Trucks on Board: Canyon and Colorado
Apr 8, 2021
By Glen Konorowski
First time in many years I was lucky enough to test both the GMC Canyon and the Chevrolet Colorado back-to-back. Now you might be surprised to find out that these two truck siblings do have little differences in trim and options. But for the most part they are the same when it comes to engines and drivelines.
Both trucks come in two configurations, an extended cab and a crew cab, as I like to call it, with four doors. The extended cab will also carry and extra two people in the back, but it is tight. If you plan on travelling with crew the four-door setup is the better choice.
Both the vehicles I tested were 4-wheel-drive models, but one was a more off-road oriented while the other was a little more middle of the road with an off-road package.
As these are General Motors’ vehicles, there are plenty of models and lots of options in those model ranges. Both my test vehicles came with the GM 3.6L Double Overhead Cam (DOHC) V6 with 308Hp at 3400RPM and 275lb.ft. of torque at 2000RPM which is very acceptable for a truck in this class. All this adds up to a good 7,000lb tow rating. With the 6-cylinder engine, an 8-speed automatic transmission is standard equipment. As you would suspect for GM this is a very smooth sifting unit. Automatic limited-slip available on the 4-wheel-drive models allow you to launch you boat just about anywhere and drive out with ease.
Those of you who like the power of a diesel can opt for GM’s 2.8L DOHC 4-cylider with 181Hp at 3400RPM and a stump-pulling 369 lb.ft. of torque at jut 2000RPM. . They also offer a 2.5L 4-cylinder gas engine as well, but with only 3,500lb. tow capacity. As I did not drive this model but I own a 4-cylinder truck with about the same towing capacity; they are, in my opinion, not worth owning for towing with because with the smaller engine they are pushing the limits of the truck.
Due to styling and the overall size of the Canyon/Colorado trucks, the bed area is not that big. Depending on the model you chose you get either a 61 or a 74-inch-long bed. For luggage and general boating gear you are fine. If you want even more room, a cap on the bed will allow you to stack items almost letting you double your cargo capacity limit. Both vehicles have the spring assist tailgate, which is really is a real nice feature I originally thought I wouldn’t like.
Inside the Canyon/Colorado twins you find a comfortable seating arrangement. The front bucket seats, which are standard, were comfortable and finding a good seat position is easy. Optional power seating with multiple settings means you will always find a perfect comfortable position. I am not tall, bit rear seating was not too bad and generally comfortable, which is not always the case with some pickups.
The dash was easy to read and all controls were equally easy to find and reach. Vision from the cab is good as well, but as these vehicles sit up higher keeping an eye out for short vehicles on your sides is important.
Overall, I liked the two vehicles. They were easy to drive in city traffic, comfortable and ran well on the highway with no adverse effects due to winter conditions. One big plus for these smaller sized pickups was that they were easy to park in parking lots and elsewhere.
The Canyon/Colorado 4-wheel drive models I tested started in or about $41,000 and went up from there depending on the options you can’t live without. These trucks are worth a look if you boat towing needs are below 7,000lbs.
Glen Konorowski is a life long automotive enthusiast and automotive journalist for 35-years. He also claims to be former Commodore of the Monty Carlo Yacht Club!
