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.
At a time of year when luxury car ATP usually rises.
Sales decreased 5.6 percent to 16,670 units during the first ten months of 2024.
Specifically critical minerals supply chain development.
Scheduled for a Spring 2025 launch.
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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