In the early 2000s, the automotive industry created a kind of migration between various vehicle segments, which were awkwardly called crossovers. In short, mid-size SUVs using car components, particularly in terms of structures. Ladder chassis were quietly abandoned for monocoque structures, a logical strategy aimed of course at improving the comfort, handling and fuel economy of the vehicles.
Thus appeared models like the Hyundai Santa Fe, Nissan Murano and Toyota Highlander, in a way precursors of the genre. The Chrysler Pacifica, Ford Edge, Mazda CX-7 and Subaru Tribeca followed, along with a host of models trying to carve out a place in a growing catch-all section. Over time, the incredible amount of vehicles was such that the segments were subdivided. Compacts, intermediates with two or three rows of seats, while more traditional SUVs such as the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Toyota 4Runner became marginal.
While some models like the Chrysler Pacifica and the Ford Flex saw their careers quickly come to an end, others are still breaking sales records. However, we have seen in recent years that manufacturers, increasingly concerned about the electrification of their range, are abandoning the niche of intermediaries with two rows of seats, where recently renewed players are almost non-existent. The Toyota Venza and Subaru Outback could be exceptions, in the context where these models have a particular “flavor”, but the situation is different for a range of vehicles, which may not be renewed in their current form.
Think of the Chevrolet Blazer, Ford Edge, GMC Acadia and Nissan Murano, all models that are aging or gathering dust at dealerships as the industry multiplies three-row models. Note also that with a few exceptions, each intermediate launched in recent years now offers this famous third row, often useless and adding weight to the vehicle. This is the case of the recent Kia Sorento and Mitsubishi Outlander, while Toyota announced the arrival of the Grand Highlander, a more spacious intermediate than the Highlander, yet also equipped with three rows.
Although Ford is not confirming anything on its side, we already know that the new Edge for the Chinese market will also have three rows of seats. Will we be entitled to a similar product soon? And what about the next midsize SUVs sold by GM and Stellantis, which must go through electrification? Will the gas-powered middleman still have a place?
One thing is certain, the Ford Edge, GMC Acadia and Nissan Murano today give the impression of being used products. Because their design is outdated and because they have been unchanged for far too long. And my little finger tells me that even if some of them will survive, manufacturers will focus on larger models and on electric vehicles. Two formulas more lucrative and better suited to the desires of buyers, who also realize that compacts have practically become intermediaries. As proof, the recent Honda CR-V and Volkswagen Tiguan, of length comparable to the Ford Edge.