Under the General Motors umbrella, consumers know they can make particular distinctions between different vehicles. For example, the GMC Yukon and the Chevy Tahoe share similar designs and equipment. Likewise, the popular GMC Canyon and Chevy Colorado also share engineering DNA. But there’s only one engine option for these two trucks in 2023.
Typically when configuring a truck, consumers are accustomed to full sets of customization options, including cab size, trim level, bed length, and engine size. However, if you’re buying a 2023 GMC Canyon or a 2023 Chevy Colorado, you’ll really only have one engine for either. And in a recent interview with a GM executive, the reason for this single-engine option is clear.
The only engine option for both trucks.
So if you only get one engine option for the GMC Canyon and Chevy Colorado this year, is it at least a decent and powerful engine? Yes like edmunds shared, GM chose to move away from previous four-cylinder, V6, and diesel configurations. Both trucks get a new 2.7-liter turbocharged inline-four for the 2023 model year.
This engine will come in different power stages for the Colorado. The base engine will have 237 hp. The next power stroke will offer 310 hp. And the GMC Canyon’s only option is the more powerful 310-hp engine with 259 lb-ft of torque. This engine adds 37 more horsepower than the previous four-cylinder engine, and GM also says the new 2.7-liter engine will deliver more power without compromising fuel economy. But that’s not why, according to GM executives, the automaker chose to stick with one engine for both trucks.
Why did GM decide to keep the same engine?
engine1 shared some excerpts from the interview with GM’s Nick Katcherian, the chief engineer for Colorado and Canyon and Muscle Cars and Trucks. The first reason GM points behind its decision to stick with a single-engine option is that “it’s just too good.” To reiterate, Katcherian says there’s no need for a diesel option. Torque from this new engine outperforms any previous 2.8-liter Duramax. There’s no point in overcomplicating things by offering more than the best engine choice.
Katcherian says, “this powertrain has all the torque you really need,” insisting that it delivers even faster than before. It offers far better performance than any previous engine design. The other apparent reason behind the single-engine option for the Canyon and Colorado is simplicity. It will be easier for GM to produce trucks when fewer components are involved.
More About GMC Canyon and Chevy Colorado
There have been many updates for the GMC Canyon and Chevy Colorado. You’ll still have plenty of other customization decisions, despite the single engine option. For starters, the 2023 Chevy Colorado comes with rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.
Other updates include a new gauge cluster, steering wheel, and infotainment center. And you’ll still have trims to choose from, including the WT, LT, Z71, Trail Boss, and ZR2, each with their bevy of extra luxury, work, or off-road goodies. This truck will cost around $28,000 for entry level configurations.
The 2023 GMC Canyon is packed with upgrades, including many in-cabin amenities and technology. The Canyon also comes with more off-road capabilities, complete with a wider track, off-road suspension, underbody cameras, and a raised ride height with Multimatic DSSV shocks. Armed with more, the GMC Canyon is estimated to have a starting MSRP closer to $40,000.
There are many differentiators for the 2023 GMC Canyon and Chevy Colorado. You’ll have to forgo choosing an engine since they both come with the same trim. And according to GM executives, you’ll probably be more than happy with it.