GMC Acadia vs Ford Explorer
The Ford Explorer is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 28 mpg combined versus 25 mpg for the GMC Acadia, a 3 mpg advantage and costs about $250 less per year to fuel.
Across 4 measured categories, the Ford Explorer leads in 4. Figures are EPA test data, not manufacturer claims.
2015–2027
GMC Acadia
Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD · 44 configurations
2015–2026
Ford Explorer
Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD · 102 configurations
Head-to-head specifications
| Metric | GMC Acadia | Ford Explorer |
|---|---|---|
| Best combined MPG | 25 mpg | 28 mpg ✓ |
| Best city MPG | 22 mpg | 27 mpg ✓ |
| Best highway MPG | 29 mpg | 29 mpg |
| Lowest annual fuel costEPA estimate at 15,000 miles per year | $2,450 | $2,200 ✓ |
| Lowest CO2 output | 349 g/mi | 322 g/mi ✓ |
| Engines offered | SIDI | SIDI, SIDI & PFI, SIDI & PFI; FFV, SIDI; Stop-Start |
| Transmissions | Automatic 8-spd, Automatic 9-spd, Automatic 6-spd | Automatic (S10), Automatic 10-spd, Automatic (S6) |
| Drivetrains | All-Wheel Drive, Front-Wheel Drive | Part-time 4-Wheel Drive, Rear-Wheel Drive, Front-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel types | Regular | Regular, Gasoline or E85 |
| EPA class | Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD | Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD |
| Years covered | 2015–2027 | 2015–2026 |
| Configurations on record | 44 | 102 |
Source: EPA fuel economy records via fueleconomy.gov. Best-case values across all recorded configurations for each model.
Acadia vs Explorer: common questions
Which is better on gas, the GMC Acadia or the Ford Explorer?
The Ford Explorer is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 28 mpg combined versus 25 mpg for the GMC Acadia, a 3 mpg advantage and costs about $250 less per year to fuel.
Which costs less to run per year?
By EPA estimates at 15,000 miles a year, the Ford Explorer runs about $2,200 a year in fuel at its most efficient configuration, versus about $2,450 for the GMC Acadia — a difference of roughly $250 per year.
What engines do the Acadia and Explorer offer?
GMC Acadia: SIDI. Ford Explorer: SIDI, SIDI & PFI, SIDI & PFI; FFV, SIDI; Stop-Start.
Are they in the same vehicle class?
The EPA classifies the GMC Acadia as Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD and the Ford Explorer as Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD, so they aren't a like-for-like match on size.
More Acadia comparisons
Comparison id: gmc-acadia-vs-ford-explorer