GMC is still considering the introduction of a new subcompact crossover that would slot in under the GMC Terrain. GMC has toyed with the idea of launching a new subcompact crossover for several years now, but according to sources familiar with the matter, the idea has yet to be left for dead. One of the hurtles in launching a new sub-Terrain crossover is how it would interact with its showroom mates.
GM Authority rendering
As regular readers may recall, GM Authority has followed this story since 2019, and previously reported in August of 2020 that despite being something of an on-again, off-again affair, the decision to launch a new subcompact crossover under the GMC brand was still alive and kicking. Indeed, the subcompact crossover segment continues to be highly popular among consumers, which would certainly help to justify the launch of a new model from GMC.
If General Motors did give the green-light to such a vehicle, it would slot in under the existing GMC Terrain in terms of size and price. It might also wear either the Granite or the Graphyte nameplates, both of which GM has filed to trademark in the last several years, while riding on the highly modular VSS-F vehicle set, the same vehicle set that underpins the Chevy Trailblazer and Buick Encore GX.
GM Authority rendering
That said, the Chevy Trailblazer and Buick Encore GX could be seen as two obstacles blocking the launch a new GMC subcompact crossover. One of the biggest challenges facing product planners is the interaction such a model would have with its showroom mates, namely the Chevy Trailblazer and Buick Encore GX. Some dealers have Buick and GMC under one roof, while others have Chevy as well. With the Chevy Trailblazer and Buick Encore GX already in place, not to mention the all-new Chevy Trax and all-new Buick Envista, this hypothetical GMC subcompact offering would essentially become number five for dealers.
Even so, GM is still considering the idea, and we’ll be sure to provide further information as soon as we receive it. In the meantime, subscribe to GM Authority for more GMC Terrain news, GMC news, GM business news, and around-the-clock GM news coverage.
Comments
It’s rather hard to say “Professional Grade” with a 1.3l engine. I think that segment is best left in the hands of the Trailblazer and Encore GX.
The render looks great. BUT, the Trailblazer and Encore GX have the segment covered, as far as “small tall CUVs”. There IS room for a fancier Trax seeing that the Envista is a “coupe CUV” but it really wouldn’t fit in with the GMC mission (low ride height and carlike). Skip it.
GMC Trax.
This should have been done years ago but I wouldn’t be upset if they made a 1.5T hybrid (2.5T upgrade) with the 8AT to take on the Countryman & CX-30. I think a true sporty model would be a good addition to the brand, but they have to seriously put effort into how it handles. They could literally use the same wheelbase as the Terrain and Equinox, instead of going with the subpar platform under the other subcompacts in GMs portfolio. With Cadillac moving to all electric soon, GMC also has the space to move into the segment that the never was XT3 would have been in, by making it a true premium subcompact.
Since the Terrain isn’t going to be much larger than the current one, they should probably do a midsize two row instead.
I gotta agree with a midsize 5 seater instead. Since the other brands have all these subcompacts they could simply give them more equipment options. GMC could get a unique RWD biased midsizer with sportier (aggressive) styling and handling akin to the X5 or Velar with an interior that’s upscale like the Yukon.
On another note, they always talk about cannibalization while giving Chevy and Buick two subcompact models, but didn’t think that was a bad idea? Then how does denying the one brand that is sold exclusively in North America not justified in having its own unique model with a completely different mission from the other brands?
Only if based of XT4 platform but downsized. Another VFF Encore GX/Trailblazer clone just isn’t needed and would cheapen GMC like Renegade did Jeep.
A quality, 4 cylinder Renegade rival based off already designed Cadillac engineering, just slightly smaller, would be different and good. I’m sure, somewhere, there is an already designed XT3 that could be reskinned
With the Acadia getting bigger for 2024, why not a GMC version of the Blazer instead of smaller entry level models?
GM already has the space covered between Chevy and Buick. I think that with Acadia moving up in size, GMC should really be looking at something between Acadia and Terrain. Right now GM really only has the Blazer in this segment. GMC could come up with a worthy two row-mid-size alternative to the Jeep Grand Cherokee. Blazer can be the sporty option, GMC can rugged/off-road design.
Yukon Sport using the 2.7T and 3.6T??
Correction: 2.7TT, 3.6TT or even the 3.0TT as the sole engine option.
I agree, I’d rather see a GMC version of the Blazer. Probably could just call it Acadia and then call the new Acadia the Acadia XL, like the Yukon and now the Grand Cherokee L. I never cared for the idea of a smaller GMC below the Terrain.
Actually, Buick has the Envision and Cadillac has the XT5…both of these are comparable in size to the Blazer.
There isn’t much in that segment anymore. Chevy Blazer, Nissan Murano [which is entering its 10th model year virtually unchanged], Ford Edge [which is gone after the 2024MY], Honda Passport, Hyundai Santa Fe, Kia Sorento, Jeep GC. Ford has stated they are ditching the Edge and even the Escape over the next couple of years because the mid-sized 5-seat crossover market is dying. If that’s the really the trend the industry is seeing, GM isn’t going to want to invest more money trying to enter that segment.
I suppose GMC could offer the “Jimmy AT4” or something, but with it being built on a FWD based platform it is going to be rugged/off-road in appearance only. Then you are going to have people complaining about it being a poser, not a real off-road worthy vehicle, etc. Might do more damage to the brand than anything else.
idk why you have so much dislikes. nothing you said was a lie
It’s not a lie, but I rather unsubstantiated opinion. Hence the dislikes.
Get an El caminos
Type vehicle
Why not have GMC be the one to bring the Montana to the NA market as the Sonoma to compete with the Maverick.
If I had a quarter every time I heard this I’d be rich. The Granite concept goes back I believe to 2010. GMC and Buick cater to different crowds. They could make the subcompact something that directly takes on Jeep.
Great… another import.