Both SUVs are built to handle everyday driving and weekend adventures, but the Acadia approaches capability with standout confidence.

The 2026 GMC Acadia is powered by a 2.5-liter turbocharged engine producing 328 horsepower and 326 pound-feet of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. That combination delivers a composed, responsive driving experience whether you are merging on the highway or navigating tighter roads around Atkin, Minnesota. A Traction Select System with up to six available drive modes - including an AT4-exclusive Terrain Mode - gives drivers precise control over varying conditions. The Acadia also offers a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds with the available Trailering Package.

The Acadia AT4 trim takes things further with an off-road-tuned suspension, all-terrain tires, a lifted ride height, and Active Torque Control AWD - making it a genuinely capable off-road mid-size SUV that the Explorer simply cannot match at this level of refinement.

Inside, the Acadia delivers a premium, thoughtfully designed cabin that seats up to eight passengers across three rows.

The Acadia offers up to 97.5 cubic feet of maximum cargo volume with the rear seats folded, along with 23.0 cubic feet behind the third row with all seats up. Six USB ports are distributed across all three rows, ensuring every passenger stays connected.

The Acadia's technology suite is centered around the 15-inch diagonal Premium GMC Infotainment System with Google built-in compatibility and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support.

The 2026 GMC Acadia is available in four distinct trims: the versatile Elevation, the off-road-ready AT4, and the premium-focused Denali and Denali Ultimate. Each tier builds thoughtfully on the last, offering a genuine path from practical to luxurious. Whether you are looking for a capable family hauler or a refined three-row SUV experience, the Acadia lineup has a trim built for your lifestyle.

The 2026 GMC Acadia comes equipped with over 19 standard safety and driver assistance features across every trim level, making it one of the more comprehensively equipped mid-size SUVs in its class.

Standard safety technologies include Enhanced Automatic Emergency Braking, Blind Zone Steering Assist, Rear Cross Traffic Braking, Intersection Automatic Emergency Braking, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning, Reverse Automatic Braking, and more. The 2026 Explorer does not match this depth of standard safety coverage across all trims, giving the Acadia a meaningful edge for safety-conscious shoppers.

The 2026 GMC Acadia outpaces the 2026 Ford Explorer in nearly every meaningful category - from its turbocharged powertrain and advanced Super Cruise technology to its deeply equipped standard safety suite and premium interior options. For drivers seeking a mid-size SUV that blends everyday practicality with genuine capability and refinement, the Acadia is the clear choice. Explore the full lineup and find your perfect trim today.

Every Acadia trim brings a distinct interior personality. The Elevation offers After Dark cloth seating, while the AT4 steps up with an exclusive Forest Storm interior and Mahogany accents. The Denali wraps passengers in leather-appointed first- and second-row seats, heated and ventilated front seats, and a power-folding third row. At the top, the Denali Ultimate adds Woodland Mahogany full-leather massaging front seats with plaited contrast stitching - a level of refinement that clearly separates the Acadia from the Explorer in terms of luxury.

Available Super Cruise hands-free driver assistance technology sets the Acadia apart in this segment. This feature lets drivers go hands-free on a growing network of compatible roads - a level of advanced driver assistance technology the Explorer does not offer. An available 8-inch diagonal configurable Head-Up Display keeps key information projected directly on the windshield, while nine camera views - including HD Surround Vision and a Rear Camera Mirror - make maneuvering simple and stress-free.