GMC SUVS AT NORTHWEST HILLS CHEVROLET BUICK GMC

It's unclear whether the SUV was built for the American market or America was built for the SUV. The two are so much in tune with each other that it becomes a matter of what was first, the chicken or the egg? We love our SUVs and for good reason.

They're spacious, comfortable, able to drive us anywhere, be it in town, on the open road or even a little off that open road. They can tow, and they can pack the whole family to get a Sundae. SUVs, one can say, are part of the family.

GM is one of the three biggest American car manufacturers, so it's no wonder their SUV line-up is SU-PERB! The three models comprising it cover the whole spectrum of needs, from the smaller Terrain to the ample Yukon, by way of the Acadia. Let's take a few minutes and get familiar with each of them.

The Terrain is the most modern-looking of the pack, sporting a floating roof and a handsome, sleek exterior shape. It has an overall air of refinement, both on the outside as well as the inside where soft-touch materials dominate the cabin.

Although smaller than the previous version, you won't feel any discomfort from lack of room. The Terrain can carry in absolute comfort up to 4 adults, even on long commutes. There's also plenty of cargo space with 29.6 cubic feet available behind the second row and a huge for its class 63.3 cubic feet with the second row folded down.

Three engine options are available, starting with the base powertrain, a 1.5-liter turbo-4 capable of producing 170 horsepower and an impressive 203 pound-feet of torque. That much torque makes the Terrain a delight to drive around town where drivers greatly appreciate quick boosts of power. One step up and you'll find a 2.0-liter turbo-4 engine that puts out 252 horsepower, and again with impressive torque at 260 pound-feet. The line-up is completed by a diesel engine, a 1.6-liter turbodiesel at 137 horsepower and 240 pound-feet of torque. It is more than capable of offering an enjoyable driving experience and the best out of the three when it comes to fuel economy. (unintentional rhyme, but I'll take it)

Plenty of tech inside the Terrain, with standard features the likes of a 7.0-inch touchscreen, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth connectivity, 6 USB ports, and keyless ignition.

The model in the middle is the Acadia. Benefiting from a recent exterior redesign that added lots of curves, the Acadia had its aggressive-masculine vibe subdued, but not smothered. The new look makes it appealing to a much broader audience, and that's excellent news since SUVs are family vehicles by nature, so they'll need approvals from both spouses before purchase.

Not the most spacious of SUVs, it can still sit up to 7 people inside, but the third row is not exactly welcoming, and that's a GOOD thing. It is because the Acadia was built for those that need the third row occasionally. It's made to serve a particular niche, and if you happen to be part of it, there couldn't be a better option, as a small crossover would be too little for your needs and you wouldn't need a huge SUV either.

Cargo space is of 12.8 cubic feet with all rows up and if you fold them down it increases to a respectable 79 cubic feet.

Two engine choices available in the form of a 2.5-liter inline-4 that will produce 193 horsepower and 188 pound-feet of torque, plus a 3.6-liter V-6 with a mighty 310 horsepower output and 271 pound-feet of torque. Both are paired with an excellent 6-speed automatic that delivers the power from the engine to the wheels flawlessly.

Since the Acadia is a family car, a lot of emphases was put on safety. Even the base model comes with a standard list of safety features that include 7 airbags, anti-lock brakes, a rearview camera and a rear-seat detection system that will make you aware you left a child or pet in the back of the car when you exit. It's not for GM to judge, but to help you not forget your kids in one of their vehicles.

The list of standard features is completed by a 7.0-inch touchscreen, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, three-zone automatic climate control, and 17-inch alloy wheels. That's with the entry SL trim level.

Upgrade that to the SLE and your car will be fitted with an eight-way power driver's seat, heated front seats, an 8.0-inch touchscreen, and remote start capability.

Now, for the Mac Daddy, the Big Kahuna, the Yukon. A great representative of the "old-school cool" kind of styling, the Yukon is a mighty, unapologetic beast. It looks sturdy, it feels strong when you drive it and considering it can tow up to 8500 pounds, IT IS strong, it doesn't just feel like it.

The base engine is a V-8. That's a phrase certain to delight the ears of any buyer, so I'll repeat it. The base engine is a V-8... a 5.3-liter V-8, to be precise, that creates 355 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque. The upgrade is a 6.2-liter V-8, which cranks out 420 hp and 460 pound-feet through a 10-speed automatic.

Standard features include cloth upholstery, either a bench up front or two bucket seats, 18-inch wheels, an 8.0-inch touchscreen equipped with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a state-of-the-art Bose sound system, and automatic three-zone climate control.

From the smaller-sized Terrain to the immense Yukon, there's a size for everyone at GMC. Here at Northwest Hills Chevrolet Buick GMC in Torrington, we have all models in all trim levels in our showroom, and we'd love to help you choose the perfect one for your needs. All you have to do is come on over, we'll take care of the rest.