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When it comes to buying a mid-size truck, there are plenty of options on the table. And, if you are a fan of General Motors, there are actually two pickups that you can pick from. These include the 2023 Chevy Colorado and the 2023 GMC Canyon. Both trucks were released fairly recently, and they appear to be impressive. GM has finally given these pickups a serious update, but how do they compare against each other?

How do the 2023 Colorado and 2023 Canyon compare?

At first glance, both the Chevy Colorado and the GMC Canyon appear to be rugged trucks. But, the 2023 GMC Canyon makes that ruggedness standard. In the past, the Colorado and the Canyon were fairly similar. Now, the Canyon has taken on a life of its own. 

A red 2023 GMC Canyono truck in a canyon
2023 GMC AT4X Canyon | GMC

Each 2023 Canyon comes with a factory lift, wide stance, and off-road suspension. These features are available on the 2023 Colorado, but you will have to opt for one of the off-road-focused models. The new direction that GMC has gone with the Canyon is an interesting one, it is legitimately capable. And it should be ideal for those who want a truck that can handle the road less traveled. 

What engine do these trucks use?

For 2023, both the Chevy Colorado and GMC Canyon have gotten rid of their powertrain options. Now, you can only get these mid-size trucks with a 2.7-liter turbocharged engine. The 2023 Colorado might have the advantage here, because three different power outputs are available to it. 

2023 Chevy Colorado Z71 Towing a Light Trailer
2023 Chevy Colorado Z71 Towing | Chevrolet

In the case of the Colorado, you can get 237 horsepower and 259 pound-foot of torque. Or, you can opt for 301 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque. For the ultimate power, this 2.7-liter engine can generate up to 310 hp and 430 lb-ft of torque. If you purchase a new Canyon, you will get the most powerful variant. 

Which truck should you buy?

If you are shopping for a work truck, or just want something more affordable, it is likely that the 2023 Chevy Colorado is the right call. You will benefit from multiple power outputs, and you do not have to daily a truck that is focused on off-road performance. Granted, the Colorado does have the ZR2 package, which is meant for rugged terrain. 

2023 Chevy Colorado engine
Three 2023 Chevy Colorado models: Z71 (left), Trail Boss, and ZR2 | Chevrolet

The 2023 GMC Canyon is more expensive than the new Colorado. But, it is a mid-size truck that is built for legitimate off-road use. Every Canyon comes with 310 hp, a lift kit, and a wider stance than the standard Colorado. And to some, that might be ideal. 

According to MotorTrend, the Canyon has been radically changed from the outgoing model. It seems like GMC wants its mid-size truck to be the top pick for those who enjoy off-roading. It’s hard to say if one truck is better than the other. In reality, these pickups are designed with different things in mind. But, they are both GM products, so they do share similarities. The best way to determine which you should buy is to test drive them once they arrive at dealerships.

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