Why Buy GMC vs. Chevrolet?

Both GMC and Chevy are owned by General Motors, so it’s not surprising that many truck buyers wonder what the differences between the two brands are. In fact, several things distinguish these two vehicle lineups. Here at Reiselman Buick-GMC, our auto experts can explain why the Sierra pickup edges out the Silverado.

GMC vs. Chevy Vehicles

GMC and Chevy both have a broad selection of vehicle offerings, but GMC focuses more on trucks and SUVs . This more focused approach has helped GMC refine its vehicles’ performance for an optimal driving experience.

If you’re shopping for a truck, GMC’s full-sized option is the Sierra 1500. This impressive cargo hauler goes head-to-head with the Chevy Silverado 1500. Buyers looking for a more compact alternative can check out the GMC Canyon, a midsize pickup convenient for daily driving while maintaining many of the benefits of a pickup.

GMC concentrates on producing a smaller number of SUVs than Chevy, including the compact Terrain, midsize Acadia, and full-size Yukon. By contrast, Chevy has a more significant number of crossovers and compact cars in its lineup.

According to US News and World Report performance rankings, GMC’s concentration on manufacturing a smaller number of models has paid off. GMC vehicles achieve a higher performance rating, reaching 8.08 out of 10 compared to Chevy’s 7.95 out of 10. These figures don’t mean Chevy makes poor vehicles, but GMC’s decision to focus on what it does best produces even better results.

GMC and Chevy Appeal to Different Buyers

The GMC brand has consistently appealed to high-end buyers looking for a luxury ride. In contrast, Chevy traditionally produces vehicles for the mass market. Considering the sales figures for the Sierra 1500, 80% come from three of its top trims: the SLT, AT4, and Denali.

The Denali trim has become synonymous with luxury and high performance across the GMC lineup. The Sierra 1500 Denali features exclusive extras, such as ventilated front seats, a seven-speaker premium stereo, and a camera in your cargo bed to keep an eye on your load. Even more exclusive features are available in the Denali Ultimate, which includes GMC’s SuperCruise autonomous driving system. Four-wheel drive also comes standard.

GMC’s focus on higher-end buyers helps provide drivers with a more refined ride. The Sierra or Canyon can hold its own on the job site while also offering a great place to relax during a weekend drive or trip out of town. GMC also often leads the way in adopting new technologies. One recent example is its MultiPro tailgate. Chevy trucks began to gain this feature several years after it first appeared in the Sierra 1500.

Another indication of these two brands’ different market segments is their trim lineups. A base GMC truck or crossover typically features the same interior materials and tech features you expect in a mid-range Chevy. By the time you reach the range-topping GMC trims, you’ll find some premium materials and components that aren’t available in the Chevy lineup.

Strong Crossover Lineups

If you’re shopping for a crossover rather than a truck, GMC’s lineup features a substantial range of candidates you should consider. The Terrain is GMC’s smallest crossover, but it still offers spacious accommodation for up to five passengers. The Terrain is powered by a four-cylinder engine capable of putting out 170 horsepower, which is ideal for driving around town or the daily commute. The next step up is the Acadia , a midsize SUV with seating for seven people across three rows. Its optional 310-horsepower V-6 provides terrific acceleration on the highway.

GMC’s SUV lineup is rounded out by the cavernous Yukon, which you can increase in size further by opting for the Yukon XL. You can choose to power the Yukon with a massive 6.2-liter V-8 or a six-cylinder turbodiesel for improved fuel economy. Passenger capacity ranges from seven to nine, depending on your chosen seating configuration.

Chevy’s SUV lineup has some similarities with GMC’s. Several vehicles share common platforms, such as the GMC Acadia and Chevy Traverse or the Yukon and Chevy Tahoe. The Chevy Equinox is a favorite for buyers looking for a compact SUV with a functional design. Chevy also produces smaller SUVs well-suited for city driving, such as the subcompact Trax and larger Trailblazer.

GMC Leads on Innovation

GMC could be the right brand for you if you’re a vehicle buyer who likes to be at the cutting edge of new technology and fresh design ideas. Over the years, the GMC brand has consistently had its finger on the pulse of new developments in auto manufacturing. The latest example was the release of GMC’s Hummer EV , the brand’s first all-electric truck. Following GMC’s lead, Chevy will soon bring out the Silverado EV.

The Hummer EV’s power train can produce an incredible 1,000 horsepower, which helps this electric pickup shoot from zero to 60 mph in three seconds flat. It also has a driving range of 300 miles on a fully charged battery. Inside the cabin, the Hummer boasts a futuristic design with a state-of-the-art infotainment system equipped with all the tech you could wish for.

With the Hummer’s impressive 2022 debut, we’re all waiting with excitement to see what GMC has planned for its next major innovation. And if you want to stay up to date with the latest developments in GMC’s lineup and future vehicle plans, our team at Reiselman Buick-GMC is on hand to help.

As you can see, both GMC and Chevy offer an exciting range of vehicles for you to choose from. However, GMC’s range of vehicles is ideal for your needs if you’re in the market for a truck or SUV that can provide a refined ride and plenty of modern tech features.

Here at Reiselman Buick-GMC, we can answer any questions you may have about GMC’s lineup, including what the Denali trim means or what features are offered by the off-roading Sierra AT4. We’d also be delighted to arrange a test drive in Springfield, so you can see how the Acadia or Canyon performs on the road before you commit to buying one.

Grayscale Photo of Car in Front of Building by Zachary Keimig is licensed with Unsplash

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