In 2019, Ford shocked the world by announcing the fully electric SUV Mustang Mach-E. To this day, it has long-time Ford fans in disbelief that the Mustang name would be shared with such a vehicle. After watching this take place, Chevrolet has decided to do something similar. Next year, we can expect Chevrolet to release an all-new 2025 Corvette SUV. Will it share the backlash the Mustang Mach-E received?
Before those words set in, I’ll save you the worry. The chances of the Corvette SUV being an electric-only vehicle are slim. GM is believed to have the Porsche Cayenne in its crosshairs with this release. Meaning the Mach-E isn’t even on its radar. The Corvette has long competed with the Porsche 911, so it is fitting that GM finds another way to compete with the notorious Porsche in a different vehicle class.
Knowing that the Porsche Cayenne is the target to beat, we can manage our expectations and have a roundabout idea of the outcome. The current 2023 Cayenne can be had with a single-turbo V-6 making 335 horsepower, a twin-turbo V-6 making 434 horsepower, and a twin-turbo V-8 making 541 horsepower. With this information, the Corvette SUV is expected to offer a similar engine lineup with a similar power band.
It is also confirmed that the Corvette SUV will be all-wheel drive. This isn’t anything shocking, as most SUVs are AWD. However, this gets interesting once you remember that GM has recently launched their all-new e-AWD system in the hybrid E-Ray Corvette. The e-AWD system adds 160 horsepower to the front wheels. A quote from GM reveals, “The electric motor adds 125 lb.-ft. of torque to the front wheels. The result is truly impressive acceleration, whether off the line, exiting corners, or during passing maneuvers. In addition, the system offers limited EV‑only drive modes to allow you to move your car or stealthily exit your neighborhood.”
We also learned that the SUV will receive the classic Corvette Z code option package. If GM genuinely listens to its fanbase, we may see that monstrous yet luxurious 682 horsepower 6.2L V-8 from the Cadillac Escalade V.
All-in-all, it appears that GM will not follow in the footsteps of the Mach-E, but instead will attempt to produce a high-performance SUV with an American V8 rumble. However, that does not mean that it will be loved and accepted by the Corvette purists of the world. We will find out how well the Corvette SUV is accepted when it hits the market in the last half of 2024, with a starting price somewhere in the ballpark of $60,000.