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Front view 2021 GMC Canyon

Skip the 2021 Chevy Colorado for the GMC Canyon Instead

If you want a quality truck that doesn’t break the bank, you don’t have to settle for the 2021 Chevy Colorado. You may have a better experience with its cousin, the 2021 GMC Canyon, instead. Check out what the GMC Canyon has to offer.  Is the 2021 GMC Canyon better than the Chevy Colorado?  It’s …

If you want a quality truck that doesn’t break the bank, you don’t have to settle for the 2021 Chevy Colorado. You may have a better experience with its cousin, the 2021 GMC Canyon, instead. Check out what the GMC Canyon has to offer. 

Is the 2021 GMC Canyon better than the Chevy Colorado? 

It’s a little unfair to say one truck is better than the other, but the 2021 GMC Canyon can provide more value in a few different areas when compared to the 2021 Chevy Colorado. The MSRP of the Colorado is about $25,200, and the Canyon begins around $26,400. 

So, for roughly an extra $1,200, you get a lot more value. For example, Car and Driver mentioned that the Chevy Colorado has an inferior interior. Nothing about that description sounds good. 

The 2021 GMC Canyon AT4 on the trails
2021 GMC Canyon AT4 | GMC

The seats can be tight, and passenger space is pretty limited. Along with feeling cheap, the interior feels outdated. There is less space to utilize compared to rivals, but a compartment under the rear seats helps provide more storage. 

But, when reviewing the GMC Canyon, Car and Driver noted that the interior has a quality design. The front seats feel spacious and comfy, and there are more storage bins to take advantage of, including a bin under the rear seat with the crew cab. 

The GMC Canyon vs. the Chevy Colorado 

Choosing between these trucks may get a little tricky as they have the same engine options. 

  • The base engine is a 2.4-liter four-cylinder option with 200 hp and 191 lb-ft of torque. 
  • You can upgrade to the 3.6-liter V6 engine for 308 hp and 275 lb-ft of torque. 
  • Also, the 2.8-liter four-cylinder diesel engine provides 181 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. 
A silver 2021 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 driving on a dirt road
The 2021 Chevy Colorado ZR2 | Chevrolet

When properly equipped, both of these trucks can tow up to 7,770 lb. But you might have more fun towing with the 2021 GMC Canyon. It has a smoother ride over bumps and doesn’t have much interior noise. The ride gets more comfortable as you move up in trim levels. 

The 2021 Chevy Colorado has a stiffer ride. Bumps might be a little more noticeable, and Edmunds mentioned that there is a bit of wind and road noise in the cabin. But the engine is quiet while cruising. 

Despite being so similar, the Chevy Colorado has a larger turning radius than the GMC Canyon. Meaning the Canyon is easier to maneuver in tight spots. New Cars described the Canyon as being easier to park. 

Chevy Colorado and GMC Canyon features 

The 2021 GMC Canyon comes with an 8-inch infotainment center, while the Colorado has a 7-inch screen. They both come with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Both trucks offer convenience features such as automatic climate control and a Wi-Fi hotspot. 

Both trucks also lack standard safety features. Available options include forward collision warning, lane-departure warning, and rear parking sensors. Also, the Colorado scored a poor safety rating for how well its headlights illuminate the road. 

The GMC Canyon is considered to be a premium truck while the Chevy Colorado is not. While they are similar in power and specs, the Canyon has a more attractive interior and better ride quality.

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