2026 Chevrolet Colorado vs. 2026 GMC Canyon

TrueCar's market data shows buyers currently pay $33,032 on average for the Chevrolet Colorado against $39,408 for the GMC Canyon, a $6,500 real-world gap, and TrueCar users rate the Colorado slightly higher, 4.1 out of 5 against 4.0 for the Canyon. Truck Guider says the two share the same 2.7-liter TurboMax engine (310 hp, 430 lb-ft) and a 7,700-lb max tow rating, with the Canyon's AT4X AEV offering a class-leading 12.2 inches of ground clearance against the Colorado ZR2's 10.7 inches, and calls it too close to call: the Canyon for buyers who want a more premium, refined truck, the Colorado for buyers who want the same capability for less. Choose the Colorado for the lower price; choose the Canyon for the extra ground clearance and upscale finish.

Which to choose, and why

Price and owner ratings

TrueCar (opens in a new tab) says its market data shows buyers currently pay $33,032 on average for the Chevrolet Colorado and $39,408 for the GMC Canyon, narrowing the real-world gap to $6,500, and that TrueCar users rate the Colorado 4.1 out of 5 (1,925 ratings) against 4.0 out of 5 for the Canyon (1,366 ratings).

Shared mechanicals, different finish

Truck Guider (opens in a new tab) says both trucks share the 2.7-liter TurboMax engine, delivering identical 310 hp and 430 lb-ft of torque, and a maximum towing capacity of 7,700 lbs. It says the Canyon's AT4X AEV off-road variant offers a class-leading 12.2 inches of ground clearance, surpassing the Colorado ZR2's 10.7 inches, and its quick verdict is that the GMC Canyon generally caters to buyers seeking a more premium and refined mid-size truck experience, while the Chevy Colorado offers excellent value and broad utility at a starting price roughly $6,000 lower.

Questions buyers ask

Do the Colorado and Canyon share the same engine?

Truck Guider (opens in a new tab) says yes, both use the 2.7-liter TurboMax engine with identical 310 hp and 430 lb-ft.

Which off-road trim has more ground clearance, the Canyon AT4X AEV or the Colorado ZR2?

Truck Guider says the Canyon AT4X AEV, at 12.2 inches against 10.7 inches for the Colorado ZR2.

Side-by-side matrix

The published fields that can change the decision.

Chevrolet Colorado: 5 records · GMC Canyon: 5 records.

Decision field	Chevrolet Colorado	GMC Canyon
Exact EPA records	5	5
Model / option labels	5	5
Drive layouts	4-Wheel Drive, Rear-Wheel Drive	4-Wheel Drive, Rear-Wheel Drive
Engines / propulsion	2.7L 4-cyl SIDI	2.7L 4-cyl SIDI
Transmissions	Automatic 8-spd	Automatic 8-spd
Fuel types	Regular	Regular
EPA classes	Standard Pickup Trucks 2WD, Standard Pickup Trucks 4WD	Standard Pickup Trucks 2WD, Standard Pickup Trucks 4WD
Combined efficiency	16–21 MPG/MPGe	16–20 MPG/MPGe
Electric range	Not listed	Not listed
Annual fuel / energy estimate	$3100–4050 per year	$3250–4050 per year

Head to head

Chevrolet Colorado vs. GMC Canyon: size, power, capability and price.

Measure	Chevrolet Colorado	GMC Canyon
Starting price (KBB base)	$34,495	$40,995
Top trim price (KBB base)	$52,795	$59,395
Horsepower	310 hp	310 hp
Torque	430 lb-ft	430 lb-ft
Curb weight	4,520-4,910 lb	4,610-4,960 lb
Length	212.7-213.2 in	213.2 in
Wheelbase	131.4 in	131 in
Cargo volume	41.9 cu ft	41.9 cu ft
Towing capacity	6,000-7,700 lb	6,000-7,700 lb
Seating	5 seats	5 seats
Basic warranty	3 years	3 years

Figures are ranges across each model’s trims from Kelley Blue Book records (2026 model year); prices are KBB base prices.

The Chevrolet Colorado starts $6,500 lower: $34,495 against $40,995 before options and fees.
Both list the same peak horsepower: 310 hp.
Both list the same peak torque: 430 lb-ft.
The Chevrolet Colorado is lighter, comparing lightest trims: 4,520 lb against 4,610 lb.
Both list the same length: 213.2 in.
On wheelbase, the Chevrolet Colorado leads: 131.4 in against 131 in.
Both list the same cargo volume: 41.9 cu ft.
Both list the same maximum towing capacity: 7,700 lb.
Both list the same seating capacity: 5 seats.
Both list the same basic warranty: 3 years.

Background on each vehicle

What public sources say about the Chevrolet Colorado and the GMC Canyon.

2026 Chevrolet Colorado

The Chevrolet Colorado (sharing mechanical commonality with the GMC Canyon) is a series of compact pickup trucks (first generation) and mid-size pickup trucks (since second generation) marketed by American automaker General Motors. They were introduced in 2004 to replace the Chevrolet S-10 and GMC S-15/Sonoma compact pickups. The Colorado is named after the U.S. state of Colorado, while the Canyon took its name from the deep chasm between cliffs.

Sales: Awards and recognition Motor Trend's 2015 Truck of the Year Motor Trend's 2016 Truck of the Year Four Wheeler 2018 Pickup Truck of the Year (Colorado ZR2) Motor Trend's 2024 Truck of the Year

Source: Chevrolet Colorado (Wikipedia)

Safety. In the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's frontal offset test, the Colorado (extended version) is given a "Good" overall score, however the crew cab is rated "Acceptable". In the side impact test, the Colorado crew cab is rated "Poor" with or without side curtain airbags.

Trim levels. DX features a manual transmission, electronic stability control, side-curtain airbags, Bluetooth capabilities, and 16-inch steel wheels. LX features either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission, power mirrors, and cruise control. LTZ features 17-inch alloy wheels, optional leather seats, LED taillamps, projector headlamps, sports bar, soft tonneau cover, and side steps.

NHTSA rated the 2025 Chevrolet Colorado overall 4 of 5 stars, front crash 4 of 5 stars, side crash 5 of 5 stars, rollover 3 of 5 stars.

Recent recalls (4 campaigns across the latest model years)

February 2026, Equipment:Other:Owners/Service/Other Manual. General Motors has decided that certain 2027 Chevrolet Bolt EV, 2025-2026 Cadillac OPTIQ, Chevrolet Colorado, Equinox EV, GMC Canyon, 2026 Buick Enclave, Envision, Cadillac CT5, Escalade, Escalade ESV, Escalade IQ, Escalade IQL, LYRIQ, VISTIQ, Chevrolet Blazer EV, Corvette Convertible, Corvette Coupe, Corvette… Consequence: Without an owner's manual to consult, owners may not know how to safely use and operate the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
September 2024, Seat Belts:Critical Fasteners. General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Chevrolet Colorado and 2023 GMC Canyon vehicles. The left or right front seat may have a seat belt buckle attachment bolt that was not tightened properly. Consequence: A loose seat belt may not properly restrain an occupant in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
June 2024, Fuel System, Gasoline:Storage:Tank Assembly. General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2024 Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon vehicles. The lock ring that secures the fuel pump to the fuel tank assembly may not have been fully locked during assembly, which can result in a fuel leak… Consequence: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.

Owners filed 27 complaints with NHTSA for the 2025 Chevrolet Colorado, most often about service brakes (10), forward collision avoidance (8), electrical system (7).

2026 GMC Canyon

Sales: Awards and recognition Motor Trend's 2015 Truck of the Year Motor Trend's 2016 Truck of the Year Four Wheeler 2018 Pickup Truck of the Year (Colorado ZR2) Motor Trend's 2024 Truck of the Year

Source: Chevrolet Colorado (Wikipedia)

NHTSA rated the 2025 GMC Canyon overall 4 of 5 stars, front crash 4 of 5 stars, side crash 5 of 5 stars, rollover 3 of 5 stars.

Recent recalls (4 campaigns across the latest model years)

February 2026, Equipment:Other:Owners/Service/Other Manual. General Motors has decided that certain 2027 Chevrolet Bolt EV, 2025-2026 Cadillac OPTIQ, Chevrolet Colorado, Equinox EV, GMC Canyon, 2026 Buick Enclave, Envision, Cadillac CT5, Escalade, Escalade ESV, Escalade IQ, Escalade IQL, LYRIQ, VISTIQ, Chevrolet Blazer EV, Corvette Convertible, Corvette Coupe, Corvette… Consequence: Without an owner's manual to consult, owners may not know how to safely use and operate the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
December 2025, Air Bags:Frontal:Passenger Side:Inflator Module. General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2024–2026 GMC Canyon AT4X AEV vehicles. Incorrect sensing and diagnostic module (SDM) software may cause a second stage passenger air bag deployment when only a first stage is intended. As such, these vehicles fail to… Consequence: An air bag that deploys improperly increases the risk of injury in a crash.
September 2024, Exterior Lighting:Headlights. General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2024 GMC Canyon vehicles. The headlights may flicker while driving and while the vehicle is in park. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps… Consequence: Headlights flickering can reduce visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.

Owners filed 8 complaints with NHTSA for the 2025 GMC Canyon, most often about service brakes (3), electrical system (2), unknown or other (2).

Open both dossiers

Resolve the exact engine, drive and EPA ID.

01 · 2026Chevrolet Colorado5 configurations →02 · 2026GMC Canyon5 configurations →

Comparison answer desk

13 answers for this exact pairing.

Q01Which is more efficient: the 2026 Chevrolet Colorado or the 2026 GMC Canyon?

Efficiency

The 2026 Chevrolet Colorado lists the higher combined-efficiency midpoint in this snapshot (18.5 vs. the 2026 GMC Canyon's 18 MPG/MPGe).