Did you know that the automotive industry is booming, and it’s all thanks to used cars? With consumers trading in their vehicles every few years for a newer model, there are millions of options in the used car market. Roughly 40 million used cars are sold every year, which is more than twice the 17 million new cars that hit the market annually. This is why you’ll want to run and not walk to your used GMC SUV dealer, where you’ll find the perfect SUV for your needs at a price you’ll love.
So, which GMC SUV is the best to purchase used? It all depends on your driving and lifestyle needs. Whatever the case, there’s no doubt that the GMC lineup has something for everyone, from the smaller Terrain that offers seating for five to the six-passenger Acadia or the eight-passenger Yukon. Of course, some model years are better than others, but even that’s easy to navigate with this buyer’s guide.
The GMC Terrain
First introduced in 2010, the five-passenger Terrain quickly became a top seller for GMC because of its practicality, efficiency, and affordability. Closely related to the Chevy Equinox but with more sophisticated features, the 2010 Terrain is equipped with a backup camera and offers two powertrain options as well as all-wheel drive. Fast forward to 2013, and GMC added the top-tier Denali trim to the Terrain lineup as well as an all-new 301-horsepower V6 engine to give the Terrain more power and better handling.
Although GMC added OnStar and a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot to the Terrain in 2015, if you’re looking for more tech features, then you’ll want to shop for a 2018 model or newer. GMC completely redesigned the Terrain in 2018 and added advanced safety features like automatic emergency braking. This is also the first year that Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard on every trim. The second-generation Terrain also offers a lineup of more powerful and more efficient engine options, including a turbo-diesel engine that gets 39 MPG on the highway.
Final Verdict
If mileage and age aren’t a concern, shop for models made between 2010 and 2017 since these are typically priced much lower and can get you behind the wheel of a spacious SUV for nearly nothing. If you’re looking for a more modern or efficient Terrain, shop for a 2018 or 2019 model. For tech-savvy drivers, you’ll want to stick with younger models since these offer a variety of active standard features as well as a host of connectivity tools like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
The GMC Acadia
Known primarily as a truck-based brand since the late 1980s, GMC turned heads in 2007 when they entered the crossover market with the debut of the Acadia. The large crossover gave drivers everything they wanted in an SUV, from its spacious cabin complete with a sliding second-row to its performance and capability courtesy of tools like stability control and the option of all-wheel drive. The Acadia’s popularity blossomed over the next few years as GMC added more features like an available rearview camera, a 288-horsepower V6 engine, and the top-tier Denali trim, all of which came between 2008 and 2011. In 2013, GMC gave the Acadia a fresh new look inside and out with a modern exterior and a sophisticated interior with an all-new touchscreen display. The next year saw the availability of advanced safety features like forward collision alert and lane departure warning.
In 2016, GMC added OnStar and a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot to the Acadia, only to fully redesign the SUV in 2017. This time, the redesign led to a much smaller and lighter SUV with seating for five to seven. GMC also gave off-road enthusiasts everything needed to take the Acadia on the trail with the available All-Terrain Package. GMC upped the ante once again on the Acadia in 2020 with the addition of the Acadia AT4, which is designed with adventure in mind. The lineup also sees the addition of a new 9-speed automatic transmission as well as a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine that pushes the Acadia’s capability even further.
Final Verdict
Like the Terrain, if you’re looking for the lowest-priced option, you’ll want to shop for older models. However, “old” is relative here since many experts will advise you to stick with models from 2013 or newer. For drivers looking for more technology, you’ll find that GMC added significant tech updates in 2016, and those features only get better with each new model year. The same can be said for the Acadia’s off-road prowess, which you’ll find in models like the 2017 Acadia with the All-Terrain Package or the 2020 Acadia AT4.
The GMC Yukon
The ultimate road warrior in GMC’s SUV lineup is the best-selling Yukon. Making its debut in the GMC lineup as a two-door model in 1992, GMC redesigned the Yukon as a four-door model in 1995. Shorter than the Suburban and offering both four-wheel and rear-wheel drive, the Yukon quickly earned its place among drivers looking for a full-size and capable SUV.
By the new millennium, the Yukon saw several updates, including the addition of the Denali trim in 2004, followed by a complete redesign in 2007. GMC started adding more power to the engine in 2009 with a beefier 6.2-liter V8 engine and offered safety and driver-assist tools like a backup camera and a blind-spot warning system. These upgrades continued over the next few years with the addition of GMC’s StabiliTrak system to the 2012 lineup to enhance performance when towing heavy loads.
GMC gave the Yukon a sportier exterior with its 2015 redesign, along with the addition of convenience features like a programmable power liftgate. The SUV also saw improved efficiency with an all-new active fuel management system. The updates kept coming, and in 2017, GMC added automatic emergency braking, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, OnStar, and a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot to keep drivers connected and in control behind the wheel. Additional updates followed with the Yukon boasting a new grille and optional 10-speed automatic transmission in 2018.
Final Verdict
The Yukon is a great option for large families needing to haul passengers of all ages and their gear. To get the most bang for your buck, you’ll want to shop for models made around 2015 since this was when GMC introduced the active fuel management system to improve the Yukon’s fuel economy. If you’re willing to spend a little more, be on the lookout for a 2017 or a 2018 model since these include newer tech features like smartphone integration as well as modern updates to the exterior.
GMC Always Delivers Big
You can’t go wrong by shopping for a used GMC SUV when you consider everything that models like the Terrain, Acadia, and Yukon have to offer. What’s even more impressive is GMC’s warranty coverage on used models, which gives you confidence in your purchase. GMC’s Certified Advantage program is one of the best in the industry and includes a comprehensive vehicle inspection to ensure every used model meets GMC’s strict requirements.
Once the models are inspected and reconditioned, they enter GMC’s CPO inventory and are available for purchase. Then, when you find the perfect used GMC SUV for your needs, you’ll reap the benefits of GMC’s Scheduled Maintenance Program and two factory-backed warranties. The 6-year or 100,000-mile Powertrain Limited Warranty starts from the original in-service date and includes roadside assistance, while the Bumper-to-Bumper Limited Warranty is good for 12 months or 12,000 miles. This is why it’s easy to shop for a used GMC because you know exactly what you’re getting with the GMC brand.
