2026 GMC Acadia vs. Ford Explorer

2026 GMC Acadia
 

2026 Ford Explorer

vs. 

2026 GMC Acadia

2.3L EcoBoost® I-4

Standard Engine

2.5L Turbo Engine

300 hp

Standard Horsepower

328 hp

Yes

Active Safety Systems

Yes

310 lb-ft of torque

Standard Torque

326 lb-ft of torque

7 Passengers

Maximum Seating Capacity

8 Passengers

Are you comparing the 2026 Ford Explorer vs. the GMC Acadia to decide which new SUV you should finance? Both of these models offer impressive performance and customization options. However, the newest Acadia generally provides increased interior volume, particularly for cargo, so that you can bring along all your precious belongings and loved ones during your next weekend getaway out past Holly Springs. The latest Acadia also comes with more standard technology, such as a larger infotainment display and a standard wireless charging pad, so you can stay connected and entertained as you run errands around Apex.

Join our team at Hendrick Buick GMC Cary near Raleigh as we compare the engine specs and feature highlights of the 2026 Ford Explorer vs. the GMC Acadia. If you decide that the Acadia is your preferred choice, please contact us online to arrange your test drive in Cary.

 

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2026 GMC Acadia vs. 2026 Ford Explorer Comparison

When comparing the base model of the latest GMC Acadia vs. the Ford Explorer, you’ll find that the former offers superior performance. To access everything the Explorer is capable of, you’ll have to pay a higher starting MSRP. Compare the engine specs for both lineups for yourself and decide which setup offers the output you need:

2026 GMC Acadia Engine Specs

  • Engine: 2.5L Turbo Engine
  • Transmission: 8-speed automatic transmission
  • Horsepower: 328 hp @ 5,500 rpm
  • Torque: 326 lb-ft of torque @ 3,500 rpm

2026 Ford Explorer Engine Specs

2.3L Turbocharged, Direct Injection Ti-VCT EcoBoost® I-4 Engine (Standard on Active 100A, Active, ST-Line, Tremor®, and Platinum™):

  • Transmission: 10-speed automatic transmission
  • Horsepower: 300 hp @ 5,500 rpm
  • Torque: 310 lb-ft of torque @ 3,500 rpm

3.0L Twin-Turbocharged EcoBoost® V6 Engine (Standard on ST, Available on Tremor®):

  • Transmission: 10-speed automatic transmission
  • Horsepower: 400 hp @ 5,500 rpm
  • Torque: 415 lb-ft of torque @ 3,500 rpm

2026 GMC Acadia Vs. 2026 Ford Explorer: Interior Features

Both SUVs are full of excellent technology for both entertainment and information. However, the latest Acadia features a larger infotainment screen, standard wireless charging, an available heads-up display, and the Super Cruise™ driver-assistance suite. In comparison, the newest Explorer lacks many of these features on the entry-level model. Check out some of the many feature highlights you can find on the 2026 Ford Explorer vs. the GMC Acadia:

2026 GMC Acadia Key Features

  • Hitch Guidance
  • Seatbelt indicator, third row
  • Seatbelt indicator, second row
  • Rear window defogger
  • 2-way power lumbar front passenger seat controls
  • Skid plate
  • LED Reflective Windshield Collision Alert
  • Narrow rocker moldings, Black
  • Heated power outside mirrors with integrated turn signal indicators
  • Driver Convenience Package

2026 Ford Explorer Key Features

  • AM/FM, MP3-Compatible with Six Speakers
  • Tri-zone electronic automatic temperature control
  • 2nd row Captain’s Chairs with E-Z Entry and Armrest
  • 3rd row Split Bench with Manual Fold
  • Active noise cancellation

Test-Drive A 2026 Acadia At Hendrick Buick GMC Cary

Ready to experience the thrill of a 2026 Acadia firsthand at Hendrick Buick GMC Cary? We invite you to explore your financing options with our convenient payment calculator, whether you choose to custom order or pick from our current inventory. Visit our Cary showroom and let us help you find your perfect Acadia configuration today.

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Hendrick Vehicle Disclaimer:

 

$799.00 Dealer Administrative Fee included in advertised price.

All prices exclude all taxes, tag, title, registration fees and government fees. Out of state buyers are responsible for all taxes and government fees and title/registration fees in the state where the vehicle will be registered. All prices include all manufacturer to dealer incentives, which the dealer retains unless otherwise specifically provided. Dealer not responsible for errors and omissions; all offers subject to change without notice; please confirm listings with dealer.

All vehicles may not be physically located at this dealership but may be available for delivery through this location. Transportation charges may apply. Please contact the dealership for more specific information. All vehicles are subject to prior sale.

 

Additional Disclaimers:

 


*Offer includes all dealer discounts and OEM incentives. Offer does not include tax, tag, title, fees, and other dealer installed options. Discount varies by model and stock number. Example stock #ZT21070. See dealer for details. Take retail delivery by 8/31/26. **Monthly payment is $16.67 for every $1,000 you finance. Average example down payment is 20.7%. Must finance through GM Financial. Some customers may not qualify. Not available with lease and some other offers. Take new retail delivery by 8/31/26. ***Deferred monthly payments for 150 days. Must finance with GM Financial. Some customers may not qualify. Down payment required at signing, if applicable. Finance charges accrue from date of financing.  Not available with lease and some other offers. Take new retail delivery by 8/31/26.

*Offer includes all dealer discounts and OEM incentives. Offer does not include tax, tag, title, fees, and other dealer installed options. Discount varies by model and stock number. Example stock #ZT21070. See dealer for details. Take retail delivery by 8/31/26. **Length of contract 36 months. Monthly payment is $27.78 for every $1,000 you finance. Average example down payment is 10.7%. Must finance through GM Financial. Some customers may not qualify. Not available with lease and some other offers. Take new retail delivery by 8/31/26. ***Well-qualified customers who purchase a new, used, or certified pre-owned vehicle, 4 model years or newer with less than 60K miles between June 2, 2026 and July 31, 2026, and finance through a participating dealer and lender have the option to defer monthly payments for 90 days from contract date. Excludes Hendrick Performance vehicles. Finance charges begin to accrue on the date you sign the Retail Installment Sale Contract at the Annual Percentage Rate (APR) disclosed in the contract. May not be combined with other preferred lender financing offers. 75 months maximum term limit. Equal monthly payments only. Not available to Pennsylvania residents; see your dealer for details. Must take retail delivery by July 31, 2026. See dealer for complete down payment and interest rate options and details. Financing available to qualified buyers. Some exclusions apply. See dealer for complete details.

*Monthly payment is $18.37 for every $1,000 you finance. Example down payment is 28.3%. Must finance through GM Financial. Some customers may not qualify. Not available with lease and some other offers. Take new retail delivery by 8/31/26. **Deferred monthly payments for 90 days. Excludes residents of PA. Must finance with GM Financial. Some customers may not qualify. Down payment required at signing, if applicable. Finance charges accrue from date of financing. Not available with lease and some other offers. Take new retail delivery by 8/31/26.

*Well-qualified customers who purchase a new, used, or certified pre-owned vehicle, 4 model years or newer with less than 60K miles between August 1, 2026 and August 31, 2026, and finance through a participating dealer and lender have the option to defer monthly payments for 90 days from contract date. Excludes Hendrick Performance vehicles. Finance charges begin to accrue on the date you sign the Retail Installment Sale Contract at the Annual Percentage Rate (APR) disclosed in the contract. May not be combined with other preferred lender financing offers. 75 months maximum term limit. Equal monthly payments only. Not available to Pennsylvania residents; see your dealer for details. Must take retail delivery by August 31, 2026. See dealer for complete down payment and interest rate options and details. Financing available to qualified buyers. Some exclusions apply. See dealer for complete details.

*Offer includes all dealer discounts and OEM incentives. Offer does not include tax, tag, title, fees, and other dealer installed options. Discount varies by model and stock number. Example stock #ZT20506. See dealer for details. Take retail delivery by 8/31/26. **Length of contract 36 months. Monthly payment is $29.04 for every $1,000 you finance. Example down payment is 15.5%. Must finance through GM Financial. Some customers may not qualify. Not available with lease and some other offers. Take new retail delivery by 8/31/26. ***Deferred monthly payments for 120 days. Excludes residents of PA. Must finance with GM Financial. Some customers may not qualify. Down payment required at signing, if applicable. Finance charges accrue from date of financing. Not available with lease and some other offers. Take new retail delivery by 8/31/26.

*Offer includes all dealer discounts and OEM incentives. Offer does not include tax, tag, title, fees, and other dealer installed options. Discount varies by model and stock number. Example stock #T21232. See dealer for details. Take retail delivery by 8/31/26. **Monthly payment is $16.67 for every $1,000 you finance. Average example down payment is 20.7%. Must finance through GM Financial. Some customers may not qualify. Not available with lease and some other offers. Take new retail delivery by 8/31/26. ***Deferred monthly payments for 150 days. Must finance with GM Financial. Some customers may not qualify. Down payment required at signing, if applicable. Finance charges accrue from date of financing.  Not available with lease and some other offers. Take new retail delivery by 8/31/26.

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