The midsize truck segment continues to offer trucks with adaptability and capability. In this category, the 2023 GMC Canyon and the 2023 Chevy Colorado are two popular options. While both trucks share a common origin under General Motors, they each bring their unique features and characteristics. Let’s look to see whether one of these trucks is for you.
Key Takeaways
- The Canyon has a bold and muscular design, just like all GMC vehicles, while the Colorado shows a more athletic design.
- The Canyon offers a more refined interior while the Colorado offers a more spacious and comfortable interior.
- The Canyon offers more power by offering a 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine with 310 horsepower and 410 lb.-ft. of torque.
- The Colorado offers a 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine with 237 horsepower and 259 lb.-ft. of torque.
- The Canyon’s MSRP range is about $37,000–$56,000 while the Colorado’s MSRP range is about $29,000–$47,000.
Design and Styling
Both the 2023 GMC Canyon and the 2023 Chevy Colorado offer rugged and aggressive appearances with their designs. The Canyon displays a bold and muscular front fascia that exhibits GMC's signature styling cues. While the Colorado features a more angular and athletic stance that showcases Chevrolet's design style. Your personal preferences will play a significant role in choosing between these two visually appealing trucks, but we like the Canyon!
Engine Performance
The GMC Canyon and Chevy Colorado offer similar powertrain options by providing a range of choices to meet various needs. While focusing on the standard trims of each vehicle, the Canyon offers a standard turbocharged 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine with 310 horsepower and 410 lb.-ft. of torque that delivers power for everyday driving. The Colorado comes standard with a 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine with 237 horsepower and 259 lb.-ft. of torque.
In terms of towing and hauling capability, both vehicles have similar capability. The Canyon can haul a max of 7,700 pounds with its AT4, Denali, and Elevation trims and 6,000 pounds for the AT4X trim. For the Colorado, the WT and LT trims only have towing capacity of 3,500 pounds while the Z71 and Trail Boss trims have a capacity max of 7,700 pounds. Though not far behind, the Colorado falls slightly short of the Canyon in this regard depending on the trim.
Interior Comfort and Technology
Inside the trucks, both the Canyon and Colorado provide well-designed interiors with comfortable seating and user-friendly layouts. However, the Canyon heightens the experience with its upscale materials and refined finish. It offers a quiet and comfortable ride that emphasizes a premium feel. The Colorado, though not as refined as the Canyon, provides ample space and comfort for its driver and passengers that creates an enjoyable ride.
As for technology, both trucks offer modern features such as touchscreen infotainment systems, smartphone integration, and advanced safety systems. Both trucks offer 11.3-inch infotainment screens, wireless features such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, lane assistance, blind-spot warning system, cruise control, and automatic braking. However, the Canyon has front and rear-view cameras with pedestrian/cyclist detection while the Colorado offers a 360-degree camera and Google Assistant, which allows a driver to integrate their Google features (including voice activation) within the truck.
Off-Road Capabilities
For off-road enthusiasts, both the Canyon and the Colorado offer tailored trims for rugged terrains. The Canyon's AT4 trim and the Colorado's ZR2 trim are off-road-focused models equipped with specialized suspension systems, enhanced ground clearance, and designed off-roading features to tackle challenging trails. While the ZR2 has gained a strong reputation for its off-road prowess, the Canyon AT4 holds its own and provides an equally impressive off-road experience.
Price and Value
Pricing for the Colorado generally tends to be slightly better than the Canyon. The MSRP range for the Colorado is about $29,000–$47,000 depending on the trim chosen. For the Canyon, the MSRP range is about $37,000–$56,000 depending on the trim chosen. However, the Canyon can provide more standard features at each trim level, which could potentially balance out the price difference between the two trucks.
Overview
Ultimately, choosing between the 2023 GMC Canyon and the 2023 Chevy Colorado comes down to individual priorities and preferences. But we prefer the Canyon because it impresses with its refined interior, upscale touches, and slightly superior towing capabilities. Prospective buyers should consider their specific needs and come in for a test drive to help you decide!