In this week’s Ask Nathan:
- Are there still plans to build a small Chevrolet pickup truck?
- I’m hesitant to buy the Buick Envista?
The first question is from a viewer who wants to know if the old rumors of a small Chevrolet pickup truck (one that challenges the Ford Maverick) are still valid.
Q: RE: I still want a small Chevrolet pickup truck, but…
Nathan! Loving the fun Facebook and Insta videos you’re putting out. Hilarious! I have a car or truck question for you. Do you have any information about the small Chevrolet pickup that we were supposed to get? I saw lots of stuff about it a few years ago. Now there’s nothing. I still want a small Chevrolet pickup truck, but it looks like they might not make one. I wish I had some news.
Please let me know!
— 1040ssess
A: Hi there.
Let me put this out there first: Ford Maverick sales have dropped over 10-percent in the first quarter of 2026. It still sells lot hotcakes overall, but the momentum of 2025 has eased. I mention this, and the fact that the Hyundai Santa Cruz is going away as possible reasons GM might not press the issue. In fact: GM/Chevrolet have never announced a competitor to battle the Ford Maverick.
That’s a shame.
With that being said, Hyundai/Kia, Nissan and (possibly) Toyota have announced new small trucks, SUVs and more. They all see real potential in the manufacture of a modern pickup truck, among other things. This is good news, as GM might take a renewed interest in the small truck market. It’s hard to tell with GM as they are going through a bit of turmoil, and finding answers is a pain.
A few years back, they supposedly showed dealers a concept or two. One was even reported to be a tiny two-door EV pickup (think: Slate), but after that – crickets. I think that GM is having a hard time pivoting from the overblown electrification push to hybrid tech, which is what many of their consumers are eyeballing.
There’s another side to all of this, sources say that GM is serious about building a sub $20,000 pickup on a unibody chassis. Smaller their their non-U.S. market Chevy Montana. Here’s the rumor, (with no confirmation): It is expected that the new small truck will share a platform with existing compact crossover models, such as the Chevrolet Trax or Buick Envista, likely utilizing a turbocharged 1.2L or 2.7L engine. – Google
So, there you go. There could be something to these rumors, but with GM being so quiet, it’s hard to get behind the hype.
I hope they do build something!
— N
The last question comes from a first-time new car buyer who’s hesitant about buying a Buick.
Q: Via Facebook:
Hi Nathan and the rest of the FL family. I write to you as a former fan and a longtime subscriber. Yes, I am a former fan because I quit YouTube and other social media entirely. But I remember how much fun I had watching and reading your reviews. Now it’s my turn to present you with a quandary: should I buy the 2025 Buick Envista?
There are a few ‘new’ 2025 models on this dealership’s lot in Dallas. I have never owned a new car and I’m a little nervous about getting one. Reliability is one thing I worry about and I’m not sure about its quality. My 2018 Honda Civic has been mostly trouble free and a solid car for me. Maybe I thought it was time for something a little nicer that is modern. And I can get a great deal with an option for an extended warranty.
Can you please advise?
– Susanne. R
A: Hi Susanne!
Honestly, the Buick Envista, and its brother, the Chevrolet Trax are some of my favorite vehicles on the market. They represent excellent entry-level value, yet they are surprisingly well equipped. The Buick Envista is well laid out, comfortable and it offers utility mixed in with a hint of luxury. I’ve recommended it to friends, family and fans several times.
Recently, J.D. Power rated the Envista based on several criteria, including reliability. It scored an 83 our of a possible 100. That puts it in the top 10 ranking, and it bodes well for buyers. Now that it’s been on the road for a few years, the Envista has had time to show that it can be reliable. Actually, there were very few complaints about the engine. This may strike many as unusual as naysayers predicted the 3-cylinder turbo would fall apart. There have been problems with the UX, but these glitches have been (mostly) ironed out.
I have a friend with a 2025 Preferred and his sister has the Avenir. Both seem to be pleased with their Buicks two years after they purchased them. I suppose that says something. Additionally, they both have an extended plan and a prepaid maintenance plan. Be diligent about servicing your vehicle, and make sure you know what service plans are available.
Best of luck!
– N
