Exploring the Ratings, Features, and Pricing of GMC's Best SUVs
Exploring the Ratings, Features, and Pricing of GMC's Best SUVs
Posted on November 20, 2024
Searching for the best GMC models from our available SUVs? In this article, we’ll dive into GMC’s top SUV models, comparing features, performance, reliability, and pricing.
Whether you seek out a model based on what you read here or choose from our used GMC inventory—there's a lot to unpack. It's time to look into whether standouts the HUMMER EV, Yukon, Yukon XL, Acadia, or Terrain fits your needs best.
How We Defined the Best GMC SUVs Through Features, Price, & Ratings
- GMC offers a diverse range of SUVs like the powerful Yukon, family-focused Acadia, and compact Terrain, each designed to meet different needs. Best could mean best price, best performance, or something in between.
- GMC placed ahead of industry giants like Honda and Volkswagen in the J.D. Power 2024 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study.
- The new HUMMER SUV EV boasts the most impressive specs, including up to 830 horsepower and a range of almost 505 km on a single full-electric EV battery charge. It can tow 12,000 pounds.
- The GMC Yukon, including a base 5.3L gasoline V8 producing 355 horsepower, is a full-size SUV that provides the perhaps the best balance between affordability, power, and luxury and towing up to 8,400 lbs through Max Trailering.
- The new GMC Acadia is versatile; it features a 60/40 split folding 3 rows of seating and offers a maximum cargo capacity of 2,761 L; it's a GMC SUV that maximizes its space the best. And it boasts max towing capacities of 5,000 pounds, properly equipped.
- The GMC Terrain might well be the most reliable, with scores ranging from 84/100 to 88/100 on J.D. Power in recent years; the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in the U.S. gave the GMC Terrain 5 / 5 stars for frontal and side crash tests.
Overview of GMC SUVs
There's a lot to love about the cutting-edge safety systems in GMC SUVs. From advanced collision avoidance to lane-keeping assist, GMC’s safety technology is engineered to meet the highest industry standards—ensuring peace of mind whether you’re navigating city streets or exploring off-road trails.
GMC offers a diverse lineup of SUVs that cater to various needs and preferences. From the robust full-size GMC Yukon to the family-friendly mid-size GMC Acadia and the compact GMC Terrain, there’s something for every driver. These vehicles are designed to provide a blend of performance, comfort, and practicality, ensuring that you get the most out of your driving experience.
Each GMC SUV is crafted to offer a great set of features and benefits. The Yukon stands out with its powerful engine options and luxurious interior, while the Acadia shines as a versatile mid-size SUV with ample cargo space and advanced safety features.
The Terrain, on the other hand, is a compact SUV that combines practicality with modern tech, making it an indispensable part this segment.
Choosing a Trim for Your GMC SUV
Any new GMC SUV you choose is often available in 5 familiar trims:
- SLE
- SLT
- AT4
- Denali
- Denali Ultimate
GMC Reliability
According to the J.D. Power 2024 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study, GMC ranked 18th among all automakers, including other General Motors brands. GMC placed ahead of industry giants like Honda and Volkswagen—showing commitment to protecting your investment. Let’s look at which models top the list our best GMC SUVs to get a feel for what this brand has to offer.
GMC HUMMER EV
The new GMC HUMMER features a heads-up display that provides real-time safety readings, including pitch, roll, and drift angle, ensuring you stay informed and confident on any terrain.
The GMC HUMMER is a game-changer in the SUV market, combining rugged off-road capabilities with cutting-edge electric vehicle technology.
Performance and Towing Capability
The new HUMMER SUV EV boasts impressive specs, including up to 830 horsepower and a range of almost 505 km on a single charge. If you need to haul anything that power translates to a towing capacity of 12,000 lb. At the end of the day, there are few options for a more powerful vehicle yet an eco-friendly ride to reduce your carbon footprint.
Interior Seating and Storage
The GMC HUMMER EV SUV has spacious rear seating and generous cargo area. Perfect for both adventure and everyday use, this electric SUV combines rugged capability with ample room for passengers and gear.
The HUMMER offers a futuristic and luxurious interior with features like a large infotainment screen, premium materials, and advanced driver-assistance systems. No matter who you are or what you do, the HUMMER EV will always provide a unique driving experience—even if it involves some of the toughest terrains around. Comfort is easily found on the inside.
The GMC HUMMER EV SUV makes great use of spacious rear seats and a versatile cargo area, with a collapsable organizer, shade, and cargo net for all your adventurous (or boring) needs.
Price and Value
It goes without saying that the HUMMER is the most impressive, and maybe even the most luxurious but other models give it a run for its money.
Brand new Hummers can be around $170,000 making them the best for performance and top-tier features but not necessarily for budget-conscious decisions; it’s much more about value than economy.
Our sales advisors often say to choose a GMC SUV according to your budget, trade in to decrease the purchase price of the vehicle and consider the buying vs. leasing question.
Off-Roading Features
The HUMMER projects an image of power, but it’s definitely not all for show. Let’s not forget the incredible CrabWalk feature of the HUMMER, making rear steering and lateral movement not only possible, but as our sales advisors can confirm—really fun.
GMC Yukon
Take on any adventure with the GMC Yukon AT4, built for off-road excellence. This rugged SUV combines luxury with capability, featuring advanced off-road technologies like skid plates and an active response 4WD system.
The GMC Yukon is a full-size SUV that makes for the best balance between power and luxury. It offers multiple engine options, including a base 5.3L V8 or a turbodiesel option, making it quite an option that fits your lifestyle no matter what your needs. It’s also got a stretch option called the new GMC Yukon XL!
Performance
The GMC Yukon offers a variety of engines, a 5.3L V8 for no extra cost, producing 355 horsepower. You also have options including an 6.2L V8 delivering 420 horsepower, and a 3.0L inline-six turbodiesel that provides 277 horsepower. Advanced automatic transmissions are also common across GMC SUVs, ensuring optimal performance and fuel efficiency.
Towing Capacity
The GMC Yukon also makes the best use of ample cargo space and dependable towing capabilities, with a maximum towing capacity ranging from 7,700 to 8,400 pounds, making it a capable option for larger trailers.
The Yukon XL, an extended version of the Yukon, offers a towing capacity range between 7,500 to 8,300 pounds, still drawing substantial trailers despite the stretch. These models can easily tow a boat or similar large trailer, confirming their suitability for heavy loads.
Technology and Convenience
The Yukon offers a high-end interior with options like premium audio, heated and ventilated seats, and a head-up display. These features enhance comfort and enjoyment, whether for long road trips or daily commutes.
Safety technology like GMC PRO SAFETY PLUS, provides all of GM’s most advanced driver-assistance technologies available to GMC, to maximize your peace of mind on the road.
Reliability
GMC SUVs like the Yukon and Yukon XL are known for their solid reliability, making them a trusted option for long-term ownership. Recent consumer ratings from J.D. Power come in at 80 / 100—so you might even want to look into used models for a more affordable price.
GMC Yukon As the Upgraded Chevrolet Tahoe
The GMC Yukon, known for its luxurious interior, generally offers more upscale materials compared to the Chevy Tahoe, enhancing its appeal for those seeking a premium experience. Both the GMC Yukon and Chevrolet Tahoe are full-size SUVs that share a platform, but the Yukon's trims typically offer more premium selections of features.
Offroad with the Yukon
For off-road enthusiasts, the AT4 trim of the GMC Yukon features skid plates, enhancing protection when ground clearance falls short in tackling rough terrains. GMC SUVs are designed with rugged performance in mind, making them ideal for off-road adventures
GMC Yukon XL
Discover the spacious luxury of the GMC Yukon XL. With its extended length, this SUV offers even more room for passengers and cargo, making it ideal for large families and long trips. Did you know the Yukon XL provides up to 144.7 cubic feet of cargo space?
Whichever exciting option you choose, the Yukon is probably one of the more dominant forces on the road, and a capable vehicle for towing and heavy-duty tasks. The Yukon XL near-luxurious design and features are valuable, so the Yukon XL can exceed $120,000. But the GMC Yukon could serve your needs just as well for just over $85,000!
The price increase for adding four-wheel drive to the GMC Yukon trims is often worth the money, depending on your lifestyle. If you tow on smooth highways 4WD might not be the best choice. On the other hand, the AEV Package can be added to the AT4X to improve off-road capabilities—but it’s probably best to keep your Yukon XL on the road and put money towards Denali trims.
GMC Acadia
The GMC Acadia seats 7 with 3rd row bench and 2nd row captain’s chairs.
The GMC Acadia, a mid-size SUV, competes with models like the Chevy Traverse and Honda Pilot. With seating for up to 7 passengers and a very flexible cargo space, it caters well to families needing space and a great mix between luggage and people.
The Acadia also features advanced safety and convenience options, so it's always going to be a practical and reliable companion for your daily errands and long trips.
Model Pricing and Packages
The GMC Acadia is competitively priced against other mid-size SUVs, offering a blend of performance, family-friendly features, and advanced safety technology. As one of GMC’s most versatile SUVs, it provides good value for money, considering their performance, features, and the brand’s reputation for reliability.
Getting off the beaten track, the GMC Acadia AT4 combines powerful offroad performance with distinctive design elements, making it a noteworthy option in terms of value and a premium, polished-looking finish.
Towing Capacity
When it comes to towing, GMC SUVs stand out for their impressive capabilities and the Acadia is no exception. With max towing capacities of up to 5,000 pounds, it can handle modest to midsize loads effectively.
The GMC Acadia is a notable option among mid-size SUVs, offering a blend of features and performance. When compared to the GMC Yukon, the Yukon has more than double the towing weight capacity of the Acadia.
Interior Seating and Storage
The new GMC Acadia sports a 60/40 split folding 3 rows of seating and offers a maximum cargo capacity of 2,761 L. Its 7-passenger seating makes it a practical choice for families who need both seating and storage space.
Technology and Convenience
The GMC Acadia features a user-friendly infotainment system that is often highlighted in comparisons with other mid-size SUVs. The Denali trim of each vehicle, notably the Acadia, includes premium materials and advanced infotainment systems —and available safety technology like GMC PRO SAFETY PLUS, of course.
GMC Terrain
Travel in style with the GMC Terrain. Its fuel-efficient engine and luxurious interior make every journey enjoyable. Did you know the Terrain offers a hands-free power liftgate for added convenience?
With a starting price of around $41,000 to over $45,000, GMC Terrain is a strong seller in the compact SUV market, but one key takeaway is the way the new GMC Terrain includes new standard features aimed at enhancing its competitiveness, such as advanced safety systems and improved technology.
Safety and Reliability
High safety ratings and advanced systems contribute to this, with the GMC Terrain earning a predicted reliability score of 85/100 according to the J.D. Power 2024 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study.
When it comes to used GMC Terrain models, some from recent years scored even better, even up to a reliability score of 88/100.
And of course, with Pro Safety solid safety contributes to its reliability, making them a trusted option for long-term ownership.
Performance and Engine Options
Equipped with a standard 1.5L turbocharged engine, the Terrain offers a balance of power and fuel efficiency. It also includes safety features that enhance driver awareness, making it a practical choice for those seeking a reliable and modern compact SUV.
Convenience and Safety Technology
The new GMC Terrain is equipped with advanced connectivity features such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, allowing seamless smartphone integration. That way, drivers and passengers can stay connected and entertained on the go. Built-in Alexa is also something you can look for when integrating your Amazon home and mobile ecosystem.
The new Terrain makes great use of Pro Safety and Pro Safety Plus features alike, especially with emergency front pedestrian braking with pedestrian detection and a lane-keep assist system—not to mention the automatic emergency braking feature as a whole. Moreover, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in the U.S. gave a recent model year 5 / 5 stars for frontal and side crash tests!
Visit Woodbine GM to Discover the Best New or Used GMC SUVs
Check out the sleek new GMC Terrain in grey, now available at our Etobicoke location. This versatile SUV offers a perfect blend of style, comfort, and advanced technology, making it ideal for both city driving and weekend getaways. Come test drive it and find out why it's the best of both worlds.
Budget sometimes takes first place for families. One pro-tip our sales advisors always harp on is the need to check out our used vehicles under $30,000 for the budget-conscious; if you keep an eye on this inventory, you might find a great GMC SUV within a certain budget.
For years, GMC has offered a diverse range of SUVs that cater to various needs and preferences. From the powerful and luxurious Yukon and Yukon XL to the family-friendly Acadia and the practical Terrain, there’s a GMC SUV for everyone.
These vehicles can be financed for a payment you'll feel good about to provide a blend of performance, comfort, and practicality, ensuring that you get the most out of your driving experience.
Whether you’re looking for a vehicle for family trips, off-road adventures, or a luxurious ride, GMC has you covered. With advanced safety features, reliable performance, and competitive pricing, GMC SUVs provide excellent value for money. Schedule a test drive now—and choose the model that best fits your needs; enjoy the drive!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is GMC Terrain or Acadia Bigger?
The GMC Acadia is larger than the GMC Terrain. As a mid-size SUV, the Acadia offers three rows of seating, perfect for families, while the Terrain, a compact SUV, provides two rows, ideal for city driving and smaller families.
Which GMC SUV is Reliable?
When it comes to reliability, the GMC Terrain offers some of the best reliability. It consistently earns high marks from trusted sources like J.D. Power, making it a dependable choice for Toronto drivers who value peace of mind.
What GMC SUV Has the Best Gas Mileage?
For those looking to save on fuel, the GMC Terrain is your best bet. With its efficient 1.5L turbocharged engine, it achieves an impressive 9.0 L/100km combined, making it a smart choice for both city commutes and longer trips.
How Do the GMC Acadia and GMC Terrain Compare to the Chevrolet Trax?
The GMC Acadia and Terrain offer more space, power, and advanced features compared to the smaller Chevrolet Trax. While the Trax is ideal for city driving with its compact size, the Acadia and Terrain provide greater versatility for families and longer trips.