What is Slate competing with for YOUR money?

[Driven5]

There has been a ton of chatter and hand waving about Slate vs Maverick. But Maverick attracts customers from more than just the one market segment that the media (social and otherwise) compares it to. Slate is taking a similar yet different 'defining its own market' path. My own unusual cross shopping has gotten me wondering though... How many people are actually just comparing Slate to Maverick, and how many are comparing it to something completely different?

For me, I already have a truck that Slate cannot replace. As an additional (insurance & licensing) vehicle, there is nothing economical enough to justify itself on savings alone either. I also have ZERO interest in Maverick as my toy, even the Lobo, regardless or price or equipment.

However, I'm still on the lookout for my next runabout. Something with character and personality in how it looks, how it works, AND how it drives. How things compare on paper are irrelevant. I'm looking for the subjective rather than the objective. It needs to give me the 'fizz' and be fun to drive, yet economical and environmentally conscious. It has to be something that can be hooned a little, but in a 'slow car fast' rather than a 'fast car slow' kind of way. The RWD, (underrated) DeDion suspension, CoG, output, weight, and running costs all actually put Slate in the right ball park to have that potential...

...Right up there with the Miata.

I'm sure I'm a bit of an outlier on that front, but what is Slate competing with for your money?

 

[Luxrage]

I've got a Fit that's on the way out, and it's my "dependable get in and go anywhere in an emergency" car that needs a spot filled. Something normal my partner can drive that isn't a manual or my show car. Figured I'd get a new car for the first time.

If the Slate doesn't pan out my two (maybe three) options were going to be,

• New Prelude Hybrid-thing. Confirmed you can get it in that new Civic blue.
• 2-door base Bronco automatic. Eruption green only, pretty much have to buy one new as looking for used base broncos in two door AND green gives few results. I don't want an expensive big bend or samsquanch package. Although I'd commit a crime for a two-door heritage in blue. Eye watering base price though.
• Wildcard: whatever budget tiny two-door Toyota ends up making, that SFR that was announced IDK if it's actually going into production.
  
  
  

 

[sodamo]

What is my purchase of a Slate competing against?
My son’s inheritance?
Bought my Tundra 1794 last Nov. Don’t need another truck. At the time told wife that at age 78 very likely be my last new truck. Love the truck, but reality is my need for a truck that size has passed. Likely keep it anyway, just in case.
Bought wife’s Ascent last Dec. she likes to have a 3 seat SUV for when we have guests. Just edged past 700 miles on the odometer this week. Given she had her Pilot 9 years, probably a safe bet that at 73 she may not need another new one.
And then somehow, out of the blue, 4/24/2025 Slate found me. Put in my reservation and the world hasn’t been the same since. Just tonight, while talking with a friend waiting for his new Lightning, my wife piped in, told him I was excited about the new Slate.
I fully expect to be an early recipient, even if I have to arrange my own delivery.
Slate has awakened my desire for an EV, but only a Slate. Will I accessorize and mod it, you bet. Do things to it I’d never consider with my Tundra.
I always tell our son he can expect to inherit appreciated assets. By the time he inherits my Slate, it will have been well appreciated.

If my Slate falls thru, I doubt anything will take its place.

 

[GaRailroader]

I just want a small EV pick-up. I think Slate will make it to production before Telo. I would be happy with either the Slate or the Telo. Without a small EV pick-up on the market, I’ll continue to rent pick-ups when I need one and driving my Nissan Leaf as a daily driver. I will not own another ICE vehicle, hybrid, PHEV, or EREV. For me, now that I have had EV ownership experience, going back to ICE ownership would be punishment.

 

[Lanthian]

After seeing Slate, I just want a small EV. If Slate does not make it to production, I'll likely just look into another EV at some point. Maybe a Leaf or Maverick.