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GMC Terrain Sales Drop 54 Percent During Q3 2021

GMC Terrain sales decreased in the United States, Canada, and Mexico during the third quarter of 2021.

GMC Terrain Sales - Q3 2021 - United States

In the United States, GMC Terrain deliveries totaled 9,901 units in Q3 2021, a decrease of about 54 percent compared to 21,313 units sold in Q3 2020.

In the first nine months of the year, Terrain sales decreased about 28 percent to 43,434 units.
MODEL Q3 2021 / Q3 2020 Q3 2021 Q3 2020YTD 2021 / YTD 2020 YTD 2021 YTD 2020
TERRAIN -53.54% 9,901 21,313 -28.26% 43,434 60,544

GMC Terrain Sales - Q3 2021 - Canada

In Canada, GMC Terrain deliveries totaled 1,860 units in Q3 2021, a decrease of about 40 percent compared to 3,125 units sold in Q3 2020.

In the first nine months of the year, Terrain sales decreased about 17 percent to 6,276 units.
MODEL Q3 2021 / Q3 2020 Q3 2021 Q3 2020YTD 2021 / YTD 2020 YTD 2021 YTD 2020
TERRAIN -40.48% 1,860 3,125 -17.23% 6,276 7,582

GMC Terrain Sales - Q3 2021 - Mexico

In Mexico, GMC Terrain deliveries totaled 276 units in Q3 2021, a decrease of about 27 percent compared to 379 units sold in Q3 2020.

In the first nine months of the year, Terrain sales decreased about 5 percent to 935 units.
MODEL Q3 2021 / Q3 2020 Q3 2021 Q3 2020YTD 2021 / YTD 2020 YTD 2021 YTD 2020
TERRAIN -27.18% 276 379 -5.46% 935 989

Competitive Sales Comparison (USA)

The GMC Terrain sales performance puts the compact crossover in 13th place out of 17 competitors in the mainstream compact crossover segment in the United States during third quarter of 2021.

As such, the Terrain was outsold by the Toyota RAV4 in first, followed by the Honda CR-V, Nissan Rogue, Mazda CX-5, Subaru Forester and Crosstrek, plus the Chevy Equinox – the Terrain’s corporate cousin and D2 platform mate. The Chevy outsold the GMC by 22,543 units. Next were the Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage, Ford Escape, Volkswagen Tiguan, and all-new Ford Bronco Sport. The Terrain outsold the Mitsubishi Outlander, Jeep Cherokee, Dodge Journey, and Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross.

Sales Numbers - Mainstream Compact Crossovers - Q3 2021 - United States

MODEL Q3 21 / Q3 20 Q3 21 Q3 20 Q3 21 SHARE Q3 20 SHARE YTD 21 / YTD 20 YTD 21 YTD 20
TOYOTA RAV4 -20.33% 92,252 115,799 17% 17% +3.59% 313,447 302,574
HONDA CR-V -21.84% 76,941 98,436 14% 15% +22.25% 290,140 237,334
NISSAN ROGUE -13.37% 52,358 60,436 10% 9% +40.17% 234,647 167,401
MAZDA CX-5 +14.07% 44,722 39,205 8% 6% +31.71% 137,343 104,277
SUBARU FORESTER -24.75% 36,289 48,222 7% 7% -1.36% 132,254 134,082
SUBARU CROSSTREK +18.15% 36,853 31,192 7% 5% +31.39% 101,067 76,924
CHEVROLET EQUINOX -51.92% 32,444 67,476 6% 10% -21.18% 151,110 191,727
HYUNDAI TUCSON -2.01% 32,530 33,198 6% 5% +27.33% 116,047 91,139
KIA SPORTAGE +11.51% 25,404 22,782 5% 3% +26.25% 78,778 62,400
FORD ESCAPE -43.99% 26,299 46,956 5% 7% -15.15% 111,791 131,753
VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN -29.29% 19,847 28,069 4% 4% +12.49% 85,000 75,563
FORD BRONCO SPORT * 20,690 * 4% 0% * 81,204 0
GMC TERRAIN -53.54% 9,901 21,313 2% 3% -28.26% 43,434 60,544
MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER +33.81% 10,602 7,923 2% 1% -9.33% 21,277 23,467
JEEP CHEROKEE -71.71% 11,592 40,981 2% 6% -19.58% 78,750 97,919
DODGE JOURNEY -89.55% 1,062 10,164 0% 2% -55.03% 13,827 30,750
MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE CROSS +6.34% 2,583 2,429 0% 0% -20.90% 6,941 8,775
TOTAL -21.08% 532,369 674,581 +11.16% 1,997,057 1,796,629

The performance gives the Terrain a 2 percent segment share during the quarter, down 1 percentage point from the 3 percent share it held a year ago in Q3 2020.

Sales Numbers - GM Mainstream Compact Crossovers - Q3 2021 - United States

MODEL Q3 21 / Q3 20 Q3 21 Q3 20 Q3 21 SHARE Q3 20 SHARE YTD 21 / YTD 20 YTD 21 YTD 20
CHEVROLET EQUINOX -51.92% 32,444 67,476 77% 76% -21.18% 151,110 191,727
GMC TERRAIN -53.54% 9,901 21,313 23% 24% -28.26% 43,434 60,544
TOTAL -52.31% 42,345 88,789 -22.88% 194,544 252,271

Combined sales of the two GM compact crossovers, the GMC Terrain and Chevy Equinox, totaled 42,345 units for an 8 percent segment share. Despite being better than the standalone share, the duo still sold less than half the units of the segment-leading Toyota RAV4 which accounted for 92,252 sales and a 17 percent segment share. This is despite a 20 percent drop in sales volume. Next was the Honda CR-V, which sold 76,941 units and dropped a percentage point in segment share to 14 percent. It also posted a sales drop of 22 percent. The Nissan Rogue, which sold 52,358 units, gained a percentage point in segment share to 10 percent, even though sales dropped 14 percent.

Following the top three is the Mazda CX-5, which sold 44,722 units and gained two percentage points in segment share to 8 percent thanks to a 14 percent bump in sales. We can’t imagine that the all-new, 2023 Mazda CX-50 – which will replace the CX-5 – will help the Terrain in the sales department. The Kia Sportage sold 25,404 units, also gaining two percentage points in segment share to 5 percent thanks to a 12 percent growth. Introduction of the new Sportage X-Pro in the segment won’t help GMC Terrain sales either.

The compact mainstream crossover segment (C-crossover segment) contracted 21 percent to 532,369 units during Q3 2021, meaning that GMC Terrain sales fell at a faster pace than the segment average.

The GM Authority Take

The Terrain’s 54 percent drop in U.S. sales during Q3 2021 is not insignificant. Though many other models in the segment experienced a decline in sales volume, only the Cherokee and Journey performed worse than the Terrain, at 72 and 90 percent, respectively. The Outlander posted the largest sales increase at 34 percent.

The steep drop for the Terrain stemmed from repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic and the ongoing global semiconductor microchip shortage. That meant that the most desirable Terrain inventory at dealers was depleted as a result of idled production. In fact, the popular range-topping Terrain Denali was not produced for the 2021 model year until only very recently. Luckily, Terrain production finally started back up on October 15th at the GM San Luis Potosi plant.

The Terrain saw a refresh for the 2022 model year consisting of new front and rear fascias, along with several updates to the cabin and a new trim level in the form of the GMC Terrain AT4 trim level, which will be offered exclusively with AWD. The refreshed Terrain was initially planned and announced for the 2021 model year, but difficulties stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic pushed the model to the 2022 model year.

With the Terrain now back in production, we expect inventory and sales to improve in the near- to medium-terms. However, fresh models from Mazda, Hyundai, Kia and even Mitsubishi in an already crowded segment certainly won’t make those gains easy to come by.

About The Numbers

  • All percent change figures compared to GMC Terrain sales for Q3 2020, unless noted otherwise
  • In the United States, there were 77 selling days in Q3 2021 and 77 selling days in Q3 2020
GM Q3 2021 sales reports:

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Vince grew up in a GM family, likes manuals, and thinks this is the golden age of the automobile.

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Comments

  1. I wonder if its polarizing looks are any part of this?

    Reply
    1. That, and the loss of the 2.0T engine, the loss of the heated seats, heated steering wheel, and the fact that they weren’t making any for the past 3ish months.

      Reply
      1. The V6 engine needs to be an option like they used to be.

        Reply
        1. Totally agree but in the real world it’s not happening I would just be happy with the 2.0 l 252/258 vrs that 1.5 with 170/203 drove both definitely notice the difference specially in a denali trim (professional grade ) where ???? Give me engine options please

          Reply
          1. I’d be happy with a 1.5l hybrid. At least let me save on my fuel bill if I’m going to drive an under-powered vehicle.

            Reply
  2. I understand the sales decline. This is probably the most underpowered SUV around. I love the styling, and owned a 2016 Terrain, but will not buy another one until they offer a more powerful engine.

    Reply
  3. I know the GM plan is to skip making Hybrids and move directly into EV, but Toyota has been very successful with the RAV4
    base model Hybrid. My wife has the RAV4 hybrid and it is a great vehicle, very fast and averages 42 mpg. It uses very little fuel. It’s a very comfortable vehicle with many options. I think the Toyota hybrid will be around for a long time even as full EVs become more popular.
    I do know GM is doing more Hybrids in China. Hopefully that technology will come to the USA soon for GM.

    Reply
  4. The popular range topping Terrain Denali model with a 1.5L will not help sales when dealers finally get them either.

    Reply
    1. They ruined the Terrain with the redo in 2018. Tons of the older models on the roads. Hardly see any of them after 2018. Should have left it like those before 2017. More space and power.

      Reply
  5. bobp, you hit on gm’s plan to reduce ICE vehicles to extinction with industry related excuses that share chip shortages, supply chain shortages, and Covid issues, to produce EV or Hybrid vehicles in China that could be transplanted …here in the U.S. while gm takes full advantage of the WH green steal funding of billions for EV “union” production.

    gm will continue publishing these “decline sales articles” to show the public it’s not a gm issue but supply chain issues reducing production. Bla bla bla…

    Say it ain’t so…gm.

    Reply
  6. Looking forward to leasing a new terrain denali but with the 1.5 engine unfortunately no other option might have to look at manufacturers to get at least a 2.0 l engine in a c u v and many options with out stepping into a Cadillac product or Buick as much as I like the new refresh Terrain! Import my be the way to go. Gm should of never dropped the 2.0 l in the terrain Denali in my personal opinion .

    Reply
  7. The competition is leap frogging GM in this segment. The Nissan Rogue, Mitsubishi Outlander, Hyundai Tucson, Mazda CX-5, and the Toyota RAV4 are simply more modern and more refined than the Terrain/Equinox. The upcoming Honda CR-V refresh and Ford Escape refreshes will further push the GM offerings down the sales charts.

    As an owner of a 2015 Equinox V6, I like my vehicle. However when I get a new one in the next year or so it will not be a GM vehicle. Most likely going to get either a Nissan Rogue with the new turbo engine coming for 2022, or a RAV4 hybrid. GM has lost their way in this segment.

    Reply
  8. Whatever engineer that designed the new style should be looking for new employment eleswhere. I own a 2014 in that great boxee shape that looking back obviously everyone liked plus the 6 cylinder engine makes it fun to drive. Sometimes GM decisions at corporate level are questionable

    Reply
    1. The old terrains were ugly and looked weird the new ones are much better. Nobody in this group of vehicles has a V6 anymore and the rogue new engine is a 3 cylinder turbo. No everyone is making the engines smaller. the Terrain with new update is even sharper on the outside. I will agree the inside does need some work which we may see in the next gen in the next year or two.

      Reply
  9. Have they started producing the Denalis yet. Wife getting impatient.

    Reply
  10. I would replace my 2018 Terrain Denali this year, but the loss of the 2.0 and questionable availability of heated seats and steering wheel has me looking elsewhere. Probably a Hyundai. And I have a GM card with $2K on it and that still won’t change my mind. Sorry GM – you have become a looser. And I’ve never owned a foreign brand in the past – 55 years of driving.

    Reply
  11. Todd I believe they started building terrain but not the Denali trim gm associate told me I can order one but gm hasn’t except any order for Denali trim or AT4 trim they told me probably late December will start but I’m betting my money in Jan-Feb and most likely spring if there on no other constraints due part shortage

    Reply
  12. The results are not surprising as the dealers have not had inventory for months . I ordered a 2021 end of last Nov as my company vehicle . I took delivery in June , and the car was originally planned to arrive early Feb.
    It really is amazing that GM has any sales as the lots are almost completely empty and have been for months . GM has diverted all of the chips to production of Large body on Frame SUV’s and pickups . This inventory is going south of the border.
    I think the current Terrain is under rated. I have had the terrain for 4 months , the interior is much nicer than the equinox , the 9 speed is great , power from the 1.5 is adequate and i really come to enjoy the push/ pull shift . It frees up a lot of space for phones and other gear that usually collects in this area. The car is quiet and a great everyday family vehicle that is really easy to live with
    I enjoyed my time with the terrain

    Reply
  13. My wife loves her 2018 terrian denali 2l turbo and gearing has enough pep to get up and go she loves the body style it’s not as masculine as the older Lego Block style but only offering the 1.5 l on 2022 was a mistake it doesn’t have enough power to feel safe passing on the highway when needed

    Reply
  14. Without the 2.0 I would not buy one. I have driven both no comparison.

    Reply
  15. Why does GM keep putting these glorified lawn tractor engines in their vehicles? The Trailblazer/Encore GX with a 1.2 litre, the Terrain/Equinox/Malibu with a 1.5 litre ?? I understand the need to increase MPG’s but does anyone honestly think these tiny turbos are going to get 200K trouble free miles out of these engines?

    Reply
    1. The rogue is getting a 3 cylinder for 2022, everyone is doing this for MPG and they have to buy less carbon credits which is just theft anyway.

      Reply

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