Should I Buy a Chevy or GMC?

When you’re browsing our inventory of Chevrolet and GMC SUVs and trucks at Koons Clarksville Chevrolet Buick GMC, you’re sure to notice that some of the vehicles from the two brands are very similar. You might ask yourself, “Should I buy a Chevy or GMC?” Well, both brands are owned by General Motors and offer superb quality, capability, and reliability, so you can’t go wrong with either. Let’s take a brief look at the history of the brands and what sets them apart.

How Chevy and GMC Began

Chevy and GMC have been inextricably linked since the early days of the American automobile industry. The General Motors Company was founded in 1908 by William C. Durant, but by 1910, Durant was forced out of the company. He subsequently co-founded the Chevrolet Motor Company in 1911. The same year, General Motors formed the General Motors Truck Company, which in 1912 became known as GMC Trucks.

Chevrolet became so successful that Durant was able to regain a controlling interest in General Motors, and in 1918 Chevrolet was incorporated into GM. Over the years, Chevy introduced many engineering and design concepts and quickly grew to be one of America’s best-selling brands.

GMC went through several incarnations and was mainly involved in the production of commercial trucks and buses. In 1996, General Motors merged GMC Trucks with Pontiac Motors, and GMC expanded its lineup to include SUVs alongside its pickup trucks. Today, GM’s automobile brand portfolio consists of Chevrolet, GMC, Buick, and Cadillac.

Chevy and GMC Platform Sharing

In today’s automobile industry, many carmakers collaborate with other manufacturers to create different vehicles based on the same platform. With a shared chassis and components, automakers can greatly reduce development and production costs while maintaining their brand identity.

General Motors was one of the first car companies to implement platform sharing, using a single chassis for models from Chevrolet, Buick, Pontiac, and Oldsmobile. Platform sharing between Chevrolet and GMC goes all the way back to 1920 when GMC built a light-duty truck on a Chevy car chassis.

Today, the Chevy Colorado and GMC Canyon midsize trucks share a platform, as do the Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra full size trucks, along with the Silverado HD and Sierra HD. As for SUVs, the small Chevy Equinox and GMC Terrain, and the midsize three-row Chevy Traverse and GMC Acadia utilize shared platforms. The same goes for the full-size Chevy Tahoe and GMC Yukon, and the Chevy Suburban and GMC Yukon XL.

So, What’s the Difference Between Chevy and GMC Vehicles?

While several Chevrolet and GMC vehicles might share a platform, they are still very different brands which are marketed to different demographics. For example, Chevy trucks are aimed more at mass market buyers and recreational truck users, while GMC trucks are targeted at luxury vehicle buyers.

GMC trucks and SUVs are priced relatively higher than their Chevy counterparts, but they offer better quality materials and come with more standard equipment and premium features. Most of GMC’s truck and SUV sales come from its luxurious off-road AT4 and high-end Denali trim levels. That’s not to say that Chevrolet doesn’t offer off-road capable and high-end models. Depending on the vehicle, you can opt for the luxury High Country trim or vehicles designed to tackle the toughest trails like the Silverado Trail Boss variants or the Suburban Z71.

GMC AT4 and Denali

All GMC trucks and SUVs are now available in the off-road specialized AT4 and prestigious Denali trim levels, which have almost become sub-brands in their own right. But what do these trims have to offer?

AT4 models come standard with all-wheel drive and unique, rugged styling inside and out. Depending on the model, you’ll find features such as a black chrome grille, black wheels and trim, red recovery hooks, underbody skid plates, hill descent control, and a traction select system. Inside, the distinctive details include leather upholstery, AT4 embroidered head restraints, brushed aluminum accents, and stylish AT4 sill plates.

The GMC Denali range of vehicles represents the pinnacle of luxurious motoring. These models create a dynamic impression with their bold exterior styling. Each model offers a signature Denali chrome grille, bright aluminum wheels, elegant chrome details, and an iconic lighting signature. The interior is crafted from the finest materials with supple leather upholstery, unique trims and stitching, and real aluminum accents.

Chevy High Country

Chevrolet buyers can also go for a luxurious option with the High Country trim level. The Suburban High Country, for example, gives you elegant perforated leather upholstery, heated and ventilated 12-way power-adjustable front seats, heated second-row seats, power-release second-row captain’s chairs, tri-zone automatic climate control, an 8-inch driver information center, a head-up display, a surround view camera system, and a Bose 10-speaker surround sound system. You also get an extensive list of driver assistance features.

Current Chevy and GMC Models

Chevrolet currently produces the Trax, Equinox, Blazer, Tahoe, and Suburban SUVs. For cars, you can choose from the quirky Spark hatchback, the elegant Malibu sedan, the Bolt electric vehicle, and the new Bolt electric utility vehicle. If it’s a sports coupe or convertible you want, you can opt for the legendary Camaro or the amazing Corvette Stingray. And Chevy also offers some of the most powerful and capable trucks with the Colorado, Silverado, and Silverado HD.

GMC’s SUVs are the Terrain, Acadia, and Yukon, while they also make the Canyon, Sierra, and Sierra HD trucks. Arriving in the fall of 2021 are the stunning all-electric GMC Hummer EV pickup and GMC Hummer EV SUV, both of which bring a whole new element of power and off-road capability to the electric vehicle market. Ultimately, choosing between a Chevy or GMC SUV or truck comes down to your personal preference and your budget. 

Koons of Clarksville Has Your Perfect Car

At Koons Clarksville Chevrolet Buick GMC, we have an extensive inventory of cars, trucks, and SUVs, so make us your first stop today in your search for a new vehicle. We can also offer you the best price when you sell us your current car. Our dealership is conveniently located at 12421 Auto Drive, Clarksville, Maryland. Alternatively, contact us by phone or via the website to arrange a test drive of your choice of vehicle.

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Tags: Chevy Equinox, GMC Sierra
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