Jan 1, 2025
A red 2023 Chevy Colorado

If you’re looking to buy a new truck, you may look to compare a few different makes and models so you can feel assured that your vehicle can handle anything you may need. Both the 2023 Chevrolet Colorado and the 2023 GMC Canyon offer impressive specs and strength, but the two vehicles can differ in some aspects. Our team at Vaden of Beaufort in Beaufort, South Carolina, has rounded up some of the most important features of both trucks so you can compare and decide which vehicle meets your needs.

Trim Levels

It’s always great to have options, and the lineup for the 2023 Chevrolet Colorado provides a wide variety of trim levels to choose from. You can choose from five trim options, including the ZR2, Z71, Trail Boss, LT, or WT. Each trim includes a variety of exterior and interior appearances, color options, and features so you can find a truck that meets your needs and aligns with your style.

The 2023 GMC Canyon also provides a wide selection of trim levels and options for the 2023 lineup. The Canyon is available in four trims, including the AT4X, AT4, Denali, and Elevation. Having these options allows you to select the style, color, and systems that best suit you and your needs.

Engines And Output

Both the Colorado and Canyon now operate with a standard 2.7L turbocharged engine and eight-speed automatic transmission. The Colorado offers three different power output options. The 2.7L Turbo High-Output engine available in the ZR2 trim provides 310 horsepower with 430 lb-ft. of torque, while the 2.7L Turbo engine provides an output of 310 horsepower and 390 lb-ft of torque in the Z71 and 237 horsepower with 258 lb-ft of torque in the Trail Boss, LT, and WT. This truck also offers a powerful towing capacity, with a maximum of 7,700 pounds, depending on the trim and add-on options.

For the GMC Canyon, all trims also include the 2.7L engine found in the Colorado. Every trim comes with the high-powered, lightweight 2.7L Turbo High-Output engine, which provides 310 horsepower and 430 lb-ft of torque. GMC proudly boasts these new Canyon engines as having the best-in-class standard gas engine torque. Drivers looking for powerful performance, off-roading, acceleration, and towing can find what they need in the engines available. Similarly to the Colorado, the Canyon has a towing capacity that maxes out at 7,700 pounds, with the AT4X model having slightly less power with a maximum capacity of 6,000 pounds.

Performance And Purpose

While both trucks can provide similar power and performance with the same engine, they vary in their primary performance and purposes. With the Colorado, you can select a trim level that focuses on your specific needs such as towing, handling, off-roading, or hauling. The more powerful trim and the high-output engine in the ZR2 are aimed at handling rough terrain and offer a great option for drivers interested in off-road adventures. Other trims in the 2023 lineup have slightly less power or exterior guards, but they provide great everyday use with strong towing capabilities, speed, and handling.

Drivers looking for a true off-roading and adventure vehicle may find greater focus, power, and durability in the 2023 GMC Canyon. The newest lineup of GMC Canyons has a newfound focus on providing a durable and capable truck that can handle difficult terrains with ease. Each Canyon now comes standard with the high-output engine and also features a lift kit and a wider stance than the Colorado. If you plan to off-road in your truck regularly, you may benefit from getting the GMC Canyon so you can push the limits without worrying.

Handling And Safety

Driving a Chevrolet Colorado can offer a smooth, safe, and elevated ride for everyday use, hauling, towing, or off-roading. The 2023 trim levels boast up to five drive modes, including Off-Road, Terrain, Baja, Towing, and Normal mode. Each option adjusts the traction, control, speed, and gear to ensure a safe and smooth ride. Other notable safety features include forward collision alerts, automatic braking, lane-keeping assist, and following distance indicators.

The 2023 Canyon also features different driving modes for improved handling in even the toughest environments. You can select from Baja (only on the AT4X trim), Terrain, Towing, and Normal driving modes. With a greater focus on off-roading and power in the Canyon, these modes aim to give you the safest and smoothest ride possible while allowing you to go just about anywhere. In addition, you can feel secure in your driving with the Canyon’s automatic emergency braking, rear cross-traffic emergency braking, and lane-keep assistance features.

Interior Features

The performance and engineering of a truck are important, but drivers also deserve a comfortable, convenient, and stylish ride. The interior upgrades and selling points of the 2023 Colorado lineup include an 11.3-inch diagonal infotainment display and up to an 11-inch diagonal digital driver information center for easy and high-tech information and safety. Available trims and add-on accessories also include up to 10 camera views including underbody, forward-facing, and rear-facing cameras for improved visuals and safety. Other notable interior specs for the 2023 Colorado include leather upholstery, wireless charging options, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.

The 2023 Canyon’s interior features got upgrades for the new year. Each trim includes a stylish interior with leather upholstery and specialized accent designs. Other add-ons include the available sunroof and up to 10 different camera views, similar to those available on the Colorado. Drivers can also enjoy the convenient tech with a 6.3-inch head-up display and a standard 11.3-inch infotainment console. The 8-inch fully digital diagonal driver instrument cluster on Canyon Elevation and AT4 trims and the 11-inch diagonal instrument cluster on Denali and AT4X trims make it easy to view vehicle information.

With both trucks appearing as part of the General Motors lineup for the new year, you can rest assured that either one can provide you with the systems, amenities, power, and function you desire from a mid-size pickup. No matter what you want from your new truck, our friendly customer service team at Vaden of Beaufort can help you choose the one that’s best for you. Contact us today to learn more about the new truck models available, and our experts can gladly answer any questions for you.

Image via Chevrolet