Narrowed it down to two: GMC Acadia & Ford Explorer

[aphex]

It appears my long trek for finding a new car is coming to a close soon, i believe i've narrowed my long list of choices down to two 2013 model crossovers; GMC Acadia and Mazda CX-9.

Price between the two is fairly comparable, with the Acadia taking a slight edge in the lease payment. Both are base models, but nicely equipped. Acadia has a backup camera and satellite radio, the CX9 has neither but handles better and has bluetooth streaming audio. Cargo capacity is a slight edge to the Acadia, but not by much.

Thoughts?


EDIT: Change of plans, test drove the CX9 again and the more I look at the trunk, the more i realize it just doesn't have enough room for what we need. Started negotiating with Ford and got an 2013 Explorer XLT fairly well loaded for right about the same price as well. So now, Acadia vs Explorer?

 

[NutBucket]

The Acadia might have bluetooth if you get the color touch radio. I think its a $500 option or so and might be worth it if you must have streaming BT. Otherwise, there is standard USB connectivity.

My wife and I prefer the middle row captains chairs in the GMC and we thought it had the most 3rd row room. Plus, GMC claims it'll swallow 4x8 sheets of plywood. That's impressive for a SUV (yes, I know most minivans can do this).

EDIT: If spring for an SLE-2 instead of and SLE-1 this is the added functionality of the standard radio: http://media.gm.com/media/us/en/gmc...Pages/news/us/en/2012/Feb/0214_intellink.html

 

[bigi]

... the CX9 has neither but handles better ...

You are not going to change this for bunch of gizmos, are you?

 

[Throckmorton]

You are not going to change this for bunch of gizmos, are you?

They're both minivans, neither of them can popssibly handle that well...

 

[pauldun170]

They're both minivans, neither of them can popssibly handle that well...

CX-9 handles fairly well and the Arcadia isn't bad.

 

[NutBucket]

They're both minivans, neither of them can popssibly handle that well...

One must qualify it; they handle well given their purpose. Not like you're going to compare either to standard family sedan....although the last Camry I was in didn't inspire any more confidence than our Acadia.

 

[Jumpem]

I would choose the 2014 Forester XT. If it needs to be as large as those two, I would go with the new Explorer.

 

[NutBucket]

Explorer is quite a bit smaller inside even though exterior dimensions are similar. It is quite nice otherwise though.

 

[raildogg]

I drove the GMC Acadia for a long round trip and found it excellent in every way. It was very comfortable, had good power, handling was good, very spacious. It felt very solid over bumps and rough stretches of road. I had several passengers and all rode very comfortably. The backup camera was of high quality. Speakers were good as well. If I were in the market for a full size SUV, the Acadia would be at the very top.

 

[BeauCharles]

My friend in Portland narrowed his search down a year ago to those exact two models. He went with the Acadia for the slightly roomier interior and better seating options (although his wife liked the way the CX-9 handled better).

 

[FirewolfX]

Own a 2008 CX-9 AWD Love it!!

 

[rommelrommel]

Man, I really really wish there had been a Buick Enclave Super (v8)

I just find that v6 to be a little gutless with such a big vehicle.

 

[Pacfanweb]

Have driven many of both, and I would take the Acadia every time, although I like the CX-9, also. I like it, but compared to the Acadia, it falls short, IMO.

As far as handling.....who gives a crap? It's a freaking crossover/SUV/minivan. There isn't a dime's worth of difference in the two in the real world. You won't notice a difference in either one you buy, as far as its performance in day-to-day driving. You won't be affected.

If you were comparing a Mustang and a Camaro, then yeah, maybe.

 

[stag3]

They're both minivans, neither of them can popssibly handle that well...

mazda is known for handling, we love our cx7 because it feels more car like than suv like. there's no floaty feeling.

 

[mmntech]

Acadia drives alright. Got plenty of power. Really beast of a machine. Interior is pretty utilitarian and it's not a pretty vehicle by any means.

I haven't driven the CX-9 but they're built on the same platform as the Edge and Lincoln MKX. Two SUVs which I like a lot. I think the Mazda will be an all around nicer vehicle in terms of handling and such. Though this is mainly personal preference. Both are big SUVs/crossovers that get terrible gas mileage.

 

[NutBucket]

Eh, we average around 20 in ours. Given it weighs about 5000 lbs that's pretty decent...and only marginally worse than our WRX

 

[boomhower]

It's purely subjective but I can't get over the styling of the Mazda. I've always like the Acadia and it's brethren, particularly the styling of the Enclave. Given the same platform as the Mazda I'd look at the Edge too.

 

[aphex]

Changed the CX9 to the Explorer, the CX9 just doesnt have enough trunk space with the 3rd row up. The Explorer and Acadia both have enough trunk space for our needs.

 

[boomhower]

I'd take the Ford with Sync Touch. It looks better on both the inside and outside. Drive them both but my hunch is the Ford is going to be the winner in driving as well. It's almost 2,000 pounds lighter with the close to the same horsepower. That's going to make a difference around town.

 

[NutBucket]

The Explorer doesn't drive noticeably better/different. Curb weight is within 100 lbs assuming FWD. Exterior size is similar as mentioned and total interior volume is similar. What doesn't make sense is how the explorer only has 80 cu ft behind the 1st row vs 116 for the Acadia.

 

[RedArmy]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YHDzTCN0M1I

 

[Ketchup]

I have a hunch the Ford will hold its value better. I was raised a GM guy, but after 2 Mustangs and a Mazda 6, I am very happy with the Ford (and Ford-based) vehicles I have owned.

 

[AMCRambler]

I have a hunch the Ford will hold its value better. I was raised a GM guy, but after 2 Mustangs and a Mazda 6, I am very happy with the Ford (and Ford-based) vehicles I have owned.

Actually i think the GMC will hold value better than the Ford simply because so many more Ford Exploders were built. GMC tends to be a bit more rare. GMC is to Chevy as Mercury was to Ford.

That said, I'd take the Exploder. More proven platform. Acadia hasnt been around as long and parts will be more expensive. That is unless you're selling it as soon as it goes out of warranty.

 

[Ketchup]

That said, I'd take the Exploder. More proven platform.

How is that? The current Explorer came out in 2011, and from what I have read is completely different from the last generation, which underneath was pretty much the same since inception in 1990.

Compared to the Acadia, which was first released in 2007.

 

[AMCRambler]

Yeah you're right. I didn't realize Ford flushed the full frame and went unibody. Barf. I'm sure we have CAFE to blame for that.

Even so drivetrain in the Ford have been the same since 2011. Acadia has a new transmission for 2013 and also received a rework/facelift. Seems like the Ford is still more of a known quantity with 2 model years under its belt. I'd still choose the Ford. Sold way more units too.