Chevrolet Colorado vs GMC Canyon

GMC and Chevy trucks have always been similar. Just like the Silverado and Sierra, the Chevy Colorado and the GMC Canyon are rather difficult to differentiate. In order to understand the differences between these two trucks, we have pitted them against each other to see what these trucks have in common, and what sets them apart.

Similarities Between the Chevy Colorado and GMC Canyon

As is typical with GM trucks, there are relationships between trucks of each class between GMC and Chevy. They are the truck equivalent of "brothers from different mothers," as they largely share the same parts. More than anything else, they are the same truck, the larger differences being their marketing, exterior elements, and exclusive trim levels.

The Chevy-GMC connection does seem a little odd, but the power of the brand should never be underestimated. The gist of the whole matter is that GMC is associated with luxury and comfort while Chevy is associated with tough and rugged vehicles. This is a rough simplification of the brand differences, as they both can run the gamut between the two camps. This division between the two auto manufacturers has been a long-standing thing and will continue to be for the foreseeable future.

The same options are offered for both pickups. Both have the option for the same 8-inch infotainment screen with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, they both have options for safety tech like lane departure warning and built-in 4G Wi-Fi. While the GMC Canyon and the Chevy Colorado do come with different configurations, the individual pieces of each truck are shared.

Colorado and Canyon Engine Options

As should be expected, there aren't any differences between the engine options of either truck. On both applications, they make the same power numbers and fuel efficiency estimates, meaning that the following data applies to both the Chevy Colorado and the GMC Canyon.

Either truck, when equipped with the 2.8L turbo-diesel engine, has a towing capacity of 7,700 lbs and can carry a payload of 1,513 lbs. Since the Colorado and Canyon have the same powerplant and frame, these values don't differ all that much. The 369 lb-ft of torque produced by this engine is more than enough for a mid-sized truck. The 2019 GMC Canyon and Chevrolet Colorado are the mid-sized pickups with the highest towing capacity, and the highest MPG when equipped with the 2.8L Turbo-Diesel engine.

What are the Differences Between the Canyon and Colorado?

Now that we have dealt with what these trucks have in common, here is what separates them. As mentioned above, the GMC Canyon is intended to be a higher-end truck, focusing on its interior refinement and more subdued styling. While the overall interior design is similar to that of the Chevy Colorado, the GMC Canyon's interior opts for more premium materials and relies less on plastic.

Additionally, the prices are higher for each equivalent trim on the GMC Canyon when compared to the Chevy Colorado. That being said, that is only in reference to the MSRP of either truck; there are plenty of options and add-ons that can greatly increase the price.

Finally, some of the biggest differences between the Chevrolet Colorado and the GMC Canyon are their starting trims. Since they both share the same platform, the different trims are an important distinction. Depending on what you are looking for in your truck, there could be a trim on either model that fits your trucking needs.

GMC Canyon and Chevy Colorado Trim Levels

Here are the available trims for both the GMC Canyon and the Chevy Colorado. There are similar options between the two of them, but there are more options for the Canyon. Since GMC vehicles are intended to be luxury vehicles, there are considerably more options for interior amenities. As you can see below, the all-terrain trim level is split into two categories, one for a cloth interior, and the other for leather. This type of customization is GMC's thing, but that doesn't mean that similar options aren't available on the Chevrolet Colorado.

The MSRPs listed on the following bullet points are respective of the 2019 models of both the Canyon and Colorado. There are more features of each trim than are listed below, but the features listed are intended to represent the gist of each level.

Chevy Colorado Trims

Base

• MSRP: $21,300
• 6-speed automatic transmission
• 4-way power-adjustable driver seat

WT

• MSRP: $24,800
• Hydra-Matic 6-speed automatic transmission
• Extended cabs models come with under seat storage, and crew cabs come with folding rear bench seats

LT

• MSRP: $27,600
• Includes everything on the WT
• 17-inch aluminum wheels
• 8-inch touch infotainment screen
• Remote keyless entry

Z71

• MSRP: $30,700
• Includes everything on the LT
• Automatically locking rear differential
• 4X4 Transfer case shield
• Trim specific 17-inch wheels and all-terrain tires

Z72

• MSRP: $41,300
• Includes everything from the Z71 package
• Multimatic DSSV damping system
• Off-road appearance and suspension package
• Increased ground clearance

GMC Canyon Trims

Canyon SL

• MSRP: $23,295
• Rear Vision Camera
• Four-way powered driver's seat
• Duralife brake rotors
• CornerStep rear bumper

Canyon

• MSRP: $26,795
• Includes the Canyon SL's features
• 7-inch infotainment screen

SLE

• MSRP: $37,095
• Includes standard Canyon features
• 8-inch infotainment screen
• Six-way power driver's seat
• Four USB ports
• Available 4G Wi-Fi

All-Terrain Cloth

• MSRP: $38,895
• Includes standard SLE features
• Off-road suspension
• Hill descent control
• Transfer case shield
• 17-inch painted cast aluminum wheels

All-Terrain Leather-Appointed

• MSRP: $40,295
• Includes standard All-Terrain Cloth features
• Jet black cobalt leather seating

SLT

• MSRP: $40,395
• Includes standard SLE features
• Wireless charging pad on center console
• 18-inch polished aluminum wheels
• Remote vehicle starting system

Denali

• MSRP: $44,995
• Includes standard SLT features
• 20-inch machined aluminum wheels
• Bose seven-speaker audio system
• 5-inch chrome assist steps

There are a few important differences presented by this list. First off, the price of the GMC Canyon is on the whole higher than the Chevy Colorado. So, in terms of price, the Colorado is the more affordable truck. Given that their internal components are identical, the Colorado should be your go-to option if you don't desire a nicer interior.

The Colorado offers some trim levels that give it an edge over the Canyon. Both the Colorado's Z71 and Z72 packages are great ways to get a completely capable off-roading truck from the dealership. Given the different markets that these trucks are trying to reach, it does make sense that the heavy off-roading would be reserved for the Chevrolet truck. The Canyon does offer the All-Terrain trim, but that pales in comparison to the Colorado's off-road trim options.

Canyon vs. Colorado Summarized

• Colorado has better off-road focused trims
• Canyon has more trim options, including more luxury-centered options
• The Chevy Colorado is the more affordable of the two
• There are slightly different exterior styles between the two

All in all, there are not too many glaring differences between these two mid-sized trucks. If you need a truck to do all of the things that a truck is expected to do, towing, hauling, cruising, then both will do just fine. The Chevy Colorado is a more affordable option, and the GMC is pricier.

The only determining factor really is how much of a premium experience you'd like in your truck. If you are fine with a simple typical-GM interior, then the Chevy Colorado could save you a couple of bucks (that you could spend on upgrades). If you want a more refined interior that still remains a tough truck, then the GMC Canyon is for you.

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Sources: Cars Us News | Chevy | GMC | Image Credit: Wikimedia | GMC