Update: we now know exactly what GM has in store for its midsize pickups. Check out the full details:
Launched at the end of calendar year 2014 as 2015 model year vehicles, the Chevy Colorado and GMC Canyon pickups have set the U.S. and Canadian midsize truck segment ablaze by delivering modern trucks that are not only capable and attractive, but also fuel efficient and full of technology. For the 2016 model year — their second on the market — both trucks received a few minor updates and changes, the most notable of which was the introduction of the segment-exclusive 2.8L Duramax turbo-diesel engine. That brings us to the question of what’s in store for MY 2017.
Curiously, GM has been radio silent regarding the 2017 Chevy Colorado or 2017 GMC Canyon. It has not issued any press releases, published any photos, or released any vehicle order guides for the duo. This is quite noteworthy, since all GM vehicles except for the Colorado and Canyon have either already switched over or are in the process of swapping to the 2017 model year. Not only that, but GM has already published order guides for all vehicles except for the Colorado and Canyon. Of course, this makes us surmise that something big, or perhaps unexpected, is coming for the 2017 model year of the midsizers. But what could it be?
Not knowing about what’s coming down the pike, here’s what we hope to see in the 2017 Colorado and Canyon:
- New 8LXX 8-speed automatic transmission to replace the current model’s six-speed unit
- All-new, more powerful and more refined 3.6L V-6 LGX to replace the current models 3.6L V-6 LFX. The new LGX could make in the vicinity of 335 horsepower and 285 pound-feet of torque
- The oft-rumored, even spy-photographed Colorado ZR2 off-road model
- Optional push-button start and sunroof
- HomeLink feature for convenient garage door operation
- LED DRLs for the Colorado
- Teen Driver feature for MyLink (Colorado) and IntelliLink (Canyon)
- Range-topping trim levels, such as LTZ and/or High Country for the Colorado; GMC has already announced the Canyon Denali for the 2017 model year
We should note that, even without these much-awaited features, the Colorado and Canyon have been nothing short of a runaway success: in 2015, their first year on the market, the Colorado recorded 84,430 sales, while its GMC-branded brother posted 30,077 deliveries. Both trucks are on track to roughly double those figures in calendar year 2016.
So, what updates, changes or modifications would you like to see from GM’s 2017 midsize pickups? Sound off in the comments below.
More On Colorado And Canyon
- 2015 Chevrolet Colorado information
- 2016 Chevrolet Colorado information
- 2017 Chevrolet Colorado information
- Chevy Colorado ZR2 information
- Chevy Colorado sales numbers
- Chevy Colorado news
- 2015 GMC Canyon information
- 2016 GMC Canyon information
- 2017 GMC Canyon information
- GMC Canyon sales numbers
- GMC Canyon news
Comments
Push button start. I mean not like I don’t like a good set of old fashioned keys but if Tacoma already has it then there’s no excuse for GM not to put one
Yes, especially when you consider my bare bones no option Dodge Journey made in 2012 has it. In the wake of the ingnition switch debacle GM should have made it a top priority to go all keyless within 2 model years.
Pushbutton start? Is that important? You still need to carry the FOB around… What is the point? I like that GM isn’t doing it.
I wanted to answer your question of “What is the point?” The point is you can leave your fob in your pocket or purse and just walk up to the truck, get in, and start it without fumbling for the fob and key. 🙂 I have it on one of my vehicles now and didn’t think it was a big deal. But I admit, I like it.
I definitely enjoy it in my vehicle. Its wonderful just being able to walk up, open the door, and go. My fiancee love it as well. I don’t think her key has left her purse since she’s gotten her car.
Because it is really nice not having your keys dangling there making all sorts of noise.
Necropost I know, but for what it’s worth, I ABSOLUTELY HATE pushbutton start setups. The Colorado having a “traditional” key is actually a selling point for me. Ditto the actual mechanical linkage transmission selector and Parking brakes.
I just wish they had ventilated seats and heated side mirrors.
I demand less clutter give me a xtra small key fob i never use it anyway a key and a fob not an option , i will wait till they add it to buy it if i know its a few months away. i hope they add it I’m just waiting for the 0 percent promo to come back then I’m going to scoop one up.
The (new) Colorado was launched in Asia in 2010-11. The US launch came later, but an impressive performance, no doubt…
We’re talking about the U.S. and Canadian-market truck here… which is significantly different from the Asian model that — as you aptly state — was launched in 2011.
High Country and ZR 2 definitely need to make an appearance!
Zr2 4×4 with a manual transmission
Heads-up display on the GMC Denali . Everything that you mentioned and a different color palette for a change , and
power folding mirrors w/ turn signal indicators .
What about your prediction of a new LGX engine GMA?
Yup, good eye! Just added it 🙂
The ZR2 and also a 5.3 V8 option with 8 speed auto transmission .
Don’t hold your breath on that one. This platform is NOT going to get a V8.
It would be a deal maker to me. I would consider it. The GM V8 is a great balance between power and economy.
I am looking to buy a Canyon with the Duramax Diesel in Double Cab, Short Bed, 4×4 trim… still not decided on trim as the Denali is not out… so Denali, SLT, SLE All Terrain are all trim options I am considering.
So, what updates, changes or modifications would you like to see from GM’s 2017 midsize pickups?
1. The 8-Speed transmission available standard for both Diesel and Gas engines
2. Lockable fuel door
3. LED Fog Lights styled like its big brother (Sierra rectangular LEDs fog lights)
4. Push Start if only to stay with the competition (I really do not mind using a key, but almost every other car/truck that competes with the Canyon has it… so GM, do it!
5. LED interior lighting… just make it all LED lighting in and out of the truck…
6. Heated Mirrors with integrated LED turn signals in all Trims… well, maybe not on the base one to keep cost down for those that do not want any luxury in their trucks… me? I want them.
7. Optional power extending and power folding trailering mirrors
8. Optional powered retractable floor boards – similar to the ones on the Sierra Denali
9. All-Terrain Model with Leather and deviating stitching and all Driver Assist (Lane Departure Warning)options… why can’t I have it all in that look/package?? Or, and SLT with All Terrain – meaning, more aggressive tires, body colored parts (no chrome please)
10. Blind Spot Monitoring System
11. Keyless entry (if we are doing the push start… might as well do the keyless entry with it).
12. Auto-locking tailgate – let me be able to open and close with remote…
13. Rear A/C vents!! Please! How could they built this truck and not have vents to the rear seating area!!
14. Better rear view camera… quality of the one in there is worse than the one in my 2012 BMW X5…
15. 360 degree view cameras – similar to what Ford did on their F150…
16. Heated and Cooled seats option on SLT and All Terrain trim – I don’t need a Denali, but this feature is nice if the Denali has this plus all of the above…would not mind going for the Denali…
All nice things but how much more are you willing to pay over the $45K the top model is now?
All these options are cool but the pricing of the package is difficult in this segment. You get too high then people just go full size. You get too cheap and then no profits. This is why so many abandoned this market and why Toyota on their own could make a profits picking up the left over buyers unchallenged.
It will be interesting to see how they package future models as this will be a tough one to do. What do you keep and what do you skip and what will bring the most buyers and the max profits.
Just for example a friend was in on the new Camaro and they were even questioned if the smell of leather was important. Why because it cost extra to scent leather. It has no natural car smell it has to be tanned in. Yes it cost extra money. Based on the new Camaros there is no smell so the money went to other things.
I do not care for a full size truck… The Canyon is the perfect size for my needs…I do care for a few more features that are standard even in inexpensive cars today…
To get a similar configured full size with those features, you are looking at 57-60k….and the darn thing would take a big chunk of the space in a drive way… No thank you.
Brother I am the same on the full size as I have no real need for a full size. But this is about more than just the two of us. Many people if pegged with a higher price will default to the larger truck if slapped with a price nearly as high.
While some of the other trucks may have some of these features as no added cost they take away something in other areas. They use cheaper steel, they use lighter frames they make other parts of the truck cheaper that you may not see.
The point is anything on your list will add to the cost of truck as they are not going to add much and lower the price.
$55K would not be difficult to do in one of these in a loaded package with all you have listed. Some people would pay it but most would not.
Their challenge is not to sell just you a truck but to sell a truck at a price that would attract most buyers.
There is a lot of things I would love to see too but the price is also nearing the limit of what I would pay right now. While I would not opt for a full size it is tempting and I could very well go the other way and buy a Camaro 1LE V6 for much less. I can borrow a truck anytime as we have a new Silverado in the family now I use often.
This is just the challenges of pricing in the volume segment where price is everything.
Yeah, I get it… that is why I mentioned in my post that if they only make those options available in the Denali, understanding that it will be in their premium trim, then I would go for that trim level.
All in all… I will most likely end up with a Diesel 4×4(AWD) SLT… I love the looks of the SLE with All Terrain package, but would like the safety features included in the SLT and the wife prefers leather interior… so I will get the SLT, swap the chrome bits for body colored parts, aftermarket powered retractable steps (aftermarket company just came out with one), and call it a day.
Either way I am buying a Canyon Diesel next year 🙂
EXCELENT! I LOVE YOUR COMMENT!
8 speed gas only so far not diesel
power sun roof
Oh… forgot… the dial/button to turn on the lights is the same size to the 4WD control dial/button… and they are both next to each other… Owners report that they would switch the car, by mistake, to 4WD without knowing. There is no light indicator in the dash/display to let you know if you are on 4WD mode… So the ask would be to:
1. Have an indicator in the dash display that when the truck goes into any 4WD mode
2. Move the 4WD dial to another location to avoid activating it accidentally…
I agree with everything.
In Canyon Denali a V8 5.3 355hp/383lb-ft to, will be great.
All your comments are very good
I agree with all of what you have on the list Alex. It really does cover the much needed upgrades to the Colorado especially. A nicer base interior (materials mostly) on the Colorado is another addition much needed. The base interior feels low rent.
For me it would be: 8-10 way power and memory seats, real leather in the Z71 (The leatherette AKA vinyl and cloth is just cheaping out at nearly 40K). A real truck engine please. The 3.6 is great for the cars it propels, hauls ass in the Camaro, CTS and ATS, but the twins need the torque that the 4.3 V6 from the Silverado could provide to move the weight. Last but certainly not not least would be a 6 spd manual across the board.
I have a 2015 Canyon crew cab, 4 X 4 with the six foot bed and it could use a little more took and horsepower say 350 hp. And 350 fp
New engine will be 3.6L. V6. LGZ.
A price drop for the upgrade to 4 X 4 would be nice. over $7000 for an upgrade from 2 wheel drive seems a bit steep to me.
Might look what they have packaged in to this. Many times extra options are factored in so you are getting many more items than the other truck.
The Sun Roof was the one major one I was looking for. Now they need to package it as an option in a LT2 and up. Do not make it a High Country option only.
The transmission is a good edition.
I would still like to see heads up and a ZQ8 sport suspension package.
The 3.6 is more than enough engine and we will not see the V8. With companied trying to down size us adding the V8 would make it more difficult when they have to take it away later.
The 4.3 may not even fit as this was designed for a 4 and 60 degree V6 not a 90 degree engine. I have not see the specs on the compartment bare but it may not fit as the V8 may not either. Just something to consider.
This truck was targeted to get more MPG and that is what they plan to do. I could see a more powerful 3.6 coming as a limited option but the MPG would still be similar and may even be better with the new tranny.
Again when considering options you want consider the added cost involved. GM could load this up big time but would you pay $55K+ for this truck or would you just go full size with a V6 or V8 for the same or more.
Pricing is why we never got a Colorado, Canyon, Sonoma or S10 with the really high end options.
I think they should also at least add 8 speed to the diesel option as well
Xtreme package please!!!
W/T diesel, please.
The high country and denali should get the higher performance engine. Heads up display would be great. Sun roof would be nice to have. 8 speed transmission is a definite for all models except base. And give us a nice 20 inch wheel that is euro styled polished aluminum.
All I need is the 2.8L Diesel to be available in an Extended Cab, in any trim, without having to buy fleet. There’s absolutely no reason this can’t be offered – considering you can buy a Fleet WT-trim Extended Cab with the 2.8L, so it’s certainly possible – and the ZR2 also was in this configuration. I have no need or want for a crew cab, but I’d much rather have the longer bed, without the vehicle being longer.
Elizabeth Hayes already confirmed wireless charging for the 2017 Chevrolet Colorado and 2017 GMC Canyon if anyone is looking forward to that.
Would say 8 speed has to be the top of the list!
Had a 2015 LT SB and performance with the 3.6 was anemic at best with the six speed–calibrated for economy. You cannot have a vehicle that weighs in excess of 2 tons deliver acceptable performance with the six speed and 275 ft lbs torque engine!
Did everyone forget already how great a manual is? I want a six speed manual with the v6.
Hey how about an 8 speed transmission for the 1/2 ton with the 4.3 first? That is an awesome engine and would be even more so with 2 more gears.
Would love to see a ZQ8.
Would love to see a manual trans behind the V-6.
Would love to see the manual trans in upper trim levels.
All of this is probably not going to happen.
Another option ,the diesel added to all models, from WT to top model. If not the 5.3 then the 4.3 with more power and torque . A little more ground clearance . I believe that the Colorado will be future full size 1/2 ton pickup, that is why i listed the 5.3 as the top engine! I also believe that the Silverado will move up to the light duty (2000 series ) 3/4 ton pickup truck.j
Another option ,the diesel added to all models, from WT to top model. If not the 5.3 thin the 4.3 with more power and torque . A little more ground clearance . I believe that the Colorado will be future full size 1/2 ton pickup, that is why i listed the 5.3 as the top engine! I also believe that the Silverado will move up to the light duty (2000 series ) 3/4 ton pickup truck.
I’m content with my 2016 BUT if they put a 5.3 in them, I’ll trade in a heartbeat. For those who say a v8 wont fit, it’s already been proven to fit a ls1 and a ls6. Just saying…
I don’t need my big Silverado but the Colorado is still too high off the ground and lacks headroom and any sort of interior finish… should be totally redone inside front and back. I would have bought one but it was so damned high off the ground and then the interior took all the space.. no versatility and a bit too narrow… they got the right idea but not a home run.
Add a CD Player. Move the gear shifter to the steering column. V8 engine.
Version of the LGX is already confirmed via the GM vin cards, its called LGZ.
But not an L86.
8-10 way power seats instead of the 4 way power seat.
These mid size trucks are a good start. But now they need a re-do. At least one option to be lower to the ground for shorter people and a bit more headroom. They need to either be wider or the interior space needs to be planned a bit better and definitely more versatile particularly in the back so that ANY cargo, pets or passengers can be accommodated easily. I would like to see the interior closer to the Silverado LTZ in all respects… I think the truck is about 4″ too narrow.
Purchased a 2016 Canyon in May. Would like to see an indicator in the instrument cluster when the 4 X 4 is being used as is not easily visible on the control knob. Also power up and down rear window.
Give us back the First Generation Colorado. That was a trucker’s truck. This new Colorado is a limousine and iPad on wheels.
I like to see the original one but beefed up and with bells and whistles… I just don’t like this cause it isn’t really useful… too high off the ground.. cab and bed and just not a truck truck.. recreational type truck…
In 2017 Canyon Denali a V8 5.3 355hp, 383 lb/ft and 8-speed automatic transmission=> PURE LOVE!!!
already know this from interal sources and dealership info. 2017 is a somewhat flat year. 2018 will be a refresh.
4wd indicator!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
rain sensing wipes
Would really like a Moon Roof Option and more importantly lighter color interior choices – The black interior is HOT in the SUMMER especially in the Midwest and Southern locations. Dark colors absorb the heat.
I have had no real problems with the black interior. A window shade and the silver paint takes care of that I guess and I live way down south.
UPGRADE DIC 4WD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
No need to wonder anymore… all the info is out.
No changes to the diesel Canyon/Colorado
New V6 mated to an 8-speed transmission…
Capless fuel fill on the V6
Denali only options:
Wireless phone charging
Heated steering wheel
Front ventilated seats
Wheels, 20″ (50.9 cm) Ultra-Bright machined aluminum with painted accents
Mineral Metallic – only available for the Denali
Other things that I found (not Denali specific)
NEW! Teen Driver mode, a configurable feature that lets you activate customizable vehicle settings associated with a key fob, to encourage safe driving behavior. It can limit certain vehicle features, and it prevents certain safety systems from being turned off. An in-vehicle report gives you information on your teen’s driving habits and helps you to continue to coach your new driver
NEW! LPO, Stripe Package, low gloss Black, includes hood, tailgate and lower doors
NEW! LPO, Stripe Package, low gloss Black, includes hood and tailgate
New optional audio system and fog lights for the base trim…
NEW! Audio system, 7″ diagonal Color Touch Screen with IntelliLink, AM/FM with USB ports, auxiliary jack, Bluetooth streaming audio for music and most phones, voice-activated technology for radio and phone; and “Shop” with the ability to browse, select and install apps to your vehicle. You can customize your content with audio, weather and more
NEW! LPO, Front fog lamp kit
Chrome appearance package for the SLE – really!! But what about an all color matched painted package for the SLT!!! arghhh!!
NEW! LPO, SLE Chrome Appearance Package, includes (VKY) Chrome door handles, LPO, (SCZ) Chrome tailgate handle, LPO, (VKU) Chrome mirror caps, LPO and (VQZ) polished exhaust tip, LPO
Colors were already mentioned
NEW! Mineral Metallic – only available for the Denali
NEW! Dark Slate Metallic
NEW! Red Quartz Metallic
The GM dealership called me today and said that the Canyon Denali is now available to order.
Make heated seats available separately, without having to spend $1800 for two option packages which include many downright undesirable options (heated sliding and leaky rear window, gaudy chrome trim, remote start, fog lamps, etc).
Sunroof, sunroof, sunroof. How can a 50K Denali not have a sunroof? Wouldn’t buy it without one.
I want to see a v8 Colorado road truck like an as version or something you know a real pavement pounder
I want to see a v8 Colorado road truck like an ss version or something you know a real pavement pounder
I love my 2016 Colorado crew cab. For me it’s strictly a leisure truck, no heavy hauling or towing so I went for the 4 banger. It keeps up with traffic nicely. I would like to see a little weight taken out of it to further improve mpg and performance, and maybe an extra gear or two in the tranny.
NO 4WD INDICATOR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1
They need to improve versatility and they need to improve the interiors. Should not have to get a Denali to get a decent interior.
1. Sunroof (nice to have)
2. Push button start (must have)
3. Homelink for garage door (must have)
4. Electric sliding rear window (must have)
5. Heads-up display (nice to have)
I havent bought the Canyon Denali yet because my “must haves” are not on it yet.
Really Willey, push start is a must have? No way
Petition GM to install a CD Player in the Colorado!!
https://www.change.org/p/general-motors-petition-gm-for-a-cd-player-in-the-chevrolet-colorado
I need the interior behind the back seat wide open with no crap on the floor when the back seats are up.. they have all those stupid compartments. I really want to see a luxury model that is set up for street use with little regard for off road. Most of us just need a truck but not off road.. not so high off the ground and not so narrow… this thing has a horrid center of gravity.. surprised not any more accidents than there have been.