Does the Chevy Colorado ZR2 Make the GMC Canyon AT4 Obsolete?
Off-roading is all the rage in 2022. Everything from full-size pickups to compact models now offer an off-road variation of some kind. As corporate cousins, the 2022 Chevy Colorado and GMC Canyon are nearly identical midsize trucks. Each of them has a capable trim level with some serious off-road prowess. However, since they’re almost the same truck, does one trump the other? Does the Chevy Colorado ZR2 make the GMC Canyon AT4 obsolete?
2022 GMC Canyon AT4 off-road truck
For $41,645, buyers can purchase the 2022 GMC Canyon AT4. As the off-road-focused model in the lineup, it’s the second most expensive, only behind the Denali. According to Edmunds, a few different upgrades make the AT4 stand out from lower trims. For example, it’s the cheapest Canyon with standard heated seats, a highly desirable feature.
However, most AT4 buyers are doing so for the off-road capability. Does the Canyon have enough to make it worth buying over the Colorado ZR2? Every Canyon AT4 has unique 17-inch wheels with off-road tires, hill descent control, a unique off-road suspension, and a transfer case shield. More importantly, the AT4 is the only trim to get standard four-wheel drive. Lastly, the AT4 and Denali are the only Canyon models that come with the upgraded 3.6-liter V6 engine under the hood instead of the base 2.5-liter four-cylinder.
What is the 2022 Chevy Colorado ZR2?
Does the Chevy Colorado ZR2 make the GMC Canyon AT4 obsolete? The worst part about the ZR2 is that it’s much more expensive. Buying the off-road Colorado will cost you a minimum of $44,345. Although it’s a little more costly than the AT4, fortunately, it remains under the $45K mark. Edmunds calls it “a real-deal off-roader,” even compared to the Z71, which also offers off-roading capability.
Buying the Colorado ZR2 gives owners a raised suspension with special dampers, larger all-terrain tires, and an electronically locking rear differential. In addition, fender flares, unique front and rear bumpers, and a spray-in bed liner are also standard. Of course, this is in addition to the many off-road upgrades from the Z71 model. They are an off-road-oriented suspension, a locking rear differential with hill descent control, heated exterior mirrors, rear parking sensors, and more.
Finally, the Colorado ZR2 also has an optional ZR2 Bison Edition package available. It adds off-road bumpers, skid plates, and dark graphite wheels. In addition, it gets the same 3.6-liter V6 found in the AT4, but a diesel option is also available.
Does the ZR2 make the AT4 obsolete?
In conclusion, it’s difficult to recommend the 2022 GMC Canyon AT4 when the 2022 Chevy Colorado ZR2 is available. With similar engines, designs, and essential features, the Colorado’s more impressive off-roading prowess makes it the better choice. Buying ZR2 with the Bison Edition package gets you much more capability than the AT4. Best of all, the price isn’t too much higher.
However, if the ZR2 price is just out of reach, the Colorado Z71 is cheaper but doesn’t quite meet the same expectations as the Canyon AT4. As a result, the GMC midsize truck is an excellent, more affordable alternative to the Chevy Colorado ZR2.
