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 we compare the GMC Acadia Denali's and the Ford Explorer Platinum's specifications and ratings, the GMC Acadia Denali has the advantage in the area of new vehicle base pricing. The Ford Explorer Platinum has the advantage in the areas of reliability, resale value, overall quality score and base engine power. Based on this comparison of the GMC Acadia Denali's and the Ford Explorer Platinum's specifications and ratings, the Ford Explorer Platinum is a better car than the GMC Acadia Denali.
Pricing: For a new model, the GMC Acadia Denali's price is between $55,745 and $65,513, with the Ford Explorer Platinum priced between $56,764 and $62,427.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the GMC Acadia Denali loses 50.2 percent of its value and the Ford Explorer Platinum loses 47.6 percent of its value. This means the Ford Explorer Platinum retains 2.6 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 8.5 out of 10 while the Ford Explorer's quality rating is 8.7 out of 10. This results in the GMC Acadia being ranked 12 out of 39 Best SUVs with 3 Rows and the Ford Explorer being ranked 8 out of 39. Out of 32 Best Midsize SUVs, the GMC Acadia is ranked 14 and the Ford Explorer is ranked 7. The GMC Acadia is also ranked 19 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 8.4 out of 10. For the Ford Explorer the reliability rating is 8.5 out of 10. This gives the Ford Explorer a slight advantage in reliability compared to the GMC Acadia.
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 400 horsepower.
Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, the Ford Explorer Platinum has higher safety ratings than the GMC Acadia Denali, with an average rating of 5 out of 5 Stars compared to 4.88 out of 5 Stars. When comparing IIHS evaluations, the Ford Explorer Platinum has the advantage with a Top Safety Pick+ award.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
$55,745 - $65,513
Starting MSRP:
$54,300
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize SUVs)
$37,697
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
$31,990 - $43,320
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
$56,764 - $62,427
Starting MSRP:
$54,770
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize SUVs)
$37,697
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
$31,990 - $43,320
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
Price Range:
-
Category Avg Price:
(Midsize SUVs)
$47,563
Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
$40,678 - $66,020
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
901
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
53
# Good or Great Deals:
0
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
Price Range:
-
Category Avg Price:
(Midsize SUVs)
$47,563
Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
$40,678 - $66,020
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
48
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
765
# Good or Great Deals:
0
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
$27,672
Depreciation %:
51%
Resale Value $:
$26,628
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Midsize SUVs)
46.3%
Category Depreciation Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
27.5% - 53.5%
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
Depreciation %:
Resale Value $:
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Midsize SUVs)
46.3%
Category Depreciation Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
27.5% - 53.5%
GMC Acadia Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.5 / 10
Reliability:
8.4 / 10
Retained Value:
7.4 / 10
Safety:
9.8 / 10
Ford Explorer Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.7 / 10
Reliability:
8.5 / 10
Retained Value:
7.5 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for GMC Acadia Denali
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
9.2
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Midsize SUVs)
10.4
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
8.6 - 13.7
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
25.9%
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Ford Explorer Platinum
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
9.1
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Midsize SUVs)
10.4
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
8.6 - 13.7
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
19.5%
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
1.5
Typical Category Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
3.6
Category Range for Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
1.6 - 14.8
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
2.1
Typical Category Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
3.6
Category Range for Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
1.6 - 14.8
GMC Acadia Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 67Ranking
1 out of / 39Ranking
1 out of / 32Ranking
2 out of / 67Ranking
2 out of / 39Ranking
3 out of / 67Ranking
3 out of / 32Ranking
3 out of / 32Ranking
5 out of / 67Ranking
5 out of / 32Ranking
6 out of / 67Ranking
6 out of / 39Ranking
6 out of / 32Ranking
9 out of / 32Ranking
10 out of / 39Ranking
11 out of / 67Ranking
11 out of / 39Ranking
12 out of / 39Ranking
12 out of / 32Ranking
12 out of / 16Ranking
13 out of / 32Ranking
13 out of / 21Ranking
14 out of / 39Ranking
14 out of / 32Ranking
16 out of / 32Ranking
18 out of / 67Ranking
18 out of / 39Ranking
18 out of / 39Ranking
19 out of / 67Ranking
19 out of / 39Ranking
22 out of / 34Ranking
22 out of / 32Ranking
24 out of / 67Ranking
26 out of / 28Ranking
27 out of / 39Ranking
27 out of / 32Ranking
27 out of / 30Ranking
31 out of / 39Ranking
33 out of / 67Ranking
33 out of / 67Ranking
58 out of / 59Ranking
62 out of / 67Ford Explorer Rankings
Ranking
2 out of / 67Ranking
2 out of / 10Ranking
3 out of / 18Ranking
3 out of / 17Ranking
4 out of / 39Ranking
5 out of / 67Ranking
5 out of / 39Ranking
5 out of / 32Ranking
6 out of / 67Ranking
6 out of / 67Ranking
6 out of / 67Ranking
6 out of / 32Ranking
6 out of / 32Ranking
6 out of / 32Ranking
6 out of / 32Ranking
6 out of / 32Ranking
7 out of / 32Ranking
8 out of / 67Ranking
8 out of / 39Ranking
9 out of / 67Ranking
9 out of / 39Ranking
10 out of / 32Ranking
11 out of / 39Ranking
12 out of / 32Ranking
13 out of / 39Ranking
13 out of / 39Ranking
13 out of / 32Ranking
13 out of / 16Ranking
14 out of / 39Ranking
14 out of / 21Ranking
15 out of / 67Ranking
15 out of / 32Ranking
16 out of / 67Ranking
17 out of / 67Ranking
17 out of / 39Ranking
17 out of / 34Ranking
17 out of / 32Ranking
20 out of / 39Ranking
20 out of / 28Ranking
22 out of / 39Ranking
22 out of / 39Ranking
23 out of / 32Ranking
25 out of / 39Ranking
28 out of / 30Ranking
29 out of / 67Ranking
37 out of / 67Ranking
53 out of / 59Ranking
59 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
Base, King Ranch, Limited, Police Interceptor Utility, ST, ST-Line, Timberline, XLT
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):
4.88 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2024 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2024 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2024 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
2024 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
TOP SAFETY PICK +
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
328 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque:
326 foot-lbs @ 3500 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
Not yet available
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
400 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque:
415 foot-lbs @ 3500 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.085 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
5600 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:
3 liters
Engine Configuration:
V
Number of Cylinders:
6
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
RWD / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
18 / 26 / 21
Range (city/hwy):
364 / 525 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
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
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
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Roof Rack:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Standard
Heated Seats
Standard
Heated Steering Wheel:
Standard
Internet Radio:
N/A
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Navigation System:
Standard
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Power Lift Gate:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Quad Seats:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
N/A
Satellite radio:
Standard
Trailer Hitch:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Standard
Automatic Parking:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Massage Seats:
Available
Paddle Shifters:
Standard
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Roof Rack:
Available
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:
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:
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:
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:
170.0 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
Not yet available
Width:
87.9 inches
Height:
71.4 inches
Length:
204 inches
Wheelbase:
120.9 inches
Ground Clearance:
7.3 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
4701 lbs
Width:
89.3 inches
Height:
69.9 inches
Length:
198.8 inches
Wheelbase:
119.1 inches
Ground Clearance:
7.9 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
20.0 inches
Wheel Type:
painted aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
P255/55R20
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
21.0 x 8.0 inches
Wheel Type:
polished aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
275/45R21
