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.
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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.