What’s The Difference Between GMC and Chevy?

You’ve certainly noticed that automotive manufacturers GMC and Chevy make a lot of similar vehicles. These two GM brands sometimes feature almost one-to-one vehicle line-ups; a GMC Sierra is Chevy’s Silverado. But why?

GMC Is Chevy (and Chevy Is GMC)

Both GMC and Chevy are a part of General Motors, which owns and manufactures several brands. For years, GM has used this range of products to keep production costs low by sharing technology, research and development and materials across multiple model types.

At different times in the one-hundred-year-plus history of the company, GMC and Chevy were almost identical. In 1998, the GMC Sierra and Chevy Silverado were the same truck aside from the grille, headlights and badges. Other models during this period, such as the Tahoe and GMC Yukon, were the same SUV.

The Difference Between GMC and Chevy

Historically, the biggest difference between GMC and Chevy was the range of products. GMC only made trucks. In fact, it only had the word “trucks” officially removed from its name in 1998. GMC specializes in trucks and vans, even offering a range of ambulances and light trucking options.

Chevrolet offered a line of cars, too, including famous muscle cars like the Corvette and Camaro alongside a slew of trucks and vans.

Today, GMC and Chevy have taken divergent paths. While both brands make very similar cars, there is less overlap in trim, options, and build materials.

GMC is usually considered the luxury option between GMC and Chevy, though GM offers further choice with Cadillac and Buick. GMC doesn’t make a base model and usually offers higher-end suspension and transmission. Most GMC trucks also offer a stronger braking system and more towing capacity compared to similarly built Chevy models.  

As a result, Chevy trucks are typically less expensive, while both offer about the same cost of ownership. Most high-wear parts are nearly interchangeable between GMC and Chevy models.

Twin Automotive Brands

Chevy and GMC aren’t the only twin brands around. General Motors uses similar platforms and materials across several brands that it owns. That’s why vehicles like the Buick Enclave, GMC Acadia and Chevy Traverse all look alike; they’re all built on the same chassis and use similar parts.

Ford’s Lincoln and Mercury brands had almost identical vehicles for decades, with cars like the Taurus and Sable having almost no discernible difference besides the badge. Dodge and Chrysler also used the same “twinned” model strategy to lower costs.  

Is GMC Better Than Chevy?

Like any twinned vehicle, there are differences that warrant the price changes. Different sheet metal, technology and other trim options can make two similar-looking cars or trucks very different. Need help deciding? Stop in and let the experts at Garfield Automotive Service Center take a look! We’re proud to repair Chevy and GMC vehicles and keep you on the move. Contact us to schedule a time to stop in.