It’s common knowledge that GMC and Chevrolet trucks share a significant amount of hardware, and this has been the case for a long time. While these two brands do have many shared parts, technology, and design, the main truck divisions of General Motors have some notable differences. The latest generation of Canyon and Colorado trucks emphasizes these distinctions through their standard features and, consequently, their base prices. The Canyon brings together most of the desirable features from the Colorado and presents them in a similarly styled package.
Arguably, the most significant difference between the two trucks lies under the hood. While the Colorado offers three power levels with its 2.7-liter turbocharged I4 engine, the GMC Canyon is equipped solely with the 310-hp and 430-lb-ft of torque variant, which serves as the top-tier powertrain option in the Colorado lineup as well. This I4 engine is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, delivering power to either the rear wheels or all four wheels in the case of a suitably equipped truck in four-high or four-low mode.
Although the absence of the small Duramax diesel engine is regrettable due to its previous-generation truck’s allure, there is little cause for mourning the departure of the 3.6-liter V6. The turbocharged 2.7-liter engine in the 2023 Canyon exhibits noticeably more power when the turbocharger kicks in, despite the peak torque being at 3000 rpm. Those who appreciate induction or turbocharger noise will find satisfaction in the Canyon, as it doesn’t conceal the induction noise and provides feedback when the turbo starts boosting the engine.
On the road, the Canyon with its wider track feels substantial. Even the narrowest available track width of 66 inches in the truck is wider than the base-model Colorado. The off-road-focused AT4X model boasts the widest track width of 66.3 inches, while the regular AT4 still offers a respectable track width of 66.1 inches. This wider track provides the Canyon with a solid grip on gravel and mud, but it may pose challenges in narrow passages. More importantly, the AT4 and AT4X models, with their wider and taller stance, feel larger than their dimensions would suggest.
Despite its substantial feel on the road, the Canyon delivers a satisfying driving experience. The steering is light, and the only notable flaw arises from an unusual decision by General Motors. Instead of featuring a standalone headlight switch, a common feature in most cars, the Canyon integrates the headlight switch into the central media touchscreen, which is a design choice worth mentioning.
If you’re wondering, yes, it can be irritating. Although most people will leave the headlight switch in automatic mode, you’ll notice a delay in the light sensor when entering unlit tunnels. The system probably works better during the gradual transition from night to day but falls short in tunnels.
Inside the cabin, the Canyon provides a comfortable experience. While the upscale Denali might not be as luxurious as some might expect, it represents a significant improvement over its GMC Sonoma origins. The base Elevation and AT4 models feature an 8.0-inch digital instrument cluster in front of the driver, accompanied by an 11.3-inch touchscreen as standard.
Denali and AT4X owners enjoy an upgraded 11.0-inch instrument cluster screen. Both instrument clusters effectively display speed and other necessary information. Despite the headlight switch being located on the large infotainment screen, it also serves as the hub for the off-road camera feed.
The off-road camera in the GMC Canyon is exceptional. When navigating mountain trails with the Canyon AT4X, the camera system proves invaluable in overcoming the high hood height and instilling driver confidence. The front view camera, positioned low on the vehicle, even has a washer to remove any debris that might obstruct its view. It’s worth mentioning that using the camera washer is a fun experience, but be careful not to exhaust all the washer fluid, especially if you have curious passengers.
Overall, the Canyon continues where the previous generation left off, offering a well-designed and easy-to-drive truck. The additional consumer-oriented technology makes it an even more appealing choice in the increasingly competitive midsize truck segment.
Now, let’s talk about the price. While the more basic Chevrolet Colorado WT variant starts at $30,695, the higher-end Canyon begins at $38,890. This price jump brings a significant amount of additional features, but you should consider whether it’s worth the higher monthly payment.
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