GMC Acadia Denali vs. Ford Explorer Platinum
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the GMC Acadia Denali and Ford Explorer Platinum 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 GMC Acadia Denali and the Ford Explorer Platinum.
When comparing the GMC Acadia Denali's and the Ford Explorer Platinum's specifications and ratings, the GMC Acadia Denali has the advantage in the areas of reliability and base engine power. The Ford Explorer Platinum has the advantage in the areas of resale value and overall quality score. Based on this comparison of the GMC Acadia Denali's and the Ford Explorer Platinum's specifications and ratings, the two cars are fairly comparable.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the GMC Acadia Denali loses 53.1 percent of its value and the Ford Explorer Platinum loses 52.9 percent of its value. This means the Ford Explorer Platinum retains 0.2 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the GMC Acadia Denali.
Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the GMC Acadia is 7.8 out of 10 while the Ford Explorer's quality rating is 8.4 out of 10. This results in the GMC Acadia being ranked 10 out of 34 Best SUVs with 3 Rows and the Ford Explorer being ranked 5 out of 34. Out of 32 Best Midsize SUVs, the GMC Acadia is ranked 11 and the Ford Explorer is ranked 5. The GMC Acadia is also ranked 20 out of 67 Best Crossover SUVs while the Ford Explorer is ranked 8 out of 67.
Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the GMC Acadia is 7.7 out of 10. For the Ford Explorer the reliability rating is 7.5 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 GMC Acadia Denali’s base engine makes 328 horsepower, and the Ford Explorer Platinum base engine makes 300 horsepower.
Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, both the GMC Acadia Denali and the Ford Explorer Platinum have the same average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
58085 - 67655
Starting MSRP:
55700
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize SUVs)
39270
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
32190 - 44750
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
50830
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize SUVs)
39270
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
32190 - 44750
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
Price Range:
-
Category Avg Price:
(Midsize SUVs)
51972
Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
50800 - 55009
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
# Good or Great Deals:
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
Price Range:
-
Category Avg Price:
(Midsize SUVs)
51972
Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
50800 - 55009
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
# Good or Great Deals:
GMC Acadia Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
7.8 / 10
Reliability:
7.7 / 10
Retained Value:
7.6 / 10
Safety:
8.0 / 10
Ford Explorer Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.4 / 10
Reliability:
7.5 / 10
Retained Value:
7.6 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for GMC Acadia Denali
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
11.3
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Midsize SUVs)
10.0
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
8.8 - 11.3
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0.191
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Ford Explorer Platinum
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
9.3
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Midsize SUVs)
10.0
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
8.8 - 11.3
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0.153
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
Typical Category Recalls:
N/A
Category Range for Recalls:
N/A
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
Typical Category Recalls:
N/A
Category Range for Recalls:
N/A
GMC Acadia Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 67Ranking
1 out of / 34Ranking
1 out of / 32Ranking
2 out of / 67Ranking
2 out of / 34Ranking
3 out of / 67Ranking
4 out of / 32Ranking
5 out of / 67Ranking
5 out of / 34Ranking
5 out of / 32Ranking
5 out of / 32Ranking
6 out of / 67Ranking
6 out of / 32Ranking
8 out of / 30Ranking
10 out of / 67Ranking
10 out of / 34Ranking
10 out of / 32Ranking
10 out of / 32Ranking
10 out of / 32Ranking
11 out of / 34Ranking
11 out of / 34Ranking
11 out of / 32Ranking
12 out of / 28Ranking
13 out of / 34Ranking
13 out of / 34Ranking
13 out of / 32Ranking
15 out of / 67Ranking
15 out of / 34Ranking
16 out of / 32Ranking
17 out of / 34Ranking
18 out of / 67Ranking
18 out of / 32Ranking
19 out of / 30Ranking
20 out of / 67Ranking
21 out of / 34Ranking
24 out of / 34Ranking
25 out of / 34Ranking
26 out of / 28Ranking
27 out of / 67Ranking
27 out of / 32Ranking
29 out of / 56Ranking
31 out of / 67Ranking
42 out of / 67Ranking
55 out of / 56Ranking
63 out of / 67Ford Explorer Rankings
Ranking
2 out of / 67Ranking
2 out of / 67Ranking
2 out of / 67Ranking
2 out of / 34Ranking
2 out of / 34Ranking
2 out of / 32Ranking
2 out of / 32Ranking
5 out of / 34Ranking
5 out of / 32Ranking
6 out of / 67Ranking
6 out of / 34Ranking
6 out of / 32Ranking
6 out of / 32Ranking
7 out of / 32Ranking
8 out of / 67Ranking
8 out of / 67Ranking
11 out of / 32Ranking
11 out of / 32Ranking
11 out of / 30Ranking
12 out of / 67Ranking
13 out of / 34Ranking
14 out of / 34Ranking
14 out of / 32Ranking
15 out of / 34Ranking
15 out of / 30Ranking
15 out of / 28Ranking
16 out of / 67Ranking
16 out of / 32Ranking
18 out of / 34Ranking
18 out of / 32Ranking
19 out of / 34Ranking
19 out of / 28Ranking
20 out of / 34Ranking
21 out of / 32Ranking
24 out of / 67Ranking
24 out of / 34Ranking
26 out of / 34Ranking
26 out of / 34Ranking
26 out of / 32Ranking
30 out of / 67Ranking
31 out of / 67Ranking
32 out of / 56Ranking
37 out of / 67Ranking
49 out of / 56Ranking
62 out of / 67Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Other GMC Acadia Trim Levels
AT4, Elevation
Other Ford Explorer Trim Levels
Active, Police Interceptor Utility, ST, ST-Line, Tremor
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
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
Not yet available
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
Not yet available
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
328 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque:
326 foot-lbs @ 3500 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.073 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
5000 lbs
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
300 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque:
310 foot-lbs @ 3500 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.070 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
5000 lbs
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):
Not yet available
Range (city/hwy):
Not yet available
Recommended Fuel Type:
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):
Not yet available
Range (city/hwy):
Not yet available
Recommended Fuel Type:
Not yet available
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Captain's seat:
Standard
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Standard
Heated Seats
Standard
Heated Steering Wheel:
Standard
Internet Radio:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Navigation System:
Standard
Paddle Shifters:
Standard
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Power Lift Gate:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Quad Seats:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Trailer Hitch:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Standard
Automatic Parking:
Available
Roof Rack:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
N/A
Alloy wheels:
N/A
Android Auto:
N/A
Apple CarPlay:
N/A
Bench Seats:
N/A
Bluetooth:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Heated Seats
N/A
Heated Steering Wheel:
N/A
Internet Radio:
N/A
Keyless Entry:
N/A
Keyless Ignition:
N/A
Leather Upholstery:
N/A
Navigation System:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Parking Sensors:
N/A
Power Lift Gate:
N/A
Power outlet:
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roadside assistance:
N/A
Satellite radio:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Voice Recognition:
N/A
Wifi:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Roof Rack:
N/A
Sunroof/Moonroof:
N/A
Air Suspension:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Safety Features
360-Degree 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
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
Backup camera:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Safety Features
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Blind Spot Monitoring:
N/A
Forward Collision Warning:
N/A
Lane Departure Warning:
N/A
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Backup camera:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
42.6 inches
Front Leg Room:
44.3 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
62 inches
Rear Head Room:
40 inches
Rear Leg Room:
41.5 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
62 inches
Cargo Space:
23 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
97.5 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
Not yet available
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
40.7 inches
Front Leg Room:
42.9 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
62.1 inches
Rear Head Room:
40.5 inches
Rear Leg Room:
38.3 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
61.9 inches
Cargo Space:
16.3 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
85.3 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
162.3 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
4502 lbs
Width:
87.9 inches
Height:
71.4 inches
Length:
204 inches
Wheelbase:
120.9 inches
Ground Clearance:
7.3 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
4303 lbs
Width:
89.3 inches
Height:
70.2 inches
Length:
198.7 inches
Wheelbase:
119.1 inches
Ground Clearance:
8.2 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
20.0 x 8.0 inches
Wheel Type:
polished aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
P255/55R20
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
Not yet available
Wheel Type:
Not yet available
Tire Size:
Not yet available
