Over the past few years, a subcompact GMC crossover has been an on-again, off-again affair. In July 2019, GM Authority reported that General Motors was considering a subcompact crossover. A month later, we reported that a decision on bringing a B-segment GMC CUV to market has not yet been made, followed by official confirmation that such a product is officially dead in the water. But now, the model seems to be getting closer to reality.
General Motors is once again considering bringing a subcompact GMC crossover to market, GM Authority has learned from sources familiar with the matter. We’re told that the model – which would slot under the existing Terrain in terms of both size and price – is closer than ever to being green-lit for development and production. We’re told that a final decision for approval, however, has not yet been made.
| Segment: | Subcompact | Compact | Midsize | Full-Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vehicle: | - | Terrain | Acadia | - |
- The GMC utilities portfolio is currently missing two models: subcompact and full-size crossovers.
The subcompact (B-segment) crossover category is one of the most rapidly-growing spaces in the industry. An increasing amount of entries has caused segment sales to double over the past decade. General Motors has traditionally dominated the space with the Chevrolet Trax and Buick Encore, with combined sales of the duo resulting in either the best-selling or second-best-selling spot in the segment. The new Chevrolet Trailblazer and Buick Encore GX are expected to further that lead, expanding GM’s entries in the category to four while also delivering higher ATPs.
Additionally, introducing a subcompact GMC crossover will enable Big Red to surpass the 600,000 annual sales mark in the U.S. and 100,000 annual units in Canada, a feat that GMC has yet to achieve over the past decade.
- See ongoing GMC sales figures.
If GMC does end up bringing a B-segment crossover, the product would wear either the Granite or Graphyte nameplates, names that GM has filed to trademark over the past few years. The model would also ride on the all-new, highly modular VSS-F platform / vehicle set shared with the Trailblazer and Encore GX, along with the next-gen Equinox and Terrain. Development times should be relatively short, since the underlying architecture is ready. However, sources tell GMA that the GMC model will be “highly differentiated” compared to the Chevy and Buick entries. Additionally, the final product will look nothing like the GMC Granite concept introduced ten years ago.
We expect to have more about the subcompact GMC crossover soon, so be sure to subscribe to GM Authority for more GMC news, and around-the-clock GM news coverage.
Comments
FFS NO. NO WHY.
The answer is obvious.
You must have zero business acumen if you don’t get it.
Because the small crossover segment is the best performing sales segment of the US in the first half of 2020, just ahead of large pickup trucks. The most recent GM entries were quite underwhelming to be honest.
you honestly believe this GMC subcompact will make GM more money? lmao GM clearly has no interest in updating their better selling vehicles so bringing another CUV is pointless. You could legit bet that this thing won’t even be in the top 5 in sales. CUVs are boring, and under powered. yet at the same time theres tons of other current options that people can chose from. GMC should stick to something else
What are you even talking about?
GM has no interest in updating better-selling models? Who said anything about that? Where do you come up with that ridiculous notion?
Not being in the top 5? Here you go again, showing you have no understanding of the business. It’s not about being in top whatever. It’s about leveraging existing hardware under a different top shell to grow volume cumulatively across the portfolio. This isn’t rocket science dude.
Keep in mind that this GMC vehicle will be quite different from its platform mates. Think outside the box and you might begin to understand what’s going on.
Not only just growing volume. The entry level segment is where you attract younger newer buyers that will hopefully stay with the brand and upgrade to more expensive models.
“stick to something else” – oxy alert!
Because “We are amateur grade” obviously.
If they do, hopefully it comes with the 1.4t or 1.5t. Something to differentiate it from the other two and justify the premium that people will be paying.
Right? I’m not going to get too excited about it. A 1.5t would put it right near the top of the class, but while were on the subject give it a conservatively tuned 2.0t and make it an undisputed class leader.
I think an undertuned, torque-filled 2.0 a la Passat/Tiguan could work. 175-180 hp/200-210 lb ft. It could even be a better base engine for the D2 crossovers.
I agree, a 2.0t needs to eventually go into some version of the vss-f platform or GM is going to lose those customers seeking a more engaging driving experience. Those first gen Tiguans are a fun little car… The newer ones are a little too big and sloppy for my liking.
Definitely, the Koreans are going for that segment with the Soul and Kona Turbos. I think it could be even better for GM’s bottom line if say, they remove the 1.2, make the 1.3 the base, and use the 2.0 as an upgrade, which could then be shared across more of the lineup.
I agree on the 2.0T being the entry engine option, but the platform should be the D2UX under the Terrain/Equinox. This would give it a better position to separate it from the other subcompacts by GM, as well as more interior space. They don’t want their models competing with each other, so if they targeted the larger entries in the subcompact segment it wouldn’t be a problem.
The vss-f has the ability to built in different dimensions. As is in current applications (TB and GX) it only an inch narrow than the D2. I think the length of 173.5 in the TB is a great starting point for this GMC product. The 2.0t is still available in the D2. You’re implying that they should build a car that they already offer.
What CUV is that again??
People have had ample time to scoop up a turbo nox if they wanted one and there are soooo many available CPO or used. It’s time for GM to prepare for those seeking replacements for their Cruzes, Sonics, Malibus, and Buick sedans. Not all of these buyers are going to want or need a vehicle as large as the D2 platform. I would bet that some one coming out of a Cruze wouldn’t be super impressed with the driving experience of the current Trailblazer or Trax offerings. Like I said before, there are plenty of Korean and Japanese manufacturers filling this void. So, if GM wants to lose market share that’s their prerogative, just my two cents as an 8 year Sonic owner.
These little suvs are what people are buying instead of sedans now. So go for it i guess.
Exactly. After all, it’s all about payment… People still want a cable bill for a car payment!
Probably a version of the Trailblazer, Encore GX.
The Trailblazer is brand new and is already all over the place where I live. That’s a good size for this segment apparently.
I guess the 3 cylinder didn’t turn people off. I’d rather see the 1.5L I-4. The Trailblazer can’t get out of its own way with the 3 cylinder.
Just add on profits for GM and dealers. Not exciting but it makes money as all they do is change the sheet metal some.
Put the turbo 4 diesel from the Colorado in the Buick GX platform and I’ll consider upgrading the wife’s 2014 Encore. Otherwise, eh.
The 2.8 diesel is designed for longitudinal engine layouts, so that is literally never going to happen. A 2.0t would provide more than adequate power for a vehicle the size of a GX and definitely be worth a test drive.
Fine, then put the 1.6L diesel in it. Gas sucks. Why can’t we Make America Diesel Again?
Give me the driving experience of low RPM diesel torque over a gasser any day of the week. Plus, longer lasting engines and turbos that spin a heck of a lot slower so they don’t burn oil and rip themselves to shreds at 100,000 miles.
Wife’s Encore is at 70,000 miles. Probably a ticking turbo timebomb. And my 2014 Acadia would be a lot more fun to drive if I didn’t have to hit 4,000 RPM in the band to have any power.
GM also has the diesel from the Equinox (which they recently discontinued). Not sure if it would fit though
Good point, I forgot about the 1.6. They also put that in the Cruze with a 6mt and probably sold dozens of them. That would probably fit, but I’m not sure it would appeal to as wide of an audience as a 2.0t gas job would. I’ve never driven a vehicle with that motor, but I did take a peak at one at a dealer.
I’ll state right up front: I am not against this. However, I just don’t really get it either. And for those who may not know my background, I worked at a Buick, Cadillac, GMC and Honda dealership for 12 years. GMC isn’t bad to me, but here’s how I see it. GMC is just a brand that most (not all) go to from Chevrolet. So if there were no GMC, then most buyers would just go to Chevy while Denali buyers would be possible Buick buyers. You also have GMC paired with Buick at nearly all dealerships since around 1996. So Chevy and Buick already have this market covered, correct? Wouldn’t it be safe to say that if a customer isn’t going to buy the Buick or Chevrolet versions, why would they cross over to GMC? What can GMC offer to attract that new buyer? So what can or will this possible new smaller CUV have to offer GM in general? Sure, GMC may increase in some sales annually, but at the cost to both Chevy and Buick.
Offering a larger, more capable engine would instantly appeal to many current GM owners, including myself. Otherwise GM doesn’t really offer anything I’d be interested in purchasing at this time.
I’d prefer to stay with the Bowtie, so maybe if GMC offers a larger motor it would open the doors to Chevy offering a larger motor as well. However, if GMC was the only GM brand to offer a turbo 4 subcompact+ that’s where I’d go.
Nothing in the current Chevrolet lineup has any appeal to me, except maybe the Bolt, but I’m leaning towards an ICE vehicle for my next purchase.
Buick and Chevy have the entry level covered, but don’t offer anything I’d be interested in. As far as stealing sales from Buick… Who cares, that brand is dead in the States. Rip.
In the long run GM should also consider bringing some of the vss-f production stateside.
I am so onboard with a bigger more capable engine – yes please. I’m in the market to replace my 2008 Mariner. Test drove the TB both the 1.2 and 1.3, wasn’t impressed especially the 1.2 (also not a fan of the interior too much plastic). I have loved the Granite concept since it was shown a thousand years ago, it’s a bit quirky but different in a cool way. Sad to hear the design will not look like the concept vehicle.
This one should compete against the Bronco Sport.
Agreed. That would make the most sense, but I still feel Chevrolet should be doing that. GMC is really just the fancier Chevy and to me overlaps the Buick’s too much.
Different segments. The Bronco Sport is a compact (C segment) it appears this new GMC offering will be a subcompact (B segment).
Whatever happened to GMC Granite? The was cool. How about a rwd the same size as the S15/S10 again?
Granite was canceled due to the platform was not able to used the rear hinged doors. GM also was needing money for other higher volume models.
If you get a smaller truck it will be CUV based and FWD. that is what Ford Ian’s Hyundaivare doing. Actually the Ford is transit based.
Make it a HUMMER! 🙂
Yes GMC. The Granite finally PLEASE!!! But in a production viable model.
They need to step slightly above the Trax and Encore GX in size, more like the Jeep Compass and Ford Bronco. GMC should be looking more at Countryman and Evoque with styling considering their tag line and the Denali trim. Nothing in the GMC lineup should come with an engine smaller than the 2.0T, I never understood why they bother with the 1.5T in this line up.
Ick, God no….throw it in the fire and run away! Leave CUV’s to Chevy, Buick, and Cadillac. GMC needs to go back to only trucks, like a modern Jimmy and Envoy, to do battle with Bronco, Wrangler family, Grand Cherokee, 4Runner, and more.
The Trailblazer has very similar dimensions to the Countryman and I personally think it’s the sweet spot for this class of vehicle. Using the Trailblazer as a jumping off point for this project would be a great start. The Countryman does offer a 2.0t If I’m not mistaken.
It does in two forms actually, but the JCW version puts it in the same league as luxury subcompacts but with 300hp to play with
Just as with their 50 shades of grey concept GM will soon field 50 versions of CUV’s. How did we ever come to such a new low in automotive excitement?
The remaining question is where will they make it? Korea or China?
Please don’t let whoever styled the Terrain touch this new GMC.