The 2026 model year will mark the fourth production year for the third-generation Chevy Colorado and GMC Canyon, both of which continue to gain momentum in the highly competitive midsize truck segment. While major updates aren’t anticipated for 2026, minor changes, such as new paint colors, are expected to keep the lineup fresh as General Motors prepares for the upcoming production cycle. Now, GM Authority has learned the revised date for when production of the 2026 Chevy Colorado and 2026 GMC Canyon will officially get underway.
We originally reported that production of the 2026 Chevy Colorado and 2026 GMC Canyon would begin on July 7th, 2025. However, sources familiar with the matter tell us that the date has been moved ahead to July 1st; a week earlier than originally planned. Manufacturing will continue at the GM Wentzville Assembly plant in Missouri.
As GM Authority previously covered, the Chevy Colorado is currently enjoying a notable sales upswing. U.S. deliveries surged to 25,856 units in Q1 of the 2025 calendar year, up 73 percent from 14,922 units in Q1 of 2024. In Canada, growth was even stronger, with sales climbing 94 percent year-over-year to 1,912 units. In Mexico, the increase was more modest but still positive, rising four percent to 430 units.
Despite these gains, the Toyota Tacoma continues to predictably dominate the segment, with Q1 2025 sales soaring 176 percent to 59,825 units in the U.S. Nevertheless, the Colorado held firm in second place, outperforming competitors like the Ford Ranger (14,913 units), Nissan Frontier (14,481 units), and Jeep Gladiator (12,057 units). The GMC Canyon rounded out the rankings, showing a 66 percent year-over-year increase to 9,096 units in the U.S.
Make sure to check out our previous coverage for more Chevy Colorado sales information and GMC Canyon sales information.
Power for the Colorado and Canyon comes from the turbocharged 2.7L I4 L3B gasoline engine (branded as TurboMax), rated at 310 horsepower and 430 pound-feet of torque. Meanwhile, under the skin, both pickups ride on the updated 31XX-2 platform.
Comment
If the SORP for the 2026 Cayon/Colorado is less than a month away then when is the “build and buy”/configurator pages going to be open to the public so we can confirm options/packages and prices? Thanks.