard

Bluetooth:

Standard

Keyless Entry:

Standard

Keyless Ignition:

Standard

Parking Sensors:

Standard

Power Lift Gate:

Standard

Power outlet:

Standard

Satellite radio:

Standard

Voice Recognition:

Standard

Wifi:

Standard

Adaptive Cruise Control:

Available

Automatic Parking:

Available

Cooled/Ventilated Seats:

Available

Heated Seats

Available

Heated Steering Wheel:

Available

Leather Upholstery:

Available

Massage Seats:

Available

Navigation System:

Available

Paddle Shifters:

Available

Quad Seats:

Available

Roof Rack:

Available

Sunroof/Moonroof:

Available

Trailer Hitch:

Available

Wireless Smartphone Charging:

Available

Air Suspension:

N/A

Captain's seat:

N/A

Front Bench Seats:

N/A

Internet Radio:

N/A

Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof

N/A

Roadside assistance:

N/A

Standard/Optional Features

Alloy wheels:

Standard

Android Auto:

Standard

Apple CarPlay:

Standard

Bench Seats:

Standard

Bluetooth:

Standard

Keyless Entry:

Standard

Keyless Ignition:

Standard

Parking Sensors:

Standard

Power Lift Gate:

Available

Power outlet:

Standard

Satellite radio:

Available

Voice Recognition:

Standard

Wifi:

Standard

Adaptive Cruise Control:

Available

Automatic Parking:

N/A

Cooled/Ventilated Seats:

Available

Heated Seats

Available

Heated Steering Wheel:

Available

Leather Upholstery:

Available

Massage Seats:

N/A

Navigation System:

Standard

Paddle Shifters:

N/A

Quad Seats:

Available

Roof Rack:

Available

Sunroof/Moonroof:

Available

Trailer Hitch:

Available

Wireless Smartphone Charging:

Available

Air Suspension:

N/A

Captain's seat:

N/A

Front Bench Seats:

N/A

Internet Radio:

Standard

Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof

N/A

Roadside assistance:

Standard

Safety Features

Backup camera:

Standard

Blind Spot Monitoring:

Standard

Forward Collision Warning:

Standard

Lane Departure Warning:

Standard

Lane Keeping Assist:

Standard

Pedestrian Detection:

Standard

Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:

Standard

360-Degree Camera:

Available

Driver Attention Monitoring:

N/A

Rear Seat Reminder:

N/A

Safety Features

Backup camera:

Standard

Blind Spot Monitoring:

Standard

Forward Collision Warning:

Available

Lane Departure Warning:

Available

Lane Keeping Assist:

Available

Pedestrian Detection:

Available

Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:

Standard

360-Degree Camera:

N/A

Driver Attention Monitoring:

N/A

Rear Seat Reminder:

Standard

Interior Dimensions

Front Head Room:

40.7 inches

Front Leg Room:

43 inches

Front Shoulder Room:

61.8 inches

Rear Head Room:

40.5 inches

Rear Leg Room:

39 inches

Rear Shoulder Room:

61.9 inches

Cargo Space:

18.2 cubic feet

Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:

87.8 cubic feet

Overall Interior Volume:

170.9 cubic feet

Interior Dimensions

Front Head Room:

40 inches

Front Leg Room:

41 inches

Front Shoulder Room:

59.4 inches

Rear Head Room:

39.6 inches

Rear Leg Room:

39.7 inches

Rear Shoulder Room:

58.7 inches

Cargo Space:

12.8 cubic feet

Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:

79 cubic feet

Overall Interior Volume:

156.6 cubic feet

Exterior Dimensions

Curb Weight:

4345 lbs

Width:

89.3 inches

Height:

69.9 inches

Length:

198.8 inches

Wheelbase:

119.1 inches

Ground Clearance:

7.9 inches

Exterior Dimensions

Curb Weight:

3923 lbs

Width:

75.4 inches

Height:

66.7 inches

Length:

193.4 inches

Wheelbase:

112.5 inches

Ground Clearance:

7.2 inches

Standard Wheel/Tire Information

Wheel Size:

18.0 x 7.5 inches

Wheel Type:

painted aluminum alloy

Tire Size:

255/65R18

Standard Wheel/Tire Information

Wheel Size:

18.0 x 7.5 inches

Wheel Type:

aluminum alloy with painted accents

Tire Size:

P235/65R18

Exterior Colors

Black

Agate Black

Gray

Carbonized Gray

Silver

Iconic Silver

White

Oxford White

Exterior Colors

Black

Not available

Gray

Not available

Silver

Not available

White

Summit White

Interior Colors

Beige

Sandstone

Black

Not available

Interior Colors

Beige

Not available

Black

Jet Black

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