Are Chevy and GMC paint colors the same?
Yes — Chevy and GMC often use the same GM color palette, so many hues are identical or very close. But there are exceptions: some colors are brand-exclusive, and even similarly named shades can differ by year, finish, or calibration. Always verify with the exact paint code for the specific year and model.
Shared palettes and identical hues
The following patterns describe how Chevy and GMC colors typically align when you compare models across the two brands.
Common overlaps
- Many solid colors (such as whites, blacks, grays, and reds) appear on both brands with very similar or identical appearances.
- Metallic and pearl finishes are often drawn from the same GM color catalog, yielding near-identical appearances across brands.
- Some colors use the same paint code across Chevrolet and GMC for certain model years, enabling straightforward cross-brand matching.
In practice, you’ll frequently see Chevy and GMC sharing widely used hues, especially for everyday colors, but always confirm with the color code for precision.
Brand-exclusive colors and naming quirks
While overlaps exist, there are nuances that can lead to differences between the brands.
Exclusive hues and nuanced differences
- Chevy-exclusive colors: Certain shades appear only on Chevrolet within specific model years, trims, or special editions.
- GMC-exclusive hues: Similarly, GMC may offer colors that are not available on Chevy, particularly in premium or off-road-focused lines.
- Same names, different shades: Colors with the same name can still differ slightly in tone, finish, or coating depending on year, trim, or manufacturing tweaks.
For precise color matching, rely on the official paint code and cross-reference it with GM’s catalogs for the exact year and model.
Practical verification steps
To avoid mismatches when repairs or panel replacements cross-brand lines, use these steps to verify color parity.
Check the color code and cross-reference
- Find the paint code on the door jamb or compliance plate of the vehicle; GM assigns codes that identify the exact hue and finish.
- Cross-reference that code with GM’s official color catalogs or dealership databases to confirm the applicable brand and model year.
Using the code rather than just the color name provides the most reliable basis for a match.
What this means for owners and shoppers
These takeaways help buyers, owners, and repair professionals navigate color choices across brands.
- Color overlap is common, so you’ll often find similar options on Chevy and GMC.
- Exact shade and finish matter: identical names can conceal subtle differences by year or trim; confirm with the paint code.
- For repairs or repainting, seek a GM-approved color match tied to the specific model year and body type.
In short, Chevy and GMC do share a substantial portion of GM’s color palette, but there isn’t a universal one-to-one mapping for every color across every year. Verification via color codes and official cross-references is essential for precision.
Summary
Chevrolet and GMC frequently share the same color options and hues because they draw from GM’s centralized color catalog. However, there are brand-exclusive colors, year-specific variations, and potential differences in shade even when names look identical. When matching colors for repairs or custom work, rely on the paint code and consult GM’s official references or a GM-certified shop to ensure an exact match.
