​​GMC Tops 3-Row SUV List of Best Cars for Families​

Families come in all forms and sizes, and so do their vehicles. Having the right vehicle can make a big difference in how well family needs are met. If the family is large or busy enough, many start looking at 3-row SUVs or full-size trucks if there’s work to be done. Valley GMC is proud to share that GMC models were chosen as the U.S. News & World Report Best 2026 Cars for families in the 3-row SUV category and as a finalist for the full-size pickup category. The winners and finalists are as follows: 

• Winner – Best Three-Row Midsize SUV for Families: 2026 GMC Acadia 

• Winner – Best Large SUV for Families: 2026 GMC Yukon XL 

• Finalist – Best Full-Size Pickup Truck for Families: 2026 GMC Sierra 1500 

In both the Acadia and Yukon XL, the closely related Chevrolet counterparts (Traverse and Suburban, respectively) earned runner-up spots. However, the judges clearly preferred the upscale features of the GMC models. This is the first time U.S. News & World Report has named the Acadia and Yukon XL to these positions, although the Yukon has appeared before.  

“The annual Best Car for Families awards select a winner by focusing on those attributes that make for a perfect family car, including safety, reliability, space, comfort, convenience, and connectivity in their classes,” said Zach Doell, Vehicle Testing Editor at U.S. News Autos. “With a variety of new awards added this year, the Best Cars for Families provides households of all kinds with expertly vetted options to fit their specific needs. The 2026 awards recognize the models that deliver a seamless blend of safety and strong interior capacity, making the ride enjoyable for every passenger – from the front seats to the back.” 

U.S. News & World Report reviewed 116 new vehicles from the 2026 model year, including cars, SUVs, pickups, and minivans. Their evaluation combines personal experiences, industry reviews, safety and reliability ratings, seating and cargo capacity, and family features. The top scorer is named the Best Car for Families in each category. 

Safety is a primary concern, so it was helpful that both the Acadia and Yukon earned overall 5-star safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), and the Acadia was named a TOP SAFETY PICK from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), while the Yukon XL has not yet been fully tested. 

We all want the best for our families, so when it comes to 3-row SUVs, heed U.S. News & World Report’s recommendation and visit Valley GMC to test drive the Best Family car winners.