The New 2023 Chevrolet Colorado And How it Compares to the 2023 GMC Canyon

The Chevrolet Colorado has been one of the most popular small trucks ever since it arrived on the market for the 2004 model year, and has been steadily improving ever since. For 2023, the Colorado has made a big jump by getting a full redesign that has seen an increase in overall width and wheelbase, bold new exterior styling and a revamped interior with more features that ever before.

Comprehensive Interior Upgrade

Every 2023 Chevrolet Colorado trim – WT, LT, Trail Boss, Z71 and ZR2 – comes standard as a four-door Crew Cab with a 5.2-foot bed. Inside said cab we find improved ergonomics (the shift lever has been moved closer to the driver and the cupholders are now more accessible, for example), brand new gauge cluster and 11.3-inch infotainment display as well as a new steering wheel design. 

Speaking of the infotainment screen: it’s here that you can display the all-new Google Built-In interface. Google Maps is standard and your contacts – even your music playlists – can be automatically loaded into the Colorado by signing into your Google account, making the transition from your home to your truck that much more streamlined. For those looking to the display for driver aids as opposed to on-board entertainment, the screen displays a trailer hitch guide as well. 

Powertrain Choice

All 2023 Colorado trucks come equipped with a 2.7-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, but it is available in three states of tune: in standard form, it makes 237 horsepower and 259 pound-feet of torque while the high output version found on the Z71 and Trail Boss models makes 310 hp and 390 lb-ft. The ZR2 sits at the top of the lineup and its engine makes the same horsepower as the Z71 and Trail Boss, but sees torque expand to 430 lb-ft. Power is sent either to the rear wheels or all four via an eight-speed automatic transmission.

The powertrain and chassis construction to combine to provide the Colorado with up to 3,493 kilograms (7,700 lbs.) of towing capacity, which is more than can be claimed by the Toyota Tacoma or Jeep Gladiator.

If you’re less into towing and more into desert running, then the ZR2 trim is the truck for you. Its Multimatic DSSV dampers, power locking front and rear differentials and 33” tires help to provide  10.7” of ground clearance. If you’re looking to save a bit of coin but still want some extra of-road chops, then the Trail Boss trim with its 32” tires could be the truck for you. 

How the 2023 Chevrolet Colorado compares to the 2023 GMC Canyon

The Colorado’s GMC Canyon trim has also been given a redesign for 2023 and GMC has taken the truck both a little more upscale and made it a little more capable off-road.

While you have to opt for the Trail Boss or ZR2 versions of the Colorado in order to get a more offroad-capable truck, the Canyon comes standard with a lifted suspension and wider track. That’s a big deal for all the off-roaders out there, but for those that may be spending more time in the city where all of that can lead to more challenges on busy city streets, the Colorado may be the better choice. The Canyon also comes equipped with a single 2.7-litre engine choice, but only gets the most powerful 310 hp/430 lb-ft version. Once again; the fuel savings associated with the Colorado’s less powerful option could be what tips the scales in favour of the Chevrolet for city dwellers and workers.

For its part, the Canyon also gets specialized off-road versions in the form of the AT4 and all-new AT4X and those will perform similarly to the Trail Boss and ZR2 off the beaten track.

The Canyon, however, plays in a space the Colorado doesn’t really have an answer for: the luxury sphere with the Denali version. That provides open-pore wood inserts as well as leather seats and dash accents with quilted stitching. When it comes to exterior styling, the Denali’s chrome trimwork on the grille, wing mirror caps and running boards and its 20” chrome wheels all point to this being the standard of each truck’s line-up when it comes to luxury.

Whether you’re looking for luxury or off-road prowess, for power or just for a truck that works hard, then there is a Canyon or Colorado for you. It’s a great time to be in the market for a midsize truck from General Motors.