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Both the GMC Cayon and Chevrolet Colorado are enticing with fresh updates. Meanwhile, the Toyota Tacoma and Ford Ranger are showing their age. So if you want a new truck this year, the 2023 GMC Canyon and 2023 Chevy Colorado are excellent choices. But is it worth it to pay more for the Canyon? 

2023 GMC Canyon vs. 2023 Chevy Colorado 

2023 GMC Canyon vs. 2023 Chevy Colorado
2023 GMC Canyon | GMC

Let’s compare prices first! The 2023 GMC Canyon starts at about $36,000, and the top-spec AT4X trim increases the price to around $55,000. There are four different trim levels available. 

The 2023 Chevy Colorado kicks things off at $29,200, and the off-roading-oriented ZR2 trim brings the price up to $46,800. It has five terms available, including the entry-level WT trim, making it a great work truck. 

These prices are listed without the $1,495 destination charge or dealership markups. But the Colorado still can help you save a few thousand bucks. But why? 

Because the GMC Canyon and Chevy Colorado are similar trucks, they’re almost like twins and share a lot of the same DNA. However, they aren’t identical and have different styles and a few different features. 

GMC models are more expensive because they are considered to be more luxurious than Chevy models. So, the 2023 Canyon is the fancier twin. 

Does the Canyon or Colorado have more power? 

You may be surprised to learn that the 2023 Chevy Colorado and the 2023 GMC Canyon share the same 2.7-liter turbocharged inline-four engine. Both trucks dropped the outgoing diesel engine and replaced the 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 200 hp. 

The optional 3.6-liter V6 engine with 308 hp also bit the dust. But technically, the GMC Canyon has more power because the 2.7-liter option has three different output levels. 

In the lower trims of the 2023 Colorado, the engine cranks out 237 hp and 259 lb-ft of torque, which is an increase over the outgoing model. With higher trim levels, it provides 310 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque. 

With the 2023 Canyon, the engine churns out 310 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque. This is the sole offering for the Canyon. The Colorado ZR2 gets this much power too. Also, according to the Edmunds, the new engine helps the trucks tow 700 lb more than the older V6. 

The Canyon and Colorado can both tow up to 7,700 lbs and carry a payload of up to 7,700 lbs can carry a payload of up to 1,610 lbs. 

Does the Colorado or Canyon have better features? 

A red 2023 Chevrolet Colorado Trail Boss.
2023 Chevrolet Colorado Trail | Creative Commons

Both the 2023 Chevy Colorado and 2023 GMC Canyon can be well equipped for off-roading with a 3.0-inch lift, skid plates, underbody cameras, Multimatic dampers, and locking differentials. The Colorado is just more affordable. 

The trucks offer similar tech too. You can access an 11.3-inch infotainment screen, wireless phone charging pad, 360-degree parking camera, and wireless AppleCarPlay/Android Auto. But the Canyon has an 8.0-inch digital gauge cluster and head-up display. 

Also, the Canyon has a nicer interior with higher quality materials such as leather upholstery and etched wood trim. 

The Canyon is worth paying more for if you want more power in a lower trim level, more tech, and more comfort. Otherwise, the Colorado is a more affordable option that’s just as capable.