The 2024 GMC Canyon vs. Chevy Colorado Present Significant Differences
The GM midsize pickup trucks took different paths beginning in 2023. Until then, the Chevy Colorado and GMC Canyon were extremely similar. So much so that the Canyon put up paltry sales numbers compared to its cheaper Chevy cousin. Although some aspects of these two pickup trucks remain similar, GM took deliberate steps to differentiate its midsize truck pair.
Is the powertrain for the 2024 GMC Canyon different from the 2024 Chevy Colorado?
These two trucks share the 2.7-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine from the Silverado lineup. This engine mates to an 8-speed automatic transmission, which provides smooth shifts and an excellent power range.
Chevy tunes this engine three ways across the trim lineup. These power ranges for the 2024 Colorado are:
- WT and LT – 237 hp, 258 lb-ft of torque
- ZL1 and Trail Boss – 310 hp, 390 lb-ft of torque
- ZR2 – 310 hp, 430 lb-ft of torque
The entire GMC Canyon trim range only uses the High Output version found in the Colorado ZR2.
Do these GM midsize trucks look different?
Seeing these two pickups side-by-side presents significant visual differences between them. The Chevrolet and GMC divisions designed these trucks separately, creating unique styling for each. Although low-profile headlights are common to both trucks, they differ in:
- The grille
- Front fascia
- Fenders
- Hood
- Rear appearance
- Taillight/turn signal combo
- Rear fenders
Are the suspensions and stances the same for these GM trucks?
The 2024 Chevy Colorado Trail Boss has a two-inch suspension lift and a three-inch wider track than lower Colorado trim levels. The taller and wider setup is standard across the range for the 2024 GMC Canyon. In fact, every trim of the Canyon is meant to be an off-road truck with standard 4WD for the AT4, Denali, and AT4X trims. The Elevation trim has standard 2WD, with optional 4WD offered.
The two trucks sharing much of the same hardware are the Chevy Colorado ZR2 and GMC Canyon AT4X. Both trucks have:
- 3-inch suspension lit
- Multimatic DSSV spool-valve shocks
- 10.7 inches of ground clearance
Although these trucks are similar, the Colorado ZR2 has better approach and departure angles thanks to the bodywork differences.
| Approach Angle | Departure Angle | |
| Chevy Colorado ZR2 | 38.3 degrees | 25.1 degrees |
| GMC Canyon AT4X | 36.9 degrees | 25.0 degrees |
Are these GM midsize trucks capable?
Most Colorado and Canyon trucks can tow up to 7,7000 pounds, but this figure declines with higher trim levels. These trucks must have the optional Trailering Package and limited-slip differential to maximize towing. Without the trailering package, towing drops to 3,500 pounds.
The top trims, Colorado ZR2 and Canyon AT4X can tow up to 6,000 pounds.
The Chevy Colorado’s payload is higher than the GMC Canyon at 1,684 pounds for the WT and LT models and 1,587 pounds for the Trail Boss and Z71. The ZR2 can only carry 1,150 pounds in the bed.
The GMC Canyon can carry 1,640 pounds when set up in the 2WD Elevation model. The 4WD Elevation can carry 1,590 pounds, the AT4 carries up to 1,550 pounds, and the Denali tops at 1,360 pounds. The AT4X can carry a little more than the ZR2 at 1,250 pounds.
Although similar, the 2024 Chevy Colorado and GMC Canyon present significant differences to midsize truck buyers.
