3 Row SUVs have a tough job to do, needing to balance a cozy enough interior for the whole family with rugged performance that translates both on and off road, and two of the standout models in the class this year that excel in both respects are the new for 2025 Ford Explorer and the GMC Acadia. In this family SUV face-off, we’ll be putting the 2025 Ford Explorer head to head against the GMC Acadia to see which brings a better balance of features for the whole family to enjoy.
Key Takeaways:
- The Acadia gets a standard bench seat, replacing the captain's chairs that were standard before.
- The Ford Explorer’s refresh is finally here, meaning buyers can enjoy all of the latest and greatest the blue oval has to offer on the SUV.
- Bluecruise arrives on the top trims of the Ford Explorer, making for a significantly enhanced driving experience.
Is GMC making a 2025 Acadia?
For 2025, the base Elevation trim now features a second-row bench seat as standard, replacing the previously standard captain's chairs. Buyers can still opt for the captain's chairs through a new Premium package, which also includes 20-inch wheels and additional features. The Elevation trim also gains new 18-inch dark-gray wheels. Across the entire lineup, a Trailering package is now standard, as is an OnStar Basics package.
- Elevation - $44,495
- AT4 - $56,385
- Denali - $59,085
The entry-level Elevation model offers strong value for the price, coming well-equipped with essential infotainment and driver-assistance features, including a surround-view camera system. Standard equipment also includes 18-inch wheels, power-adjustable front seats, a hands-free power rear liftgate, a heated steering wheel, and heated front seats. Buyers can further enhance the Elevation with options like heated rear seats, a head-up display, and additional upgrades.
Will the Ford Explorer be redesigned in 2025?
The long-anticipated Explorer refresh has finally arrived for 2025, and it delivers much-appreciated changes over the 2024 model. The exterior now features a bolder, more rugged design, while the cabin benefits from upgraded materials and a more premium feel, including wrap-and-stitch soft-touch surfaces on key touch points like the center console, dashboard, and door panels.
Technologically, the updated Explorer debuts the Ford Digital Experience, which integrates services from Google and Amazon alongside Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. Higher trims also gain access to Ford’s BlueCruise hands-free driving system, enhancing both convenience and driver assistance.
Is the 2025 Ford Explorer better than the 2025 GMC Acadia?
The Ford Explorer’s more substantial upgrades, paired with its accessible price, make it our top pick in this head-to-head. Its newly introduced tech and lower pricing make for a model that's more accessible in multiple ways over the Acadia, making it our bona fide pick for the best SUV on the market in 2025. No matter the SUV you are looking to purchase here at Jarrett Scott, we will be happy to help!