Narrowed it down to two: GMC Acadia & Ford Explorer

[NutBucket]

Nah, same transmission as before with some minor updates. Supposedly shifts better than the previous versions. The only thing really "new" besides cosmetics is the entertainment system. Everything else in the drivetrain can be found in any number of GM vehicles.

The Explorer is built on the same chassis as the Volvo XC90, Ford Taurus/500, etc so its been around for a while too.

 

[RagingBITCH]

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.

No one really buys a SUV for off road purposes anymore though...it only made sense to go unibody. The Acadia is a unibody, so it's not like one is losing ruggedness or toughness by buying the Acadia, despite what GMC markets.

Go Explorer

 

[AMCRambler]

No one really buys a SUV for off road purposes anymore though...it only made sense to go unibody. The Acadia is a unibody, so it's not like one is losing ruggedness or toughness by buying the Acadia, despite what GMC markets.

Go Explorer

Yeah I guess. Kills the towing capacity though too. Older Explorers were alot more capable.

 

[rcpratt]

I love my family's Explorer, but I've never driven the GM.

 

[ussfletcher]

I'm not sure if its extra clear coat or special paint or just the shape of the body, but every Acadia I've seen has this awesome reflective property to the paint, makes it look super clean.

 

[Ketchup]

aphex, which one did you go with?