The Best Truck Tailgates of 2020 (and How GM’s Revolutionary MulitPro Tailgate Came to Be)

The 2024 GMC Acadia vs The 2024 Honda Pilot Two stalwarts in the SUV game, the GMC Acadia and the Honda Pilot both boast big sales and happy drivers. But of the two, which is the better purchase? It’s hard to say which is better with vehicles so similar, and individual tastes will ultimately determine which is best for you, but there are a few clear distinctions between the two that might catch your attention. A Quick Comparison In terms of comfort, the 2024 GMC Acadia and the 2024 Honda Pilot both offer about the same in comfort, but the 2024 Acadia has a little more head- and legroom, making it slightly roomier than the 2024 Pilot. In terms of convenience, you will make less stops at the gas station with the Acadia, which saves you money in the long run as well. When considering the price tags for these two vehicles, the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price is lower for the Acadia than it is for the Pilot–this is yet another check for GMC. Specifically, the Acadia has an MSRP of $36,800-$50,600 while the Pilot’s suggested cost is around $39,900-$54,280. looking at the dimensions and handling, there are some bigger differences between the two. For example, the 2024 Acadia is slimmer in size than the 24 Pilot, making the GMC much easier to navigate through tight quarters and tricky parking spaces. The Acadia is also shorter in length than the Pilot, which adds to the ease of navigating around town. Though the Acadia is slightly smaller in size, it has a larger turning radius than the Pilot. This adds to the ease of driving the GMC, as maneuvering in and out of tight spots is easier. When it comes to performance, the Pilot has more horsepower than the Acadia, but due to the Acadia’s higher torque, it does a better job than the Pilot of transmitting the engine’s horsepower to its wheels. The Specifics Here is a breakdown of the specs for the two vehicles so you can get a better picture of how the 2024 GMC Acadia and the 2024 Honda Pilot differ from each other. Miles Per Gallon–City Acadia: 19-22 MPG Pilot: 18-19 MPG Miles Per Gallon–Highway Acadia: 26-29 MPG Pilot: 23-27 MPG Seating Acadia: 7 seats Pilot: 7-8 seats Cargo Space Acadia: 79 cubic feet Pilot: 86.5-87 cubic feet Engine Acadia: 228 horsepower, 2.0-liter, 4 cylinder (gas) engine or 310 horsepower, 3.6-liter, 6 cylinder (gas) engine Pilot: 285 horsepower, 3.5-liter, 6 cylinder (gas) engine Drivetrain Acadia: All wheel drive/front wheel drive Pilot: All wheel drive/front wheel drive Exterior Length Acadia: 193.4 inches Pilot: 199.9-200.2 inches Exterior Width Acadia: 75.4 inches Pilot: 78.5 inches Legroom Acadia: front–41 inches; rear–39.7 inches Pilot: front–41 inches; rear–40.8 inches Head Room Acadia: front–40 inches; rear–39.6 inches Pilot: front–39.1-40.5 inches; rear–39.2-40.2 inches The 2024 GMC Acadia Our winner between the Acadia and the Pilot is the 2024 GMC Acadia. And it’s not only us who thinks this way, the all-new Acadia is turning heads and impressing car reviewers with its multiple trim levels: The Elevation, Elevation Premium, AT4, and the Denali trims are all packed with incredible features and capabilities. Here is a closer look at the four trim options you have when purchasing the 2024 GMC Acadia: Elevation To be fair, all four trims are substantial and impressive. To call the Elevation the base-trim level implies it’s bare bones, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. At this first level, the Acadia is powered by a 2.5-liter turbocharged engine with 328 horsepower and 326 lb-feet of torque, and you have the option to go with 7- or 8-passenger seating. Most notably, it comes with a 15-inch diagonal premium GMC Infotainment System at no extra cost. Yes, you read that correctly. You do not have to pay for this as an add-on feature since GMC decided to put its most advanced touchscreen in the base level of the Acadia at no extra cost. Maybe we should consider the Elevation as the not-so-base trim level. Elevation Premium Picture this: a brand new SUV with 20-inch wheels and an immaculate interior with fold-flat captain’s chairs (in the back row) and about every technological feature you can imagine. This is the 2024 Acadia Elevation Premium trim level. It also comes with Smart Slide so you can manipulate interior seating to fit your specific needs. What is most impressive with Elevation Premium is the Super Cruise, one of the most advanced automated driving systems on the market today. This is one of our favorite safety features, as it enhances the regular cruise control by incorporating specialized sensors and radar technology so that your car can adapt to the driving conditions around it. For example, once you have set the preferred distance between your car and those ahead of it, Super Cruise will speed your car up or slow it down in order to maintain that distance. AT4 Consider the AT4 as the Off-roading package. This adventurous trim level comes in a dark-accented exterior color, a new Forest Storm interior, and a new rugged suspension design that allows for extreme off-roading. The 2024 Acadia AT4 comes with a raised suspension, but just how raised we do not know yet, as GMC has not officially announced how high the AT4 will sit. You can trust that this version of the Acadia will be tougher than it has ever been though. When GMC goes rugged, they go all out. Denali GMC’s most popular trim level is the famous Denali level. The Denali always comes fully loaded, as in everything you could imagine being packed into an SUV, this one has. Not to say it’s gaudy or busy, it’s actually quite luxurious and sophisticated, yet accessible to anyone. On the exterior, it comes with 20-inch aluminum wheels and the classic Denali grille with Galvano silver accents through the exterior body. Inside, there is premium leather seating that might be the most comfortable in any high-level SUV. Since the Denali trim level has been around for some time, and largely celebrated since its creation, you can trust that GMC has not pulled any punches with the 2024 model. A word to the wise–when you test drive the Acadia’s, don’t start with the Denali, start with the Elevation and work your way up the levels. If you drive the Denali first, you probably won’t want to drive anything else. It may be hard to believe but there are plenty more optional features to be added on to the 2024 Acadia’s trim levels. Here are a few of our favorites: Enhanced Automatic Emergency Braking When driving below 50 miles per hour, this feature will alert you if there is the potential for a front-end collision, and it will also automatically apply emergency braking if the driver does not respond quickly enough. Safety Alert Seat This specialized seat vibrates and pulses at the bottom of the seat for various warnings—this is an option instead of having auditory or visual warnings. This is a great option to keep you safe when you have a car full of talkative kids, or you feel like blasting your favorite song. Front and Rear Park Assist Park assist detects objects or people around you when you are driving at low speeds. Typically, it gets used when parking or navigating through congested areas. We have found this feature to improve even the worst of parallel parkers. High Definition Surround Vision This digital bird’s-eye view comes at high definition and gives a crystal-clear image of the area around your vehicle when driving at low speeds. The image of your area pops up on the Infotainment display, helping you to avoid objects and perfectly park in just about any spot. Stop in and see us at Liberty Buick GMC today and test drive all four styles of Acadia to see which is the best fit for you.

As artificial intelligence continues to advance and integrate itself into the automotive industry, we find ourselves experiencing a much different driving experience than ever before. We can now communicate with our vehicles, even before we enter the car, to heat or cool the interior, to play our favorite music and podcasts, and we can now rely on AI to take care of some of the more complicated aspects to driving, such as the act of driving itself. Car drivers are entering the age of driver assistance systems, which are AI-integrated programs created to take over some of the more laborious aspects of driving. It is safe to say that we are entering a period in time where both humans and AI team together in order to create a brand new driving experience–one that is easier and safer for everyone. Advanced Driver Assistance Systems, or ADAS, are various technologies created to improve the driving experience, namely to promote vehicle safety. This process involves the implementation of automated assistance to the driver in order to help reduce the possibility of human error. This is done by using sensors, cameras, radar, and other advanced tech features to monitor the vehicle’s surroundings at all times and to assist in various driving tasks–such as adaptive cruise control, lane-departure assistance, automatic emergency braking, and parking assistance. For some car companies, like GMC, these advanced systems are nothing new, though they are being updated often. The availability of specific assistance features can depend on the trim level and options chosen for each vehicle, but a variety of them can be found in most versions of GMC’s Sierra, Yukon, Terrain, Acadia, and Canyon. Before we get into some details on how these systems work, let’s have a look into how incorporating ADAS can benefit both drivers and passengers: Improved Safety: we can already see how ADAS helps prevent car accidents by providing safety assistance to drivers through the use of emergency braking, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. Enhanced Convenience: ADAS can make the driving experience more comfortable and less stressful by assisting with tasks such as maintaining a safe distance behind other vehicles, keeping your vehicle centered in its lane, and aiding in parking maneuvers, such as the dreaded parallel parking. Reduced Driver Fatigue: by incorporating ADAS, drivers can get alerts and assistance when necessary if experiencing fatigue. These technologies can keep drivers from falling asleep and/or get them to pay attention to certain aspects of driving–for instance, if there is flooding, icy conditions, animals crossing, etc. Potential Insurance Discounts: some insurance companies offer discounts for vehicles equipped with ADAS, as these technologies have already proven their ability to reduce the likelihood of accidents and even minimize potential damage in the case of an actual collision. Environmental Benefits: certain features to ADAS, such as adaptive cruise control, can help with fuel efficiency by maintaining a consistent speed and following distance. Over time, this can lead to a drastic reduction in fuel consumption. Lower emissions means your car is better for the environment, and you are able to save money by vising the gas station less often. Assistance for Drivers with Disabilities: ADAS can provide helpful assistance to drivers with disabilities by helping them operate aspects of the vehicle through automated prompting, the use of warning lights, etc. It can also assist those with limited mobility by setting itself to take care of things like the usage of blinkers and headlights without the prompting of the driver. Clearly, ADAS plays a crucial role in improving road safety and enhancing the driving experience, and this process of technological integration is only starting–who knows what the future holds! How ADAS Works Integrated systems such as ADAS are quite complicated, but gaining a basic understanding of how they work can better inform drivers on how and when to use them. On the most basic level, ADAS uses a combination of sensors, cameras, radar, lidar, and software algorithms to monitor the vehicle’s surroundings. All of these technologies are used to assist the driver. Here is a general overview of how it all works: Sensors and Cameras– Small sensors and cameras are strategically placed around the vehicle so that they can continuously collect data on the car’s surroundings, including nearby vehicles, pedestrians, road markings, traffic signs, and obstacles. Data Processing– The data collected by sensors and cameras are processed in real-time through the use of onboard computers. These computers use special algorithms to analyze the data received in order to identify objects on or around the road, detect potential hazardous situations, and to assess the vehicle’s position in relation to the road and other vehicles. Decision Making– Once incoming data has been processed, ADAS make decisions about the appropriate actions to take so that the driver is assisted and safety mechanisms are enhanced. For example, if it is detected that the vehicle is drifting in and out of its lane without signaling, lane departure warnings and/or the steering assistant may be employed in order to alert the driver and to keep the vehicle in its proper placement on the road. Driver Feedback and Intervention– One of the great aspects to this sort of enhanced driving system is that ADAS provide feedback to the driver through visual, auditory, and haptic alerts in order to inform them of potential hazards in the moment. Not only that, but in some cases ADAS can also intervene directly by applying the brakes, adjusting steering, even by controlling the vehicle’s speed. Integration with Vehicle Controls– Most often, Advanced Driver Assistance is integrated with the vehicle’s existing control systems–like braking, steering, and throttle–so that there is active vehicle control when necessary without the prompting of the driver. Essentially, this means that ADAS does not have to wait for human interaction for it to kick in. Which makes sense if you are heading towards danger without knowing it, you want your vehicle to know to apply the brakes whether your foot hits the brake pad or not. Continuous Monitoring and Improvement– What’s so great about ADAS is that it is continuously working. It is always monitoring the vehicle’s surroundings and performance–even if you are not–and it knows to adapt and change driving conditions, and this effectiveness is actually improved over time. Manufacturers regularly update ADAS software to enhance performance, address potential issues, and introduce new safety features. One other feature we love about the incorporation of ADAS is that if repairs or calibration are needed for the ADAS system in GMC vehicles, a quick trip to the dealership is all that is required. Once on site, a certified technician can calibrate and/or repair any necessary areas. And there is no guesswork here, as your ADAS will let you know if there is some necessary repairs or adjustments needed so that there is no compromise in the effectiveness of the system. The future is upon us, and driving is about to look a whole lot different. Are you ready to incorporate ADAS into your daily driver? It’s time.

When thinking of strong tornado and hurricane seasons, your first thoughts may not gravitate to North Carolina. But preparation for these natural disasters can be the difference between safety and danger for you and your family here in the old North State. After all, according to ReadyNC.gov — “All parts of North Carolina have been hit by tornadoes, floods, hurricanes, lightning strikes, snow and ice storms. These natural disasters can cause power outages, property damage, and disruption to food and water supplies.” Not only is it important to prepare for these natural disasters, but you also need to see if your vehicle can handle them! Liberty Buick GMC has a few vehicles built to withstand even the most daunting weather patterns, so read on to learn about the safest and strongest models the dealership has provided the Matthews area for years! Tornados In North Carolina Before we get into vehicles, it’s important to understand these weather patterns. As we touched on earlier, all parts of North Carolina have witnessed these weather events, as have a number of North Carolinian vehicles. Tornados often happen suddenly, with little warning, leaving folks stuck in place when a tornado begins. The North Carolina State Climate Office reports that from 1950 to 2019, North Carolina experienced 1,387 tornadoes. Meaning that on average, we see 29 tornadoes a year. That’s more tornados than many may expect for North Carolina! To understand the impact a tornado can have on your vehicle, it’s important to know the levels of strength associated with the weather event. Tornados are often classified by the strength of their winds, ranging from F0 to F5. Once a tornado reaches F2, somewhere between 113 - 157 mph, it has the ability to pick up cars, spelling danger if you’re caught driving. While F2 is closer to the mild end of the scale for tornados, the ability to throw a vehicle through the air is a testament to its power and potential to impact you and your vehicle. Hurricanes in North Carolina North Carolina is no stranger to hurricanes — of 301 hurricanes that have made landfall in the U.S. since 1851, 58 of them have been in North Carolina. And for those who may believe a majority of those hurricanes were relegated to the cost, over the past 20 years, every part of North Carolina has been impacted by hurricanes. So planning for the weather event is a good way to keep you and your family safe. Unlike tornados, hurricanes can typically be forecasted before they happen or make landfall in an area. The Atlantic hurricane season, which impacts North Carolina, begins June 1st and ends November 30th, so the season is about to start. When a hurricane hits an area, vehicles risk flooding, damage from debris, displacement by strong winds, and much more. Take the recent hurricane Ian in Florida for example, where 350,000 cars were damaged by flooding alone. The potential for this weather event to ruin any vehicle is extremely high, especially if that vehicle isn’t prepared or the driver hasn’t taken the necessary steps to minimize risk. What to Do When In Your Vehicle If the facts and data above conveyed anything, it’s that these weather patterns are dangerous. Knowing what to do ahead of time can make the difference between life and death! Here’s what you need to do if you encounter either event while driving in your vehicle. Tornados - If you’re driving your vehicle and see a tornado here are a few ways you can mitigate chances of danger. Though, it’s generally best to seek underground and sturdy shelter, as being on the road in the open severely limits your ability to stay covered. Don’t try to outrun the tornado. Instead, try and move your vehicle out of the path of the upcoming weather pattern. Then, if you can’t find any shelter, park your vehicle in a low-lying area, remain buckled, get low into your vehicle, and cover your head and neck with your hands. Though if you can get out of the roadway entirely, specifically under the road grade, it may be best to seek shelter there. Hurricanes - Most of the time, we know when a hurricane is expected to occur, so it’s easy to avoid being in your vehicle when the weather pattern makes landfall. Though if the data from Hurricane Ian showed you anything, the likelihood of a hurricane ruining your vehicle is high. Still, there are steps you can take with your vehicle to keep it safe, while you and your family seek shelter. If a hurricane is severe enough, there’s no perfect place to leave your vehicle. The one rule that remains consistent — the higher elevation the better. Once elevated you can seek things like barns or garages that provide shelter as well as height above an oncoming flood path. Parking your vehicle next to a building but away from things likely to fall, like powerlines and trees, helps break the strong winds but keeps debris from falling on your ride. Just be sure to invest in a sturdy tarp if the vehicle is left outside! For those in more urban areas, structures like parking garages, at higher levels, away from openings, are sturdy and elevated enough to increase the chances your vehicle makes it through landfall. Once the hurricane itself subsides, your area is sure to be left with some significant flooding, alongside damage and blockages of major roads. This can make travel in some vehicles nearly impossible. Though Liberty Buick GMC offers some vehicles designed for rugged travel that can handle some of those conditions. “ When it comes to durability, the Sierra is unrivaled” - Liberty Buick Sales Rep. The Sierra is one such vehicle that comes to mind. Every trim of the Sierra is capable of unreal offroading capability, backed by 310 hp and 430 pounds of torque. And the large truck bed ensures you’ll be able to haul and move whatever is necessary. The Sierra isn’t the only vehicle Liberty Buick GMC offers that’s capable of handling tough conditions, a whole list of SUVs offer a similar level of versatility. So while driving during one of these weather patterns isn’t the safest idea, having a GMC afterward is vital. How To Prepare You may know what to do with your vehicle if you’re caught in one of these storms, though knowing what to bring and prepare with is just as important! Having just a few items in your vehicle can greatly improve your safety and give you peace of mind. First, make sure your car is properly taken care of. Oil changes, good tires, effective wipers, and more, will all make things much safer for you and your vehicle. And the team at Liberty Buick GMC is well-prepared to bring your vehicle to its top shape! GMC’s service department is unrivaled and while Liberty has a track record of leaving customers happy after a sale, they also have a record of professional service. Take Alexandra’s review for an example — Once your vehicle is mechanically sound, it’s a good idea to stock it with some non-perishable foods, water, flashlights, charging blocks, blankets, and first-aid kits. All of these supplies are especially helpful, as their usefulness isn’t just limited to tornadoes and hurricanes! GMC Safety Features We’ve touched on the importance of safety at length throughout this article and the GMCs safety suite is one of the biggest advantages GMC owners have. GMC vehicles offer Pro Safety and Pro Safety Plus, a collection of safety features that increase protection! The basic package includes things like, forward-collision warning, following distance indicator, automatic high beams, automatic braking, and lane assistance technology. While the Plus package adds a few features to an already well-rounded basic suite. Features like blind spot warning technology, rear parking assistance, and rear cross-traffic alerts, all create an industry-best safety package among a whole host of new GMC vehicles. So, if you’re looking for a safe ride, look no further! You can read more about the safety advantages Liberty Buick GMC offers through the dealership's blog here. Liberty GMC as the Tested Partner So, while you hopefully won’t have to employ the planning and preparation for major weather events you put in place, it’s necessary to think ahead. And if you’re picking a vehicle that’s ready to last, even in some difficult times, finding the right automotive partner is a must. “I invite and encourage you to join our family of friends and customers at Liberty so you can see the difference for yourself.” - Scott McCorkle, Owner If sturdy, powerful, and safe vehicles are what you’re looking for — Liberty Buick GMC is the dealership for you. With over 2,000 reviews on Google, the dealership stands at nearly 5 out of 5 stars. Their locally owned and they know the Matthews area well, looking at potential car buyers not as customers, but as neighbors looking to make a big next step! That sentiment isn’t limited to this blog post, it’s consistent among those 2,000+ reviews. Take this review from Hayley for example, as she bought one of the powerful trucks we’ve detailed in this article: So, don’t wait, get your hands on a vehicle ready to withstand whatever is thrown at it — while keeping you and your family safe. Contact Liberty Buick GMC today!