GM will soon pull the veil off of the next-generation 2023 Chevy Colorado, along with the closely related 2023 GMC Canyon. Both of these new mid-size trucks will offer their own unique characteristics, but which one are GM fans looking forward to the most?
2023 Chevy Colorado prototype
With its lower starting price and greater mass appeal, we wouldn’t fault any GM Authority readers for setting their sights on the 2023 Chevy Colorado, as opposed to its GMC-badged equivalent. This next-generation Chevy Colorado will incorporate modern styling cues following the current Chevy design language with an upright grille and new headlamps, and will also feature a wider, more aggressive stance.
We expect the 2023 Chevy Colorado to launch with the existing WT, LT and ZR2 trim levels, whilst adding new RST and Trail Boss trim levels as well. We also expect the Z71 trim level to be dropped, with similar equipment being offered in a Z71 package available on the LT and RST trim levels. The only 2023 Colorado configuration we’ve seen GM test so far is the Crew Cab Short Box, and given the huge levels of demand for Crew Cab trucks, we’re left to wonder whether a Colorado Extended Cab will be offered this time around.
2023 GMC Canyon Prototype
On the other side of the aisle is the slightly more premium 2023 GMC Canyon. We expect the next-generation Canyon to follow the latest GMC design language, with an exterior that will likely be heavily inspired by the refreshed 2022 GMC Sierra 1500. We expect the truck to launch with the Elevation Standard, Elevation, AT4 and Denali trim levels. It will also introduce the new AT4X trim level from launch, which will inject the same off-road character as the Colorado ZR2 into the upscale Canyon package. The 2023 GMC Canyon Denali may also be the first midsize GM pickup model to offer the GM Super Cruise semi-autonomous driver assist system, which would further enhance its appeal among GM truck fans.
As many GM Authority readers will already know, both the next-generation 2023 Chevy Colorado and GMC Canyon will ride on an upgraded version of the GMT31XX platform, known internally at GM as 31XX-2. Both trucks will also equip the turbocharged 2.7L I4 L3B gasoline engine as standard, which is rated at 310 horsepower and 430 pound-feet of torque in GM’s current full-size trucks. The four-cylinder will connect to the GM 10-speed automatic transmission as standard across the board.
2023 GMC Canyon prototype interior
We expect these trucks to share similar interior features and technologies, including new digital display screens and the latest GM infotainment system running the Google Automotive OS. This infotainment system’s usability will be further enhanced by the OnStar 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot, available via GM Connected Services plans.
So with all that in mind, GM Authority readers, which of these two trucks are you more excited for? Let your voice be heard by voting and commenting below.
Comments
If I had to guess, it will still come with the 8 speed. The 2.7 pairs well with it already and the 8 is lighter than the 10.
I would love to see the 3 liter Duramax, with 10 speed. Then you would have a very capable truck with efficiency the 2.7 can’t possibly offer.
Sounds nice. No way the I6 Duramax fits inside a Colorado/Canyon engine bay.
I respectfully disagree
No option for the SUV based on this platform that GM WON’T bring to the US?
The Ranger has the 10 speed so GM needs to do the same.
GM has a bad rep with the 8 speed.
And will it come with the beefed up new 2.7 or will GM put the original 2.7 in these trucks.
I would assume it would be the new 2.7L…..why would they build two different versions?
Will they get homelink this time around?
Please, No painted bumpers!!!
I’m still not sure why GM won’t put a lower hp engine in one of these trucks. With the Biden regime’s war on gas powered travel, gasoline prices will just go higher and higher. And not everybody needs 300 hp. or wants a damn electric truck.
I’m in the minority also, it needs a 2.5 base engine.
A Colorado 2WD with the 2.5L I4 gets 19/25/22 versus the 3.6L V6 at 18/25/21. That’s a 1MPG gap and for 4WD its a 2MPG gap I4 vs V6. Assuming the new 2.7L almost certainly gets better MPG than the 3.6L V6 then there’s basically no fuel economy gain by going to the lesser I4. The only argument then is a possibly slightly lower entry price but its only $1250. Let’s be honest…. that’s not much in the context of modern truck pricing. And it will almost certainly be worth the price difference if you sell in 5 years or 15 years. Its not rational business wise to continue offering that engine for GM.
I could see GM offering two power options though. Possibly the 2.7L + 8-speed in a lower output version for WT/LT for slightly lower price and then the 2.7L + 10-speed in the new higher output for RST, ZR2, etc.
I actually get 19 city and 26 and on some occasions 27 hwy. And this engine has been problem free, the v6 not so much from what I have read. I also agree more power is needed just not 300 hp in my case.
I would far rather have the 3.0 liter diesel with 10 speed. Take all the stupid off and get rid of the def treatment . Then the 2.7 is totally useless unit, because it doesn’t get more than modest mileage anyway.
Just throw some turbos on the V6 and have a good option! Toyota did it with new Tachoma and of course Ford has the raptor..
Just because an engine is rated at 300 hp, doesn’t mean you use the 300 hp, but its there if you need it.
Regular everyday driving you may use 150 – 200 hp.
And what’s more important for everyday driving is torque, which these engines produce at much lower rpm vs the previous V6.
RPO Z71 is the best RPO bang-for-the-buck-package I’ve ever bought in GM trucks !
PLEASE GM, don’t kill it off, and don’t say it’s “added in bits and pieces” to the other trim levels, up will go the price, down will go the value.
2020 Chevrolet Colorado, 3.6 V-6, sbcc, 2wd Z71, all-the-toys for this Bowtie Boy !
I’m loving my ’17 Colorado Crew Cab, diesel, long bed. The short bed doesn’t meet my needs and I have 28.5 lifetime mpg with the diesel. If the new generation, has mediocre fuel efficiency, I’ll hang on to my current truck longer.
I need a small mini truck. I had a Nissan, 30 years ago.
That was the right size, economy and manuvabiliy.
Its been stated in numerous articles and this one that the only drivetrain available will be the turbo 2.7 with the 10 speed transmission.
Guestt. I like the idea of a base engine. Just make it a N/A version of 2.7 turbo. That way more common parts, accessories etc. Which means lower cost for all. Would likely have other applications as well.
I am not interested in either. If this was getting the EV treatment, I’d go that way. Otherwise build a GM version of the Maverick.
Having the 2.7 as the only option won’t be very appealing very long.
They have a really good Diesel engine in the 1500. That would give them a big boost in mpg’s with a 10 speed.
Ford is putting the 3.0TT in their Ranger Raptor.
GM should make a ZR2 with a 3.6TT option, that would be nice.. highly unlikely but nice.
But since their mind is geared to all electric I can see an electric Colorado in the next couple of years being announced.
I think they need a v8 option as well.
So no competition for the Maverick. Geez is GM missing the mark. If the Maverick could tow 1000 more it would wipe out most of the midsized trucks for the gas mileage alone. As it is they can’t make enough Mavericks and people are dumping their mis sized trucks. Great gas mileage great load capacity the thing is great, except I expect it to rust like a Ford. Just wish it had a competitor.
Wow that is a really great opinion you have .Its really great people are dumping there trucks and getting great gas mileage with a great mini truck . I hope you make a great decision and buy the great maverick thats apparently the greatest truck in the world and then your friends will think your the greatest. Have a great day and a greater week .
I just ordered a ’22 Colorado because I’m not interested or would buy the ’23 with a four banger which has only half the towing capacity of my ’18. I think GM is making another mistake with this truck.
That 4 banger will have more torque and a little more horsepower along with 2 additional gears in the transmission. Why do you think towing will be cut in half when the power train is getting so much better?
Meanwhile Ford’s four banger has higher tow ratings than GM’s V6 and the duramax only edges out the ranger by 200lbs… Get with the times gramps.
No diesel, no V-6? Easy answer for me in that case—neither. My current 1500 diesel gets 30+ mpg on the highway and it’s not a downsized truck. Also, it develops full power without screaming its lungs out at high rpm. I think GM is shooting themselves in the foot and agree with Mike R.
No diesel being offered oh, I’m not interested in either. And yes they should be offering a less powerful engine for better fuel economy if all they’re going to offer is a gasoline engine.
Look it comes down to styling for the most part. GM does two different styles on the sam3 truck to give people two choices.
The GMC generally comes with some extra standard equipment most of which is on the Chevy as an option. Once added up you are under a grand difference.
This time around GMC had some options that the Chevy lacked and some standard items like a padded dash and real aluminum Trim in place of the plastic on the Chevy.
I generally buy GMC being from a GMC family. I normally buy loaded vehicles so I just save the options and buy the options in one package.
As for the coming truck we all need to temper our wants with reality. #1 you are not going to get everything. If they gave you all that everyone wanted then the truck would be as much as a full size and kill sales.
The harsh truth is these trucks cost about as much as a full size to build but they are not able to price them the same. Once you get over $40,000 you see sales drop fast.
But this time around you will see some things you have wished for. Yes you will get a sun roof, you will get a better interior and larger screens. You will see a GMC version of of the ZR2. You will see a number of wishes filled.
But you will not see everything you dream of as it cost money and would drive prices to where you would not buy any ways.
This time around vs spending a lot on a number of versions and multi engines they are taking that money and making these trucks with more of the features you want and with higher quality.
No extra cab, no long bed and going to one engine saved money for development cost on other features s’more more versions like the GMCAT4x. It cost a lot of money to offer all these models and styles. The long bed was nice but a slow seller. Also with no extra cab another slow seller there is no bed or bed for a long bed.
One Engine saves a ton in so many ways and makes the base truck a better value. You can always sell more trucks with more power than less.
The V8 was never in the plan. The I six diesel will not fit. The Diesel 4 was getting more expensive and harder to pass emissions. The others do not offer one because it is expensive and only getting more difficult.
I did participate in a survey and they gave a list of options and I could only choose $9,500 of options as they are looking for feed back to what they can package into a truck that most like but are willing to pay.
Note on the option list was many things we expect like 360 camera and electric lockers front and rear. These were some things we never even dreamed of like a hardened windshield. They has HUD listed, adaptive rear steer, heated windshield, active suspension, keyless entry and start, super cruise, anti bacterial surfaces and filters, adaptive cruise, ultra high contrast screens, anti fatigue seats, night vision etc.
Much more was listed. Many of these items will be coming but some will not. The deal is they are not going to add everything as it would be more than most would pay.
The mid size trucks are expensive to develop and limited on what they can make so you have to understand the big picture here. These trucks share little with anything else. The S10 shared many things and engineering with the A body in the past and that is no longer a option.
These already are the best driving and riding trucks in class. Look for the options and quality to improve. The engine will be a blast and get decent mpg with the 10 speed. The loss of the other bodies is sad but the Crew is the choice of the majority already and many will find it better as the Extra cabs were of little use and the rear doors rattled anyways.
I agree with alot of what you say, but the diesel was never given a chance anyway. It was choked down with unnecessary mileage killing features, never backed by an appropriate transmission and DEF along the equipment needed to use it. If you could track all the pollution made to produce all the necessary parts for the use of DEF, plus the DEF. Then there is far more pollution created than we are preventing, plus the waste of all the raw materials. The only thing green about this is NOTHING but the money wasted on it.
This 4 cylinder turbo might get as good enough better gas mileage than the diesel. Diesels are also more expensive to maintain and in a smaller truck it won’t be needed with the power of this turbo 4. This will also probably out tow most of the competition. This engine was build for truck duty. It has been reliable and with more torque it will be one the fastest midsize trucks on the market and probably the highest towing compacity of all midsize trucks. The interior may also be the best in class. If GM can build enough of them the Taco might have some serious competition
Sorry bud but it will not get even close to what the diesel gets for fuel efficiency.
It should get what the Ranger gets though. 20-24 witch is not very good.
But I do agree it will be very impressive with that much torque and HP.
I can’t figure out who started that BS about diesels being more expensive to maintain.
This is complete BS.
THE COLORADO Diesel goes a long long way on DEF. And the cost of DEF and the yearly fuel filters is easily covered by the 32 mpg I get with my Colorado.
Even doing jack rabbit starts and driving aggressive I still get 28 mpg.
Mine is a 2018 with 52,000 miles and so far all I can say is it’s incredible…..
And that’s comparing it to the last 4 Rangers I have owned…
The engine also has cylinder deactivation. With this being smaller than the silverado and using the 10 speed mpg may be better than many are expecting.
No question that the deletion of the diesel will hurt sales as much as taking the truck all electric would do. I wanted the Canyon in the worst way but my wife needed the dual zone climate control and I wanted a sunroof, neither of which was available. I spent more on the 1500 diesel but it’s way comfortable, offered all the options and more, and gets fantastic fuel mileage. I can tow 7500 pounds almost 600 miles on one fuel fill. I doubt I could do that with an EV. Besides, I don’t relish the charge time or waiting in line to charge. I know the wait and charge time thing will get better, but not for a while and not with our current generation capacity. California is already predicting a 1700 MW shortfall this summer. Can you say “brownout”?
Yes that 3 liter is impressive
And I don’t understand all the crap about diesels being dirty. They say small diesel is so clean now you can almost breath there exhaust..
And I can’t believe the government thinking we can change to electric when the grid will need 50 years to be upgraded to handle all the electric vehicles.
Years ago GM developed a hydrogen platform that was supposed to be fitted under multiple bodies. But they abandoned the idea.
Charge times and distance between charges are a major issue.
Having a second vehicle as a city runner or short trip go getter would be great. But they need to come up with something better to replace gas and diesel.
I’m interested in the one that comes in an Extended cab 4×4 that has a tried-and-true 2 speed transfer case. And a V6. If I wanted a 4-banger, I’d still be driving a 1983 Toyota.
Either of them, All overpriced. The dealers have lost the public and greed now runs the show. Most people cannot afford a 50/6o and or more truck? Here a 66k truck plus everything else delivery etc with 10k down will run you 1200 a month? Never happen and now the new vehicles are just for the rich and the stupid the manufactures will sell only a few of each…soon they will be broke as well
I have been waiting since trying to order a truck in October and told “no more red this year”. Now C8 is saying no long bed option? No extended cab? I bought a 2009 Canyon SLT new, and have over 200k on it, and the one feature I have always needed is the long bed. The crew cabs might be the biggest sellers, but they are useless for hauling adults. I consider the back seat wasted space since I don’t have little kids. I will be hugely disappointed if they cancel the long bed, and the Z71 is what has sold trucks forever. Very weird decision making by GM on this little truck. But they have figured out the general public will buy anything (look at the new Tahoe Explorer).
I won’t be trading in my 2017 Canyon All-Terrain Extended Cab any time soon for this JUNK.
I tow and haul all the time, and don’t think a turbo 4 will survive. Plus, I don’t want/need 4 doors, but I do need the long box.
IF I get a new truck, it’ll probably be a 1500 AT4X diesel. I don’t want a full size, but GM has destroyed the formula for the mid-size that rejuvenated the market. I smell the renewed extinction of the segment.
You will LOVE the 1500! I got one because I could see the handwriting on the wall with the demise of the baby Duramax. Mine drives and rides like a high dollar SUV and still gets over 30 on the highway. I’m not sorry I bought the bigger truck.
Please GM put a comfortable driver seat in it .My 2022 Traverse has a very poor driver seat for comfort ..I,m 5ft 10in 200lbs and this seat really hurts.
C8.r I hope your wrong on the long bed, short box really isn’t cutting it if u want to haul some lumber. I did read here long bed would be available after roll out of the cc’s box