2018 GMC Acadia vs. 2018 Ford Explorer Platinum
The luxury SUV is for those who like the size and power of the SUV but who appreciate the style and sophistication of the sedan, including all the bells and whistles that come with the higher-end models. Two of the big names in the luxury SUV market are the GMC Acadia Denali and the Ford Explorer Platinum, and the 2018 models show off the best that both have to offer.
Not sure which is the right SUV for you? Here’s a closer look at these two luxury giants:
Style
Do you like a more streamlined look for your SUV? Or do you prefer something that’s a little more rugged, yet maintains its refinement? The answer to those questions will help you figure out if the GMC Acadia Denali or the Ford Explorer Platinum is right for you.
The GMC Acadia Denali has a slicker overall appearance, with more rounded edges and a little more blurring of the lines. Some will find the look a little bland – even a little bubbly. In contrast, the Ford Explorer Platinum has a bit more brawn under its polished exterior. You see more sharp angles and hard lines, which makes the whole SUV look more substantial. The Ford Explorer Platinum tells people that you prefer the finer things in life but you are no softie.
Interior Features
You choose a luxury vehicle because you want the convenience features that make it fun to drive. Neither the GMC Acadia Denali nor the Ford Explorer Platinum disappoint.
The 2018 GMC Acadia Denali comes standard with 7-inch touchscreen for the infotainment system, a rear-seat entertainment system, an eight-speaker surround-sound audio system, a dual-panel sunroof, and a navigation system, among others. There are also plenty of safety features, like a forward collision alert, blind spot monitoring, and a teen driver monitoring system.
The 2018 Ford Explorer Platinum comes standard with a 12-speaker sound system with subwoofer, an air filtration system and dual-zone automatic climate control, heated steering wheel, the Sync3 system, and much more. You get all the safety features that the GMC Acadia Denali includes plus adaptive cruise control, a reverse sensing system, and more.
Performance
You might want luxury features in your SUV, but that doesn’t mean you aren’t concerned about the power that the larger SUV offers. The 2018 Ford Explorer Platinum comes standard with a 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 engine that puts out 365 horsepower. Fuel economy is estimated at 16 mpg in the city and 22 mpg on the highway.
The 2018 GMC Acadia Denali comes standard with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that puts out 193 horsepower. Fuel economy is better since the engine isn’t as powerful. It is estimated at 21 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway. You might save a bit on gas, but you’ll have a much weaker ride overall.
Pricing
You’ll pay a little less for the 2018 GMC Acadia Denali, but you’ll also enjoy fewer features and a less powerful ride. The Denali starts at $51,150, and the Ford Explorer Platinum starts at $53,940. The price difference isn’t that great, but you’ll get a lot more with the Ford Explorer Platinum.
Which is Right for You?
Only you can decide what SUV is right for you, but we think the choice is clear. Visit your nearest Ford dealership to take a test drive of the 2018 Ford Explorer Platinum and fall in love with it yourself.