Used GMC buying guide
About GMC
Founded in 1902, GMC specializes in all-action trucks and luxury SUVs. GMC is a power-packed premium brand, offering all-terrain technology, all-electric powertrain options, and deluxe editions appealing to those seeking tough workday performance and high-octane off-duty adventures.
Durability and practicality are at the heart of GMC’s lineup. The Sierra 1500 and Yukon offer impressive towing and hauling capabilities, as well as a list of amenities and plush material finishing.
What CarMax customers like
Ride and Handling
Interior Space
Fuel Economy
What CarMax customers don’t like
Fuel Economy
Technology and Entertainment
Cost to Maintain
GMC FAQs
This full-size truck has three class options to consider before you begin to identify desirable trim features. The Sierra 1500 is ideally suited to daily driving and light towing. Shop the Sierra 2500 for more powerful engine options, capable of heavy-duty work. The Sierra 3500 is the ultimate powerhouse, with a reinforced suspension and rugged frame capable of commercial towing and industrial tasks.
Doing your homework before purchasing makes sense. Check out RepairPal’s common problem and recall pages for any relevant consumer-reported issues or current manufacturer recalls. Once you’ve identified a particular vehicle that ticks your boxes, read its maintenance records, take a look at the vehicle history report, and consider a pre-purchase inspection to check its general condition and the quality of any work completed.
That depends on several factors. With a 3.0 out of 5.0 rating from RepairPal, GMC reliability ranks 22nd overall among 32 car brands. The average annual repair and maintenance cost for a GMC model is $744 compared to an average of $652 across all other models. Use RepairPal to help you identify models that best suit your needs.
Every vehicle has a unique history. A simple walk-around could identify any climate-related damage or bodywork issues. Mileage helps gauge potential mechanical wear, but service records and a vehicle history report are just as important. Check out our miles vs maintenance article to learn why both matter when shopping used.
GMC makes vehicles for life's biggest tasks. The GMC truck lineup includes the midsize Canyon, full-size Sierra, and the all-electric Hummer EV Pickup, which debuted in 2020. The GMC SUV options range from the five-seat Terrain to the Acadia, Yukon, and Yukon XL, which all seat up to eight. The Hummer EV SUV joined in 2021. Most of these models are also available in all-terrain AT4 or deluxe Denali editions.
The Sierra 1500 pickup truck is the favorite used GMC model with CarMax shoppers, taking sixth place in our most recent Top Ten Most Popular Used Trucks list. The GMC Acadia SUV is also popular, taking eighth place on our CarMax listing for the Top Ten Eight-Passenger SUVs, while the Yukon SUV also placed eighth in our recent Top Ten Large SUVs listing. Learn more about how our lists work.
1. GMC Terrain
CarMax owner rating
Pros
Classy interior environment
Composed highway handling
Available Bose® sound system
Cons
Cargo storage space trails behind rival small SUVs
Acceleration can be sluggish
2. GMC Sierra 1500
CarMax owner rating
Pros
Four powertrain options capable of towing and hauling
Controls and infotainment are easy to navigate
Passenger conveniences are plentiful
Cons
Full-size structure inhibits visibility
More ride feedback than rival models
Compare used GMC Models
Both the 2026 GMC Sierra 1500 and the GMC Sierra EV share a name and can perform many of the same tasks. These capable trucks are built on GMC’s half-ton pickup frame but offer different drivetrains. The Sierra 1500 is powered by a 5.3L and 6.2L V8 gas engines, and one 3.0L diesel, which nets an impressive EPA-estimated 28 highway mpg and tows up to 13,300 pounds when properly equipped.
The 2026 Sierra EV, on the other hand, have an estimated towing capacity of 10,000 lbs (when properly equipped), and up to 410 miles of EPA-estimated range.
If you’re looking for instant torque and want to ditch trips to the pump, pick the Sierra EV. Or, if you're not ready to make the jump into the EV world, the Sierra 1500 is the truck for you.See how these two trucks stack up using our comparison tool.
A unibody-style SUV, the 2026 GMC Acadia delivers a comfortable and quiet driving experience, and its lower ride height makes loading and unloading easier. Larger and more powerful, the 2026 GMC Yukon is built on a frame, making it better suited for heavier towing, payloads, and carrying more people. A 2026 GMC Yukon with the 5.3L V8 engine and RWD can tow up to an estimated 8,400 pounds when properly equipped.
The Acadia's lone engine option, a 2.5L turbocharged four-cylinder, is good for towing an estimated 5000 pounds when properly equipped.
You can find the luxurious Denali trim, loaded with technology and comfort, on both the Acadia and Yukon.If you enjoy a truck-like look and feel, the Yukon will make a great family hauler. Or, if you prefer a more refined ride and easier handling, pick the Acadia instead.
Find out more about how these two SUVs compare in our comparison tool.
While the GMC Canyon and GMC Sierra 1500 are both body-on-frame pickups, they differ in size and capabilities. As a midsize truck, the 2026 GMC Canyon is ideal for light towing or hauling, and its 2.7L turbocharged engine boasts a maximum estimated towing capacity of 7,700 pounds (excluding AT4X) when properly equipped.
The Canyon is also better suited to city driving, with better maneuverability and a smaller overall footprint. However, if you want something more spacious and capable, the Sierra 1500 is for you. You can choose from three powerful engine options: two gasoline V8s and a six-cylinder diesel, which delivers an impressive 13,300 pounds of towing when properly equipped.
Check out both using our comparison tool.
The 2026 GMC Sierra EV and the GMC Hummer EV round out the EV GMC truck lineup. Larger than life, and with 1,000 hp on tap, the Hummer EV will go from zero to 60 mph in just 3.3 seconds (according to the manufacturer, when new).
It's also surprisingly good off-road, too, thanks to its wide stance and electric motors powering all four wheels. Both trucks are loaded with modern tech and luxury features, though the Sierra EV Denali trim elevates it to the level of luxury sedans.
If you’re looking for more everyday practicality, the Sierra EV is narrower, and 2026 models offer an EPA-estimated 410 miles of range with the 120-kWh battery when fully charged.
It can also tow an estimated 10,000 pounds when properly equipped.You can compare these two electric vehicles in detail using our comparison tool.
The 2026 GMC Terrain and the GMC Acadia are both family-friendly, unibody SUVs with a selection of modern technology options, available AWD, and lots of practical touches. The Terrain is a five-passenger SUV available in three trims designed to fit your lifestyle. For example, the AT4 trim features off-road and adventure-ready options that enable the Terrain to traverse the roads less traveled.
Seating up to seven, the three-row Acadia's 2.5L turbocharged four-cylinder engine delivers an increased towing capacity of 5,000 pounds when properly equipped.
Both SUVs are capable family haulers, but the Terrian is better suited for smaller families that aren’t looking to tow. The Acadia’s larger interior and engine make it better suited for more passengers and improved towing capability.
Compare the two using our tool here.
Ready to find your used GMC?
RepairPal reliability ratings
RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features. RepairPal Reliability Ratings are provided by RepairPal and CarMax is not responsible for their accuracy. These ratings are based on RepairPal Reliability data as of August 2023. Learn more about RepairPal reliability ratings.
Unless otherwise noted, information related to these featured vehicles comes from third-party sources, including manufacturer information. We make every effort to provide accurate information, but please verify before purchasing. Product and company names may be trademarks or registered trademarks of third-party entities. Use of them does not imply any affiliation with or endorsement by these entities. We hope you found this information helpful. This content is intended to inform and is not meant to indicate that a particular vehicle is currently available or recommended for you.
RepairPal Reliability Ratings are provided by RepairPal and CarMax is not responsible for their accuracy. These ratings are based on RepairPal Reliability data as of 3/18/2025. Learn more at repairpal.com/reliability.
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Various factors may impact towing capacity, including weight of passengers, cargo, and options/accessories.
We hope you found this information helpful. This content is intended to inform and is not meant to indicate that a particular vehicle is currently available or recommended for you.
Statements of fuel economy or EV range are based on EPA and other third-party estimates for vehicles when new. Fuel economy and EV range will degrade with time and vary based on age, driving conditions, vehicle history, and other conditions. See fueleconomy.gov for more info.
Unless otherwise noted, information related to featured vehicles comes from third-party sources, including manufacturer information. Product and company names may be trademarks or registered trademarks of third-party entities. Use of them does not imply any affiliation with or endorsement by these entities. By clicking on any video links, you will be taken to a third-party site maintained by YouTube, Inc.
We make every effort to provide accurate information, but please verify before purchasing.