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GMC Not Moving To Two-Tier Headlight Design Outright

As automotive brands like Cadillac, Chevy, and Buick adopt a new two-tier headlight design as part of their visual identity, GMC is taking a different path. Unlike the other three brands, Big Red isn’t committing to a two-tier headlight arrangement, which typically features daytime running lights (DRLs) positioned above the main headlights. Instead, the brand is focused on enhancing its distinctive C-shaped or boomerang-shaped DRLs, a design cue that’s now a critical part of the brand’s unique fascia aesthetic.

The GMC Sierra HD AT4X shows off its C-shaped lighting arrangement.

Sierra HD AT4X

This unique design direction is already manifest in the current GMC lineup, as exemplified by the Sierra 1500, Sierra HD, all-new 2024 Acadia, refreshed 2025 Yukon, and all-new 2025 Terrain, each of which features C-shaped DRLs that encircle the primary headlights. As one might expect, this design choice maintains a cohesive and recognizable front-end appearance that aligns GMC’s various models with its brand identity, all with the intention of exemplifying a sort of rugged, bold elegance.

2025 Terrain AT4

Although some GMC models like the Canyon pickup and all-electric Sierra EV have combined C-shaped DRLs and a two-tier lighting setup – likely as a result of shared design elements with their Chevrolet counterparts, the Chevy Colorado and Chevy Silverado EV – these are the exceptions, rather than the rule. The Hummer EV SUV and Hummer EV Pickup also stand out with unique lighting signatures, while the Savana is another notable exception, likely as a result of its aging design (the current-generation Savana launched in 1996 and was refreshed in 2003).

Sierra EV

Silverado EV

Despite breaking from Buick, Cadillac, and Chevy, Big Red’s C-shaped lighting design is clearly resonating well with customers. That much is obvious from sales data collected during the first quarter of the 2024 calendar year, during which nearly 95 percent of all GMC vehicles sold did not feature a two-tier headlight setup, with 117,226 units out of a total 124,376 embracing the C-shaped design, suggesting that as automotive lighting design continues to evolve, GMC is finding success by taking its own path.

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Jonathan is an automotive journalist based out of Southern California. He loves anything and everything on four wheels.

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Comments

  1. Looking for a small 2 yard dumper, four-wheel-drive, gasoline, or diesel diesel preferred GMC Sierra. I’m interested in the pricing for just that vehicle. New or very low milage used

    Reply
  2. How about gmc just make the headlights reliable? 2021 gmc 1500 denali, turn signal stopped working 60k on vehicle. Part alone costs 2500. I shouldn’t have to replace a whole headlight assembly 3 years into owning a truck.

    Reply
  3. Glad they aren’t going the divorced headlamp approach, but they could also abandon the “C” shape design if they all aren’t going to be stunning like the Yukon. If GMC “professional grade” is going to charge a premium price at least be somewhat consistent across the lineup with lighting elements.

    Reply
  4. It’s good that GMC is not heading in the direction of the Two Tier approach, the refreshed Escalade alone is an example as to why every Automaker should not be pressured to jump on that trend.

    Reply

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