2023 Chevy Colorado vs 2023 GMC Canyon

• 2023 Chevy Colorado

  

  Starting at

  $29,200^[a]

  2023 GMC Canyon

  

  Starting at

  $36,900

  310	Horsepower (hp)	310
  5	Trim Options	4
  1,684	Payload Capacity (lbs)	1,640

  The Chevy Colorado and GMC Canyon are two very popular midsize pickup trucks, representing the pinnacle of their segment, especially in various areas of utility and functionality. When you want a reliable, powerful, and capable pickup, you can't go wrong with the GMC Canyon or the Chevy Colorado. But what happens when you put the latest 2023 models against each other? Which one comes out on top in the battle between the 2023 Chevy Colorado vs 2023 GMC Canyon? And which one is worth purchasing?

  This all boils down to differences in performance, functionality, and off-road capabilities. When you want a truck with specific kinds of features, then you're going to want one that can meet those needs. For the 2023 model years, the Canyon and Colorado are feature-rich and available in multiple trims and configurations. They've also been overhauled for the new model year with new trims, interior designs, and new functionality, including improved infotainment and tech updates. This includes an all-new powertrain selection for the 2023 model year for both trucks and all-new off-roading capabilities thanks to improved chassis designs and suspension upgrades.

  The 2023 Chevy Colorado is available across five trims, starting with the WT, the LT, the Z71, the all-new Trail Boss, and the top-of-the-line ZR2. The 2023 GMC Canyon is available in four different trim formats, which include the Elevation, the AT4, the all-new AT4X, and the Denali. Both trucks are available in multiple configurations and can be configured in multiple colors, depending on what you want out of your midsize performance pickup. Let's take a closer look at both vehicles and see how they compare to one another.

• Performance

  

  The 2023 Chevy Colorado and 2023 GMC Canyon both have amazing performance capabilities, with a top-end performance from the turbocharged 2.7-liter inline 4-cylinder engine available on both models outputting 310 hp at 430 lb-ft of torque. However, there is a fairly significant difference between the two trucks when it comes to the power plant: the Canyon only has one. For the 2023 model year, GMC opted to only use the best turbocharged 4-cylinder engine for the Canyon, leaving the others off the table.

  The Colorado Offers More Engine Options

  The 2023 Chevy Colorado, meanwhile, not only has access to the turbocharged high-output 4-cylinder that makes 310 hp at 430 lb-ft of torque, but it also has access to two other powertrains of the 4-cylinder variety. This includes the base 2.7-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder, which outputs 237 hp at 260 lb-ft of torque, and a 2.7-liter turbo-plus 4-cylinder that also manages 310 hp at 390 lb-ft of torque. This gives you more options regarding the performance capabilities and uses of the 2023 Colorado compared to the 2023 Canyon.

  Colorado Allows for a More Customizable Performance

  Essentially, if you only needed a daily driver and not the high-output 4-cylinder that has more horsepower and torque, the Colorado offers you the option of making use of the other turbocharged 4-cylinders for more fundamental tasks. Additionally, if you value fuel economy over power, once again, equipping the Colorado with different powertrains appeals to those who want the choice in how their midsize pickup is configured. This certainly gives the edge to the Chevy Colorado over the Canyon because, for those who only need a basic work truck for daily driving or a truck for occasional hauling and traveling from point A to point B, you can opt for something more manageable with the 2023 Colorado.

• Capabilities

  

  When it comes to trucking capabilities, both the 2023 Colorado and 2023 Canyon offer truck drivers a lot of variety. Both trucks are designed for towing, hauling, and traveling off-road with ease. However, the Colorado slightly edges out the Canyon in a couple of key areas regarding the capabilities of both trucks, especially if you're looking for a midsize truck that fulfills a very specific role. This rings very true for both the off-road and practical capabilities of the two trucks.

  Towing and Payload

  Both trucks are capable of towing up to 7,700 lbs worth of cargo, thanks to the durability of their chassis, reinforced suspension, and high-output powertrain. However, when it comes to payload capacity, a slight advantage is given in favor of the 2023 Colorado over the 2023 Canyon. The GMC Canyon tops out its max payload capacity at 1,640 lbs, whereas the 2023 Colorado can achieve a max payload of 1,684 lbs. That may not seem like a major difference, but the 44 lbs can be the difference between tossing in extra dumbbells, a mini-fridge, or a microwave into the back of the truck with other objects or being unable to at all. If you want the extra capacity, the Chevy Colorado provides it.

  The Colorado Offers More Off-Roading Capability

  Additionally, when it comes to off-roading, the 2023 Colorado and the 2023 Canyon have a few points that might make the Colorado more appealing to off-roaders. While both trucks have high-end off-roading trims in the form of the AT4X and the ZR2, the Colorado's ZR2 offers slightly better numbers in a few areas for off-road traversal. Specifically, the Colorado tops the Canyon regarding the approach angle, which maxes out at 36.9 degrees for the AT4X; the Colorado, however, tops out at 38.3 degrees for the ZR2. The same applies to the break-over angle, where the AT4X manages 24.5 degrees, while the ZR2 manages 24.6 degrees. They may seem like minor differences, but if you want to maximize your off-road potential, the Colorado offers an ever-so-slight edge over the GMC Canyon to give you the needed advantages.

• Trims

  

  Not everyone is excited about every trim, which is precisely why there are specific trims for specific kinds of truck shoppers. The 2023 Chevy Colorado and the 2023 GMC Canyon offer unique trims for all kinds of truck shoppers, ranging from entry-level up to enthusiast. However, the Colorado has slightly different trim options than the Canyon, giving you more choice in how you want to personalize your midsize pickup.

  Each Truck Has an Array of Trim Options

  The 2023 Canyon is available in four different trims, with a special edition made available. The four trims include the base Elevation, the off-road AT4, the enthusiast off-road trim, the AT4X, and the luxury Denali trim. In addition to this, there is the special AT4X Edition that is available with select features and accouterments. The 2023 Colorado, however, has five different trims and a special edition, starting with the base Work Truck, followed by the LT, the Z71, the Trail Boss, and finally, the ZR2. For the special edition, you have the ZR2 Desert Boss. Both trucks, with their special editions, appeal to those who want the best that the off-roading segment has to offer, and both also have great trim features for those who want a fully-featured midsize pickup.

  The Colorado’s Base Trim Has an Advantage Over the Canyon’s Lineup

  So what trim does the Colorado have that the Canyon does not? It would be the Work Truck or WT trim. The starting trim for the Canyon is the Elevation, which is equivalent to the Colorado's LT. However, if you wanted a very bare bones, no frills, get-it-done pickup, the Colorado's WT trim is a great entry point for those who simply needed a cost-effective pickup for travel and work purposes. The Canyon, unfortunately, does not have an equivalent low-cost trim available that is on par with the Colorado's WT trim. So if you were shopping on a budget, the Colorado has an available option for you, whereas that option is not available on the Canyon.

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