Legendary GMC Jimmy Will Return as a True Off-Road SUV.
It looks like GM is finally getting ready to bring back the good old GMC Jimmy. And unlike what Chevrolet did with the Blazer and TrailBlazer names, this new Jimmy could actually stay true to its heritage. Instead of becoming another softy crossover, it will be a genuine body-on-frame SUV aimed directly at the Ford Bronco. A true off-road machine for He men around the US. In other words, another macho truck ready to take kids to school before heading to Trader Joe’s for a bag of lime tortilla chips.
From 1970 to 1991, the GMC Jimmy was essentially a twin to the Chevrolet Blazer. Both were highly popular truck-based SUVs long before the segment exploded into what it is today. After that, GMC’s SUV beacme the Yukon. And by 1992, the Jimmy was dead…
Many enthusiasts were disappointed when Chevrolet revived the Blazer name for a modern crossover. Why use a legendary off-road SUV name on a front-wheel-drive family vehicle? Chevrolet later repeated the mistake with the TrailBlazer. Transforming another respected truck-based name into a small crossover competing against wimps like the Honda HR-V. It would be like Ford calling the current Escape a Bronco.
Now it appears GMC will bring back a “real” Jimmy. According to recent reports, the new Jimmy may ride on the same platform as the Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon pickups. This is similar to what Ford has successfully done overseas for years with the Everest SUV, which is based on the Ranger pickup. The Jimmy could even be built alongside the Colorado and Canyon.
That also means the Jimmy would likely share the same powertrains. The current turbocharged 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine would almost certainly be part of the lineup. While it delivers strong torque, it is a very rough and noisy engine. For buyers looking for refinement as well as capability, GM may need to offer something more sophisticated if the Jimmy is expected to attract a broad audience. A hybrid version would instantly give the SUV a significant advantage in everyday driving. pretty much anything would be better than that horrible 2.7 Liter unit.
There seems to be a growing resurgence of truck-based SUVs in general. The latest Honda Passport has generated a surprising amount of interest. Even with its terrible mileage, wandering steering nad wobbly suspension. Nissan is reportedly working on a new Xterra SUV. And Hyundai is preparing the upcoming Boulder. And maybe, just maybe, we might actually see the new Scout one day…
Of course, there is still the question of fuel economy. Gas prices remain unpredictable, and large truck-based SUVs are rarely known for efficiency. That trend could eventually slow down demand if fuel costs continue rising. On the other hand, consumer tastes have surprised the industry before, and the popularity of vehicles like the Bronco and Wrangler shows there is still a strong market for rugged SUVs.
I think an off-road-focused GMC Jimmy is actually a very good idea and something GM should have considered years ago. GMC is probably the best brand within the company to revive the nameplate. It already has a tougher and more premium image than Chevrolet, making it a natural fit for a vehicle like this. A well-designed Jimmy could easily become one of GMC’s most desirable models.
I actually think we will see a new Chevrolet Blazer based on the same platform. Which will reunite the Blazer and Jimmy once again. Then, everything else will be fine in the world.
But really, who knows…