If you regularly find yourself wishing that your car had a bit more utility, it might be time to consider an SUV or pickup truck. While sedans are great for drivers who just need something comfortable to get them from point A to point B, they don’t have much to offer when it comes to transporting cargo or completing other heavy-duty tasks. A solid pickup or SUV, on the other hand, should provide you with the tools necessary to get tough jobs done. GMC knows what they’re doing when it comes to capable and dependable vehicles, so if you need strength and storage along with your comfortable ride, check out a “GMC dealer near me“, and you’ll find more than a few vehicles that fit the bill.
2019 Canyon
The 2019 Canyon is part of the vehicle’s second generation, but while the series is still fairly new, it’s already cemented its reputation as one of the best midsize trucks on the market. An available 3.6L V6 engine provides strong acceleration, allowing the truck to reach 60 MPH in under seven seconds. Braking is equally potent, producing excellent results in emergency stop tests. Steering is a huge highlight for the Canyon, which is well-weighted and capable of managing winding roads with ease. The maximum towing capacity possible is an impressive 7,700 lbs, well above other competing models.
The cabin is surprisingly quiet for a truck of its size, and though you might expect a decent amount of noise from the engine, it’s actually muffled incredibly well. While seating seems a bit firm at first, settling in takes no time at all, and it’s easy to spend the entire day behind the wheel if you have to.
Smartphone integration and a wireless hotspot provide connectivity wherever you go, and up to four USB ports can be placed throughout the cabin so that all of your passengers can charge their devices at once. A host of different safety features are also available, from lane departure warnings to forward collision alerts, to help you maintain full situational awareness and prevent accidents as often as possible. The Canyon is a top pick for midsize trucks, and if you’re looking for a pickup that’s both strong and maneuverable, it might be your best bet.
2019 Sierra 1500
The 2019 Sierra 1500 is all new, marking the fourth generation in the series. Three engine options are available to choose from, but even the base-level engine has plenty of kick to it. If you think you might need a little extra power, though, the Sierra can easily accommodate that. A ten-speed transmission is a new addition, helping to fine-tune performance while noticeably improving shift quality. Also new is a traction select system that allows you to choose from a group of preset drive modes, each tailored to different road conditions. The most innovative of the features newly added to the Sierra is the MultiPro tailgate, which can be configured in six different helpful ways. The maximum possible towing capacity for the Sierra 1500 is a whopping 12,100 lbs, so if the Canyon isn’t quite enough for you, the Sierra might be just what you’re looking for.
Like the Canyon, the Sierra is outfitted with a highly intuitive infotainment system. The system is simple but effective, and it comes with the same smartphone compatibilities that the Canyon does. The display screen in the new Sierra is a full 8-inches though, and while that feature isn’t uncommon, in the Sierra it comes standard. A wireless charging pad is available, as well as up to six USB ports, so keeping devices charged should never be an issue. When it comes to safety features, the Sierra has all the options the Canyon has and then some, with available features as advanced as automatic braking and safety alert seats. After being fully redesigned and updated for the new year, it’s clear that the GMC Sierra is better than it’s ever been before.
2019 Acadia
The 2019 Acadia is a perfect family transport, with a heavy focus on comfort and space. It offers a six-speed transmission and a choice between 2.5-liter 4-cylinder and 3.6-liter V6 engines. When outfitted with the V6 engine the Acadia is capable of hitting 60 MPH in just over six seconds, an admirable time for a midsize SUV. An upgraded suspension is available to improve ride comfort, but the standard suspension still provides an exceptionally smooth ride, Like other SUVs in its class, the Acadia tends to turn a bit wide, but even despite this it manages to feel both responsive and maneuverable.
The Acadia’s maximum towing capacity is 4,000 lbs, and with the rear seats folded down, it provides a substantial 79 cubic feet of cargo space. There’s even a hidden storage compartment beneath the cargo area floor that adds a more organized area to keep some of your things.
The cabin is roomy, with plenty of space for drivers six-feett and above. The third row has a bit less room, but the second row of seating is still perfectly sufficient. The seats are comfortable too, both well-cushioned and supportive. Like the other vehicles on this list, the 2019 Acadia is equipped with the GMC infotainment system, so it’s capable of all the same functions that the others are, from smartphone integration to wireless connectivity. Being a family vehicle, it’s only right that the Acadia offers top-of-the-line safety technology, and the numerous features available to the 2019 Sierra are also available for the 2019 Acadia.
2019 Yukon
The 2019 Yukon is an absolute beast of a vehicle, with a base engine capable of delivering 355 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque. The Denali trim offers an even more powerful engine, but both options provide a generous rate of acceleration. Braking is strong and responsive, and the Yukon performed well in emergency stop tests. Steering feels on-center and balanced, though sometimes a bit slow, which is to be expected from a vehicle its size. The maximum towing capacity when properly outfitted is an exceptional 8,400 lbs.
The Yukon has an abundance of space, whether it be for cargo or passengers. Seating is comfortable and spacious enough in all three rows for an all-day drive, and with the rear passenger rows folded down, the vehicle boasts 94.7 cubic feet of storage. Small item storage is outstanding in the Yukon, with a massive center console compartment, a hidden locked compartment behind the infotainment display, and a variety of other helpful places to stash your stuff. The infotainment and safety functionalities of the other vehicles listed are also shared by the Yukon, though it lacks one or two of the same driver assistance features, like low-speed automatic braking. Despite this minor drawback, the GMC Yukon is still one of the top full-size SUVs on the market, and it has been for so long that I remember being dropped off at middle school in one.
Closing
If any of these trucks or SUVs interest you, head on down to a GMC dealer near you and take a test drive. Once you feel the strength and security inherent to larger, more powerful vehicles, you might never want to go back to driving sedans. And who could blame you? A reliable truck or SUV opens up a world of possibilities, from completing toilsome tasks to enjoying outdoor activities with friends or family.
