GMC Canyon Vs. Chevy Colorado

Same, but Different

As aforementioned, the GMC Canyon and Chevy Colorado are virtually identical pickups where it counts—beneath the sheet metal. Under the hood and beneath the body, both trucks are built on the same chassis and possess the identical 2.7L TurboMax engine mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. 

Minor aesthetic changes, such as front and rear fascia, interior trimmings, wheels, and paint options, make up the majority of differences between the two models—so why does GM offer both?

What's the Point?

While selling two virtually identical trucks with different badges may seem pointless, there's a method to General Motors' madness. After all, would one of the country's largest automakers make a bad move for business? 

First, General Motors wanted two products catering to two slightly different consumer bases while still being predominantly the same vehicle. Chevy and GMC, while both subsidiaries of General Motors, market to different consumer bases—Chevy appeals to the everyday working population. Alternatively, GMC serves as a slightly higher-end, more luxurious brand. While this may not be evident when staring at a spec sheet, the differences become more apparent when comparing trim levels and entry price points. 

Second, it's a loophole to boost sales. Regulations prohibit two dealerships of the same brand from being too close to one another—however, there aren't regulations about two subsidiaries of the same parent company. Therefore, by branding one dealership as GMC and another as Chevrolet, General Motors can place two dealerships that sell virtually the same products side by side without legal ramifications. Pretty clever, huh? 

Next, let's get into the specific differences.

Exterior Styling

One of the most apparent differences between the two trucks is their exterior styling. While the cab remains virtually identical between the Colorado and the Canyon, the front fascia (front bumper, grille, fenders, hood, headlights) and the rear end (tail lights, rear bumper, tailgate) are noticeably different. 

The Canyon's dynamic X-shaped front grille and narrow headlights give it an aggressive appearance, compared to the Colorado's marginally larger headlights and T-shaped grille. Wheel designs also vary between the models, as do paint colors and trim packages, directly reflecting aesthetics. However, we'll get deeper into these factors a bit later.

Interior Styling

Moving inside the cabs of both trucks, we find virtually identical interiors, including large capacitive infotainment displays, digital drivers' information centers, and handsome, angular lines. This being said, there are some differences between the two, namely the emblem on the steering wheel and the choices of colors and materials. 

In most areas, the GMC employs more premium materials, such as soft-touch vegan leather and natural wood, compared to Chevy's plastics. However, in their fully optioned trims, both trucks are on par with one another regarding luxury.

Powertrain and Reliability

Under the similar hoods, both trucks share the identical 2.7L PowerMax engine—a turbocharged inline four-cylinder—mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. Both also sit on the same chassis and, therefore, should demonstrate the same long-term reliability. 

As we enter the third year of the third-generation Colorado/Canyon production and implementation of the PowerMax powertrain, both trucks have their typical generational issues and quirks thoroughly fleshed out.

Trim Levels

Yet another area of variance is the trim levels offered for each model and which consumer bases they appeal to. 

Starting with the Canyon, GMC only offers this truck in three trim configurations—the Elevation, AT4, and Denali. Though all three trim levels are well-equipped and priced accordingly, they appeal to different demographics. The Elevation is ideal for everyday drivers and commuters, the AT4 is ideal for off-road adventurers, and the Denali is the pinnacle of luxury. You'll notice not a single trim level in GMC's lineup is entry-level, stripped down, or necessarily affordable. 

Alternatively, Chevy offers the Colorado in five trim levels—WT, LT, Trail Boss, Z71, and ZR2. These trim levels offer more variance than the Canyon's, with a base-level, fleet-inspired WT (Work Truck), luxurious LT (Luxury Touring), off-road centric Trail Boss, four-wheel-drive Z71, and the Raptor-fighting ZR2. 

Colorado spans a far larger consumer base than the Canyon in terms of trim levels, with more options regarding features, price points, and capabilities. That said, any of the Canyon's three trim levels is well-equipped and comfortable, though you certainly pay a price. 

For additional information on trim levels, check out our Canyon and Colorado trim level overviews.

Pricing

Speaking of pricing, let's get into the nitty-gritty details. Base pricing for the Colorado starts at just $31,900, while the Canyon starts at a whopping $38,400. Check out the pricing sheets below for an in-depth breakdown of 2025 models by trim level.

2025 Chevy Colorado

2025 GMC Canyon

Specs Overview

Lastly, since everyone likes to read, let’s look at each model's overall specifications to see if we missed any differences. 

As we can see, both trucks offer essentially identical specs, aside from some minor dimensional differences based on trim packages.

Conclusion: Which Comes Out On Top?

So, which of GMC’s midsizes is superior? Ultimately, neither. 

Both trucks are built on the same chassis, pack the same powertrain, and deliver virtually identical driving experiences. For most consumers, the choice boils down to their preferred aesthetics and options. However, the Colorado’s WT trim offers a clear advantage for budget-minded shoppers. 

For more information on GM’s midsize trucks, check out all of our Colorado and Canyon features on RealSource—your source for all things truck.