Chevy to Expand Crossover Lineup

General Motors Co. is developing a new Chevrolet midsize crossover vehicle that will be positioned between its current Equinox compact and Traverse fullsize models, Automotive News reports. Chevrolet also offers the Trax subcompact crossover.

Three sources tell AN the new vehicle may be introduced in the second half of 2017.

The three-row crossover will help Chevy capitalize on the growing crossover market, AN notes. The new unnamed vehicle will compete against the Ford Edge, Honda Pilot, Hyundai Santa Fe Sport, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Nissan Murano and Toyota Highlander in the growing midsize crossover segment.

The entry will ride on a short wheelbase version of the fullsize Traverse platform, AN says. The chassis also will carry the upcoming Cadillac XT5 (which will replace the current SRX) and the next-generation GMC Acadia, according to the magazine's sources. The XT5 is due next spring and will be followed in mid-2016 by the Acadia, which AN says will be smaller than the current model.

To make room for the new crossover, the compact Equinox will shift to a slightly smaller platform when the next-generation model launches in early 2017, AN says. The new chassis will debut early next year carrying the redesigned Chevy Cruze and Opel Astra small cars.

The Traverse is due for a redesign in two years.