Say it isn’t so! Chevrolet could be falling behind in the compact truck battle. The new Chevy Montana might not be launched according to plan. As a result, it could be years behind the Ford Maverick and Ram Dakota.
The Chevy Montana faces delays
Chevy Montana rendering | K Design
Rumors suggest that the Chevy Montana is being revived and remodeled soon. We did see a teaser image for the Montana back in 2021, and the plant where the truck will be manufactured started preparing.
But according to GM Authority, the Chevy Montana was supposed to be marketed in South America by the middle of this year, but now its introduction could be delayed by several months.
General Motors Brazil also reported that the next generation Moncton won’t be launched in the middle of the year, as planned. Production of the new Montona could be delayed by at least six months.
We hope that the Montant will arrive in the United States to battle the Ford Maverick. However, now that dream could be placed on the back burner. The Montana would new a few beefy upgrades to survive in America.
What to expect with the 2023 Montana
The 2023 Chevy Montana should be larger than the previous generation. It could be about 15.4 feet long, while the Hyundai Santa Cruz is about 16.3 feet long. Does that make the new Montana too small for Americans?
Rumors suggest that the Montana could be powered by a 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine with 133 hp. That’s not enough juice, but this is expected to be the entry-level option. Fans might be able to upgrade to a 1.3-liter turbocharged engine with 164 hp and 177 lb-ft of torque. This engine is available with the Tracker, and the Montana will ride on the same platform.
The Ford Maverick has a 2.5-liter four-cylinder hybrid powertrain that generates 191 hp and 155 lb-ft of torque. You can upgrade to the 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine for 250 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque. Both of these options could leave the Montana in the dust.
But the Chevy Montana isn’t facing delays to gain more power. The platform for the Montana, Tracker, and Chevy Onix has been delayed. Plus. General Motors is facing the global semiconductor chip shortage.
Will the Montana come to the United States?
2021 Chevy Montana logo | Chevrolet
Maybe. Some rumors report that the 2023 Chevy Montana will arrive as a unibody truck to fight the Ford Maverick. Other sources suggest that it’s too small and weak to compete. But what if the Chevy Tornado is different?
The Chevy Montana and Tornado are the same truck, but the Tornado is made in Mexico. The Ford Maverick is manufactured in Mexico too. So, this is a long shot, but maybe the Tornado will receive more muscle for America.
What we do know is that a new version of the Montana is on the way for South America. It will be a larger four-door truck with modern comfort and advanced tech, including a new infotainment screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
We will keep you updated as we learn more about the Montana and Tornado to see if it can rival the wildly popular Ford Maverick.
Keyword: Compact Truck War: The Chevy Montana Just Got Delayed