The 2021 Chevrolet Colorado and 2021 GMC Canyon will see several minor updates and changes, GM Authority has learned from sources familiar with future GM product plans.
Specifically, the updates and changes in question will include revised front fascias that could also be called a new grille treatment. Interior updates were part of the plan, but sources have suggested that if they are included, then they will be limited.
From what we know as of this writing, GM is not considering these 2021 Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon updates as a midcycle enhancement (MCE), otherwise known as a refresh or facelift, as they will be significantly less impactful than changes that an actual MCE would bring. Instead, the updates will simply be rolled into a model year changeover for the 2021 model year.
An early look at the new grille treatment of the 2021 GMC Canyon update
In fact, GM Authority managed to catch a prototype of the 2021 GMC Canyon testing the cooling functions of the updated front fascia of the 2021 GMC Canyon in July. The prototype featured a new front grille that unified the separate upper and lower grilles of the current model into one. No other changes were visible on that prototype.
GM’s duo of midsize pickup trucks is facing increased competition from two new entrants – the Jeep Gladiator and the Ford Ranger. In fact, Colorado sales took a beating in the second quarter, with the Ford Ranger and Jeep Gladiator eating into Colorado sales volumes.
Sales Numbers - Midsize Mainstream Pickup Trucks - Q2 2019 - USA
| MODEL | Q2 19 / Q2 18 | Q2 19 | Q2 18 | Q2 19 SHARE | Q2 18 SHARE | YTD 19 / YTD 18 | YTD 19 | YTD 18 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TOYOTA TACOMA | +1.91% | 63,683 | 62,487 | 41% | 47% | +4.82% | 121,866 | 116,266 |
| CHEVROLET COLORADO | -22.79% | 31,669 | 41,016 | 21% | 31% | -6.74% | 65,163 | 69,875 |
| FORD RANGER | * | 20,880 | * | 14% | 0% | * | 30,301 | 0 |
| NISSAN FRONTIER | +1.19% | 19,101 | 18,876 | 12% | 14% | -5.70% | 39,322 | 41,701 |
| GMC CANYON | +23.60% | 11,909 | 9,635 | 8% | 7% | +11.96% | 18,863 | 16,848 |
| JEEP GLADIATOR | * | 7,129 | * | 5% | 0% | * | 7,252 | 0 |
| TOTAL | +16.94% | 154,371 | 132,014 | +15.56% | 282,767 | 244,690 |
As such, GM must do something to make the Colorado and Canyon attractive to buyers until their next generation models land years from now. Hence, these minor updates for the 2021 Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon will have to tide the midsize trucks over until they are overhauled.
GM was initially planning to give the duo an actual refresh in 2020 for the 2021 model year and then overhaul the next-generation models on an architecture called 32XX around 2023 for the 2024 model year. However, those plans changed as a result of GM’s restructuring in late 2018 that saw the cancellation of various future variants in development at that time, such as the Camaro Z28 variant of the sixth-generation Camaro and its LT3 engine, as well as the discontinuation of several existing models, including the Chevrolet Cruze, Volt and Impala plus the Buick LaCrosse.
At this point, we expect the overhauled future Chevy Colorado and future GMC Canyon to land in 2022 or 2023 (calendar years) as 2023 or 2024 models (model years). They will ride on the GM 31XX-2 platform, a slightly-upgraded version of the GM 31XX architecture that underpins the current trucks.
We’ll report as we learn more from our sources. Meanwhile, be sure to subscribe to GM Authority for more Chevrolet Colorado news, Chevrolet news, GMC Canyon news, GMC news, and around-the-clock GM news coverage.
Comments
There are a couple of things that won’t change.. engines and transmission; but everything else should and needs minor updates as it is necessary to remain competitive because any product that stops getting refinements is essentially dead; you don’t want to see any vehicle that remains the same after it is introduced without refinement.
Well, these minor updates will be much more minor than to update “everything” else outside of engines and transmissions.
Can’t wait to see the turbo 4 cylinder from the Silverado put in the mid size platform. Let’s not push it with wanting the 10 speed though. ?
@omegatalon:
Although I don’t disagree with you totally, I also can’t agree. Here’s my take. You say “everything else should and needs minor updates as it is necessary to remain competitive because any product that stops getting refinements is essentially dead”.
If that is the case, then how or why is the Toyota Tacoma still selling so well? It certainly isn’t dead or dying, but it’s certainly not as updated or modern (engine or anything else) as the GM twins.
The tacoma went to the 3.6 atkison v6 from the old 4.0 when the 3rd gen truck was released in 2015. Its not as stale as some here think.
Still under powered and still have a clunky out dated 6 speed.
They updated the engine in 2015? Isn’t that the year the Colorado was all new? Since then GM has gone to an 8 speed and a updated 3.6.
So the updates have been lackluster in the GM trucks but still more than the Tacoma.
Ranger may be “less than a year old” but outside it’s decent powertrain it needs a complete and total overhaul.
The current iteration of the Colorado came out in 2013 with the Canyon being rolled out in 2014. So it is already 6 years old. By the time GM gets around to introducing a new versions of them the old ones will be 10 years old. This is not how you compete in a quickly growing market. GM will do nothing but lose more market share over the next 4 years when they should be striving to keep or grow their market share.
Who has a newer truck in class. Even the Ranger is based on the older overseas version. The Toyota is how old now? And the Nissan is the oldest.
Nothing is due before GM has a new platform.
I would agree with you if the others in the segment were more competitive.
It seems as though we’re getting a “Flashback” all over again based on this same stupid move that was done with the Last Generation Midsizers, at least those trucks did get a V8 added to the Engine lineup, but received no kind of exterior update whatsoever, someone is too focused on an All Electrification Vehicle Program that a large majority of the public is still not crazy about rather than focusing on the “Bottom Line” based on what’s already in the GM portfolio.
Make sure you don’t add the 2.7 turbo, GM. That would just be silly.
I’m kind of surprised how consistent those numbers are.
How about an SS model with an LS V-8 and handling suspension?
Yes!! I own a 2019 Canyon, My only options was V-6 or Diesel!! How about a V-8 OPTION
!!!!
How on earth does the Taco still sell so well? Although I’m not a Toyota fan, I’ve always thought the Tacoma was a nice truck over the years. But the last few “updates” have only cheapened the Taco to the point where it’s really nothing but cheap plastic and quite ugly. The engines, transmissions and body hardware are certainly not as up-to-date as the GM twins or the Ford. Looks is always subjective, but I feel the GM’s and Ranger are all better looking than the Taco is now. Go back 10 years ago and I would have said the Taco was the nicer looking. But either way, for the Taco to sell that much more in numbers than the entire rest of the group just shows how sheepish the Toyota buyers are.
I would agree. The Tacoma is the segment favorite and I’m not sure why right now.
The inside does look nice and it has a reputation for being reliable. None of the competition has a reputation for being unreliable though. And the Tacoma’s Powertrain is underwhelming.
Chevrolet and GMC have the segment exclusive Diesel engine with the most comfortable cabin. The GM truck’s pricing is good, but their rebates are pretty thin by GM standards though. The higher end models are squeezed by lower end Silverados.
The ZR2 and Bison are cool as hell.
Simple blind owner loyalty.
They are reliable though no longer class leading but reliability comes from refining and not replacing the same truck for years.
@scott3:
Well said. Very true in deed.
Well the gen 1 and 2 trucks were very reliable. I know alot of guys who hunt that love the tacoma. Its narrower than a fullsize so it enables them to get further on some of the more rugged forest service roads. The tacoma has great approach and departure angles and body height which also helps alot when trying to navigate forest service roads. To get the same functionality from the GM Twins you would either have to invest in a lift kit and off-road tires or spend 10k more on the ZR2 when compared to the tacoma off-road package. I’m not a fan of the tacoma’s due to the sitting position but its certainly a solid truck. There is something to be said for buying an Off-Road truck that is really ready for the off-road.
I’d like to see the GM Twins have a leveling kit and a power front air dam. That would go a long way to making the truck more off road worthy.
I love how GM gives their competition every advantage possible. It’s almost like they want to lose customers. What GM should be doing is introducing a completely new designs for 2021 that BEAT the competition at everything, or at least close.
They already have the best truck in the segment.
Their goal is to keep it the best. It doesn’t require a full redesign for that.
Really? I am not so sure, given the new Ranger and Gladiator. Yes, the GM trucks have more engine, cab and bed options, but as with most of GM’s current lineup, the interior pieces are below par. If you will notice, the Rangers sales number for Q2 are almost identical the the drop in sales for the Colorado. Ford is already taking away sales from Chevy. Chevy needs to lead, not follow My 2 cents.
Those sales charts above would disagree they are the best in segment…
A market leader should compete in most if not all segments and have fresh product to counter the competition when they do try and catch up. Now Machete Mary and her incompetent bean-counter minions are going back to the GM of the 1980s and early 1990s: Just squeeze “a few more years” out of a vehicle with no updates and hope the customer does not notice.
Always seem to be re-active instead of pro-active. Stagnation killed first Colorado.
The new grill on the Canyon will look really cool. I think both trucks look very modern and don’t need much of a face lift. I would like to see an interior update. I don’t think the interiors are terrible like some people say, but they could be improved. I don’t see anything wrong with this approach by GM.
They have the best truck in the segment – and already offer a lot of unique features over the competition.
It’s going well. They just need to give it minor updates, and eventually roll out a new version in 3-5 years.
The GM truck has the best handling, ride and in the ZR best off road,
Toyota has not done better and Ford failed to top. By the time the new truck arrives GM can move the sticks even more.
Nissan is a very big non factor and the Honda made a stir but has gone no where after the first couple years.
We all need to remember this is a tough class to make money in. There are limits to what people will pay and there are limits on what they can charge. They are not going to build these in the million vehicle per year range either.
Yet people want a lot of features but not pay more for them.
This limits investment and is why Toyota makes changes at a snails pace. Why Ford has not really gone all out for the Ranger, why Nissan has the oldest truck on the market and why GM skipped the refresh.
Note trucks like the Raptor Ranger are not here as in American dollars the price transfers to $70k plus here. That is why it may show up on the Bronco as Ford could get a higher price on a SUV. Also they would not have two Raptor trucks in the same price range.
It is much like the twin turbo OPC Opel we never got. In Europe it was $65k and they had a hard time selling the GS here for $45k. It is easy to say sell it here but most of the people saying that never buy one anyways.
The new GM truck will be here in 2021 or 22 as a 22 or 23 model. That is one to two years.
That is going to work well for them as any other updates to the others will be minimum.
My 07 F150 is showing its age and I’m interested in the twins, but im still very worried about the transmission issues.
Hopefully the latest fix actually fixes it, we’ve heard this before.
On another note, I would love to see the shifter moved to the column, I need the space!
The fluid has been out for 8 months. Those who went early have reported they are still good even with many miles in some cases.
I think the clincher is that GM has gone on and made this the factory fill and is changing any and all transmissions presented.
GM never committed to the other repairs like this one. Time is the only issue as we have seen high miles still working.
I went ahead and went with it and it has changed the entire function of the transmission. No odd shifts, smoother, better shifts faster rev up. Etc.
They have a fix now by changing the trans fluid. That being said I love the 8 speed on my ZR2. I haven’t had any issues and it shifts really fast. I complaints
I know GM’s goal right now is to save money. But there is an old saying sometimes you have spend money to make money.
The problem is that GM nor any automaker has enough money to do it all at once, there are other things and models in greater need of improvement in much more competitive segments. These higher volume models or higher profit models are what help pay for these mid segments with their higher profits.
It does take money to make money but and it is the other models that provide the cash flow.
I understand what you are saying and agree with most of it. But IMO (which I know is not worth a bag of beans) if you are goin to compete in any field or category you should be in it to win it not to be an also ran.
I’d like to see more frequent meaningful updates to GM vehicles.
We buy a new car every 2-3 years…I do a LOT of driving for work so I put on the miles pretty quickly. When we buy one, I don’t focus on just one or two models…after looking at what is available, I usually have about 4-6 different vehicles I might be interested in, and they all are very ‘close’ in my eyes in terms of how badly I want them. The one we usually end up getting? One that has recently had a pretty good update. For example…If I considered ‘car a’ in the past but didn’t buy it….unless it has had a pretty good update or change to refresh it, I am likely not going to buy it 2-3 years later. However, If that same car had a moderate styling upgrade, new features, or a better powertrain installed a year ago, it is likely it moves to the top of my list.
Sure hope they add push button start and Homelink to the “twins”!!! Would be GREAT to see this in model year 2020…no later than 2021 model year. At least offer as options!
I read that someone gave adding push button start and Homelink a thumbs down. I am curious why???
Seems Colorado needs standard safety features as on Ranger and Tacoma. Lane departure etc.
Would be nice if it was an actual mid size truck. I just bought a 2015 Colorado, went to put my tool box off my 2003 S10 on it and it’s too big, an inch too wide. That was it for me, gave it to the wife, keeping my S10.
It *is* an “actual mid-size truck.” The S-10 was a compact. You should know better than to expect an accessory made specifically for one vehicle to perfectly fit another vehicle.
How could you possibly think a toolbox designed to fit a s10 would fit in a colorado?
Well according to GM the Colorado is a mid size truck, the S10 is classified as a compact, so in my way of thinking a bed on a mid size truck should be bigger than a compact. The bed on the S10 is 56 inches the Colorado is 55 inches. I love the 2.5 it’s got twice the power of the old 2.2, the wife needed a newer vehicle anyway, so im driving my Silverado now.
2010 Silverado LTZ
2015 Colorado
2003 S10
1990 ZR1 Corvette
It’s all good??
I think the only place the GM twins fall is in styling. I also think that is the number one reason for their sales decline. They really need to up the styling of these “lifestyle” trucks if they want to increase sales especially against some of the newer competition.
Can we please get different taillights for the Canyon. Those things are an eyesore. The Canyon is a great looking truck but those aftermarket esque taillights got to go
Has anyone heard if GM is continuing to put Adaptive Cruise Control in all their models, and if/when they will be putting it in the Canyon? My sibling has this in her Mazda CX5 and it’s a nice feature, especially on cross state trips. I’ve been looking to upgrade to the Canyon from my 1999 GMC Sonoma but really want the ACC. It doesn’t appear they put it in the 2020 so curious if they plan on adding it to the 2021?