Should GM Borrow A Play From VW, Plan Two-Row Versions Of Its Big CUVs?
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Volkswagen is planning to introduce two-row versions of its full-size Atlas and long-wheelbase Tiguan crossovers, according to Automotive News, allowing the automaker to expand its crossover lineup at little cost. Today, the Atlas is offered only as a three-row model, while the shorter-wheelbase, two-row version of the Tiguan is not sold in the United States.
The two-row version of the VW Atlas will be a “slightly lower-positioned five-seater, with nice, coupe-ish styling, [but the] same dimensions” as the three-row, says Volkswagen Group of America CEO Hinrich Woebcken. The two-row version of the long-wheelbase Tiguan, meanwhile, will “get kind of a little smaller” when it loses its third row, he says.
Volkswagen’s strategy certainly seems like a sound one. The Atlas and long-wheelbase Tiguan are already developed; by putting relatively little cash into tweaking each for a two-row configuration, VW stands to effectively double its number of entrants in the compact and full-size crossover segments. This has us wondering: should General Motors consider taking a page out of Volkswagen’s book and introducing two-row versions of crossovers like the Buick Enclave and Chevrolet Traverse?
It’s hard to imagine a downside to such a strategy; at a time when crossovers and SUVs are all the rage, steadily siphoning sales away from cars with each passing year, expanding the lineup at such a minimal cost seems like a no-brainer. Then again, as we’ve said, Volkswagen doesn’t sell its existing short-wheelbase Tiguan in the US, leaving an obvious gap in the market for a two-row version to fill. In fact, the German automaker doesn’t sell a two-row crossover any bigger than a subcompact here. By contrast, GM’s crossover lineup is a bit more filled-out.
What’s your take? Should General Motors consider adding two-row versions of its big, three-row crossovers? Let us know what you think in the comments section below.
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Personally, I’d love this. I have no need for a third row and would appreciate the extra cargo space. The Acadia All-Terrain does this now, but bigger is always appreciated. That said, I don’t think GM should do it. The customer base is likely small, and it would end up clogging dealership lots. The cost on this won’t be in development, but in inventory management. I think this is a pretty niche market and GM doesn’t need to get involved.
Why offer a second variant that removes the 3rd Row? My dad had a 13 Acadia and would just keep the 3rd row down. Sure you have the floor space between the 2nd and 3rd row but I agree with James – the cost of inventory and clogging of dealer lots wouldn’t be worth it. My CUV doesn’t have a 3rd row and the 2nd row doesn’t fold flat, but it’s never been an issue
I have owned 3 Chevy Tahoe’s, a Highlander and an Explorer with 3 rows of seats that have never been used. The under floor storage would have been useful for keeping things out of sight. I factory ordered the Explorer and the Tahoe’s so it would not have been an inventory problem for the dealer. I plan to order a Traverse soon and would love the option of less weight and lower cost.
The atlas is a smaller vehicle than the traverse. When the blazer comes out it will have a 2 row option.
Aren’t they offering Tahoe with a two row option for 2018?
Doesn’t the Acadia already have a two row as an option aka all-Terrain?
The option is a no brainer.
I would gladly take added storage space over a seat we would never use.
I think they should. The extra storage space or room to haul things without the hassle of dealing with the third seat would be nice. There are a lot of people who like and need the size of vehicle but don’t need more passenger accommodations.
GMC Acadia already does, Chevrolet Blazer will have Two row option.
Does GM ever look @ these forums or letters to car magazines or do they just do focus groups drawn from shoppers in malls? Since 1995 I bought 3 Tahoe’s, 4 Volts, 2 Equinox (the most trouble free cars I have ever owned) and a Malibu Maxx. I received $14,000 in GM Card rebates. GM sends me surveys about the dealer transaction when I buy cars and surveys about service. GM has never sent a survey about my likes or dislikes of the cars.
Fact Check: VW does offer a two-row bigger than a subcompact in the US.
All 2018 VW Tiguan 4Motions are two-row crossovers. The 3rd-row is an option.
YES !
I’ve owned a 2006 Suburban, 2008-11-13-15 Tahoes & 2016 Denali & have NEVER used the 3rd row seats. And only 1 time was able to get a 2nd row bench which I prefer. GM has never sent a survey asking what I like. Raised the rear floor 4 in. with fold down seats. Makes it harder for my older dogs to jump in. 2018-19 I’m going to find something with a lower floor. 1st Chev was a 1948 time to change brands.
I have a 2017 GMC Yukon Denali. I special ordered it with a bench 2nd row seat so I have a vehicle that you can transport 5 adults in. The current 3rd row seats a absolutely unusable for any person older than 10 years old. Has any body ever tried to sit in that 3rd row seat? The only reason its there is to say you got it. Not that it can be used. It takes up valuable cargo space. It doesn’t lay flat so all cargo works it way against rear gate and if you are not careful when opening it things tumble out. sure you can use cargo net but that is a pain. What a waste of good space. I also have a 2014 Yukon Denali which has 3 row seats. I took them out when it was new and will not install until I trade it. I’m not hauling around all that extra weight and have much better cargo area. I plan on trading my 2014 next year and if they don’t change I am going to take a serious look at the new Ford Expedition. Otherwise I truly love the newer Yukon. The 2017 Denali get a full 4 mile per gallon better fuel mileage than the 2014.
This is a no brainer for the CUVs like the Chevrolet Equinox and Cadillac XT5.
this is a no brainer, as i said in another forum GM has to fix their option packages . in this case make the third row an option. we were also looking at the Enclave but it only comes with a third row which we don’t need so we will nix the Enclave
Definitely yes . There really isn’t a down side at all ,
It would be nice to see more bench seats offered for that second row instead of the captain chairs that give the interior more of a mini-van feel .
The last Escalade I owned I ordered with a bench seat for the second row and removed the third row seats which really increased my rear space for trips etc..
That’s one reason I like the Acadia All Terrain is for the interior set-up .
GM should call the next midsize SUV Captiva and let the Blazer name for a compact 2 door off road car and bring the global the TrailBlazer with more off road tuning as a midsize one, while a hopefully large Highlander also off road. the Blazer and TrailBlazer based on the Colorado platform while the Highlander on the the new Silverado. Then rebirth the name Nova as a coupe SUV. By doing so, Gm will have a full line of SUV’s for every segment.