What The APR!

Two Luxury SUVs. Two Very Different Price Tags. Can You Guess Which Is Which? Have you ever been driving down the highway and spotted a great-looking vehicle, but couldn't immediately identify the brand? Then, as the vehicle passes and you catch a glimpse of the emblem, your brain starts making judgments. "Oh, I know a guy who drives one of those." Or, "I've heard great things about that brand!" Maybe even, "Those don't have a very good reputation." We all do it. We associate certain brands with luxury, reliability, performance, or prestige. But here's an interesting question: Could those split-second judgments be costing us thousands of dollars when we shop for our next vehicle? Side by side, today's Buick SUVs continue to meet and sometimes exceed expectations, even when compared with established luxury brands. If you haven't driven a Buick lately, we invite you to stop by Liberty Buick GMC and kick the tires on one of our new 2027 models. We've earned our reputation for no-pressure sales, so feel free to come explore without the hassle. Here are a few side-by-side comparisons that might surprise you... Buick Enclave vs. Volvo XC90: European styling and comfort The Volvo XC90 has earned its reputation for understated European luxury. Its clean exterior lines, sophisticated interior, and emphasis on passenger comfort have made it an attractive choice for families who want something more upscale than the average SUV. But take another look at the 2027 Buick Enclave. Its sculpted exterior, sweeping 30-inch digital display, and thoughtfully designed three-row interior make a surprisingly convincing case for American luxury. Remove the emblems, and the Buick certainly doesn't look out of place beside its Swedish competitor. The price difference is where things become especially interesting. The Enclave Preferred starts at $46,600, while the Volvo XC90 Core starts at $62,445. Both offer seating for seven, but the Buick has 328 horsepower compared with the Volvo B5's 247. The Volvo counters with standard all-wheel drive, mild-hybrid technology, and its distinctive Scandinavian design. Still, for buyers who place a high priority on appearance, interior comfort, and value, the Buick deserves serious consideration. BUICK ENCLAVE  vs.     VOLVO XC90 Comparison 2027 Buick Enclave Preferred 2026 Volvo XC90 B5 Core Starting MSRP ($) $46,600 $62,445 Horsepower (hp) 328 247 Seats 7 7 Max cargo space (cu. ft.) 97.5 85.7 Standard drivetrain FWD AWD Technology highlight 30-inch ultrawide display Google built-in; Pilot Assist Price premium over Buick ($) $0 $15,845 Buick Enclave vs. Lexus TX: Family luxury and everyday practicality Lexus has built a strong reputation for comfortable, thoughtfully designed luxury vehicles, and the TX is particularly appealing to families who need three rows of seating. With room for up to seven passengers, generous cargo capacity, and a refined interior, the Lexus TX 350 makes everyday transportation feel a little more special. The Buick Enclave approaches family luxury from a similar perspective, combining attractive styling with practical features such as second-row captain's chairs, a spacious third row, and an easy-to-use cargo area. What's surprising is how closely these vehicles compare in usable space. The Buick offers up to 97.5 cubic feet of cargo capacity with the rear seats folded, while the Lexus offers 97 cubic feet. Both seat seven in their base configurations, and the Buick's 328-horsepower engine produces more power than the Lexus TX 350's 275-horsepower engine. Lexus offers additional hybrid choices and a well-established luxury identity, but shoppers may be surprised to discover how much family-friendly comfort and capability Buick delivers at a substantially lower starting price. BUICK ENCLAVE  vs.     LEXUS TX Comparison 2027 Buick Enclave Preferred 2026 Lexus TX 350 Starting MSRP ($) $46,600 $58,690 Horsepower (hp) 328 275 Seats 7 7 Max cargo space (cu. ft.) 97.5 97.0 Standard drivetrain FWD FWD Technology highlight 30-inch ultrawide display 14-inch touchscreen Price premium over Buick ($) $0 $12,090 Buick Enclave vs. Audi Q7: Performance, technology, and upscale design Audi has long been associated with sophisticated design, advanced technology, and engaging driving dynamics. The Q7 brings those qualities to a three-row luxury SUV, offering an elegant cabin, standard quattro all-wheel drive, and the kind of refined road manners that have helped establish Audi's reputation. But Buick has made an impressive move into this territory with the redesigned Enclave. Its striking front-end styling, expansive digital dashboard, and premium interior appointments create an upscale experience that deserves attention from shoppers considering European luxury brands. The numbers offer another surprise. The 2027 Buick Enclave produces 328 horsepower, compared with 261 horsepower in the entry-level 2026 Audi Q7 45 TFSI. The Audi's more expensive V6 model raises output to 335 horsepower, and Audi offers sophisticated handling technology that goes beyond a simple horsepower comparison. Nevertheless, with the Q7 starting at $62,000 before destination charges, the Enclave presents an interesting alternative for buyers who want an attractive, technologically advanced three-row SUV without necessarily paying European luxury prices. BUICK ENCLAVE  vs.     AUDI Q7 Comparison 2027 Buick Enclave Preferred 2026 Audi Q7 45 Premium Starting MSRP ($) $46,600 $62,000 Horsepower (hp) 328 261 Seats 7 7 Max cargo space (cu. ft.) 97.5 Standard drivetrain FWD AWD Technology highlight 30-inch ultrawide display Audi virtual cockpit; MMI Price premium over Buick ($) $0 $15,400 The next time you're shopping for a luxury SUV, don't let the emblem make the decision for you. Today's Buick lineup offers impressive styling, comfort, technology, and performance at prices that may surprise you. Browse our new Buick inventory at Liberty Buick GMC and see for yourself. Better yet, stop by for a test drive. We believe a great vehicle should speak for itself, so come explore, ask questions, and get behind the wheel with absolutely no pressure or obligation.

Charlotte Car Thefts Are Down 31%. Here's How to Stay on the Right Side of That Number According to Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD), there were 2,163 vehicle thefts in Charlotte during the first six months of 2026. That works out to approximately: 83 vehicles stolen every week. Almost 12 vehicles every day. And that's actually good news compared with last year: CMPD says vehicle theft was down 31% during the first half of 2026. In the same six-month period of 2025, there were 3,127 vehicle thefts. Good habits are the first line of defense, but newer GMC vehicles also offer technology designed to make stealing the vehicle more difficult and help owners respond if a theft occurs. CMPD recommends: Always lock your doors and completely roll up your windows. Never leave the vehicle running unattended, even briefly. Take your keys with you, including valet keys, and never hide a spare key in or underneath the vehicle. Remove valuables from the vehicle entirely. CMPD specifically mentions phones, purses, briefcases, backpacks, cash and even loose change. When shopping, put packages in the trunk rather than leaving them visible inside the passenger compartment. Do not leave registration or insurance cards in the vehicle. Park in a well-lit area, preferably somewhere with surveillance. At home, park in the driveway rather than on the street when possible. Consider an alarm or other theft-deterrent device. CMPD specifically recommends a steering-wheel lock as an additional theft deterrent. They say locks may sometimes be available free from CMPD division offices, depending on supply. Even common sense and good law enforcement advice can’t prevent every incident, but it pays to know the facts. In addition to good habits did you know that GMC vehicles come with many anti-theft and security features built in?  Moreover, GM offers OnStar plans that fit your lifestyle and your budget. At Liberty Buick GMC, our inventory offers a range of available anti-theft and security features. Some come standard and are ready to drive off the lot, unless, of course, you’re stealing them. Anti-theft & Security Features Defined: Theft-Deterrent System (Alarm) The car's built-in alarm. If someone opens a door, hood, or trunk without the key fob, or breaks in, the horn honks and the lights flash to scare them off. It arms itself when you lock the vehicle and shuts off when you unlock it with your fob. Engine Immobilizer A digital handshake between your key fob and the engine. If the car doesn't recognize your fob's unique code, the engine won't start, even if a thief gets inside or tries to hot-wire it. OnStar Basics GM's entry-level connected-services package, usually included on new vehicles for a set trial period. It covers core safety and security services, like crash notification and stolen vehicle help. Some extras (like remote app commands or Wi-Fi) may need a paid upgrade after the trial. Automatic Crash Response If the car detects a serious crash (like an airbag deploying), it automatically contacts an OnStar advisor. The advisor tries to reach you, and if you don't answer or need help, they send emergency responders to your GPS location. Remote Vehicle Commands (Lock/Unlock, Start, Locate) Using the myGMC app on your phone, you can lock or unlock the doors, start the engine (handy for warming up or cooling down), or find the car, all from wherever you are. Locate can also flash the lights or honk the horn to help you spot it in a parking lot. Vehicle Location The vehicle's GPS tracking. It lets you (in the app) or OnStar (if you report a theft) see where the vehicle currently is, so you're never guessing after a theft or a forgotten parking spot. Stolen Vehicle Assistance If your vehicle is stolen, you report it to police, then call OnStar. Advisors work with law enforcement to use the vehicle's GPS to track it down and help get it recovered. Stolen Vehicle Slowdown Once police are involved and confirm it's safe to proceed, OnStar can gradually reduce the stolen vehicle's engine power so it slows to a stop. It doesn't shut the engine off suddenly, which avoids putting the thief or others in danger, and it ends a chase before it starts. Remote Ignition Block If the stolen vehicle is turned off, OnStar can send a signal that prevents it from being restarted. The thief is left with a car that won't go anywhere until police arrive. HD Surround Vision / Security Cameras A set of exterior cameras stitched together into a bird's-eye view on your screen. It's mainly a parking and maneuvering aid, helping you see around the vehicle, but it also gives you better awareness of your surroundings. Actual "security camera" recording features vary by model, so confirm what your trim includes. Teen Driver Parental controls for the car. When a teen's key fob is registered, you can set speed alerts, cap the audio volume, and keep certain safety systems switched on. The car can also give you a "report card" of their driving habits, like hard braking or speeding. It can even mute the radio until seat belts are buckled. Super Cruise GM's hands-free driving assistance for compliant highways. It steers, accelerates, and brakes while you keep your eyes on the road. A driver-facing camera watches your attention and alerts you if you look away too long. It's a convenience and safety feature, not an anti-theft one. 2026 GMC Anti-Theft & Security Cheat Sheet Feature What it does Needs OnStar plan? Theft-Deterrent System (Alarm) Honks and flashes lights if a door, hood, or trunk is opened without your fob No Engine Immobilizer Engine won't start unless it recognizes your fob's code No OnStar Basics Entry-level connected services (crash and theft help), usually a trial period Yes (trial, then paid) Automatic Crash Response Detects a serious crash and connects you to an advisor, who sends help to your GPS location Yes Remote Vehicle Commands Lock, unlock, start, and locate the vehicle from the myGMC app Yes Vehicle Location GPS tracking so you or OnStar can see where the vehicle is Yes Stolen Vehicle Assistance OnStar works with police to track and recover a stolen vehicle Yes Stolen Vehicle Slowdown With police involved, OnStar gradually reduces engine power to stop the vehicle safely Yes Remote Ignition Block Prevents a stolen vehicle from restarting once it's turned off Yes HD Surround Vision Bird's-eye camera view for parking and awareness (not a recording security system) No Teen Driver Speed alerts, volume limits, and a driving "report card" for registered teen fobs No Super Cruise Hands-free highway driving with a driver-attention camera (convenience, not anti-theft) Yes (subscription after trial) Ready for a GMC with more than performance, comfort and style in mind? Visit Liberty Buick GMC in Matthews to explore our selection of new GMC vehicles and the anti-theft and security features available on each model. Our team can show you what comes standard, what additional protection is available and help you find the GMC that fits the way you drive. Because the best vehicle security starts before you ever leave the lot.

Crew Cab vs. Double Cab vs. Regular Cab: Which Sierra Is Right for You? Buying a new GMC Sierra 1500 is exciting, but it can also be confusing. Many shoppers spend hours comparing engines, towing capacity, trim levels, and technology packages before they realize they skipped one of the most important decisions of all. Which cab configuration and bed length is right for you? Believe it or not, most truck buyers choose their cab size and bed length before they ever decide on an engine or trim level. After all, you'll use the cab and cargo box every single day. Whether you're hauling kids to school, loading lumber, towing a boat, or carrying tools to a job site, the configuration you choose will have a bigger impact on your daily life than almost any other option. To make the decision easier, Liberty Buick GMC sales consultant Arte Elliott compares three actual GMC Sierra 1500 trucks from our inventory. Video: GMC Sierra 1500 Cab Configurations Explained Using Real Inventory at Liberty Buick GMC Which GMC Sierra 1500 Trims Are Available With Each Cab & Bed Configuration? One thing many truck shoppers don't realize is that not every GMC Sierra 1500 trim level is available with every cab and bed combination. As you move from work-focused models like the Pro to premium trims such as the Denali Ultimate, the available configurations become more specialized. The chart below provides a quick overview of which cab and bed combinations are generally available for each 2026 GMC Sierra 1500 trim level. Caption: 2026 GMC Sierra 1500 cab, bed and trim availability. Availability may vary by drivetrain, engine, equipment packages, fleet ordering, production schedules, and dealer inventory. Contact Liberty Buick GMC to confirm the availability of a specific configuration. Understanding the Chart You'll notice that the Pro trim offers the widest variety of configurations. It's designed for commercial customers, contractors, municipalities, and buyers who need flexibility. As you move up the lineup, GMC begins tailoring each trim toward a specific customer. SLE and Elevation models are available with either a Double Cab or Crew Cab, making them excellent choices for families and recreational users. SLT models focus on comfort and premium features and are offered exclusively as Crew Cab models. AT4 models are built for off-road adventures and are available as Crew Cab trucks with either a Short Bed or Standard Bed. AT4X is available exclusively as a Crew Cab Short Bed. Denali buyers can choose between a Crew Cab Short Bed or Crew Cab Standard Bed. Denali Ultimate is available only as a Crew Cab Short Bed. For most buyers, choosing the right cab and bed configuration is actually more important than selecting the trim level. Once you've decided how much passenger space and cargo capacity you need, narrowing down the trim becomes much easier. The Three GMC Sierra 1500 Configurations Explained the Liberty Buick GMC Video Crew Cab with Short Bed GMC Sierra 1500 SLT Bed Length  5 feet 8 inches This is by far the most popular Sierra 1500 configuration sold today. It combines four full-size doors, a spacious rear seat, and a 5-foot 8-inch cargo bed, making it an excellent truck for families, commuters, and anyone who wants the versatility of a pickup without giving up passenger comfort. Customer Favorite Features: Full-size rear seating Comfortable for adults Easy to park Excellent resale value Although it's the shortest bed available, it easily handles bicycles, mulch, furniture, coolers, luggage, lawn equipment, and most weekend DIY projects. Double Cab with Standard Bed GMC Sierra 1500 Pro / SLE Bed Length  6 feet 8 inches The Double Cab often surprises shoppers. Its rear seat isn't as large as the Crew Cab, but the truck gains nearly an extra foot of cargo space by using the 6-foot 8-inch Standard Bed. For many buyers, that's the perfect compromise. Customer Favorite Features Include: Longer cargo box Lower price than Crew Cab Four doors Plenty of room for children or occasional adult passengers The additional cargo space makes transporting ladders, lumber, kayaks, furniture, and landscaping supplies much easier. Regular Cab with Long Bed GMC Sierra 1500 Pro Bed Length  8 feet 2 inches If maximum hauling capability is your priority, this is the truck to own. Instead of adding a rear seat, GMC dedicates nearly the entire truck to cargo space. Customer Favorite Features Include: Lowest starting price Largest cargo box Excellent payload capability Easy to load construction materials An 8-foot bed allows many building materials, including sheets of plywood and drywall, to lie flat with the tailgate closed. Sierra Bed Length Comparison For reference, our sales person, Arte Elliott demonstrates how a A 7' 1" Basket Ball Player would fit in each truck bed laying down. He fits easily into the long bed, hangs over just a few inches in a standard bed, but would have a hard time laying down in a short bed. Frequently Asked Questions Which GMC Sierra cab is the most popular? The Crew Cab with the Short Bed is the most popular configuration because it offers full-size rear seating while remaining comfortable to drive every day. Is the Double Cab big enough for adults? Yes. Adults can comfortably ride in the rear seat for shorter trips, while children typically have plenty of room. Buyers who frequently carry adult passengers usually prefer the Crew Cab. Which Sierra has the longest bed? The Regular Cab Long Bed offers the largest cargo box with an inside bed length of 8 feet 2 inches. Can I get a Crew Cab with a Standard Bed? Yes. Several GMC Sierra 1500 trims, including the Pro, SLE, Elevation, SLT, AT4, and Denali, can be ordered with the Crew Cab Standard Bed configuration. Which Sierra is best for contractors? Many contractors choose the Regular Cab Long Bed because it maximizes cargo space and payload while keeping the truck simple, durable, and affordable. Visit Liberty Buick GMC and Compare Them Side by Side Reading specifications is helpful, but there's no substitute for seeing these trucks in person. At Liberty Buick GMC, you can compare Crew Cab, Double Cab, and Regular Cab Sierra 1500 models side by side, sit in each cab, measure the bed lengths for yourself, and determine which configuration best fits your lifestyle. Whether you're buying your first truck or replacing one you've owned for years, our team is here to answer your questions and help you find the Sierra 1500 that's right for you. Browse our current GMC Sierra 1500 inventory online or stop by Liberty Buick GMC in Charlotte for a test drive today.