Intended for models that spend quite a bit of time in colder climates, the Cold Air Grille Shutter found in 2024 GMC Terrain is designed to keep ice and moisture from accumulating in the engine bay, thus allowing the powertrain to run at peak performance during cold temperatures. Now, the detachable seasonal lower grille cover – which is usually included as part of the Cold Air Grille Shutter – is currently under constraint.
GM Authority has learned that some 2024 Terrain examples are being shipped without the seasonal lower grille cover that’s included with the Cold Air Grille Shutter (RPO code VRI) option. This feature is normally equipped as standard on all Terrain units ordered and shipped to northern U.S. states, including:
- Alaska
- Illinois
- Iowa
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Missouri
- Montana
- North Dakota
- South Dakota
- Wisconsin
As far as all the other U.S. states, the Cold Air Grille Shutter option – along with the seasonal lower grille cover – is included when the Engine Block Heater (RPO code K05) feature is optioned.
Looking ahead, it’s unclear when the seasonal lower grille cover will become available again, and if buyers of Terrain units shipped without them will eventually receive the part. With that in mind, affected examples shipped without the feature will be tagged with RPO code R6I on the window sticker.
As a reminder, the 2024 GMC Terrain is powered by the turbocharged 1.5L I4 LSD gasoline engine, which develops 175 horsepower and 203 pound-feet of torque. As context, this powerplant replaced the turbocharged 1.5L I4 LYX gasoline engine, rated at a similar 170 horsepower and 203 pound-feet of torque, following the 2022 model year. Meanwhile, the GM nine-speed automatic transmission directs this output to either a FWD or AWD drivetrain configuration.
Under the skin lies the GM D2 platform, which is shared with the Chevy Equinox. Production of the 2024 model year kicked off in May 2023 at the GM San Luis Potosà plant in Mexico.
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Comments
Wait that’s what these air shutters are for? For heat retention? I thought it was a fuel efficiency thing. I have these in my XT5 and just think “great. another useless feature to break on me down the road.” I also noticed these are optional on the Tahoe to which I think “Who the hell would want these in their car?”
The grill shutters are for aerodynamics (i.e. fuel economy) but in the winter they can get stuck in one position due to ice and snow so the cover is to prevent that from happening.