The new Jeep Gladiator is currently the big disruptor in the mid-size pickup truck segment and the competition is debating how to respond. For example, Ford is said to be considering a pickup variant of its upcoming reborn Bronco, which shares a platform with the automaker's current segment offering, the Ranger. General Motors is also considering its next move, as its Chevy Colorado and GMC Canyon are aging fast. Both will stick around for another couple of years until successors arrive, but GMC realizes it needs to add another new vehicle to its lineup fairly soon as well.

However, it does not intend to offer a Gladiator competitor anytime soon. Automotive News has learned the brand is currently deciding between two very different types of vehicles, a sub-compact crossover or a new Jeep-rivaling SUV.

This SUV would ride on GM's T1 truck platform, meaning it would share its underpinnings with the current generation Chevy Silverado/GMC Sierra. However, if GMC opts for the crossover instead, it'll utilize the VSS-F platform that will be shared with the 2021 Chevy Trailblazer and Buick Encore GX.

GMC is supposedly no longer interested in a Jeep Wrangler rival, but rather a more conventional SUV. A direct Gladiator rival was not mentioned in the report but we can be sure GM is watching its sales figures very closely. Never say never. It's also worth noting this potential new GMC SUV would not be in place of a reborn Jimmy, which could share the Canyon's platform.

If this materializes, it would be a direct rival to the Ford Bronco. A larger and more luxurious off-road SUV would also likely sell quite well and there'd be a solid premium on every unit sold. However, the subcompact crossover would also sell in huge volumes alongside the existing Terrain. Both vehicles are easily doable, but it really boils down to which one will earn the most money.