The GM C1 platform provides the underpinnings for several GM crossovers, including the Buick Enclave, the Cadillac XT5, the Cadillac XT6, the ICE-based Chevy Blazer, the Chevy Traverse, and the GMC Acadia. Each of these crossovers offers front-wheel drive as standard and all-wheel drive as optional. Notably, each of these crossovers also equips a bigger fuel tank when outfitted with all-wheel drive. Now, GM Authority is explaining the reason behind the different-sized tanks.
Before we dive into the reasons, it bears mentioning that the difference in the fuel tank size isn’t enormous, but is still worth noting. C1-based Chevy, GMC, and Buick models are equipped with a 19.4-gallon tank with front-wheel drive and a 21.7-gallon tank with all-wheel drive, while C1-based Cadillac models are equipped with a 19-gallon tank with front-wheel drive and 22-gallon tank with all-wheel drive:
- Blazer, Traverse, Acadia, and Enclave FWD: 19.4 gal
- Blazer, Traverse, Acadia, and Enclave AWD: 21.7 gal
- XT5 and XT6 FWD: 19 gal
- XT5 and XT6 AWD: 22 gal
Now, let’s discuss the reason behind this discrepancy. Essentially, it boils down to two main points. For starters, C1-based crossovers with all-wheel drive require a bigger fuel tank in order to match the driving range estimate of their front-wheel drive counterpart, as models with all-wheel drive return slightly lower fuel economy than models equipped with front-wheel drive. For example, the 2024 Chevy Traverse returns a combined 23 mpg when equipped with front-wheel drive and a combined 21 mpg when equipped with all-wheel drive, with both configurations cradling the turbocharged 2.5L I4 LK0 gasoline engine and GM eight-speed automatic transmission.
However, C1-based models with all-wheel drive must also accommodate the driveshaft connecting to the rear wheels, and as such, General Motors was required to develop a fuel tank to fit. The end result is that C1-based crossovers with all-wheel drive incorporate a fuel tank shaped like an upside-down U, or what could also be called a “saddle tank.”
This saddle tank design allows for the necessary space to house the all-wheel drive system’s components while also providing the increased capacity needed to maintain a similar driving range as front-wheel drive models, ensuring that drivers opting for all-wheel drive do not sacrifice convenience or range, despite the additional mechanical complexity.
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Comments
It’s REALLY because of the added vehicle weight. AWD is something that many don’t need but automakers and dealers force it down their throats. More gouginess.
Huh? No one is forcing anyone to buy an AWD instead of a FWD. I recall in Cal you were required to either have chains (and the officer checked) or AWD to go up to Tahoe under certain snow conditions. AWD is not going to help you stop, but it will help you get started up that hill again.
AWD is a nessecity in the northern ice, the southern mud and the Rockies. You can’t expect a large portion of America to just call in for 1/5th the year because they can’t make it to work.
Give me an old time Suburban- AKA Mormon Cadillac, with a 454 Big Block four-wheel drive and a 40 gallon gas tank.
That was worry-free traveling. I know many of you out there will say, how about the gas mileage. If you could afford that vehicle you could afford the gas.
GM, a couple extra gallons of driving range won’t make any difference in the showroom.
Want to sell these vehicles? Put a V6 in them!!
they would prefer to use the V6, howver regulators are forcing the use of smaller displacement engines
Joe is gone. The long night is almost over .
Yeah, having more horsepower and far more torque at far lower rpm’s vs. the old V6 is really gonna hurt sales. The low end torque in modern turbo engines is addictive. I’m guessing you have never driven one.
I have. It’s annoying when you run out of torque with your foot halfway in the throttle and your 4 banger hits 6000rpm to make enough passing power. I really want a new “high value” V6. A 4L based off the 6th gen small block making the same on paper numbers as the turbo, but doesn’t have the peaky laggy torque curve.
I really like the car, but they should have offered one with the V8. The four cylinders have a nice amount of power, but they sound horrible.