Chevy Colorado vs GMC Canyon: Same Engine, Different Trucks
Last updated: October 14, 2026 | Emich Chevrolet, Lakewood | Specs from each manufacturer
The Chevy Colorado and GMC Canyon are built by the same company and share the same 310-hp TurboMax engine and 7,700-pound towing rating. The differences are in price, trim lineup, payload and features. The Colorado starts with work-ready trims and climbs to the ZR2; the Canyon starts higher and leans premium, topping out with the Denali and AT4X. Here is how the 2026 models compare.
Quick Verdict
Choose the Colorado for a much lower starting price ($32,400 vs $38,900), more payload (2,046 lbs per Chevrolet Build & Price vs 1,670 lbs on gmc.com; GMC’s configurator shows up to 1,953 lbs), and a ZR2 that costs $6,600 less than the Canyon AT4X. Choose the Canyon for a 2-inch lift on every trim, an available head-up display, more premium interiors, and the AT4X AEV’s 4.5-inch lift. Engines and maximum towing are the same.
Shop the Colorado at Emich Chevrolet
See every new Colorado on our Lakewood lot, with real-time pricing and current offers.
The Matchup: Value and Range vs Premium Positioning
Under the hood they are identical: a 2.7L TurboMax with 310 hp and 430 lb-ft, an 8-speed automatic and up to 7,700 lbs of towing. Both are crew cabs with the same 61.7-inch bed floor, and both offer a 6,000-lb-rated off-road flagship (Colorado ZR2, Canyon AT4X).
The lineups are where they split. The Colorado runs from the $32,400 Work Truck through the Custom, LT, Trail Boss and Z71 to the $50,700 ZR2. The Canyon starts at $38,900 with the Elevation, which includes a 2-inch lift, and climbs through the AT4 and Denali to the $57,300 AT4X. One detail to check on both: the base 4WD trims (Colorado WT, Custom and LT; Canyon Elevation) use a single-speed transfer case without low range, while the off-road trims get a two-speed case.
2026 Chevy Colorado vs 2026 GMC Canyon Specs
| Spec | 2026 Chevy Colorado | 2026 GMC Canyon |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP (excl. $2,095 destination) | $32,400 (WT 2WD) | $38,900 (Elevation 2WD) |
| Trims | WT, Custom, LT, Trail Boss, Z71, ZR2 | Elevation, AT4, Denali, AT4X |
| Engine | 2.7L turbo I-4, 310 hp / 430 lb-ft | 2.7L turbo I-4, 310 hp / 430 lb-ft |
| Max towing | 7,700 lbs (ZR2 6,000) | 7,700 lbs (AT4X 6,000; AT4X AEV 5,500) |
| Max payload | 2,046 lbs | 1,670 lbs (gmc.com; configurator up to 1,953) |
| EPA 2WD (city/hwy/comb) | 19 / 24 / 21 mpg | 19 / 23 / 20 mpg |
| EPA 4WD (city/hwy/comb) | 17 / 22 / 19 mpg | 17 / 22 / 19 mpg |
| Factory lift | 2 in. Trail Boss; 3 in. ZR2 | 2 in. every trim; 3 in. AT4X; 4.5 in. AT4X AEV |
| Max ground clearance | 12.2 in. (ZR2 Bison) | 12.2 in. (AT4X AEV) |
| Off-road flagship price | ZR2: $50,700 | AT4X: $57,300 |
| Center screen / driver display | 11.3 in. / 11 in. | 11.3 in. / 11 in. |
| Head-up display | Not listed by Chevrolet | 6.3-in. HUD available |
| Warranty | 3 yr/36,000 mi; 5 yr/60,000 mi powertrain | 3 yr/36,000 mi; 5 yr/60,000 mi powertrain |
Sources: chevrolet.com and Build & Price; gmc.com, GMC Build & Price, GMC’s 2026 Canyon towing chart and payload page, and fueleconomy.gov. GMC’s configurator lists different payload figures than gmc.com; we use gmc.com’s published ratings. Bold marks the better figure in each row.
By the Numbers
Starting MSRP, before destination
Max payload
What’s Next: 2027 Colorado and Canyon
GM’s pressroom lists an updated L4B TurboMax engine for both the 2027 Colorado and 2027 Canyon. For the Canyon, GMC lists 350 hp and 450 lb-ft; GM has not published output figures for the 2027 Colorado. Neither brand has announced 2027 pricing or an on-sale date, so the 2026 models above are the newest you can buy today.
Reasons to Choose Each
Choose the Chevy Colorado if you want
- A much lower starting price
- Work-ready trims like the WT and Custom
- More payload
- A ZR2 that costs less than a Canyon AT4X
- A ZR2 Bison rated to tow 6,000 lbs (vs 5,500 for the AT4X AEV)
Choose the GMC Canyon if you want
- A 2-in. lift on every trim
- An available head-up display
- The premium Denali trim
- The AT4X AEV’s 4.5-in. lift
- GMC styling
Interior and Technology
Both trucks share an 11.3-inch touchscreen with Google built-in, an 11-inch driver display and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Canyon adds an available 6.3-inch head-up display, standard on the AT4X and Denali. Both offer underbody cameras on their off-road flagships and HD Surround Vision.
Standard safety is similar: automatic emergency braking, front pedestrian and bicyclist braking, Lane Keep Assist, Rear Cross Traffic Braking and Rear Park Assist on both.
The Bottom Line
Since the powertrain and towing are identical, this comes down to budget and taste. The Colorado gives you the same engine and capability for thousands less, more payload, and a ZR2 that undercuts the AT4X. The Canyon is the pick if you want a lifted, more upscale truck from the start and features like a head-up display.
More Comparisons
Find Your Colorado at Emich Chevrolet
Browse in-stock 2026 Colorado trucks and check current offers.
Colorado vs Canyon FAQs
Are the Colorado and Canyon the same truck?
They share the same 2.7L TurboMax engine, 8-speed automatic, bed size and 7,700-lb towing rating, but they have different styling, trims, features and prices.
Which is cheaper?
The Colorado. It starts at $32,400 for the Work Truck versus $38,900 for the Canyon Elevation, before the $2,095 destination charge.
ZR2 or AT4X?
Both have Multimatic DSSV dampers, front and rear lockers and a 6,000-lb tow rating. The ZR2 starts at $50,700 and the AT4X at $57,300; the AT4X adds a head-up display.
Is there a 2027 Colorado?
GM’s pressroom lists 2027 Colorado updates, including an updated TurboMax engine, but Chevrolet has not announced 2027 pricing, full specifications or an on-sale date.
Sources: chevrolet.com, chevrolet.com Build & Price, Chevrolet’s 2026 Colorado towing chart and fueleconomy.gov for the Colorado; each competitor’s official website, press materials and fueleconomy.gov for the rival, reviewed October 14, 2026. MSRP excludes destination, tax, title, license, dealer fees and options. Towing and payload ratings require specific configurations and equipment. Competitor specifications can change; confirm with the manufacturer. All trademarks belong to their respective owners. Emich Chevrolet sells new Chevrolet vehicles.