Chevrolet’s New Compact SUV Set for 2026: The “Project Carbon” Has an Official Launch Date

The upcoming Chevrolet compact SUV, known internally as Project Carbon, will debut in Brazil in May 2026 and is set to become one of the brand’s strongest contenders in the region’s most competitive market segment.

Project Carbon: Chevrolet’s New SUV Aiming for the Heart of the Market

Chevrolet is gearing up to launch its new compact SUV, a model that will expand its regional lineup and be produced at the Gravataí plant in Rio Grande do Sul, where the popular Onix and Onix Plus are also built. Developed under the codename Project Carbon, this SUV is designed to compete in the entry-level compact SUV segment, one of the most profitable and fast-growing categories in South America. With this move, Chevrolet intends to take on strong rivals like the Volkswagen Tera, Fiat Pulse, and Renault Kardian.

Onix Foundations, SUV Spirit

While it shares part of its body structure with the Onix, Chevrolet’s new SUV will showcase a completely refreshed design. The front end features a redesigned grille, modern dual headlamps, a raised hood, and unique bumpers that emphasize a tougher, more adventurous stance. Along the sides, sharper, straighter lines enhance the SUV’s proportions, while the rear takes clear inspiration from the Equinox EV, featuring horizontal taillights connected by a black trim piece that proudly carries the Chevrolet badge in a darkened finish.

Longer, More Capable, and Modern

Despite retaining the Onix’s wheelbase, the Project Carbon will be slightly longer and offer greater cargo capacity thanks to a redesigned trunk floor. The C-pillar and tailgate have been reworked to deliver a more solid and contemporary appearance, giving the SUV a stronger visual identity within Chevrolet’s lineup. Overall, this model represents a natural evolution of the Onix — familiar in spirit, but distinctly more dynamic and family-oriented.

Familiar Cabin with Improved Quality

Inside, Chevrolet will maintain the Onix’s cabin architecture, but enhance it with new materials, trims, and textures to elevate overall quality. The seats retain their current design yet receive upgrades for comfort, while the dashboard and door panels gain refined finishes. The result is a cabin that blends urban practicality with a more premium atmosphere, a balance that Chevrolet has perfected across its global range.

Turbo Power and Regional Expansion in 2027

Under the hood, the new SUV will feature a 1.0-liter Turbo engine paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, though a manual version is also under consideration. This powertrain, known for its efficiency and smooth performance, will strengthen Chevrolet’s strategy in emerging markets. If its Brazilian debut takes place in May 2026 as planned, the model is expected to arrive in Argentina by mid-2027, reinforcing the brand’s SUV offensive and marking the next chapter in Chevrolet’s expansion across Latin America.