Performance crossovers and SUVs aren’t necessarily a new thing at all. Luxury brands have for some time dropped more potent engines under the hoods of crossovers, gussied up the exterior and found oodles of buyers looking for a little more grunt without compromising usability.
That’s precisely why Ford introduced the 2019 Edge ST. It replaces the Edge Sport model and makes 335 horsepower and 380 pound-feet of torque from its 2.7-liter turbocharged V6 engine. It’s not a new concept. In fact, it follows the formula laid out above, but it does mark one of the only more mass-market CUVs to go the performance route, especially with the use of the “ST” badge.
In today’s poll, we think it’s time to reassess whether General Motors should jump aboard the performance crossover bandwagon. We’ve already laid out an argument for Cadillac’s “V” or “V-Sport” badge to grace the XT5, but perhaps it’s time Chevrolet or GMC chart a similar course.
On paper, it makes sense, and Chevrolet is kind of, sort of doing it with the 2018 Traverse RS. However, the Traverse RS actually makes less power than the standard 3.6-liter V6, but it’s up on torque. Here’s the problem we see with a mass-market performance crossover from GM: does it actually fit any of its current offerings?
Chevrolet has moved away from the SS badge in recent years to embrace a more family-friendly image, and GMC is all aboard the premium truck and SUV train. We suppose an Equinox SS could work, or maybe a GMC Acadia performance variant, but it seems like a hard sell after each nameplate has worked so hard to replace what the mid-size sedan was for decades. That is, the go-to option as a family hauler. Perhaps it’s a side effect of CUVs’ growing popularity.
We’re not saying GM shouldn’t do it, but it may be a tougher sell than imagined. We think GM’s best bet is a performance-oriented 2019 Silverado. Or, if GM answers our wishes, a performance body-on-frame SUV.
Comments
It’s only natural for GM and other major automakers to eventually start rolling out performance-oriented crossovers and SUVs! This craze doesn’t look to be slowing down any time soon, so it’s time for them to start getting serious about boosting their appeal! Starting with Cadillac first! They have to be the brand at GM to take the lead with a performance-luxury SUV/crossover! Since their targeting the Germans more, this ought to be a no-brainer! No time to back down from the competition now!
I really hope Cadillac introduces a v-sport on the upcoming XT3/4 and I hope the introduce it as quickly as possible not 3 years into production. I doubt we will see a full blown V Model as it being based on a FWD platform there is so much power it can handle
I doubt we’ll even see a V-Sport Cadillac CUV for at least another decade. The XT4 will be based on the E2XX platform, which as far as we’ve seen, we’re not getting any more than the 310 hp LGX already seen on the XT5 and the other C1XX CUVs, nor does it seem like the GKN AWD system produced for GM will feature a “drift mode” like Ford’s.
As far as the C1XX goes, I think we’re seeing the most performance capability out of those for the reasons I stated above.
I don’t really see the Ford Edge as an attractive car.. to me it’s just something they just add on like the Dodge Caliber SRT4.. they just add a tt v6 with a suspension upgrade with some performance tires.. it’s still not an attractive car to me.. It probably won’t sale well for GM to think of it.. But then again a Blazer SS would be cool.. if they would something else then the 2.0T they put in everything else
Yes but you need a RWD platform like Mercedes or BMW. Otherwise, it’s just a poseur.
The Acadia already puts up pretty good acceleration/handling numbers. I can only imagine how good it would be with the TT 3.6. Return of the Typhoon. I would buy one today!
I think performance crossovers should be kept to the form of Cadillac V-sport models. Most Chevrolet crossovers don’t have a high enough average transaction price to warrant people adding a $4000 performance option. If any new performance vehicle is to be added to Chevrolet’s lineup, it should be in the form of a RWD impala SS sedan
I would recommend a drive in a new Acadia Denali with the Electronic Variable Suspension. It has 310 HP 20″ Michelin tires and drive like a well tuned touring sedan than a SUV on back roads.
It is not what I would call a sports car but it is a very well tuned suspension and with only a couple more HP would really be a beast.
I just made a 4 hour run on back roads many even snow covered and it never pushed and it never put a tire out of place. It made going stupid fast easy a mark of a well tuned chassis. So I know they have the bones they just need the heart in a few more ponies.
This is the same chassis under the XT5 and it has made me wonder why the 3.0 Turbo was never offer to this point in the XT5. It would make a nice V Sport model.
I would pass on the Traverse and Enclave as they are too big and long.
I would use care in what I would chose for a performance model. The Nox is not really styled in what I would call a performance style. The Terrain is a little better and the XT4 more so.
You do not get the styling right to match the performance you are just wasting time anyways.
UNless they going’s to do that on the blazer
Exactly the Blazer with a proven chassis and a little more power could prove to be a really good prospect to fill this need. Not the Nox or Traverse.
The Blazer is on the Acadia and XT5 platform and with the short wheel base and twin clutch AWD it could prove to be a real road machine.
Keep in mind a vehicle like this is not going to be a Camaro SS it is more about power handling vs. just quarter miles or lap times.
These are becoming todays touring cars.
Blazer needs to be sporty and different so yes. Nox would be like offering a sport Rav 4 or CRV.
With Hummer gone GM needs a sport and performance line. In today’s market Milenials see Wranger in the same vein as Mustang and Camaro. GM needs to capitalize on this by offering something exciting.
BESIDES ford is coming with the Mach 1 so they need to step up quick!
Is GM going to be late to the party again !?
This is a natural progression of the SUV craze , more power . GMC ‘s Terrain Denali could stuff the corporate 3.6 in its engine bay tuned for 308-310 hp. instead of the little 4 bangers . The SUV is now lighter than the old version , stiffen up the chassis and suspension with Magnetic Ride Control . They have the parts in their bins already .
Cadillac should do something with the XT5 , give it the TTV-6 that the XTS V gets with 400+ hp . in AWD form only . There is alot of room in the XT5’s engine bay .
The new Blazer would be the perfect choice to become an SS model ,
People like myself that buy SUV’s want to have fun driving too , something that sticks to the road like it’s on rails but not harsh ( compliant ), and power withe the pedal .
All would sell , and GM has the parts , that’s always been something I believe Denali’s should incorporate in the trim level instead of only extra trim pieces .
Chevy is the only GM brand who now uses the “Redline” package (resurrected from Saturn’s “Red Line”), why not just make all those performance variants?
A Blazer SS would be a fun drive with a turbo v6/ twin clutch AWD.
The end is coming for gas powered vehicles.. why not go out with a BANG by integrating high performance engines to CUVs as it makes perfect sense especially as some GM CUVs like the Chevy Trax has been listed as among the least satisfying to drive which is shameful when this is the same company that builds the Corvette.
A million times yes. I would love something like the SRT Jeep from GM but they don’t make anything similar. They are to busy building cars to go fast around a race track, trying to appeal to Europe.
The article mentions this but the specs are left out…The CURRENT Edge Sport has the same 2.7TT, it has 20hp and 30ft/lbs less, has a six speed auto, has a 5.6 0-60 and is about $40K…The new “ST” will get an eight speed auto and the noted power increase, perhaps a 5.0-5.2 0-60 but we don’t yet know nor do we know the price which will most likely be more…The big differences is the suspension and it’ll be louder…
The perfect GM economy vehicle to “SS” would be the AWD Trax, it’s already AWD and the cheapest AWD GM vehicle, drop in the Camaros 2.0T or V6, sell it in the mid-$20Ks and GM wouldn’t be able to produce enough of them…
Why not reintroduce Hummer as a GMC sub brand promoted much like Jeep does Wragler with it’s growing list of variants?
GM needs a Wragler rival and the Professional Grade brand seems like home for such a project.
I’ve been proposing this idea for the longest! Unfortunately, GM and their loyal GMC customers show no interest in better separating the GMC brand from Chevrolet; aside from differing the exterior styling! At least this much has been improving since the introduction of the current Acadia and Terrain, which feature vastly different exterior and interior styling from their Chevy counterparts! That’s good!!!
Would love to see a Blazer RS w/a TT-V6, twin-clutch AWD, and the 9-speed tranny, and maybe the new Regal GS suspension. GMC could do the same w/the Acadia and call it a Typhoon.
One of my biggest issues with GM the past 10 or so years. They have been moving in a very Toyota like direction, save the Vette and Camaro, and have relegated there offerings to badges, black wheels and appearance items with no sizzle under the hood. Ford positively slaughters GM in this area. Virtually every Ford car or SUV or truck has a power model to backup the aggressive look.
Fusion Sport 325 HP V6 vs Malibu Premier with 250 HP L4
Taurus SHO 365 HP vs Impala Premier with 305 HP V6
Edge ST with 335 HP V6 vs Equinox Premier with 250 HP L4
Focus RS with 350 HP vs Cruze Premier with RS package and 153 HP
Fiesta ST with 197 HP vs Sonic RS with 138 HP
Explorer Sport with 365 HP vs Traverse RS with 259 HP
And the really sad part is that GM has an arsenal of engines available that could easily be put in there performance line but absolutely choose not to.
Not sure if comparing the Edge ST to the current equinox is a good/fair idea. However, if you say compare that to the last gen equinox with the V6 that has 310 hp then that’s more competitive
2013 Nox w/new 301hp V6, 0-60 7.2 w/AWD…
2018 Nox w/252hp 2.0T, 0-60 6.6 w/AWD…
2018 Edge Sport (not the MY19 ST) w/2.7TT, 0-60 5.6 w/AWD
https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/2013-chevrolet-equinox-36-v6-first-drive-reviewhttps://www.caranddriver.com/chevrolet/equinox
There’s also the Focus ST (FWD only)