GM’s plans for a small pickup appear to be on ICE for now, but is that the right move? We wield our digital pen to imagine what a Maverick competitor might look like
Through Josh Byrnes
March 9, 2024 at 12:00 PM
With the new Maverick proving to be a runaway success story for Ford, the compact pickup sold 94,058 units in 2023 and continued its momentum in 2024 with 25,705 units shifted, an 84.7% increase over the same period in 2023. has to wonder why GM hasn’t entered the segment.
Interestingly, GM has entered the market, albeit in a different, more electrified direction. However, it appears that this plan has been scrapped. According to a recent report from Autoweek, General Motors has abandoned a compact electric pickup program that would have competed directly with Ford’s Maverick. This decision is not surprising given rumors swirling about problems with GM’s Ultium battery platform, declining demand for electric vehicles, and delays in new product rollouts to dealers.
As a result, GM CEO Mary Barra has indicated that the automaker will change its strategy and focus on plug-in hybrid powertrains in the near term instead of the original plan to move directly from internal combustion to fully electric drive systems.
More: What if GM made us a new Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing Sports Wagon?
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Connected, but still on ICE
But does that mean GM’s small pickup program is dead in the water? It doesn’t have to be that way. One look at Dearborn and seeing Ford’s remarkable success with the Maverick is enough to tell anyone they would be crazy not to develop a small truck.
It would be smarter to develop a platform that can operate both PHEV and fully battery-electric – if the demand for electric cars were to increase rapidly again. Just look at Stallantis and what they’re doing with the highly flexible STLA Large platform for the new Dodge Charger, bringing in both EV and Hurricane inline-six options.
We can look to China for what PHEV powertrain might be offered. In that market, the new Chevrolet Equinox uses a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder internal combustion engine with 170 hp (127 kW) and a 188 hp (140 kW) electric motor in tandem, in addition to a lithium iron phosphate battery pack for electron storage.
Not very distinctive
In terms of emotional appeal, GM could knock the likes of Hyundai Santa Cruz straight out of the arena with a design that combines practicality with excellent aesthetics. GM Design recently showed off some great sketches of what the EV version could look like, and we’ve expanded on that.
Drawing on Chevrolet’s rich heritage of pickup trucks, we translated Chevrolet’s artwork into a more production-oriented proposition. Balancing the conservative Blue Oval and expressive South Korean offerings, the front fascia features a bold shark-nose face with a large contrast grille, low-mounted headlights and thin DRLs up top.
The narrow hood almost resembles a punch with its beveled edges and hard creases, and the way the front fenders taper downward and outward is reminiscent of Chevrolet trucks from a bygone era (subtle SSR vibe, anyone?). Smooth hips, scalloped trim and a contrasting floating roof are key highlights, as are the one-piece side outriggers. The rear also features a thin, full-width LED light bar and integrated corner steps that form part of the contrasting bumper.
Style meets functionality
An intriguing feature suggested by GM Design is a “folding center gate” setup, which provides more storage space while maintaining the truck’s compact footprint, a great idea if you like that open car feel.
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Elsewhere inside, it would ideally be a geometrically influenced affair with straight lines, chamfered edges and soft-touch furniture at the key touch points – think Hummer EV, but on a budget. A multi-level dashboard combines technology with functionality (sorry, no Apple CarPlay or Android Auto folks) with a large OLED infotainment display complemented by open storage compartments and vertical ventilation elements.
So that’s our wishful thinking. Should GM bring a small truck to fruition? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below.
Note: The artwork in this story is not associated with or endorsed by GM.
