Both GMC and Chevrolet have introduced all-new models into the midsize pickup segment for the 2023 model year. As has been the case for many years, the latest GMC Canyon and Chevy Colorado have much in common, including a new 2.7-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. They also share similar technology such as the 11.3-inch touchscreen interface. Both are vastly improved compared to their dated predecessors, but is it as simple as going for the brand that appeals to you most? We've compared the two pickups and highlighted the differences so that you can more easily choose the truck that suits your needs.
Exterior Design: What Grille Do You Prefer?
It's pretty clear the GMC Canyon and Chevrolet Colorado are based on the same platform. To keep costs down, a lot of the sheet metal is the same. The mid sections of the two trucks are virtually identical, but GMC and Chevrolet chose to use the front and rear ends to differentiate the trucks.
The rear light clusters are slightly different, but the most significant differences can be found up front. The slim headlights are nearly identical, but the grilles are worlds apart. Chevrolet has gone for a more subtle blacked-out approach, with the famous bowtie nested neatly in the middle. GMC went the opposite route, using a massive slab-like grille adorned with shiny chrome and a gigantic red GMC badge. From trim to trim, both trucks look quite different, though.
Both pickups are handsome in a chunky-yet-contemporary sort of way. Neither is particularly offensive and a big step up from their predecessors.
Interior: Spot The Difference
The family ties are even more evident on the inside, but that's not necessarily a bad thing. As far as we can tell, the steering wheel on the one has the GMC trim written on it, while the other wears the Chevy bowtie. There are some differences if you look more closely, though. The trims around the infotainment screens are different, and the Chevrolet has round vents as opposed to the more boxy vents in the GMC.
The quality of the materials and the trim will impact how luxurious the interior feels. The GMC will always be a more upmarket offering, while Chevy's lower-spec trims will cater to a broader audience. The top-trim models have the same digital instrument cluster and 11.3-inch diagonal touchscreen interface with Google built-in.
Power & Performance: No Low-Output GMC
Both trucks are powered by the same 2.7-liter turbocharged four-pot engine borrowed from the Silverado and the Cadillac CT4-V. The most significant difference is the availability of different states of tune.
Chevrolet offers the Colorado in three states of tune. The low-output model produces 237 horsepower and 259 lb-ft of torque. The mid-level engine produces 310 hp and 390 lb-ft, while the high-output also produces 310 hp too but increases the torque to 430 lb-ft.
In the GMC, only the high-output 310 hp/430 lb-ft version of the engine is available. Both vehicles use the same eight-speed automatic transmission, sending the power to the rear wheels or a part-time 4WD system.
The Canyon has a maximum towing capacity of 7,700 pounds and a maximum payload capacity of 1,640 lbs. The Colorado matches these figures with its high-output engine, though the low-output 2.7-liter can only tow 3,500 lbs.
Off-Road: Chevy Edges It
The off-road-ready Colorado ZR2 has a three-inch lift, Multimatic DSSV dampers, and several driving modes. You can even increase the off-road ability by adding the Desert Boss Package, which includes 17-inch beadlock-capable wheels, unique bumpers, a sports bar with sail panel, a roof-mounted light bar, an underbody camera, and decals.
The off-road Canyon is called the AT4X and it also comes with goodies like the Multimatic DSSV dampers and underbody skid plates. The Canyon AT4X has approach, departure, and breakover angles of 36.9, 25, and 24.5 degrees, respectively, while the approach/departure/breakover angles are up to 38.3/25.1/24.6 degrees for the Colorado ZR2. Each truck has a maximum ground clearance of 10.7 inches.
Both the ZR2 and AT4X have electronic locking front/rear differentials which are extremely handy for technical off-roading. Based on the Colorado's slightly better approach/departure/breakover angles, it earns the win here but there's not much in it.
Pricing & Verdict: Which Cousin To Go For?
The base GMC Canyon models will start at around $40,000, though pricing will only be finalized closer to the market launch. GMC did confirm the MSRP of the top-spec Canyon AT4X Edition 1, which starts at $63,350.
The Colorado has traditionally been the cheaper of the two and the same is true of the 2023 models. Chevrolet hasn't confirmed final pricing yet, but we expect it will start at $28,000, considering it's now only available in Crew Cab layout.
While the exterior may differ, these two trucks are similar in all the departments that matter to buyers in this segment. Unless you're a die-hard GMC fan, we see no reason to pay extra for the supposedly upmarket badge.