General Motors needs a compact pickup to rival Ford Maverick. One thing is sure – the truckmaker is working on it. The question is – what it will be called? We have a few nameplates in the mix. Reported models are Chevy El Camino and Nova Montana, and even GMC Syclone. The latest name on the list is the 2024 Chevy Avalanche.
Previously, it was believed the truck is going to be all-electric. The 2023 season is almost gone, and the vehicle didn’t appear. So, we are turning to other possibilities. After all, the 2024 Chevy Avalanche can also be an EV, but it is now likely to take the spot in the new and hot segment. It can be both eventually.
Another safe bet is that the compact pickup is going to be based on the compact crossover, the Chevrolet Equinox. Powertrains and platform will be the same, but the truck will introduce a fresh look. At this point, the design is unknown. Soon, the company will start testing the vehicle and we will have more details.
Compact Truck Architecture
The compact truck market is a new segment and it is growing fast. Ford launched Maverick and surprised most experts, who believe there is no future for such vehicles. Now, all the major truckmakers are speeding up the development of their models. Those small pickups are based on compact crossovers, one of the best-selling segments in the automotive industry. Having this in mind, we can compare the 2024 Chevy Avalanche with the Equinox. The crossover was updated recently, so the upcoming truck could look very similar. Nevertheless, it will use the GM D2XX platform. Also, there is an architecture that supports electric drivetrains. That is another topic of this review.
2024 Chevy Avalanche Specs
Most of the things we are trying to figure out about the 2024 Chevrolet Avalanche are based on the Ford Maverick, its performance, and the truck’s sibling, the Equinox crossover. It is powered by a 1.5-liter turbo-four engine only. The company is not offering an alternative. The system delivers 175 hp and 203 lb-ft of torque, which is not bad for a compact pickup. But, compared to the Maverick, the Avalanche needs to do much better. Ford starts off with a hybrid drivetrain that returns 40 mpg and upgrades it with a high-output turbo-four plant.
Towing capacity is not a key here. Based on the Equinox and its drivetrain, the Avalanche can haul 1,500-2,500 lbs, which is at the same level as Maverick and Hyundai Santa Cruz. The focus is on efficiency, especially gas mileage. Chevrolet and General Motors are not building hybrid vehicles, and this is one of the big downsides. This can be called a ticket to the new segment. GM won’t change its course, and the Avalanche would rather become an EV.
2024 Chevy Avalanche Electric Truck
There are plenty of electric concepts already by General Motors. From this point of view, the 2024 Chevy Avalanche electric truck seems legit and we might see it next year. Hummer and Silverado are already available for purchase. The compact model might be the next.
Again, we go back to the Equinox. The company introduced an electric crossover. The features and numbers are very nice. Electric motors can deliver 210 hp and 240 lb-ft in the base form. The company packs the crossover with a lot of advanced equipment, such as a huge 18-inch screen and the Super Cruise system. The best thing – it is not expensive. Chevy promised an MSRP of $30,000. Expect the same from the 2024 Chevrolet Avalanche electric truck.
It will be competitive with Maverick thanks to the upgraded version with 290 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque. The range will be 250-300 miles, depending on the configuration and the load. The towing capacity is not unveiled. But again, it is not too important for a compact truck. Such a vehicle needs to move small cargo from point A to point B without wasting too much fuel, or electric energy in this case.
When Will the Truck Be Available?
If the truck is going to be an EV, then it will be launched after the Equinox. When this happens, you won’t wait for too long to see an electric truck. If the company goes in with a conventional configuration and a petrol engine, the release date could happen sooner than expected. Some test mules are spotted on the streets. General Motors is preparing a compact pickup. Until the official statement, we won’t know if it will be out as the 2024 Chevy Avalanche or some other nameplate.
The price of the truck should be around $25,000. A few years ago we could buy a midsize model for this money. Now, those are above $30k and the price is a likely reason of the compact trucks’ breakthrough. An electric truck for $30,000 is a bargain. We’ll see if the GM is going to keep the promise.