Truck buyers have long grown accustomed to having tons of customization options. Bed lengths, cab sizes and powertrains are often available in different variants. But if you’re taking a closer look at the new 2023 Chevy Colorado or GMC Canyon, prepare for fewer choices.
While both prove to be more than capable trucks, you’ll be at a loss for which engine to go with yours. Both pickups only have one engine option. And here’s why it might just make sense.
Single engine option for both pickups
So what is this lone engine option for the 2023 Chevy Colorado and GMC Canyon? As Edmunds describes, GM moved away from the previous model’s four-cylinder, V6 and diesel options. Now both the Colorado and Canyon only have one engine. You’ll get the only turbocharged 2.7-liter inline four in every 2023 configuration.
Engine options may be limited, but this 2.7-liter engine is anything but limited. It can make use of 237 horses, which is about 37 more than the current four-cylinder engine. And it offers 259 lb-ft of torque, too, maintaining its 3,500-pound towing rating.
Additionally, GM says this new 2.7-liter engine is expected to achieve the same fuel economy as the outgoing four-cylinder, indicating a serious step up in consumer value. More engine power with similar MPG? Yes thank you.
How GM explains the concept of single-engine options
The chief engineer for both the 2023 Chevy Colorado and 2023 GMC Canyon, Nick Katcherian, recently spoke about the decision to go with the single-engine design. Motor1 says the reason behind the company’s decision to offer an engine is quite simple. This 2.7-liter is so good that there is no need to create a second option. And with its power and fuel efficiency, there was no need for a diesel variant either.
Citing the new engine’s ability to outperform all previous engine designs, GM believes there is no point in complicating things further with additional options. Katcherian goes on to say in the interview that “this powertrain has all the torque you need.” He adds, “you get it faster,” and goes on to say that this new 2.7-liter engine is just an overall improvement over all previous options.
Specifications for both Chevy Colorado and GMC Canyon
Don’t be too dismayed to lose the ability to choose your engine. Both the GMC Canyon and Chevy Colorado still have plenty of other layout and trim options, so you can get your customization fix.
For example, the Colorado will be available with either rear or all-wheel drive. Trims will include WT, LT, Z71, Trail Boss and ZR2. The Colorado’s interior design also gets a significant boost, including a new infotainment screen, gauge cluster and steering wheel. A sunroof is optional, and the lockable storage boxes come standard with the ZR2.
Similar to the Colorado, the GMC Canyon offers many choices for consumers looking to create their perfect pickup truck. Trim levels with various equipment options include Elevation, AT4, Denali and the all-new AT4X.
Also distinguishing the Canyon from its Colorado cousin will be a host of cabin upgrades and technology, including an optional head-up display. The Canyon is also more off-road focused, with all-wheel drive standard above the base model. Each trim also has an off-road suspension and wider tracks, measured as a two-inch lift over last year’s Canyon.
The 2023 Chevy Colorado is estimated to start around $28,000, while the 2023 GMC Canyon will likely be more, possibly around $40,000. And even if you have to give up choosing an engine, you won’t be disappointed with this engine for either truck.
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