GM News: Where Are The Four-Cylinder Equinox/Terrains?

[William Maley]

William Maley

Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com

March 13, 2012

If you been shopping for a Chevrolet Equinox or GMC Terrain with a four-cylinder and been wondering why there is a lack of them on dealer lots, blame a supplier.

Automotive News reports that for the past two months, GM has put order limits on the four-cylinder Equinox and Terrain. That's due to a tier 2 supplier having problems with certain parts for the 2.4L four-cylinder engine.

GM spokesman Jim Cain said dealers were told by GM the constraint on the four-cylinder is temporary, but didn't say when it would be resolved.

So what do you do if you want an Equinox or a Terrain? If you're willing to give up some MPGs, GM is putting $1000 on the hoods of 3.0L V6 Equinox and Terrain. However, if your heart is set on the 2.4L four, Cain says GM is working with with suppliers to get the supply up to meet demand.

Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required)

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[G. David Felt]

Having driven a 4 banger and v6 awd Equinox when I took my son shopping for his new ride. He loved the added get up and go of the V6 but wanted the fuel efficiency of the 4 which was still decent for pickup. Problem? GM's price increases. The Equinox AWD which he loved and Seattle seems to have plenty of the 4 bangers on lots here seem to all be priced aroun 25K to start which put it outside my son's budget. Only a month or two ago, Chevy's web site had the AWD 4 bangers starting at 22K. While I like going to prepackaged sets to make it easier to shop, having such a large price increase pushed Chevy out of my son's options and he ended up buying a Jeep Patriot Latitude that along with their $1000 rebate an $500 College graduate first time buyers allowed him to get a loaded Patriot Latitude Trail Rated edition with everything except Nav and Sun roof for 21K including tax and license.

GM needs to realize tha college kids need and want an awd or 4x4 so they can get up the mountain to play.

Edited March 13, 2012 by dfelt

[GMTruckGuy74]

dfelt, I believe GM is going to answer your call with the next generation Terrain and Equinox. Oldsmoboi stated in 2011 that the next gen will be smaller than the current gen.... which may help with reaching the target audience you've mentioned. I think the current gen is good for families that don't need a 3rd row vehicle or want something that can fit in a garage. I agree that the Terrain/Equinox are quite long for their class (which helps with the 2nd row legroom).

Time will tell!!

[GMTruckGuy74]

Now that explains why GM is offering a $1,000 incentive on V6 models... thought that was strange the other day when hyperV6 posted about that, then seeing some print advertisements in Sunday's newspaper with that same amount.

[Robert Hall]

The Equinox/Terrain seem to occupy the midsize 5-seat niche like the Ford Edge....GM needs a compact CUV to take on the Patriot, CR-V, RAV-4, etc...

Edited March 13, 2012 by Cubical-aka-Moltar

[Drew Dowdell]

GM can ask, and get, MSRP on the 4-cylinder 'Nox and Terrain. No reason they shouldn't.

[G. David Felt]

I agree if you can get MSRP then go for it, but I always thought this was in competition to the Patriot. But now looking at the Jeep web site, I see just how much different the entry level AWD is compared to the mid level Jeep Patriot.

Size tells allot, Jeep is 172 inches long compared to 188 for the chevy.

[Robert Hall]

I agree if you can get MSRP then go for it, but I always thought this was in competition to the Patriot. But now looking at the Jeep web site, I see just how much different the entry level AWD is compared to the mid level Jeep Patriot.

Size tells allot, Jeep is 172 inches long compared to 188 for the chevy.

Yeah, the Equiterra/Noxain are closer to the Grand Cherokee in size...

Edited March 13, 2012 by Cubical-aka-Moltar

[daves87rs]

Wow....the 3.0 is pretty good too...

[hyperv6]

Here is what is up.

GM claims a lack of 2.4 vehicles but in shopping the Terrain of later I never had a issue finding one. I am wondering if they are worried they may run out later this year before they switch to the 2.5 next year?

Also there are lot of V6 models still stilling around but they still seem to be moving.

We have shopped Nox and Terrain sice 2010 we have found finding them in good supply with either engine difficult. This is why GM has not offered much on these vehicles in the way of rebates. Often to get the one you needed you would have to order it if by chance you did not find it.

We started looking again as supplies are up and even the dealer told us there on more available now than ever. This gave us a better deal where he came off MSRP by $5,000 on our SLT-2.

We just bought ours Staturday as that is how I found the money off.

I have driven them all and the 4 does a good job but you do have to rev it. I have also noted the V6 needs to rev some too. We may pull a small trailer so we opted for the 6 as it get about the same MPG as the GP did.

GM went for more room vs craming a 3rd seat in the back for small children or two amputees. The Rear seat in this vehile is not just larger but much larger than anything in class. I think GM just expects if you want a 3 seat you would move to the Lamda who has one of the best 3rd seats on th emarket.

GM need to shrink the next gen some on this vehicle and remove weight. They will be in great need to find more MPG soon so I expect this is what is behind the smaller thinking.

Either 4 or V6 are good in this car but they both leave you wanting a little more power. I condsidered the Tubo 4 might be offered as an option but till they lose weight I figure the Turbo would also suffer poorer MPG due to the weight. My SS does really well MPG wise but it also is only 3200 LBS vs the Terrains 4,000 LBS.

Just picked it up last night and so far we love it. The Intellalink system so far seem nice and I love the new 7" video screen.

As for the Nox and Terrain it is in a middle class of it's own. It offers things for the Rav4 and Patriot buyers but it also offers things the Sorento and Edge buyers look for.

Note we looked at a loaded Edge and it was something like $42,000 loaded. A nice car but not worth that much more over the GM model. Our Terrain is like a less expensive SRX for the most as it has most of the same options and features the more expensice SRX has. The Cadillac does have a better AWD system it you do have the needs but the GMC offered many of the more expensive features the others do not have.

[G. David Felt]

Great Input Hyperv6, look forward to hearing more about your new baby and hopefully post some pictures.

[hyperv6]

Great Input Hyperv6, look forward to hearing more about your new baby and hopefully post some pictures.

I will try to get some photos and post the in the next few day our early feeling on the vehicle.

I must say there is not a single flaw yet. I waxed it last night and the paint and chrome is flawless. I could not even find any interior part out of place or marred. Very good initial build quality.

[regfootball]

after seeing the new Escape and CX-5 at the auto show,

Ford will be in real trouble possibly with the Escape. It's a 180 over the current version. While I am sure mechanically it will be top tier, its appears much smaller and more importantly it really looks way different than the successful butch truck its been.

Over time, I think Escape will win its buyers back (and they may be a new bunch) but what I am saying with this is that GM potentially can stand to benefit from the Escape's stumble. I think GM will pick up even more buyers now. At least for a bit.

Ford's size difference now between the Escape and Edge will be enormous. But they will bridge that by making sure a base Escape is not a lot more expensive than now, and they will possibly put out a few more cheaper Edges as well, especially now with the ecoboost. The edge is many years old now, and is still fresh in the market practically.....it will probably run with the same body for a few more years. The Nox/terrain combo will be inbetween so FOrd will have to market around the GM twins.

So I think the Nox and Terrain will do well for awhile as long as they keep investing in it.

The CX-5 though shows how to get basically as much space out of the crossover with several hundred pounds less weight. This is where GM needs to take a lesson. I know the Terrain feels more sunstantial, but the companies that can give the same benefits in a 4 cyl crossover without it being 4000 pounds may be better off in 3-5 years.

And of course RAv4 and Crv are always selling away...

I'd like if the vehicle that replaces our Taurus X someday is the Traverse, but really with the flexible seat in the rear of the Equinox, that may be more of a possibility due to cheaper price and better mpg. But really to me if the Edge's price is close to the Terrain etc. the Edge is an attractive option also. And then there is the notion that there will probably be a lightly used Ecoboost FLex or MKt sitting out there that would if i could stomach the gas and extra dough, be even more appealing. I am eyeballing a stick base CX5 as a possible next 2nd vehicle.

All that is a pipe dream anyways. I won't be getting new rides any time soon....

Edited March 26, 2012 by regfootball

[hyperv6]

The New Escape is just anoher example of an improved Ford vehicle but much more over priced than what is on the market. Ford is doing this with all their new products and as long as people are willing to pay it that is fine but if they stop buying there are many good vehicles out there to take their place.......

[G. David Felt]

I have to question the comments on Improved Ford vehicles. I stopped by to help a friend who will only consider Ford and as I walked the lot with him and reviewed all the auto's, there is one common observation on everything from the Cobra's to the HD pickups to the entry level auto's such as focus and fiesta. I notice rusty parts everywhere, breaks, engine components, exhuast, etc..

Now I compare this to GM and Dodge and while you can find rusty parts on all auto builders even the japanease, there seems to be an abundance on Ford products. It comes across as short cut bean counter visuals. IMHO

[hyperv6]

I have to question the comments on Improved Ford vehicles. I stopped by to help a friend who will only consider Ford and as I walked the lot with him and reviewed all the auto's, there is one common observation on everything from the Cobra's to the HD pickups to the entry level auto's such as focus and fiesta. I notice rusty parts everywhere, breaks, engine components, exhuast, etc..

Now I compare this to GM and Dodge and while you can find rusty parts on all auto builders even the japanease, there seems to be an abundance on Ford products. It comes across as short cut bean counter visuals. IMHO

Rotors on all cars rust unless they have ceramic rotors. All my GM car do the same when I wash them.

Exhaust can have a little surface rust mostly at the welds but all MFG use low grade staniless that for most will last the life of the car.

THey all have parts that rust on engines. In GM's case most are coverd with so many plastic panels now that you never see it.

I am not a Ford fan in anyway but they have come a ways from where they were a few years ago but to me the gains are not worth the extra price they are charging.

I have always felt I got a little more and a little better with GM.

I may not be a Ford fan but I have to be honest and fair that they have improved. There is no way in hell I would give $41K for an Edge when in my eye it is a good $31K vehicle.

[Drew Dowdell]

I believe the Edge will come down in bulk the next go-round

[hyperv6]

I believe the Edge will come down in bulk the next go-round

I had little issue with bulk as most in this class are heavy. The issue is the bulk in the price. There is no way in the world the edge should have a sticker over $42,000.

[Robert Hall]

I had little issue with bulk as most in this class are heavy. The issue is the bulk in the price. There is no way in the world the edge should have a sticker over $42,000.

Loaded versions of it's competitors (Highlander, Murano, etc) are probably in the same range...

[hyperv6]

I had little issue with bulk as most in this class are heavy. The issue is the bulk in the price. There is no way in the world the edge should have a sticker over $42,000.

Loaded versions of it's competitors (Highlander, Murano, etc) are probably in the same range...

Still too much If I am paying that much I would move up to the Arcadia or Explorer. Or even a full larger Tahoe. If you are going to pay that much it is better to add the little more and get the larger vehicle.

[GMTruckGuy74]

Re: Terrain/Equinox shortages - I was at the Buick-GMC dealership on Saturday getting the G6's brake pads replaced. While waiting I was talking with the Sale Manager I personally know and he said that he believes that the cause of the 4-cylinder shortage is due to the steering supplier, as the 4-cylinders use a non-hydraulic variable electric assist power sterring system that the supplier can't make enough of right now. He was unaware of the restriction to order the 4-cylinder engines due to engine shortage/supply issues. They have a ton of 4- and 6-cylinder Terrain models on the lot, so I don't think he's too worried. The salesman my step-son bought his '98 Regal from said that the extra $1,000 incentive on the V6-equipped models has definitely aided sales this month.

Re: Ford Edge & Escape - my neighbor/friends are "Ford people" and the wife has been pining to replace her 2005 Freestyle with an Edge Limited the past couple of years (job loss for her husband in 2008 and the potential that still exists for her job have caused them to re-evaluate their spending needs). She wants the Edge but can't afford the model/equipment she wants - they are now interested in the new '13 Ford Escape because she said she can get what she wants (equipment) for $10,000 less than a comparable Edge. However, she still wants the Edge

[hyperv6]

Re: Terrain/Equinox shortages - I was at the Buick-GMC dealership on Saturday getting the G6's brake pads replaced. While waiting I was talking with the Sale Manager I personally know and he said that he believes that the cause of the 4-cylinder shortage is due to the steering supplier, as the 4-cylinders use a non-hydraulic variable electric assist power sterring system that the supplier can't make enough of right now. He was unaware of the restriction to order the 4-cylinder engines due to engine shortage/supply issues. They have a ton of 4- and 6-cylinder Terrain models on the lot, so I don't think he's too worried. The salesman my step-son bought his '98 Regal from said that the extra $1,000 incentive on the V6-equipped models has definitely aided sales this month.

Re: Ford Edge & Escape - my neighbor/friends are "Ford people" and the wife has been pining to replace her 2005 Freestyle with an Edge Limited the past couple of years (job loss for her husband in 2008 and the potential that still exists for her job have caused them to re-evaluate their spending needs). She wants the Edge but can't afford the model/equipment she wants - they are now interested in the new '13 Ford Escape because she said she can get what she wants (equipment) for $10,000 less than a comparable Edge. However, she still wants the Edge

I saw no shortage of 4 or 6 cylinder Terrains two weeks ago. The only things that were rare were any Carbon Black model as it is very popular.

I did note we had 3 models like ours to choose from with all the options we wanted in the SLT2 FWD. I just looked and there are none in Ohio that way. I found one in PA and IN. So the dealers in Ohio are either moving them fast or trading out of state.

We did not move on the $1,000 off because we did not even know of it till we went to buy as it had not been anounced yet. But on the Terrain/Nox.SRX web site I have seen a few people take advantage of it. The forum has gain many new member of late.

That is the issue with the Edge I had. It was $10,000 more optioned the way I wanted it than I would give for it. The old Escape is a little dumpy like an old CRV was. The new one should attract more buyers as it is less base looking.

This SUV segment is so mixed with product. It is not like your normal 4 door sedan segment where you have just one style or class of car. This one it ranges from basic to car like to Luxury like to Sporty like to Truck like and even minivan like. There is different appeal to all of these models and each attract different buyers.

GM's Nox and Terrain are a good example. While they are nearly the same they each have a different feel to them. The Nox you feel more like you are in a car. In the Terrain Sitting up high and seeing the whole hood makes yoy feel more like you are in a truck.

This segment has merged the Car wagon, Minivan and large SUV into one segment and has taken the public by storm. Just really look around at how many are on the road anymore and in parking lots. They really have replace many cars, large suv's and minivans.