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Is a GMC Canyon bigger than a Chevy Colorado?

In the current generation, the GMC Canyon and Chevrolet Colorado occupy the same GM midsize truck niche. The quick answer: they are essentially the same size in most configurations, with only minor differences tied to trim, styling, and options. The real distinction for buyers tends to be luxury features and perceived space rather than a clear, across-the-board size advantage.


Overview: shared platform, similar footprints


The GMC Canyon and Chevrolet Colorado are closely related cousins in GM’s lineup. Both are built on the same midsize truck architecture and share many mechanical components, including powertrains and chassis fundamentals. Because of this relationship, their overall dimensions—such as length, width, and wheelbase—are very close in the most common configurations. Differences you notice are more often tied to trim levels, interior appointments, and cosmetic styling than to fundamental size.


How their dimensions compare by configuration


Before examining the specifics, it’s important to note that size can vary with cab type (Crew Cab vs. extended cab) and bed length (short vs. long). The following points summarize typical, real-world comparisons across the most common setups.



  • Overall footprint: In comparable cab and bed configurations, the Canyon and Colorado are nearly identical in exterior dimensions, with no consistent “larger” model between them.

  • Bed and cab options: Both trucks offer similar bed lengths and cab styles, though exact availability can differ by trim and model year; this means one may appear slightly longer or shorter depending on the chosen configuration.

  • Interior space and cargo: The interior cabin space is broadly similar, but the Canyon’s premium trims can give a roomier feel due to seating materials, seating position, and acoustic refinements.

  • Payload and towing: Payload and towing ratings depend more on engine choice and drivetrain configuration than on a wholesale size difference, so variations between Canyon and Colorado in these areas are driven by spec sheets rather than a bigger frame.


In summary, size differences between the GMC Canyon and Chevy Colorado are minor and configuration-dependent. Neither model has a clear, consistent size advantage over the other across the market.


Practical considerations for shoppers


If your decision hinges on space, focus on the exact combo you’re considering rather than the model name. Compare:



  • The cab configuration (Crew Cab vs. extended) and bed length you need.

  • Seat comfort, headroom, and legroom in the front and rear benches.

  • Port and cargo practicality, including cargo bed measurements and bed access features.

  • Engine, towing, and payload ratings to understand how the truck behaves when loaded.


Bottom line for buyers: size isn’t the decisive factor here. Use a side-by-side spec comparison for the exact configurations you’re considering, then weigh features, price, and long-term ownership costs.


Summary


The GMC Canyon and Chevrolet Colorado occupy the same size class and share much of their underlying platform. As a result, there is no clear, consistent winner in terms of bigger size. Differences you notice are mainly tied to trim, features, and the specific cab/bed configuration you choose. For most shoppers, focusing on the exact spec sheet for the configuration you want—and how it suits payload, towing, and interior comfort—will yield a more meaningful difference than the model name alone.

Which truck is better, a GMC Canyon or a Chevy Colorado?


The GMC Canyon is a more premium option, featuring upscale interior materials and a more refined design, while the Chevy Colorado offers a wider range of trim levels from basic work trucks to high-end off-road models. Both trucks share a similar platform and the same 2.7L turbocharged engine, but the Canyon tends to have a slightly higher starting price. The Colorado provides more options in terms of price and features, and may have slightly better fuel economy depending on the trim, according to YouTube and YouTube. 
This video compares the exterior and interior differences between the GMC Canyon and Chevrolet Colorado: 55sJoshua McDonaldYouTube · Apr 7, 2024
GMC Canyon

  • Focus: Positioned as a more premium and refined truck. 
  • Trims: Offers a more limited selection of trims, such as Elevation, AT4, and Denali, which are all well-equipped. 
  • Interior: Features a more upscale and sophisticated interior with higher-quality materials and accents. 
  • Price: Generally has a higher starting and overall price point. 

Chevy Colorado
  • Focus: Provides a broader appeal with a wider range of price points and features, from work-oriented to extreme off-road. 
  • Trims: Offers more trim options, including the WT (Work Truck), LT, Trail Boss, Z71, and ZR2. 
  • Interior: Interior materials can feel more utilitarian, though still functional. 
  • Price: Starts at a lower price point, making it more accessible. 

Similarities
  • Both trucks use the same 2.7L turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 310 horsepower and 430 lb-ft of torque. 
  • They share the same 8-speed automatic transmission and are built on the same platform and chassis. 

Which one should you choose?
  • Choose the GMC Canyon if you prefer a more luxurious, refined, and premium feel and are willing to pay a premium for it.
  • Choose the Chevy Colorado if you want more choices for your budget, a wider variety of trim levels, or need a more base-level truck for work. 



Is the Canyon worth it over Colorado?


What makes the GMC Canyon worth the premium over the Chevrolet Colorado? The Canyon justifies its price with premium interior materials, more comprehensive standard features, enhanced technology integration, and a more refined overall driving experience that appeals to buyers seeking luxury in their mid-size truck.



Is a Canyon the same as a Colorado?


No, the GMC Canyon and Chevy Colorado are not the same, although they share the same chassis, powertrain options, and much of their underlying technology. The main differences are in styling, standard features, and price, with the Canyon generally having a higher starting price and more premium features as standard.
 
Similarities

  • Platform: They are built on the same frame and chassis. 
  • Engine: They share the same standard engine, a 2.7L Turbo engine, and can both be optioned with the more powerful 2.7L Turbo High-Output engine. 
  • Towing Capacity: When properly equipped, both trucks can tow the same maximum amount of weight, up to 7,700 pounds. 
  • Technology: They have similar infotainment systems, driver information centers, and general interior layouts. 

Differences
  • Price: The GMC Canyon has a higher starting price than the Chevy Colorado. 
  • Standard Features: The Canyon typically includes more premium features as standard, such as nicer interior materials and different styling elements. 
  • Styling: They have distinct exterior and interior styling, with the Canyon often featuring more chrome and different headlight designs. 
  • Trims: While both offer off-road trims (AT4X for GMC and ZR2 for Chevy), they have different naming conventions and some unique features, such as the Canyon having a standard 2-inch lift on AT4 models compared to the Colorado's equivalent. 
  • Towing/Payload: While their maximum towing capacity is the same when properly equipped, specific trims can have different maximums for things like payload capacity. 



Are Canyons and Colorados the same size?


The GMC Canyon and Chevrolet Colorado have much in common because they are built on the same platform. They share the same 2.7L I-4 Turbomax engine, which puts out 310 hp and 430 lb-ft of torque. They have the same max available towing capacity of 7,700 lbs. The Canyon and Colorado are also the same size.


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.