For most parents of multiple children, driving an SUV is an absolute necessity. Unless you’re planning on taking multiple trips everywhere you go, it stands to reason that you should probably drive a vehicle with enough space to fit everyone in your family. Like with any type of vehicle, picking the right SUV for your family isn’t a simple decision. There are a lot of factors to think about when buying a new car, and if you’ve got kids there’s a good chance you need all the extra space you can get. That’s why it’s important to drive a solid, spacious vehicle, and one of the many reasons to consider these GMC SUVs for your next family vehicle.
2019 Terrain
Performance
The new model Terrain has three turbocharged engines available for your choosing. The standard is a 1.5-liter gas engine with a 9-speed automatic transmission, but a 2.0-liter version and a 1.6-liter diesel version are both optional upgrades. The standard option delivers 170 horsepower and 203 lbs per foot of torque and has a combined fuel efficiency of 28 MPG. The diesel version only has a 6-speed transmission and 137 horsepower, but it makes up for it with 240 lbs per foot of torque and a combined fuel economy of 33 MPG. (It also looks the coolest out of the three.) The 2.0-liter version is by far the most powerful, with 252 horsepower and 260 lbs per foot of torque, but it’s combined gas mileage is the lowest at about 25 MPG.
Interior
Even at a glance, the Terrain’s interior is sharply pleasing to the eye. From the contrast in the color to the use of real aluminum for various trimmings around the cabin, the aesthetic is sleek and striking. The full black option looks elegant too, though it lacks the bold contrast of the other options. There’s an available sunroof as well, and it stretches into the rear of the cabin to give all your passengers a pleasant view, not just the one who called shotgun. The ability to fold down every seat but the drivers allow for the storage of items up to eight feet in length, which is two feet more than what would be required to transport a properly sedated velociraptor. Still not impressed? Consider this: that jerk from the office, Gary, meets you in the parking lot to steal your bag lunch again for the third time this week. But this time you’re ready for him, and you unleash a GMC Terrain’s worth of velociraptors trained by Chris Pratt himself to steal Gary’s lunch and discredit him in front of your mutual peers. Eight feet of storage space is looking more and more valuable by the minute now, isn’t it?
Entertainment
The entertainment technology featured in the 2019 GMC Terrain is the same as what we’ve come to expect from modern vehicles, but plenty of people haven’t looked at a new vehicle in a number of years so we’ll go over the highlights anyways. A customizable touchscreen sits in the center of the dashboard, allowing you to fully integrate your smartphone with your vehicle to access apps and communication on the go. A wireless hotspot is available as well, providing you with further connectivity and your passengers with easily accessible diversions on long rides. A fully capable power outlet is even a possible option, so the terrible battery life of your laptop won’t hurt you anymore.
2019 Acadia
Performance
There are two engine options for the 2019 Acadia, and one comes with a notable addition to functionality. A 2.5 liter 4-cylinder engine comes standard and provides 193 horsepower, 188 lbs per foot of torque, and a combined fuel economy of 23 MPG. It’s optional upgrade, however, gives the Acadia the strength to tow up to 4,000 lbs, which is a pretty major improvement even despite its slightly lower combined gas mileage of 20 MPG. This upgrade comes in the form of a 3.6 liter 6-cylinder engine, and with 310 horsepower and 271 lbs per foot of torque it’s no surprise the capability it brings to the table.
Interior
The Acadia has an incredibly versatile interior, from storage to seating. Four seats are split between the two rear passenger rows, allowing for a maximum capacity of six, including the driver. Each of these rear seats can be folded down individually to make room for both storage and passengers, in any configuration you’d like. Whether you want only the left-side seats folded down to carry long items like skis, or just one seat folded down in the center for easy access to a cooler full of frozen treats, you’ve got full flexibility in how you arrange your interior. Multiple other storage features are offered by this year’s Acadia as well, such as a covered compartment under the floor of the rear cargo area or a small drawer for rear passengers. For anyone with very specific storage needs, the 2019 Acadia is worth a look.
Entertainment
The Acadia’s entertainment options are essentially identical to that of the Terrain, so there isn’t much to say here. Some Acadia trims have more USB ports than equivalent Terrain trims, and vice versa. The same goes for the number of speakers spread throughout each vehicle or the exact size of the dashboard touchscreen. Though there are minor differences, most are far too insignificant to be of any real note, unless you’re someone with very specific priorities.
2019 Yukon
Performance
The Yukon is the strongest of the three SUVs we’ve talked about today, with the ability to tow over 8,000 lbs even with its standard engine. The 5.3-liter V-8 engine yields an impressive 355 horsepower and 383 lbs per foot of torque, but only 18 MPG in combined fuel efficiency. Though it might be difficult to imagine needing more power than what the standard engine offers, a 6.2-liter V-8 engine with a 10-speed transmission is also available. This upgraded option produces 420 horsepower and 460 lbs per foot of torque, while still maintaining almost the same fuel economy with a combined rate of 17 MPG.
Interior
The Yukon is the largest and most expensive SUV on this list, so it makes sense that it would have the most impressive interior. The cabin seats a maximum of eight thought the SLE trim offers a front bench seat to accommodate one additional passenger if you need it. The third row of seating can be outfitted with “Power Fold” technology, so you can skip the hassle of struggling with tiny levers and let the seats do the work for a change. With the flip of a switch, the rear-most bench seat folds flat to measurably increase storage space. The front seat has its own storage capabilities, and the center console alone is large enough to store a laptop comfortably. Behind the dashboard infotainment system is a concealed compartment with a USB charging port, which is the kind of thing you might expect to see in a late 90’s Pierce Brosnan Bond movie (even though USB ports weren’t used for charging until a few years later). Regardless of whether or not you accept GoldenEye as the indisputable best Bond movie in the franchise, there’s no doubt the Yukon has some of the best storage options on the market.
Entertainment
The 2019 Yukon’s entertainment features are (again) virtually indistinguishable from the features in both the Terrain and Acadia. There is one key difference, though, and that’s the ability to add Blu-ray capable screens to both rear passenger rows. These screens also have audio/video inputs, and when you couple that with the power outlet mentioned earlier, you get one of the few vehicles able to support a GameCube. If that isn’t the epitome of class, I don’t know what is.
GMC SUVs – A Family Solution
Whether you need something luxurious or something more practical, GMC has an SUV to offer. Even the less expensive trims have an abundance of options, for both you and your passengers. You may not want to spoil your children, but with features like these, you’ll never have to hear “are we there yet?” again.
