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.
Moving opposite to market trends.
With four model years recommended for purchase.
This example is a former NCRS award winner.
Many automakers oppose right-to-repair laws citing cybersecurity concerns.
Breaking out the spec sheets for a comparison.
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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