If you're shopping for a new truck, there's a good chance you're reading plenty of reviews about the Chevrolet Colorado vs. GMC Canyon debate. While the 2024 models share plenty of similarities, there are some important distinctions to be aware of before making your final decision. In this guide, we break down the 2024 Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon side-by-side to make sure you have all the information you need.
Exterior Design
The 2024 Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon share a rugged yet modern look, but they have a few distinctions that set them apart. The Colorado features a horizontal grille with bold lines, giving it a tough and powerful appearance. Trim levels such as the Trail Boss and ZR2 feature skid plates, body-colored accents, and blacked-out grilles for an even more intimidating look. The Colorado offers five no-cost paint options, including Black, Glacier Blue Metallic, Sterling Gray Metallic, Harvest Bronze Metallic, and Summit White. Three additional colors are available, including Nitro Yellow Metallic, Radiant Red Tintcoat, and Sand Dune Metallic.
The GMC Canyon sports a wide, mask-like grille, narrow LED running lights, and sculpted body panels, with higher trims such as the Denali featuring a more polished exterior. While the only no-cost exterior paint color the 2024 Canyon comes in is Summit White, there are a variety of upgrades you can choose from to personalize your truck, including Deep Bronze Metallic, Desert Sand Metallic, Dynamic Blue Metallic, Onyx Black, Solar Flare Metallic, Sterling Metallic, and Volcanic Red Tintcoat.
Interior Design and Technology
When we compare the 2024 GMC Canyon vs. the Chevrolet Colorado, we find they share much of the same basic layout with seating for up to five people. Their differences instead lie in the details, materials, and overall cabin feel. The Colorado's interior is straightforward and highly functional, with round, turbine-style air vents and an intuitive layout. An 11.3-inch touch screen and sleek 11-inch digital instrument cluster come standard across all trims. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto offer wireless connectivity, and the infotainment system is easy to use.
The base WT and Trail Boss trims feature comfortable cloth seats. For more refined materials, synthetic leather, and a more polished cabin, opt for the LT or ZR2 trim. Higher trims also come with available features such as heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and dual-zone automatic climate control.
The Canyon's dashboard features a similar design with square vents and an 11.3-inch infotainment system that comes standard across all trims. Available upgrades on higher trim levels include stitched leather upholstery, wood accents, and padded surfaces. For more advanced tech, upgrade to the Denali, which comes with a Bose sound system. Other optional upgrades include wireless device charging and a 120-volt power outlet.
Powertrain and Performance
The 2024 Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon share similar mechanical underpinnings, but there are a few key differences that might sway your decision. Equipped with a 2.7-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, all Colorado models get a boost from the high turbo output that generates an impressive 310 horsepower and 430 lb-ft of torque. This engine provides robust performance and smooth acceleration with an eight-speed automatic transmission that delivers seamless gear shifts. A rear-wheel-drive option is available on lower trims such as the WT and LT, while higher trims come standard with four-wheel drive.
Like the Colorado, the Canyon features the same 2.7-liter turbocharged engine with 310 horsepower and 430 lb-ft of torque. The 2024 GMC Canyon's 0-to-60 time falls within the low-to-mid 6-second range, offering quick acceleration and a smooth driving experience. An eight-speed automatic transmission provides precise shifting; however, the Canyon only offers four-wheel drive on most trims, making the Colorado a more versatile option.
Towing Capacity and Off-Road Capabilities
In terms of towing and off-road prowess, both trucks deliver a strong performance. The 2024 Colorado boasts a maximum towing capacity of 7,700 pounds when equipped with the optional Trailering Package and the 2.7-liter Turbo High-Output engine.
The 2024 Canyon matches this; however, the Colorado has a higher payload capacity that gives it an edge, with the Colorado ZR2 Bison coming in at 1,150 pounds compared to 1,550 pounds for the Canyon's AT4X. Both trucks offer 6,000 pounds of towing capacity with their off-road models. The ZR2 also shines with its rugged Multimatic Dynamic Suspensions Spool Valve shocks and skid plates, making it easier to handle when cruising across rough terrain.
Fuel Efficiency
The 2024 Colorado gets an EPA-estimated 19 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway for rear-wheel-drive models, making it one of the more fuel-efficient options in the compact pickup segment. Even the four-wheel-drive variants hold their own, coming in at 18 mpg in the city and 23 mpg on the highway. The 2024 Canyon falls just slightly behind the Colorado in fuel economy, with the rear-wheel-drive Elevation trim getting 19 mpg in the city and 23 mpg on the highway.
Safety Features and Ratings
Standard safety features included with the 2024 Colorado include automatic emergency braking, pedestrian and cyclist detection, and lane departure warning. Colorado also offers Teen Driver Technology, which lets parents set speed and audio limits for young drivers. While the 2024 Canyon offers a similar set of safety features, several of them are optional on lower trims. Standard features for the Canyon include forward collision warning with pedestrian detection and automatic emergency braking. Both vehicles received a safety rating of four out of five stars from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Trim Levels and Pricing Strategy
With multiple trim levels to choose from for both the Colorado and Canyon, there are plenty of options to find the perfect truck for your budget and lifestyle. The Colorado offers a more budget-friendly option, with the WT trim coming in at $29,800. Its highest trim level is the ZR2 Bison, which starts at $58,500 and offers advanced off-road features. The 2024 Canyon comes in at a slightly higher price point, with the Elevation trim beginning at $37,895. However, the top-of-the-line off-road 2024 GMC Canyon AT4X review indicates it's priced at just $55,895.
Making the Choice Between the Colorado and the Canyon
Now that you've reviewed our car features comparison guide, test-drive a 2024 Chevrolet Colorado at Huffines Chevrolet in Lewisville, Texas, to get a feel for which truck you prefer. Contact us today or browse our entire lineup of vehicles to find your next ride.