While the compact pickup truck market in the U.S. is gaining momentum, there’s a notable absence from General Motors in this space. Ford and Hyundai are already grabbing customers with their compact offerings, while Ram is gearing up to join the party with the new Ram Rampage. All of which raises the intriguing question – what would a U.S.-spec Chevy Montana look like?
With all that in mind, meet our concept for a Chevy Equinox-based Chevy Montana pickup, designed to rival the Ford Maverick. While GM has no known plans to build such a thing, it’s an intriguing proposal all the same.
For the moment, GM’s existing Chevy Montana compact pickup remains exclusive to the Mexican and South American markets. As such, our concept takes an existing U.S. product and morphs it into something new.
Using the popular Chevy Equinox as a foundation, this hypothetical model extends the crossover’s body behind the rear doors, creating a small yet practical bed. While it won’t replace a full-size pickup for larger items, it could offer the versatility customers need for hauling those things that don’t quite fit into the cargo area of a regular compact crossover.
Under the hood, we see our Equinox-based Chevy Montana cradling the same turbocharged 1.5L I4 LSD engine as its crossover sibling. This four-cylinder delivers 175 horsepower and 203 pound-feet of torque and is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. We also see output delivered to all four wheels via an all-wheel-drive system.
Given the growing demand for smaller, fuel-efficient trucks, GM might want to reconsider its stance on compact pickups for the U.S. market. Indeed, the Ford Maverick’s popularity proves that there is a healthy demand for affordable, versatile trucks.
Do you think GM should offer a compact pickup to the U.S. market? What do you think of our Equinox-based Montana? Share your thoughts in the comments.
Comments
GM does need a compact pick up truck in the U.S.A. The Colorado has grown to midsize dimensions. Not everyone needs a mid or full size pick up truck.
I like it its a nice looking vehicle but I would rather see the 2.7 turbo in that mini truck or at least in an SS version . I hope they make it my wife is considering a Santa Cruz but I would rather keep her in a vehicle that is close to her equinox.
Look like a Santa Cruz
And, for the intended market, that’s a good thing!
Yes, I think that GM DEFINITELY should come out with a small truck. We have 2 friends who recently bought a Ford Maverick, and they are really nice. As a GM retiree, I would hate to have to go outside of GM to buy one of those.
If they price the little truck like they price other GM vehicles no body could afford to buy them
They have a small truck, but only sell it in like South America.
It’s a great looking compact truck! As a former Equinox owner it was my favorite automobiles. GM needs to make it affordable and not high as a giraffes 🦒 ass! Kenny Nash
Yes, I think that GM DEFINITELY should come out with a small truck. We have 2 friends who recently bought a Ford Maverick, and they are really nice. As a GM retiree, I would hate to have to go outside of GM to buy one of those.
THAT would be WAY more expensive than the pricier ’25 Maverick. Not even close.
I think it’s a great idea
Please stop doing renderings. It is embarrassing at this point.
It’s a great looking compact truck! As a former Equinox owner it was one of my favorite automobiles. GM needs to make it affordable and not high as a giraffes 🦒 ass! Kenny Nash
If you don’t like the post/rendering skip over it. I find it really interesting about folks complaining about posts – again simply skip over it.
Yes we need this type truck. I have an S 10 1997 . I love the size of this truck with a 6 foot cargo box. But it is getting old and I would be a bayer for a Montan and Even more if it is Electric
GM has the real Montana and the S-10 being assembled in Brazil. That is South America so it is an American vehicle. Just add the needed Federal mandated safety features and sell it domestically.
BTW, as reported here at GM Authority, Brazil will produce two new hybrids for GM. One is a hybrid Chevy Onix. Maybe the other one is the S10 truck, so it is the real competition for the Hybrid Maverick.
GM has had the front wheel drive unitbody pickup made in Brazil since the mid-1990s. In 2000, an attempt was made to convince GM Management to bring this vehicle to the USA. That idea was declined, and GM still doggedly persists in passing on a great USA market potential that Ford is capitalizing on. As stated by others, this truck would make for a great EV platform as well!
Do you think GM should offer a compact pickup to the U.S. market?
Yes, and to the Canadian market.
What do you think of our Equinox-based Montana?
Love it, it would also be great if you moved the Montana and the Colorado into the battery or hybryds markets.
After owning numerous S-10 pickups and Blazers, I miss them. I’ve had Equinox and Trailblazer since S-10 demise. I’d welcome a pickup of this size. This rendering needs some work to enhance its “butt”.
It’s a great size, to be honest. After a pair of F-150s in recent years, my 2024 Maverick Tremor is actually enjoyable to drive, park, and is plenty capable with its 4-wheel drive and 5 passenger interior.
Now Ford is offering this truck in an AWD Hybrid configuration, as well as a sport version called the Lobo.
Couldn’t shop GM in this category because Mary and company have been asleep at the wheel while being blindly mesmerized by the EV movement.
This can be done by having a complete make over of the Malibu.
GM can us the Fairfax plant to build the Malibu 2dr/4dr, Chevelle SS 2dr, EL Camino SS, Buick GNX, Camaro SS along with Cadillac CT4, CT4 V Blackwing.
Can you imagine the twin turbo Blackwing in the SS and the GNX.
That would be a wonderful thing.
Al
Build a Malibu based El Camino. Not all pickups need to be 4 doors!
I have always agreed with your comment. Not all trucks we need to step up to.
As a Chevy owner who also owns a Ford Maverick now, I’d love for Chevy to offer a competitor for us bow tie guys. I don’t need a Colorado size truck so the Maverick is perfect.
It might be a little late at this point. Ford Maverick is kicking ass!
Yeah, a little late… like the Camaro in 1967, the El Camino in 1959… oh wait, those Ford replies went on to be great sellers for Chevrolet!
Different time and place in America.
Your time frame is right when all of the GM divisions were styling and design powerhouses with their thumbs on the pulse of the auto buying public.
Nowadays, an all-EV blunder combined wit lh a no hybrid blunder, with a no Buick sedan blunder, and a remarkably dumb focus on $100k+ vehicle which appeal to less than 10% of the public. So many misreads and blunders in the Barra era.
Just saw a write-up in a current magazine comparing a Silverado EV to a Cyber truck. $96,000 for the Silverado? Holy crap.
With the full electric inventory off the table for now, why is GM so behind the curve . They showed a possible El Camino and Camaro replacement but no word when. I would really hate to have to buy a Ford.
I think this would be a fantastic entry into the market since Ford is selling most of its Maverick units to Fleet customers.
You hit the nail on the head. The fleet customer should be the main target. Government, City and County would definitely add them to their fleet, especially if they did a hybrid!
Alas Gm is behind again, every retired sportsman I know is getting a Maverick, used to be a Toyota now a Maverick. We all loved the ElCamino. Wake up Mary…!
Great. Now render a smaller, Trax-based one with two doors and a manual transmission, like the truck I currently drive.
GM, Please make a small truck with a optional non 4 door model (regular cab) with a 6 foot bed. Make it fwd with optional 4wd.
I think this style and size pick up would be perfect in the GM lineup. I currently own an Equinox and it is one of the best vehicles I’ve ever owned so the carry over into a pickup should really perform well. I’m looking forward to the introduction of this size GM pick up. Sure don’t want to buy from a competitor. Been a GM owner my whole life. Let’s get moving on this vehicle so I can purchase one.
They shouldn’t use the equinox platform, the current one is too small. They should use the Malibu / XT-4. Build it in Kansas City at the Fairfax plant. Everything’s already in place except for the body. The 2 l turbo, The XT-4s all-wheel drive platform, The underpinning and the capacity to run three shifts and build enough to keep up with demand. And give it truck styling not some euro crossover garbage with a 4-ft bed.
The way GM has been shooting blanks it’s the 70s all over again
While I think people would buy it, I heard that the Maverick sales have greatly eaten into the Ranger sales. This may or may not be true, but something to think about.
This looks so good, it will never come to market in the US.
Yes, the Montana looks like it is a Trax , which would be too small, too under powered and with no AWD would not work in U. S. An all electric would be too expensive and have a limited appeal. A $33000 AWD nicely equipped equinox based would be a huge success. Two + years ago GM was internally discounting the market size. So likely nothing on the drawing boards. Too bad .
Easy engineering job. They maybe are afraid it will eat into Colorado sales.
Moro no Brasil e afirmo que essa daí ficou parruda e mais bonita, a daqui é subnutrida, kkkkk
Add an Avalanche type midgate to and you’ve got a winner 🏆.
I love the small truck. It is so cute. I think Chevy needs something like the Montana.
I own a Maverick hybrid because Chevy does not make anything in the market. However, I would not replace the Maverick with another ICE powered vehicle. Chevy should build this on the Equinox EV platform.
This would be nice to see if they do bring it out I will be the first to get a order for the first 5 of tu hem for my own business buissnis on order.
yes we all dont need a 4 door p/u single cab longer box
Definitely retirees don’t always need four doors make it 6 ft. box maybe extended cab
I hope this becomes a reality I love driving my son’s Colorado but I find it’s too big for me so a truck a little smaller would be something I’m interested in.
Well it’s about time, GM used to be the leader on all new vehicles but lately they’ve had their proverbial heads stuck up their EV Butts and not focusing on the vehicles we want.
Please bring back the LUV. Take it back to the 75 body style. Make a 2 and 4 door versions with a minimum of a 5′ box with the tie down strap’s on the outside of the box and don’t forget to about a flex tailgate. No big info screen, make it small and simple. All wheel/2 wheel switchable that way you can use it when you only need it. Not electric!! Let’s put a gasser in it.
Looks really good. Especially when you compare it to the very UGLY FORD.
GM needs to build this.
Would be nice to have a 2 door or extended cab with 6 foot bed and 4×4 option. Remember the GMC Sonoma and S-10 with the 4.3 V6? The extended cab with the jump seats in the back we’re not great for carrying passengers but perfect for storing gear!. Awesome little 4×4 pickup!
GM says they will be selling Equinox EV LT1 for $35K. How about a light duty electric pickup using the same chassis, running gear and battery for $35K? About 300 mile range empty, about half that loaded. Crew cab with 5’ bed or regular cab with 6’ or 7’ bed. 90 hp induction motor for $3K more for AWD.
Sub 40 rwd EV with 4k towing would be awesome.
FIRE Mary Barra —- and do it NOW !!!!!!
She has put this Once Great company so far behind the competition. They NEED a smaller S-10 size truck and this rendering would be a starting place. Just do not try to make it an EV – PHEV maybe and let’s get the technology caught up with the Technology NEEDED to support the infrastructure of the future.
The auto did not replace the horse and buggy overnight ….. It took many years !!!!!
The Chinese byd made the shark the absolute perfect pickup. It’s so cool. TFL trucks reviewed it. Its a PHEV where the engine is a generator. It’s a great combo. GM should have made that. Would sell like crazy
Based on the responses here, I hope gm see they have a potential seller in a Equinox based small pickup. All they need to do is proportionately design it as a pickup, bring in the hybrid powertrain, and include the 2.0L turbo engine for greater performance. Unfortunately I honestly do not see them doing anything like this, lower case gm is diabolically risk averse to the point of cowardice.
Cowardice and afraid of risk maybe.
I think it’s more about unfettered arrogance combined with NOT listening to what their customers want.
Mix in their inability to rapidly change their locked-in, zero-flexibility thinking, and you have today’s gm.
Hybrids come to mind…
Couldn’t have said it better in regards to gm’s current thinking and lack of flexibility.
I think they need to do this but 1.5 isn’t enough would definetly need 2.0 to compete with the Cruz and maverick
Nice concept render, but needs to be based on the Equinox EV or Equinox PHEV. No Plug. No Sale.
Want to to be like the Shark by BYD. 400HP small pack that will drive about 100 miles and small motor 4 cylinder that kicks in to charge pack. Flat floor with an exhaust and turbo generator in the front. You can charge it at home and not eat any gas. If you tow, or do some long distance driving it will go about 500 miles on battery and gas. Better yet you don’t have to stop for electricity just gas and off you go again. Its selling in Mexico for about 47K. Really the best of both worlds. Wish GM or Ford was brave enough to deliver that EV Maverick killer.
Ohhhh look another SUV/CUV/Pick Up… LAME.. Man GM sucks..
Imagine a rendering of $35K Equinox EV as a pickup or van. Instead of light duty unibody construction it has a stronger Ultium EV chassis with a large flat structural battery compartment in the center. I think a truck or van top hat would fit well over the existing Equinox EV chassis including 210 hp FWD drive train. For three grand more the chassis is already designed to accept a 90 hp AWD motor in the rear which only has to be plugged in. It does not require transfer cases or drive shaft or even cooling. So a nice long flat floor is possible from the passenger compartment and the bed.