A look at how the 2023 GMC Canyon compares with the 2023 Chevrolet Colorado

April 24 2023 -

The GMC Canyon and Chevrolet Colorado have been two of the most popular midsize pickups on the Canadian market for years. Known for their ruggedness, capability, and overall performance, the Canyon and Colorado have been the go-to option for many consumers looking for a small truck that has the performance of a full-size model and the durability to get the job done. Now, the 2023 GMC Canyon and 2023 Chevrolet Colorado have arrived on the market and both have been completely redesigned to feature not just better performance and capability, but significantly better technology, enhanced towing capability, and new and very capable off-road trims.

Although the 2023 Canyon and 2023 Colorado appear similar on paper, there are actually a few differences between both models. If you are not sure which is right for you, the following article takes a look at some of the key differences between the 2023 GMC Canyon and 2023 Chevrolet Colorado, starting with capability.

More standard horsepower and features in the 2023 GMC Canyon

The first difference between the Canyon and the Colorado is in the breakdown of the different trims that are offered. The Chevrolet Colorado is offered in the base WT work truck trim with two-wheel drive and also offers a base WT trim with four-wheel drive. The 2023 GMC Canyon is offered starting with the Elevation trim, which comes standard with 4WD. In other words, the Canyon gives you all-wheel drive in every model, while you will have to pay more in the Colorado.

The same can be said when you look under the hood. The 2023 Canyon features a standard 2.7-liter turbocharged powertrain with an impressive 310 hp and 437 pound-feet of torque, the most powerful engine you can get in a base truck in this segment. The Chevrolet Colorado comes standard with the same 2.7-liter turbo but with only 237 hp. You have to upgrade to the Trail Boss to get the high-output version of the turbocharged powertrain. At that point, there is very little difference in price between the 2023 GMC Canyon Elevation, which starts at $45,603, and the Colorado Trail Boss with the high-output engine and four-wheel drive, which starts at $43,603.

In other words, the difference between the two is only $2,000.

The base 2023 GMC Canyon gives you a ton of features, including an 11.3-inch center display with Google built-in infotainment, advanced driver assistance features, and a remote locking tailgate. The safety features include collision prevention warning, lane departure assist, automatic braking, and more. What the Canyon gives you that you won't find in the Colorado unless you opt for the top-of-the-line trim is a more off-road-ready layout compared to the Chevrolet small pickup. Indeed, the 2023 GMC Canyon comes with a standard 9.6-inch ground clearance, while the 2023 Colorado measures in at 7.9 inches. The Canyon gives you a raised suspension right out of the gate. That means that immediately, you benefit from impressive off-road capability with your Canyon.

More luxury in the 2023 GMC Canyon

The 2023 GMC Canyon also gives you two premium versions that deliver not just capability and performance, but superior luxury to the 2023 Chevrolet Colorado. The 2023 GMC Canyon Denali, for example, features a luxurious interior with real wood trim and an eight-way power seat with lumbar support that can be electronically adjusted.

You also get 20-inch wheels and a chrome grille that stands out. Additionally, you get 10.5 inches of ground clearance, which is nearly identical to the top-of-the-line Colorado ZR2, the most rugged Colorado you can buy.

In other words, you can enjoy premium features in the Canyon Denali that you will not find anywhere in the Colorado lineup without sacrificing capability. If you want the highest level of off-road performance, the 2023 GMC Canyon AT4X will deliver. Not only does it give you 10.7 inches of ground clearance as well, but you also get an impressive array of advanced features, including MultiMatic DSSV dampers with electronic front and rear locking differentials, transfer case and underbody protection plates, and a Baja driving mode, which is exclusive to this model and ensures optimal performance on sand at speed.

Although the 2023 Colorado and 2023 Canyon share the same general underpinnings and overall features, the Canyon gives you more standard power and capability, improved and enhanced luxury, and superior off-road capability out of the gate. Give us a call today to learn more about the impressive new 2023 GMC Canyon.

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