Your Ultimate Guide to the 2024 Buick Encore GX

Choosing a vehicle becomes easier when you start with your routine rather than a long feature list. After all, maximum towing capacity is not especially helpful if you never tow, and a third row will not add much value if you rarely carry more than four people. Whether you're commuting, providing family transportation, heading to the lakehouse for the weekend, completing household projects, or towing, the GMC lineup offers several compelling possibilities that make it worth visiting us, a trustworthy GMC dealer near Fenton. The real question, however, is whether your lifestyle calls for a Terrain, Acadia, Yukon, Yukon XL, Canyon, or Sierra 1500. We've got all the information you need, so read ahead to find out everything you need to know to get started today. Begin With Your Typical Week Before comparing models, consider how many passengers usually come along and what ends up in your cargo area. Do you carry groceries and luggage, or are tools and landscaping supplies more common? Would an enclosed SUV cargo area be useful, or do you need an open truck bed? If you tow, what does your trailer weigh once it's fully loaded? It also helps to choose based on the driving you actually do, rather than based on a hypothetical trip. Once you understand your passenger, cargo, and trailering requirements, you can begin narrowing down the lineup, and the rest will fall into place. Choose the GMC Terrain for Everyday Flexibility The 2026 GMC Terrain is the smallest offering in the vehicle lineup, being a compact SUV. Its manageable size can suit commuting, errands, parking, and the countless short trips that fill an ordinary week. The Terrain seats up to five passengers and provides up to 63.5 cu.ft. of cargo space behind its first row. Its 60/40 split-folding rear seat lets you make room for longer items without necessarily having to fold the entire seat. That flexibility can help when carrying groceries, luggage, sports bags, or supplies for a weekend project. A 1.5L turbocharged I-4 engine produces 175 hp and up to 203 lb-ft of torque. The 2026 model offers both a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) and an eight-speed automatic transmission, but the 2027 model does without the former in favor of the latter. The Terrain is not intended to be a full-size family hauler or heavy-duty tow vehicle. Instead, it serves drivers who want practical SUV space in a package that remains convenient for everyday travel. Get the GMC Acadia for More Passenger Space If you need more seats without immediately moving to a full-size SUV, take a closer look at the 2026 GMC Acadia. It's a three-row seat up to eight, making it a useful option for growing households, carpools, family activities, and group outings. With every row upright, the Acadia offers up to 23 cu.ft. of cargo space behind the third row. Fold the third row, and its maximum cargo capacity expands to 57.3 cu.ft. Lastly, folding the second row also increases this to 97.5 cu.ft. of cargo space. You can therefore prioritize passenger seating one day and create substantially more room for luggage, equipment, or household cargo the next. The Acadia's 2.5L turbocharged I-4 engine produces 328 hp and 326 lb-ft of torque. When properly equipped, this SUV can also tow up to 5,000 lbs. For many drivers, the Acadia strikes a useful balance among passenger room, cargo flexibility, and towing capability. Step Up to the GMC Yukon for Full-Size Needs Sometimes needing more room means moving into full-size SUV territory. The 2026 GMC Yukon seats up to eight and supports households that regularly carry several passengers, travel with substantial luggage, or tow recreational equipment. You can choose between the Yukon and the extended-length Yukon XL. The XL may be especially appealing when you frequently need passenger seating and cargo capacity at the same time. With its rear rows folded, it supplies up to 144.5 cu.ft. of maximum cargo volume—just slightly 16% more than the already impressive 122.8 cu.ft. of cargo space you get in the regular Yukon with the same rows folded. Regardless of whether you purchase the 2026 or 2027 Yukon or Yukon XL, the lineup offers a 5.3L V8, 6.2L V8, and a Duramax 3.0L turbo-diesel engine. Engine availability varies, so your preferred trim, driving habits, and towing plans will help determine the appropriate combination. Measurements can only tell you so much about a full-size SUV. Walking around both Yukon body styles and sitting inside them will provide a clearer sense of which one feels comfortable for your routine. Decide Whether Your Routine Calls for a Truck SUVs keep passengers and belongings together inside an enclosed cabin. A pickup makes more sense when you regularly carry items that are dirty, bulky, or easier to load into an open bed. Landscaping materials, tools, building supplies, and recreational equipment can all point you toward a truck. If that sounds familiar, the next decision is whether you need the manageable dimensions of the midsize Canyon or the greater capability of the full-size Sierra 1500. Pick the GMC Canyon for Midsize Truck Utility The 2026 GMC Canyon provides authentic truck capability without assuming that every driver needs a full-size pickup. Its midsize dimensions can be convenient for commuting, while its bed adds flexibility for projects and weekend activities. Its 2.7L TurboMax I-4 engine, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, produces 310 hp and 430 lb-ft of torque. When properly equipped, the Canyon can tow up to 7,700 lbs and offers a payload capacity of up to 1,640 lbs. Remember that those ratings describe different jobs. Towing capacity refers to the trailer pulled behind the vehicle, while payload refers to the weight carried by the truck. We recommend considering both when choosing a configuration for the best long-term results. The Canyon is a sensible match for someone who drives to work during the week but spends weekends towing recreational equipment, transporting project supplies, or loading outdoor gear into the bed. Move to the GMC Sierra 1500 for Bigger Demands When your plans require more size, more configuration options, or greater towing potential, consider the 2026 GMC Sierra 1500. This full-size truck can handle demanding projects both recreationally and professionally, as well as larger trailers, frequent hauling, and everyday transportation. When properly configured, the Sierra 1500 can tow up to 13,300 lbs. However, reaching that maximum requires specific equipment, including the 3.0L Duramax turbo-diesel I-6 engine that produces 305 hp and 495 lb-ft of torque. Cab style, bed length, engine, drivetrain, and trailering hardware can all affect an individual truck's rating, so speak with one of our professionals for the most accurate and unbiased take on choosing the right truck for the job. Instead of selecting a truck based solely on the largest advertised figures, determine the weight of your typical loaded trailer. Account for cargo and equipment, then look for a configuration that leaves a comfortable margin of capability. We can help you compare individual trucks and understand how their equipment affects towing and payload. Make Your Final Comparison in Person Online research can create a shortlist, but a test drive reveals whether a vehicle feels right. When it's time to make your choice, approach the comparison as if you were already using the vehicle. Sit in every row so that your passengers may use Fold the seats and inspect the cargo area Check visibility from the driver's position Compare truck beds if considering a Canyon or Sierra Pay attention to parking and low-speed maneuverability Ask how equipment affects towing and payload ratings These simple checks can uncover differences that are easy to miss on a specifications page. Which GMC Fits Your Life in Fenton? The Terrain offers compact everyday flexibility, while the Acadia adds three-row versatility. The Yukon provides full-size passenger and cargo accommodations. For pickup shoppers, the Canyon combines midsize dimensions with useful capability, while the Sierra 1500 is prepared for larger jobs. The right choice is not necessarily the biggest or most powerful model. It's the one that handles your real passenger, cargo, and towing needs comfortably. As a GMC dealer near Fenton, we can help you compare the options and experience your leading candidates on the road, so let's get this show on the road and get behind the wheel of a GMC that's ready to become part of your everyday routine.

If you're interested in a small SUV that you'll love driving each day, then the GMC Terrain is an easy pick. As your GMC dealer near Brighton, we love getting to offer the full GMC lineup, but there's no denying that the Terrain is something special. With its modest size, excellent handling, and terrific features inside, the Terrain has already gained a huge number of fans. The 2027 model continues the remarkable trend it has set, offering a wide range of great features for you to enjoy. Although GMC offers three trim levels for the Terrain, we thought it would be fun to focus primarily on the base trim and standard features of this SUV. This gives us a great sense of what GMC delivers, even if you're not looking for any upgrades. Impressive Performance and Engineering We're starting with performance for the GMC Terrain because it's easy to overlook, but it's vitally important. The 2027 Terrain comes standard with a 1.5L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that delivers 175 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque. This is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission that is responsive and delivers a smooth overall driving experience. Front-wheel drive (FWD) is standard for the Terrain, which makes sense for a compact SUV like this. If you want enhanced traction and capabilities, all-wheel drive (AWD) is available even on the base Elevation trim. Going with AWD not only boosts grip and traction but also delivers up to 203 lb-ft of torque. We certainly enjoy the feel of standard FWD performance, but we can't deny how great AWD is for getting around Brighton each day, especially in the winter. A drive mode selector is standard with Normal and Snow modes; going with AWD adds AWD and Off-Road modes. Consider where you tend to drive most often to help you decide which option is right for you. A Spacious and Functional Interior Although this is a compact SUV, GMC's designers and engineers have ensured it is quite spacious and versatile inside. You get comfortable seating for five passengers, with plenty of room for everyone. Inside, you get about: Front Leg Room: 43.95 inches Front Head Room: 39.18 inches Rear Leg Room: 39.7 inches Rear Head Room: 39.18 inches That gives you and your passengers ample space to stretch out. Even if you have adults in the back seats, they're going to be quite comfortable. What's nice is that you also get plenty of room inside the Terrain for everything you need to bring with you, including: Rear Cargo Volume: 29.8 cu.ft. Total Cargo Volume: 63.5 cu.ft. This makes it easy to load the rear of the GMC Terrain with shopping bags or coolers for camping without compromising passenger space. And if you don't have folks in the back seats, then you can more than double how much stuff you can pack into the Terrain. Great Tech and Convenience Features With some vehicles, going with the standard model means you miss out on many great features. Fortunately, that's not how GMC works, so even the standard Terrain Elevation trim is loaded with great features inside. For starters, a 15-inch GMC Premium Infotainment system is standard, with Google built-in and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. This is joined by an 11-inch multi-color driver information center, which makes it easy to keep track of important information. A six-speaker sound system is standard, which is great for a small SUV like this, along with keyless open and start, remote start, and Adaptive Cruise Control to enhance your daily drives around Brighton. Plenty of Comfort Features Inside Along with the terrific tech and convenience features inside the Terrain, GMC ensures you and your passengers are quite comfortable. We saw that you have plenty of head and leg room both up front and in the back seats. Along with that, you get premium cloth seating as standard in the Terrain Elevation, which looks and feels terrific. A six-way driver's seat and four-way front-passenger seat are standard, which gives you plenty of ways to adjust your seat and get it just right. You also get heated front seats and a heated steering wheel as standard, which are terrific for cold winter mornings in Brighton. Single-zone automatic climate control makes it easy to stay comfortable all year round. Excellent Standard Safety Technology Not too long ago, standard safety features on vehicles were often limited to seatbelts and airbags. These days, however, GMC is a leader in offering excellent safety and driver-assistance systems in its vehicles. The 2027 Terrain comes with: Forward Collision Alert Enhanced Automatic Emergency Braking Intersection Automatic Emergency Braking Front Pedestrian and Bicyclist Braking Side Bicyclist Alert Blind Zone Steering Assist Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning Rear Cross Traffic Braking Rear Park Assist Reverse Automatic Braking That's quite a list for standard safety features. You also get a Teen Driver system that is ideal if you have a young driver you want to help develop safe driving habits. Plus, a Safety Alert Seat is standard, providing directional vibrations to warn you about the location of hazards—so even the standard Terrain is an incredibly safe SUV! A Beautiful Exterior With Great Features We've focused a lot on the inside of the Terrain, but that's not the only place where GMC's designers have done great work. Looking at it from the outside, this SUV is beautiful, with refined details and elegant form language you might not expect from a compact model. You get 17-inch wheels standard, which look terrific and complement the overall design beautifully. LED headlamps and tail lamps are standard for the Terrain, along with IntelliBeam automatic high beams that turn on and off automatically to help avoid blinding other drivers. The deep-tinted rear glass gives you added privacy and protection from sun damage, while heated, power side mirrors are easy to adjust and they'll stay clear even in Brighton winters. Available Options to Enhance Your Drive Although we've primarily stuck to standard features for the 2027 Terrain, it's worth taking a moment to point out a number of available options. While there are two other trim levels on offer here (the AT4 and the Denali), you can also simply add upgrades or options to the Elevation trim if you like everything it offers. You have numerous exterior colors available to customize your Terrain, including Summit White, Riverstone Metallic, and Sterling Metallic. You can also go for a bold look with a two-tone combination, like Volcanic Red Tintcoat on the exterior and an Ebony Twilight Metallic roof. Larger 19-inch wheels are also available. Inside, you can choose upgrades such as eight-way power front-passenger seats, ventilated front seats for added cooling, and CoreTec seating for a more luxurious feel. GMC also lets you explore add-ons like the Convenience Package II, which includes a power driver's seat, dual-zone automatic climate control, and a wireless charging pad for added versatility. Get the Perfect GMC Terrain for Brighton Driving As you can see, the standard features for the 2027 GMC Terrain are fantastic, which is why so many people choose this model without worrying about upgrades. If you're looking for added luxury or some rugged, adventurous features, then we can help you explore those options. No matter what you want, our team at LaFontaine Buick GMC Highland is ready to help you find it.

Many professionals, growing families, and outdoor enthusiasts near Milford choose the GMC Acadia as their refined midsize SUV, with available three-row seating and powerful turbocharged engine options. With the new 2026 version, the Acadia takes another bold step towards stylish innovation and available luxury design trims. Depending on your trim choice, the Acadia homes in on your driving style. The AT4 model focuses on off-road capability, while the Denali and Denali Ultimate trims embody sophisticated luxury and advanced technology. No matter which model draws your attention, you'll be welcomed by an unmatched level of capability from a midsize SUV. Throughout this guide, we'll highlight the features that make a 2026 GMC Acadia for sale near Milford stand out across the SUV space, from confident performance to an in-depth overview of the available driving modes. Whether you need a family SUV with a comfortable everyday drive or a sturdy warrior that elevates your weekend plans, the GMC Acadia balances both in equal measure. Performance & Capability GMC builds on the performance and everyday versatility of the Acadia with its 2026 trim lineup, which boasts an impressive 328 hp, 326 lb-ft torque, and a responsive eight-speed automatic transmission. This combination means that despite its size, the Acadia delivers strong acceleration on the highway and composed handling when you tackle off-road adventures. Available All-Wheel Drive The available AWD system helps to maximize traction and driver confidence while tackling unsteady road conditions. For drivers who frequently face changing local weather conditions or want the enhanced driving confidence needed to venture beyond paved roads, the Acadia's optional AWD is the right choice for you. Six Available Drive Modes The 2026 GMC Acadia offers up to six selectable driving modes, depending on the drivetrain and trim level. Each of these modes makes minute adjustments to the overall performance while driving to account for different road conditions, from smooth everyday driving to trails to rain-soaked streets. This is achieved by adjusting the throttle response, transmission behavior, and traction management to suit your specific environment. The different modes are self-explanatory and easy to select on the fly, helping elevate your driving confidence across a wide range of road conditions and outdoor terrain. The full list of available drive modes includes: Normal: The standard mode that balances performance for your everyday driving and commuting needs, focused on efficiency and a smooth ride for everyone. Sport: Tightens the throttle response and adjusts the transmission shifting for a more engaging drive that boosts performance. Snow: Focuses on traction and stability while driving on snowy, icy, or slippery road conditions. Off-Road: The perfect mode for enhancing your control while driving across loose surfaces such as gravel, dirt, and mud. Tow/Haul: Alters the transmission shift points and torque to improve control while towing and hauling heavy loads, which also translates to more driving confidence while you're towing. Terrain Mode: Available exclusively to AWD models, this mode provides more precise low-speed traction. This is achieved primarily by optimizing torque delivery where it matters most, making it excellent in challenging or rocky conditions. Towing Power Another core feature of the 2026 GMC Acadia is its towing potential. When properly equipped with the available Trailering package, the Acadia can tow up to 5,000 lbs. This impressive payload capacity means you can easily transport anything from watercraft to utility equipment, camping trailers, and more. When combined with GMC's Pro Driver Assistance features and the selectable Tow/Haul mode, the Acadia makes towing heavy loads a breeze. With unmatched capability and a comfortable interior, the 2026 Acadia makes the perfect weekend getaway vehicle. Advanced Technology With each new iteration of GMC's design, the primary focus remains on building on the previous model through smart engineering decisions and technological advancements. The 2026 Acadia achieves this through a new selection of features that truly evolve the model, especially at higher trim levels. GMC Pro Driver Assistance Features Driver assistance features have become a staple of modern SUV design, owing to the technology's ability to improve driving safety and convenience through intelligent engineering. GMC Pro Driver Assistance helps drivers to stay aware of their surroundings while delivering additional driver confidence in heavy traffic, parking lots, and long highway drives. Available features include automatic emergency braking and a forward collision alert system that significantly improve driving safety by using sensors to detect potential impacts. These same sensors work on the rear to provide cross-traffic braking assistance, excellent for maneuvering out of busy parking lots without issue. Features like adaptive Super Cruise and lane-keeping assist enhance your highway driving and help mitigate growing driver fatigue. All of these features of GMC's Pro Driver Assistance coordinate to offer an extra layer of safety while driving. Configurable Digital Display The new 2026 Acadia features one of the most advanced interiors in its class, enhanced by the 15-inch configurable touchscreen at the center of the dashboard. The vertical orientation provides quick access to navigation, entertainment, vehicle configuration, and connected Bluetooth devices delivered through intuitive controls. Smartphone Integration & Connectivity The Acadia includes Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto compatibility, meaning you can stay connected on the road through a familiar user interface. The available USB ports keep your phone charged and active during long drives, so you can stay connected even during road trips or camping excursions across the country. Variety of Trim Options Another one of the GMC Acadia's strengths is the versatility across its lineup of trims. GMC focuses on a smaller number of trims that cater to different driver preferences, with each trim level extending the available capabilities, performance, and technology options. Elevation Trim: A Solid Baseline The Elevation trim is the baseline model and the most affordable, balancing comfort and practicality in a way that makes this option viable without feeling like you're missing out on higher trims. Choosing the Elevation trim is the best option if you prefer a balanced approach without being too attached to luxury upscaling or off-road power. AT4 Trim: Off-Road Focused The AT4 is the Acadia's adventure-capable trim level, which includes the active torque control and AWD drivetrain as standard. Additional features, such as Pro Driver Assistance and a suspension tuned specifically for off-roading, mean the AT4 trim is one of GMC's most capable off-road models. Denali Trim: Luxury Finish The Denali and Denali Ultimate trim levels increase the GMC Acadia's premium luxury feel to new heights. Full leather front seats with massage capability, panoramic sunroof, and available hands-free Super Cruise technology all combine to truly elevate the Acadia experience to new heights of prestige. Get the New 2026 GMC Acadia Today With its 2026 model, GMC has taken a bold step with the Acadia by enhancing its available features and improving its overall performance and capability. Three rows of comfortable seating plus dependable GM engineering mean the Acadia is the ideal choice for many drivers across Milford. Contact LaFontaine Buick GMC Highland today to begin the process of getting behind the wheel of your own new 2026 GMC model. Available lease and loan options make it accessible to many local drivers, and long-term maintenance support from a trusted dealership means you can keep driving comfortably for many miles to come.