New for 2018 from Chevrolet, GMC and Buick

Less than a third of new cars sold in Canada today are sedans. Many buyers, especially those with families, choose an SUV. Maybe that’s because they’re extremely practical, and fashionable too.

And let’s face it—sedans just aren’t as versatile when you have to haul gear to hockey practice or take 3 kids and their friends home from a party. (Although that’s not to say the Camaro won’t always draw admiring glances… But more on that below.)

Ten years ago, most SUVs drove like a boat and rode like a pickup truck. Today though, the newest crossover SUVs from Chevrolet, GMC and Buick on the horizon are as quick, comfortable and fuel-efficient as their sedan cousins.

In this post we’ll take a look at three exciting new and updated vehicles coming for the 2018 model year. Here’s what to expect.

2018 GMC Terrain

Redesigned for 2018, this compact SUV has a smoother, more sculpted exterior, new engines and, yes, the top-of-the-line Denali trim. The familiar, boxy shape gives way to something more aerodynamic while retaining familiar GMC design cues. The big grille that announces that it’s still a Terrain, but it’s a little more rounded—and the wheel arch extensions have been dialed down.

The new Terrain is a little shorter than before, yet cargo space is almost unchanged. Under the hood there’s a choice of 1.5 liter and 2.0 liter turbocharged engines, and they’re mated to new nine-speed transmissions. That’s going to make for brisk acceleration and higher gas mileage. And if you’re looking for exceptional mileage, torque, or both, there’s also a 1.6-litre turbo-diesel.

Inside you’ll find real aluminum trim, comfortable seats and a large touchscreen. (Five years of Basic OnStar is included at no cost.) Trims levels go from SL through SLE and SLT to the super-luxurious Terrain Denali.

You’ll also notice how the shifter has been moved off the center console to create more storage space. It’s a small point but it shows how GMC listens to its customers.

2018 Chevy Traverse

If you need more room, how about the new Chevy Traverse? For 2018 this grows a few inches, approaching size of the Chevy Tahoe. Along the flanks a styling line calls to mind the critically acclaimed Impala and Malibu.

And as before, the Traverse offers seating for up to eight in three rows, but now there’s room for everyone’s stuff too!

Trim levels are Premier, High Country and RS. The first two come with a 3.6 liter V6 while the sports-flavored RS gets a 2.0-litre turbo. AWD is available, and for the first time comes with “Traction Mode Select”. That disconnects the rear wheels when in FWD mode, helping improve fuel economy. The 3.6-litre is rated at 13 L/100km City and 9 L/100km Highway.

2018 Buick Enclave

Photo Credit: Spied Bilde/Autoblog

The big Traverse comes well-equipped, but drivers who really value luxury know Buick is the way to go. For 2018 it’s reported that Buick will have a new Enclave three row SUV. Likely similar to the Traverse, this will use even higher quality materials plus additional sound deadening, for an interior as quiet as a library.

Something to watch for: a high-end version of the Enclave sold under the Avenir brand. Since displaying a sleek and sexy Avenir concept car at the 2015 Detroit Auto Show rumors have swirled about an even higher-end Buick: perhaps they’ll come to pass with the new Enclave.

And for dessert… the 2018 Camaro

Let’s be honest, SUVs make great family cars, but they’re bit… Wholesome.

What about when you want to have fun? Well for that Chevy provide the Camaro. (Yes there’s also the Corvette, but that only has two seats—while the Camaro at least attempts to make room for the kids.)

The two-door Camaro coupe and convertible were redesigned for the 2016 model year, so there hasn’t been any need to make changes. That said, the big news for 2018 is the arrival of a track-focused ZL1 1LE Camaro.

The ZL1 will be the top of the Camaro line-up, with the 6.2-litre LT4 V8 of the Corvette under the hood. Supercharged, it puts 650 hp through the rear wheels. 1LE indicates a track pack, which means a suspension you can adjust at the race circuit or drag strip.

This is not a car for trips to the mall, but if weekend racing is your thing, take a closer look.

2018 will be a great year for car buyers

Whether you’re shopping for a compact SUV, something full-sized or a more luxurious ride, GMC, Chevrolet and Buick have some great new vehicles coming. (Plus if you just want to have fun, take a look at the Camaro.)

These cars aren’t available yet, but at Budds’ Chev we sure don’t mind talking about them. And hey, if you can’t wait, we have a wide selection of ‘17s ready and waiting to drive off the lot.