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As two pickup trucks from General Motors, the 2023 Chevy Colorado and 2023 GMC Canyon have a lot of similarities. To some, they might even seem like the same midsize truck, but there are certainly some key differences to note. And in a few ways, the 2023 Canyon has the 2023 Colorado beat. 

Are GMC trucks better than Chevy?

The key things that make GMC trucks more appealing than Chevy pickups are that GMC models are typically more luxurious. Essentially, a base model GMC Canyon will be similar to what you get on a mid-level trim Chevy Colorado. 

The 2023 GMC Canyon might be the best Chevy Colorado.
2023 GMC Canyon | GMC

Mechanically speaking, the 2023 GMC Canyon has some upgrades made, including to its transmission, braking system, and suspension. Although GM owns both GMC and Chevy, GMC is typically seen as the more premium brand. 

Is GMC Canyon better than Chevy Colorado?

Objectively speaking, the 2023 Canyon is the better truck. Each GMC Canyon comes outfitted with the 2.7-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that makes 310 horsepower and 430 pound-foot of torque. That engine is something that you are going to have to pay extra for on the 2023 Colorado. 

Additionally, the Canyon has a nicer feeling interior than the Colorado, even in its base trims. So for those who appreciate comfort, that might be a plus. But don’t get it twisted; both the Canyon and the Colorado drive like trucks. 

One thing worth mentioning is that the 2023 GMC Canyon is more expensive. The Canyon is almost 10 grand more than the 2023 Chevy Colorado. The high-flying Canyon AT4X trim has a price close to $60k. And for a midsize truck, that might seem like a tough pill to swallow. But at this point, even the 2024 Ford Ranger Raptor shares a similar MSRP. 

Both of General Motor’s midsize trucks are all-new

In terms of GM’s midsize trucks, both the Canyon and the Colorado are all new for the 2023 model year. The interiors have been seriously updated, and the exterior designs are more aggressive. 

A red 2023 Chevy Colorado midsize truck driving off-road.
Chevy Colorado | Chevy

According to Car and Driver, the 2.7-liter turbo engine gives these trucks more power than the Honda Ridgeline, 2023 Toyota Tacoma, and some of the other midsize pickups out there. So despite not coming with a V6, you do get more horsepower and torque. And the trade-off from six cylinders might be worth it to some. 

Which GMC Canyon is best?

The 2023 GMC Canyon AT4 might be the best bet. It is slightly more expensive than the base-level Elevation trim, but it does come with a lot of standard equipment. 

You get standard four-wheel drive, a 2.0-inch lift, and you’ll be able to save money over the Denali trim. But ultimately, it’s difficult to call the GMC Canyon an affordable truck. Because it skips the base Chevy Colorado’s work truck feel, you will be paying more. 

At the same time, you don’t have to worry about the detuned engine with the GMC pickup truck.

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