While the 2017 GMC Acadia downsizes to become more of a midsize crossover on the C1XX platform, the next-generation of Chevrolet Traverse and Buick Enclave are expected remain large in size. Autoblog has captured spy shots of a test mule that, after deliberation here, is likely a 2018 Chevrolet Traverse or 2018 Buick Enclave.
Multiple reports state the mule to be a 2018 Cadillac XT7 prototype, but after combing through the (hard-to-see) details, it seems this isn’t a Cadillac. Notably, the fixed, round foglamps tip the tester off to be something other than a Cadillac. A source also states Cadillac’s variant of C1XX has been canceled. This is likely because we may see some utilization of the Omega platform in this space, though nothing has been officially confirmed.
Trying to get our best look at the grille, the design seems to mimic Cadillac elements, but the vehicle’s overall stature, again, lends itself to Buick or Chevrolet, and appears to be front-wheel-drive based. The grille could also be another way to skew perceptions, seeing as it does not lend itself to Chevrolet in particular, and it is not the face of all future Buicks to come. Though the LED lighting suggests this model could be of a premium nature.
For now, it will remain a mystery until these prototypes shed a little more cladding. Head to the link above to check them out, and bring it back to tell us what you think.
Comments
Where’s the links?
http://www.autoblog.com/2016/02/26/2018-cadillac-xt7-spy-shots/
I’m pretty sure it’s the traverse, you can see the new twin panel chevy grille, the small upper grille and big lower grille. Also I don’t know why all other publications like autoblog and leftlane are reporting this as a cadillac. No vertical lights anywhere.
Could it be a Blazer seeing how much more boxy it is compared to the current Traverse? I don’t see a transfer case though.
I think a 3 row large CUV is the last thing Cadillac needs right now. Don’t get me wrong, they need as many CUV/SUVs as they can get, but first I think they should focus on smaller variants, like XT3 & XT1.
At this time, the Escalade can cover the 3 row CUV/3 row SUV segment. The Escalade itself brings in billions of dollars to Cadillac yearly. A large 3 row CUV would dip into Escalade sales. I think Cadillac realizes that and that’s the reason they cancelled the XT7. For now.
Why can’t you guys put the pics in your “articles”
Or make the link to the pictures or other story clear.
By saying “click here to see the pictures” or “click here to read the story”.
Got damnit I hate the way you do your articles.
Fix this!!
Agree Immensely, get it together guys. Also I think after close scrutiny with the magnifying glass that this is a Chevy.
Kudos to a new Traverse and Buick Enclave remaining full-size! However, Cadillac does need a 3-row large crossover, a glaring omission in their lineup making the giant leap from the lower-mid-size SRX/XT5 to the big, truck-based Escalade. It would need to be heavily differentiate from Chevy/Buick.
Agreed; I’d love a Cadillac badged 3-row crossover. Closest I can get right now is a loaded Enclave. Really don’t like the full sized SUVs.
I think this is the Chevy Traverse . The front grill does seem to be split with the biggest grill on the bottom and a smaller on top . That goes with Chevy’s new face of their current vehicles .
BTW the link is AutoBlog to see the pics .
I can see where Cadillac might put off a year bringing a 3-row to market right now . They may be devoting more resources to the smaller CUV like the Encore . That seems to be the market hot spot . Buick was suprised by how customers went for it in bigger numbers than anticipated . Also having the 7 passanger CUV might cut into sales of the Escalade which seems to be in a rough patch in sales .
The links to the other webpages.. are in ‘HIGHLIGHTED’ in blue ink; you click on ‘2018 Cadillac XT7’ and you’re connected to the other webpages; but it would have been nice if GM Authority to include pictures because as the old adage goes a picture is worth a thousand words and a picture of what the 2018 Chevrolet Traverse may look like even it’s just an artist rendering would be a plus especially with pictures of the current Traverse.
It’s a Chevy, but not a Traverse. Compare the clad side-view with the side-view of the 2017 GMC Acadia. Same boxy shape. Same wheelbase length. It’s the new Chevy that will slot between the Equinox and the Traverse.
Will this bring the Trail Blazer name back to the US market?
I’m just wondering why they split the single size of Traverse/Acadia/Enclave into two this way in the new gen?
Why in particular make new GMC smaller and keep new Chevy and new Buick the same size?
This is odd to me.
Why this choice of makes for this decision?
Chevy is “lower” than GMC in the “make ladder” (GMC has “Denali”, Chevy does not have something like that) – so instead why not make Chevy smaller, and keep GMC and Buick the same size in 2nd gen?
Maybe for Buick-GMC (no Chevy) dealers to have more different vehicles to sell (new GMC is smaller, new Buick is bigger)?