2027 GMC Acadia vs 2027 Ford Explorer: Which 3-Row SUV Is Right for You?
The 2027 GMC Acadia produces 328 hp and 326 lb-ft of torque, giving it a 28-hp edge over the standard 2027 Ford Explorer. The Acadia also seats up to 8 passengers versus the Explorer's maximum of 7. This page breaks down every key difference so you can find the right fit, with current inventory available at Elizabeth City GMC.
2027 GMC Acadia trims and specs
The Short Answer
The 2027 GMC Acadia is the stronger pick for families who need an eighth seat, hands-free highway driving via Super Cruise, and a larger cargo hold. The 2027 Ford Explorer earns points for its standard rear-wheel drive layout and a higher highway MPG figure on the base engine. Buyers who prioritize raw cargo room and a full-size family hauler will find the Acadia the clearer choice; those who want a sportier driving character or the available 400-hp V6 on upper trims should look at the Explorer ST.
Specs Head-to-Head
| Spec | 2027 GMC Acadia | 2027 Ford Explorer |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 2.5L Turbo I-4 | 2.3L EcoBoost I-4 (base) |
| Horsepower | 328 hp | 300 hp |
| Torque | 326 lb-ft | 310 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 10-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | FWD standard / AWD optional | RWD standard / AWD optional |
| City MPG | 20 | 20 |
| Highway MPG | 26 | 27 |
| Combined MPG | 21 | 24 |
| Seating | Up to 8 | Up to 7 |
| Cargo Behind 3rd Row | 23.0 cu ft | 16.3 cu ft |
| Max Cargo | 97.5 cu ft | 85.8 cu ft |
| Max Towing | 5,000 lbs | 5,300 lbs (base) |
| Length | 203.96 in | 198.7 in |
| Ground Clearance | 6.77 in (FWD) / 7.75 in (AT4) | 7.6 in (base) |
| Basic Warranty | 3 yr / 36k mi | 3 yr / 36k mi |
| Powertrain Warranty | 5 yr / 60k mi | 5 yr / 60k mi |
Performance and Powertrain
The Acadia's 2.5L turbocharged four-cylinder generates 328 hp and 326 lb-ft of torque across every trim, pairing with an 8-speed automatic. That output is consistent whether you choose Elevation, AT4, Denali, or Denali Ultimate. AWD is available on Elevation and Denali trims, and it is standard on the AT4.
The Explorer's base 2.3L EcoBoost four-cylinder delivers 300 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque through a 10-speed automatic. The Explorer runs rear-wheel drive as standard, which gives it a different handling character than the front-biased Acadia. The Explorer's standard drivetrain layout means AWD requires an upgrade on most trims, with the Tremor being the exception.
The Acadia's power advantage is meaningful for everyday merging and highway passing. The Explorer counters with a richer transmission, and its combined MPG figure of 24 mpg beats the Acadia's 21 mpg combined when AWD is in play. If the Explorer ST or Tremor with the optional V6 is the comparison point, that engine produces substantially more power, though it is a different trim class.
Interior, Space, and Cargo
This is where the Acadia pulls decisively ahead. With 23.0 cu ft behind the third row versus 16.3 cu ft in the Explorer, the Acadia carries nearly 41 percent more cargo when all seats are in use. Maximum cargo expands to 97.5 cu ft in the Acadia compared to 85.8 cu ft in the Explorer.
The Acadia's Elevation trim offers standard 8-passenger seating, making it the only option in this comparison capable of carrying a full eight-person load. The Explorer tops out at seven seats across all trims.
Third-row leg room is 32.14 inches in the Acadia and 31.8 inches in the Explorer, so the back bench is comparably tight in both. The Acadia's length of 203.96 inches versus the Explorer's 198.7 inches accounts for much of the cargo advantage.
On interior materials, the Denali and Denali Ultimate trims bring perforated leather-appointed seating, a suede-like headliner on the Ultimate, and available full leather. The Denali Ultimate adds power massage for both driver and front passenger, along with a Bose performance audio system.
Technology and Safety
Both vehicles run a 15-inch screen on the Acadia and a 13.2-inch touchscreen on the Explorer. The Acadia's display size is a genuine advantage for daily use. The Explorer answers with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, native Google Maps, Google Assistant voice controls, and a 5G modem standard across the lineup.
The Acadia's most significant tech advantage is Super Cruise, GMC's hands-free driver assistance system. It is standard on Denali and Denali Ultimate trims and available as a package on Elevation and AT4. The Explorer has no equivalent hands-free highway system in its lineup.
The Acadia also offers up to 10 available camera views, HD Surround Vision standard across all trims, an available 8-inch Head-Up Display, and an interior camera that enables Cabin Glance and Security Recording.
On safety, both vehicles carry equivalent foundational technology: forward collision alert with automatic emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and blind spot monitoring. The Explorer bundles these into its Ford Co-Pilot360 package. The Acadia lists them individually, and many are standard across the entire lineup. The Acadia adds Rear Pedestrian Alert, Side Bicyclist Alert, and Buckle to Drive as standard items not listed in the Explorer's standard suite.
Value and Ownership
Warranties are identical: 3 years / 36,000 miles bumper-to-bumper, 5 years / 60,000 miles powertrain. Both vehicles also include a first scheduled maintenance visit at 12 months or 12,000 miles.
The Acadia's higher city MPG parity (both at 20 mpg city) and better highway figure (26 mpg on FWD trims vs 27 mpg on the Explorer base) are close. The Explorer's combined advantage of 24 mpg versus the Acadia's 21 mpg combined (on AWD configurations) is worth noting for buyers who spend significant time on the highway. FWD Acadia trims return 26 mpg highway, which closes that gap.
The Acadia's standard remote start across every trim is a daily-use convenience the Explorer does not list as universal. Wireless charging is also standard on all Acadia trims. The Explorer includes the Ford Connectivity Package (streaming, karaoke, games while parked) for one year as a standard feature, which has no direct Acadia equivalent.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the 2027 GMC Acadia if:
You need to seat eight. You want hands-free highway driving through Super Cruise without moving to a higher price tier. You haul gear regularly and need 23 cu ft behind the third row. You want AWD capability with the proven AT4 trail-ready package. Families in Elizabeth City and across the region who prioritize usable passenger and cargo space will find the Acadia fits that role better than the Explorer.
Choose the 2027 Ford Explorer if:
You want a higher combined MPG figure, prefer a rear-wheel-drive handling character, or are interested in the available high-output V6 powertrain on the ST or Tremor. The Explorer also suits buyers who place priority on native Google integration and a premium Bang & Olufsen audio system across more of the lineup.
For most families cross-shopping these two vehicles on practical metrics, the Acadia's 8-seat capacity, larger cargo volume, standard Super Cruise availability, and consistent powertrain output represent a stronger everyday package.
See the 2027 GMC Acadia at Elizabeth City GMC
The 2027 Acadia is in stock now at Elizabeth City GMC. Whether you are coming in from Elizabeth City or anywhere nearby, the team can walk you through every trim, from the Elevation to the Denali Ultimate, and get you behind the wheel for a test drive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the 2027 GMC Acadia have more horsepower than the 2027 Ford Explorer?
Yes. The Acadia produces 328 hp from its 2.5L turbocharged four-cylinder. The Explorer's base 2.3L EcoBoost four-cylinder produces 300 hp, giving the Acadia a 28-hp advantage on the standard engine.
Which has more cargo space, the 2027 Acadia or the 2027 Explorer?
The Acadia has significantly more. With all seats occupied, the Acadia offers 23.0 cu ft behind the third row versus 16.3 cu ft in the Explorer. Maximum cargo expands to 97.5 cu ft in the Acadia and 85.8 cu ft in the Explorer.
Can the 2027 GMC Acadia seat 8 passengers?
Yes, the Acadia's Elevation FWD trim offers standard 8-passenger seating. The Explorer is available with a maximum of 7 seats across all trims.
Does the 2027 Ford Explorer get better gas mileage than the Acadia?
The Explorer's base engine returns 20 city / 27 hwy / 24 combined mpg. The Acadia's FWD trims return 20 city / 26 hwy / 21 combined. The Explorer has a higher combined figure, though the city ratings are equal and the highway gap is one mpg.
What is Super Cruise and does the Explorer have it?
Super Cruise is GMC's hands-free driver assistance technology for compatible highways. It is standard on the Acadia Denali and Denali Ultimate and available as a package on Elevation and AT4. The 2027 Ford Explorer does not offer a comparable hands-free highway driving system.
Which vehicle tows more?
The Explorer's maximum towing capacity is 5,300 lbs on the base configuration. The Acadia's maximum towing is 5,000 lbs. The Explorer holds a narrow 300-lb edge.
Where can I buy the 2027 GMC Acadia near Elizabeth City, NC?
Elizabeth City GMC carries the 2027 Acadia in stock. You can browse available inventory or contact the dealership to schedule a test drive.
Disclaimer:
The Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price excludes tax, title, license, dealer fees and optional equipment. Dealer sets final price.
1Dealer Discount applied to everyone
1Dealer Discount applied to everyone