Introduction
Choosing the right SUV means finding a vehicle that fits your daily routine. Whether you're headed to school or events, planning for the weekend, or just looking for comfort and safety on Monroe’s roads, mid-size SUVs like the 2025 Ford Explorer and the 2025 GMC Acadia both bring a lot to the table, including three rows of seating and convenience for everyone onboard.
But which one is the best fit for you and your family? In this guide, we’ll highlight the key differences in performance, interior space, technology, and safety to help you confidently choose the SUV that supports your active lifestyle: the 2025 Ford Explorer or the 2025 GMC Acadia.
Key Takeaways
- The 2025 Ford Explorer has three rows of seats for six to seven passengers, making this mid-size SUV the perfect choice.
- The 2025 Ford Explorer competes with other SUVs with a towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds.
- The new 2025 Ford Explorer has impressive curb appeal and features a comfortable interior with convenient controls within arm's reach on every row.
While the 2025 Ford Explorer and the 2025 GMC Acadia are both mid-size crossover SUVs, the main difference is size, with the Acadia being the larger SUV. Since the Acadia debuted as a full-size SUV and the Ford Explorer as a compact, the size difference makes more sense considering their evolution into SUVs with three rows of seating, perfect for individuals and families.
Although both vehicles offer three rows of seats, the GMC Acadia lineup includes a trim, the Elevation, which provides enough space for eight passengers. The Ford Explorer Active, ST-Line, and Platinum models seat up to seven passengers, while the ST model seats up to six with space for your luggage and anything you bring daily to make every day a productive success.
Another difference between the 2025 Ford Explorer and the 2025 GMC Acadia is the engine power of each mid-size crossover SUV. The 2025 Ford Explorer Active, ST-Line, and Platinum models come with the 2.3L turbocharged EcoBoost I-4 engine, while the ST model also offers a 3.0L twin-turbo EcoBoost V6 engine, which is available as an option for the Platinum model. The Ford Explorer and the GMC Acadia can tow up to 5,000 pounds, meaning you can pull small to medium-sized trailers with a jet ski and similar gear to make every trip memorable.
Which SUV has better gas mileage? It’s the new 2025 Ford Explorer!
Whether you choose the base model 2025 Ford Explorer Active or the top-tier Explorer ST or Platinum with the 3.0L EcoBoost V6 engine, you get a mid-size SUV with impressive EPA fuel efficiency.
When comparing the 2025 Ford Explorer with the 2025 GMC Acadia, the Explorer stands out with better gas mileage, achieving an EPA estimated 29 MPG on the highway and 24 MPG driving around the city.
Is the mid-size 2025 Ford Explorer for me? Yes, drive a new 2025 Ford Explorer today!
The new 2025 Ford Explorer, a mid-size crossover with three rows of seating and a towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds, is a top J.D. Power pick for best upper mid-size SUV and makes a perfect addition to your driveway. From the bumper-to-bumper LED signature lighting, the heated power folding exterior mirrors, and the chrome exhaust tips to the interior with heated, leather seats and heated leather wrapped steering, the new 2025 Ford Explorer is on a level above comfort and convenience.
When you buy a new 2025 Ford Explorer, you get an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ fully equipped with advanced safety features including the Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist 2.0 or Assist+ technology that gives you Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking, Blind Spot Information System with Cross-Traffic Alert, Lane Keeping System, Rear View Camera, Auto High-Beam Headlamps, Reverse Brake Assist, Reverse Sensing System, Post-Collision Braking, Adaptive Cruise Control, and more.
Other 2025 Ford Explorer features:
- Ford BlueCruise Hands-Free Highway Driving
- Wireless charging
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- SiriusXM with 360L
- Standard
- B&O Sound System by Bang & Olufsen
- USB ports
- 12V and 110V power outlets
- FordPass Connect with 5G LTE Wi-Fi Hotspot capability
- Ford Digital Experience with a 13.2-inch touchscreen display
Put Your Family in a Ford
The 2025 Ford Explorer is perfect for individuals and families who want a comfortable and capable mid-size SUV with leather seats, wireless charging, and the confidence of driving a safely rated vehicle.
Visit Banner Ford of Monroe and put your family in a new Ford vehicle today. Shop our best selection of new and used vehicles online and check out our easy finance application for a quick and easy process.