Someone tell the 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz and 2022 Ford Maverick to stay on their toes. The Chevy Cheyenne is coming. Although, it’s unclear what exactly the new Chevy Cheyenne will be, it’s possibly an addition to the growing compact truck segment. 

What is the Chevy Cheyenne? 

According to CarBuzz, General Motors filed a trademark for the name Cheyenne. The registration is intended to cover categories of motor land vehicles, primarily trucks. Loyal GM fans will probably recognize the Cheyenne name, but the application could lead to several different projects. 

While we’re hoping to see the Chevrolet Cheyenne come back to life as a compact truck option, it could be used as a trim level. This may not be nearly as exciting when compared to Mexico selling the 2021 Chevy Silverado 1500 as the Cheyenne. Or it could be the name of the upcoming electric Chevy Silverado. 

It’s common for vehicles to have different names in other markets. For example, the Chevrolet Mexican lineup includes the Beat, Aveo, Tracker, and Captive. None of these models are currently offered in the United States. It’s too early to tell if the Cheyenne moniker will be offered here. 

What is the history of the Chevrolet Cheyenne? 

The first Chevy Cheyenne was first introduced to the C/K series of pickup trucks in 1988. These trucks offered various comfort, convenience, and powertrain options to suit different truck driver needs. 

You could get the Cheyenne trim level from 1992 to 1999. The C/K symbol refers to a one-letter designation that Chevrolet and GMC trucks used to represent front-wheel or four-wheel drive.

The C referred to two-wheel rear-wheel drive trucks, while the Kreferred to 4×4 trucks. The C/K series was discontinued in 1999 when the Silverado was introduced. 

The C/K 1500 Cheyenne trucks from 1992-1998 had a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 lbs. They also had a 25-gallon fuel tank and an EPA-estimated fuel economy of about 16 mpg in the city and up to 21 mpg on the highway. 

Is Cheyenne an offensive moniker?

The Jeep Cherokee name has been used for over 45 years and isn’t slowing down anytime soon. The 2022 Jeep Cherokee, Jeep Grand Cherokee, and Grand Cherokee L are on the way.

These SUVs are rolling out despite being asked by Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskins Jr. to remove his tribe’s name from all current and upcoming vehicles. 

This serves as a formal push to stop Jeep’s use of the Native American Label. According to CBS News, Stellanitis is open to respectfully discussing the matter with Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskins Jr.

But the Chevy Cheyenne would also have a Native American tribal name. The Cheyenne tribe originally lived in earth lodges in the Sheyenne River valley as farmers. They were forced to the Great Plains by the French and their Chippewa allies. 

When businesses use Nation names for commercial purposes, tribes do not feel honored. When their likeness is used to sell products or sports teams, it can feel like appropriation instead of a tribute to Native American culture.