Buick & GMC SUV Size & Seating Comparison
From the compact Terrain and Encore GX up to the full-size Yukon, here's how the Buick and GMC SUV lineup actually breaks down by size, seating, and which models offer a true third row.
Quick Answer
Which Buick or GMC SUV has 3 rows? The GMC Acadia, GMC Yukon, and Buick Enclave all offer a third row of seating. The GMC Terrain, Buick Encore GX, and Buick Envision are two-row models built around a more compact, easier-to-park footprint instead. If you need to seat six or more on a regular basis, look at the Acadia, Yukon, or Enclave; if you mostly carry four or five, the two-row models cover that with less vehicle to manage day to day.
The Buick & GMC SUV Lineup at a Glance
| Model | Size Class | Third Row | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| GMC Terrain | Compact | Not available | Easiest to park and maneuver |
| Buick Encore GX | Compact | Not available | Budget-friendly daily driver |
| Buick Envision | Compact-to-Midsize | Not available | More upscale two-row comfort |
| GMC Acadia | Midsize | Available | Balance of size and maneuverability |
| Buick Enclave | Midsize | Available | More upscale midsize three-row |
| GMC Yukon | Full-Size | Standard | Maximum passenger and cargo room |
For exact cargo and seating dimensions in inches and cubic feet rather than these general size classes, our full GMC & Buick cargo and seating dimensions guide breaks down every model in detail.
Compact, Midsize, or Full-Size: Which Fits You
The honest starting question isn't "which SUV is best," it's "how much vehicle do you actually need to carry, how often." A Terrain or Encore GX covers daily commuting and weekend errands with a footprint that's genuinely easier to park in a tight Route 17 shopping center lot. Step up to an Acadia or Enclave and you gain a real third row for occasional extra passengers without taking on the size and turning radius of a full-size SUV. The Yukon is the other end of that spectrum — standard three-row seating, the most cargo room behind the third row, and the towing capability to match, at the cost of being the largest vehicle in the lineup to park and maneuver.
If you're specifically weighing the two midsize three-row options against each other, our Acadia vs. Enclave comparison goes deeper on how they differ in trim, price, and interior finish. And if full-size cargo room is the deciding factor, our Yukon cargo space guide covers exactly how much you can fit behind the third row.
Terrain & Encore GX
- Easiest to park and maneuver day to day
- Lower starting price point
- Best if you rarely carry more than four or five people
Acadia & Enclave
- Real third row without full-size bulk
- Enclave leans more upscale; Acadia more versatile
- Best all-around fit for most three-row shoppers
GMC Yukon
- Standard three-row seating for up to eight
- Most cargo room behind the third row
- Best if you regularly tow or carry a full house
Specs and size classes only tell you so much — the fastest way to actually feel the difference between a compact, midsize, and full-size model is to book a VIP test drive and sit in more than one back to back.
Expert Tips Before You Decide
- Sit in the actual third row, not just the front seats. Third-row comfort varies more between the Acadia, Enclave, and Yukon than the spec sheets suggest — a quick sit-in settles more than most buyers expect.
- Measure your garage or driveway before test-driving a Yukon. The jump from midsize to full-size is bigger in person than it looks in photos.
- Price the trim you actually want, not the base model. The gap between a well-equipped Terrain and a base Acadia is often smaller than buyers assume.
One Route 17 Stop for Both Brands
Because Buick GMC of Mahwah carries both brands under one roof on Route 17, you can cross-shop a Terrain against an Encore GX, or an Acadia against an Enclave, in a single visit instead of driving between separate stores. That's especially useful for buyers still deciding between a GMC and a Buick badge on the same underlying size class.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Buick or GMC SUV has 3 rows?
The GMC Acadia, GMC Yukon, and Buick Enclave all offer a third row. The GMC Terrain, Buick Encore GX, and Buick Envision are two-row models.
What's the difference between the GMC Acadia and Buick Enclave?
Both are midsize three-row SUVs built on a similar size class, but the Enclave generally leans more upscale in interior finish while the Acadia offers more configuration versatility. See our full Acadia vs. Enclave comparison for the detailed breakdown.
Is the GMC Yukon bigger than the Acadia or Enclave?
Yes — the Yukon is a full-size SUV with standard three-row seating and more cargo room behind the third row than either the Acadia or Enclave, which are both midsize.
Comparisons reflect publicly known Buick and GMC body-style and size-class positioning. Exact pricing, trim availability, and dimensions vary by model year -- confirm specifics with our sales team at Buick GMC of Mahwah.