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 Canyon
CarMax owner rating
2. 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
3. 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
4. GMC Acadia
CarMax owner rating
5. GMC Yukon
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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.
Fuel economy figures are based on EPA estimates for when vehicle sold as new. Fuel economy may vary for reasons like driving conditions and vehicle history. Unless specified, figures are for vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission. See fueleconomy.gov.
Range figures are based on EPA estimates for when vehicle sold as new and assume a full battery charge. Range will vary based on things like battery age, vehicle condition and history, driving and charging habits, accessory use, and driving conditions. Battery capacity may decrease with time and use. See fueleconomy.gov for more info.
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.