What seems like a no-brainer may actually have some steam behind it now. Automotive News cites unnamed industry sources reporting GMC is seriously looking into adding a new, body-on-frame SUV to its lineup to take on the likes of Jeep.
While GMC continues to provide healthy profits for General Motors, its market share has failed to grow. In order to expand into new territory, the brand wants to pin itself directly at consumers shopping the Jeep showroom. And a reborn Envoy could be just the thing.
The SUV would be based atop the platform underpinning the North American GMC Canyon and Chevrolet Colorado, not a direct source from Chevrolet’s global Trailblazer SUV sold in Asia and Australia. The sources stated a 2020 introduction at the earliest for such an SUV if it does make the cut.
It could also be part of the ongoing puzzle of GMC’s move to scale the 2017 GMC Acadia to a midsize crossover, leaving a full-size offering vacant. GM product chief, Mark Reuss, has also stated its void left at the Lansing Delta Township facility would be filled, following a production move to Spring Hill, Tennessee.
It would be a natural progression, since GMC nearly mimics each Chevrolet crossover and truck in its portfolio. When it comes to expanding the brand, options are limited when looking directly at Chevrolet.
GMC chief, Duncan Aldred, made it clear the brand could easily be an alternative to Jeeps.
“I do think GMC has got the brand equity and brand character in many respects to give customers a really good alternative to Jeep products.”
Comments
Size it like the old Envoy/Trailblazer, offer it RWD and 4WD, several engine options including a V8 and I’ll buy one.
Everything sounds good but the V8. It has no need for one and probably not the room or mpg expectation. Can stop holding on to that hope. Will be nice to see a mid size bof suv again from GM.
About time!
I don’t like crossovers, but I do see GMC as maker of true off-roaders, real SUVs and performance trucks.
In my honest opinion, GM should stop putting everything into Cadillac and Chevrolet. GMC can be a powerhouse!
Build it by 2018 and I will buy it. Wait longer and I will be driving a Jeep Wrangler.
This will be the Colorado, Canyon based SUV we have been talking about.
I think most here expected this one for a while.
Love to see a more squared off retro looking SUV along the lines of the first 1991 4 door Blazer and Jimmy. Use that great 4.3 Ecotec and you might be on to something. That boxy look has an appeal that can compete against Jeep.
I love GM products but they will NEVER take serious market share from the Jeep Wrangler unless FCA totally screws up the new Wrangler. I know the article didn’t say which Jeep they would be aiming for but the Wrangler is the logical choice.
I see it as more of a competitor in size and capabilities to the Grand Cherokee, even though that’s a unibody. The JGC with the V6 is good for towing 6200# (7200# with the diesel or V8), and I know from personal experience, it does a great job – a lot of credit goes to the 8-speed auto. If you have a trailer over 3500# GM makes you go full size for an SUV, which is nice for towing, but more than you really need for everyday driving. Since I switched from a full size GM to the JGC, I haven’t regretted it, and gain about 25% on towing mpg and everyday driving mpg, plus it’s a LOT easier to park! Looking forward to the possibility of the Envoy to give me a chance to use up my GM Card credits next time I’m ready to buy!
I think GMC is the perfect division to take on the likes of the Grand Cherokee esp. the Summit edition . It needs to have the right creature comforts and be a true off road machine . Fancy badges won’t do it . And the Envoy name is spot on for it .
So, kinda like a new Blazer? Motors, I’d love the 4.3 V6 in this, whether they go blazer or full on wrangler fighter. If they put a V8 in it, eh maybe just the 5.3.
or throw the 6.2 in there and make it an SRT fighter
I think GM should build a van body on the new Canyon/Colorado frame. Think of all the plumbers, florist, electricians, etc who would love a smaller van with a small gas engine or the diesel option.
GM already had one of the best small work vans ever, the Astro/Safari. It was a unibody as was the old G-body van of the 70’s and 80’s. They basically gave up an entire market segment, the repair tech/service industry.
What I don’t understand is why Chevy and Buick have the Trax and Encore while GM’s SUV brand, GMC, doesn’t have a version. Doesn’t make sense to me. I heard a rumor a while back that GM was considering a vehicle like this for GMC and haven’t heard anything else about it in a while…
It is timing. GMC had tried to get the small Granite but things just did not work out. The door and other issued just got in the way.
I expect GMC has something better is planned as they have been reported to be working on a Wrangler type model that is more specialized than the others.
Besides do you need three versions of the same thing nearly identical. GM has tried to get away from that. With the lower price it is hard to make them that different.
More is going on than being reported.
If they do anything that will be in three similar models it will be the platform discussed here. The Chevy GMC and there will be a Cadillac version. I expect them to be similar but yet diverse in how they go about doing them. Each will take on a different aspect of the Jeep and be more tailored to each slot.
Thank God. I still resent them for canning the Envoy in favor of bloated looking CUVs with no soul. The Acadia, Enclave, and Traverse are great vehicles, but they don’t have the appeal that my old Envoy had.
Several years ago, I went to a GMC dealership ready to buy an Envoy. They told me that they discontinued them. I asked to see a mid-size S15 truck; they also said that they didn’t make them anymore. I’m ready to buy a 2020 Envoy, if they bring them back. I loved the quality, aesthetics and styling of the interior and the exterior; those were the best SUVs of their time!
Bring back the body-on-frame, with at least a 3.6 engine. A push-button 2w-4w drive option. My son advised to bring back shocks and get away from struts. Maybe GMC can offer the buyer a choice or option to buy their Envoy as fossil fuel or an electric SUV (because of future trends to stay relevant). I would love to see the front view of the Envoy, having a sexy look of a sports car (not like a Lexus SUV with the huge Darth Vader looking grill.) Porsche Cayenne SUV front exterior is amazing looking. The inside of the SUV should also have a good-looking sports car interior.
The front of the Envoy should look similar to the new 2020 Cadillac XT6 American Car; with the same black grill with its bright GMC iconic letters located in the centered. The Envoy should be relaxing with leg and arm room; this 5 seat should be extremely comfortable. The back exterior of all new SUVs look almost alike; their boring; with small thin horizontal back rear windows with horizontal rear break lights. The 2020 Envoy should bring back and use the attractive back side of the 2014 Cadillac SRV with a larger window; the rear lights are vertical and should stay that way!
Make a beautiful SUV that you can take anywhere (to a prom, wedding. travel-the mountains, etc.). I only buy GMC automobiles, because you have always made nice, durable and affordable vehicles. I believe you have aesthetic exterior designs from older and newer models that you can blend to make a breathtaking SUV; many loyal consumers of other makes and models of automobiles will be attracted!
I will buy a new Envoy Denali that you create for 2020 (Especially, if you use these suggestions). I have always asked GMC car dealers, when are they going to bring back the Envoy.
I too wish they would remake a mid-size body on frame SUV. like my 2009 GMC Envoy with an Inline six cylinder Diesel Engine
Please if anyone is listening over at GM. You desperately need a vehicle to compete with Jeeps and Broncos. Since GM stopped the Blazer in 2005 Toyota Lexus brought out trucks that cleaned your clocks in that segment for a decade. Now the Palisade Telluride Ascent etc.
Give us a frame on SUV based on Bison with 3.5 to 4 L V6 naturally aspirated. With 4×4 and a 5000lb tow rating Give us great shocks tires brakes and drivetrain with a bulletproof suspension and steering. Good ride comfy interior and handling. It should cost under $60K. It should have fold down 5 seat confirmation Essentially a New Jimmy that will sell a million and take bsck the market segment