2020 GMC Canyon Vs. 2020 Chevy Colorado

The GMC Canyon and Chevy Colorado returned to the midsize pickup segment in 2015 after a short break. Since then, the midsize pickup space has boomed, and these cousins remain in the thick of things. While they share General Motors roots and most of their greasy bits, the 2020 Canyon and 2020 Colorado cater to different types of buyers in the Jacksonville area.

Which is the right one for you? Find out below.

Exterior

On the outside, the family connection is evident between the 2020 GMC Canyon and 2020 Chevy Colorado from many angles. Where they show the most separation is up front. Here, the 2020 Chevy Colorado boasts the brand’s signature dual-port grille with large bow tie emblem plastered in the center and more rectangular wraparound headlights.

The 2020 Canyon’s nose includes the brand’s signature bold one-piece grille and more squared-off headlights with signature LEDs on the top and bottom. The Canyon shows off a little more exclusivity next to the Colorado in its Denali trim, which adds a spray-on bed liner, a luxurious-looking chrome grille, chrome assist steps, and more.

While the Canyon has its luxury-looking Denali, the Colorado shows off ruggedness in the ZR2 model that includes a revised front end to enhance the approach angle when of-roading. This model also gains an increased ride height, unique wheels, and all-terrain tires in addition to numerous mechanical updates.

When breaking out the tape measure, these pickups are almost identical in size. The only differences include the Colorado’s extra 0.3 inches in wheelbase length and curb weight variations.

Both pickups include work-ready base trim levels that have only the most basic standard features. The base Colorado includes an extended cab body, 16-inch Ultra Silver metallic steel wheels, a chrome rear bumpers with CornerStep, black beltline moldings, automatic on/off halogen headlights, daytime running lights, cab-mounted cargo area light, black mirrors with manual operation, black door handles, a locking tailgate, and a black tailgate handle.

The base-level 2020 Canyon SL starts just shy of $1,000 more than the base Colorado and has nearly identical exterior features. Where the GMC makes up the difference is with its standard 16-inch aluminum wheels and projector-beam headlights with LED signatures.

Advantage: 2020 GMC Canyon

•       More standard features
•       Luxurious-looking Denali model

Advantage: 2020 Chevy Colorado

•       Virtually identical pickup for cheaper
•       Rugged-looking ZR2 model

Interior

Aside from some mild color variations, the Canyon and Colorado cabins are virtually identical. If you were to remove their respective brand badges, it’d be nearly impossible to pick which is which. They both boast simple designs that endear themselves to traditional pickup buyers who just want the basics.

As for standard interior features, the 2020 Canyon and 2020 Colorado are again nearly identical. The Chevy comes standard with the Chevrolet Infotainment 3 System with a 7-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth® connectivity with audio streaming, voice command via Bluetooth®, Apple CarPlay®, Android Auto™, a Six-speaker audio system, a four-way power driver’s seat, a two-way manual passenger’s seat, a front center console with dual USB ports, rubberized vinyl floor covering, vinyl seating, tilt steering, a 3.5-inch monochromatic driver information center, power windows with driver’s side one-touch up/down, power door locks, single-zone climate control. black interior door handles, and a rearview camera.

The 2020 Canyon has all the same features, but it calls its infotainment system the GMC Infotainment System.

As you move through the trim levels, these pickups almost mirror each other, save for a few differences here and there that make the GMC a little more luxurious.

At the top of the range, though, these trucks split with the Canyon Denali focusing on delivering luxury and the Colorado ZR2 focusing on ruggedness.

Advantage: 2020 GMC Canyon

•       Luxurious Denali trim
•       A little more premium at each step

Advantage: 2020 Chevy Colorado

•       Same basic features for cheaper

Performance

Under their skin, the GMC Canyon and Chevy Colorado are identical. Both models come standard with a 200-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired to a six-speed automatic transmission and rear- or four-wheel drive. With this powertrain, they can tow up to 3,500 pounds.

In the middle of their lineups is a 3.6-liter V-6 engine with 308 horsepower and 275 pound-feet of torque. This engine mates with an eight-speed automatic transmission and rear- or four-wheel drive to deliver a 7,000-pound towing capacity.

At the top of their respective ranges, the Canyon and Colorado boast a 2.8-liter turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine with 186 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. This engine pairs with a six-speed automatic transmission and rear- or four-wheel drive to deliver a 7,700-pound towing capacity.

They also boast the same fuel-economy ratings, including up to 30 mpg highway with the torque-heavy diesel engine.

Advantage: 2020 GMC Canyon

•       None

Advantage: 2020 Chevy Colorado

•       None

Pricing and Features

The 2020 GMC Canyon has seven trim levels – SL, Base, SLE, All Terrain – Cloth, All Terrain – Leather, SLT, and Denali – and their starting prices range from $23,295 to $41,495.

There are five trims in the 2020 Colorado lineup: Base, WT, LT, Z71, ZR2. Their starting prices range from $22,395 to $42,495.

2020 GMC Canyon Key Features and Pricing by Trim

SL: $23,295

•       2.5-liter four-cylinder
•       Six-speed automatic transmission
•       Rear-wheel drive
•       Electric power steering
•       Extended Cab body
•       16-inch Ultra Silver Metallic cast-aluminum wheels
•       18-inch compact spare tire
•       Chrome rear bumper with integrated CornerSteps
•       Black beltline moldings
•       Halogen projector-beam headlights with LED signatures
•       Cab-mounted cargo box lights
•       Black outside door handles
•       Locking tailgate
•       Black tailgate handle
•       GMC Infotainment System
•       7-inch touchscreen
•       Six-speaker AM/FM audio system
•       Bluetooth® connectivity with audio streaming
•       Apple CarPlay®
•       Android Auto™
•       Voice command
•       Bucket front seats
•       Vinyl seating
•       Four-way manual driver’s seat
•       Two-way manual passenger’s seat
•       Rear-seat delete
•       Front center console with dual USB ports
•       Rubberized vinyl floor covering
•       Tilt steering
•       3.5-inch monochromatic driver-information screen
•       Power door locks
•       Power windows with one-touch up/down driver’s window
•       Theft-deterrent system
•       Single-zone climate control
•       Black interior door handles
•       Rearview camera
•       Teen driver

Canyon: $26,795

•       All SL features, plus
•       Carpeted floors
•       Dual rear seats with underseat storage
•       Carpeted floor mats
•       Cloth seating

SLE: $30,095

•       All Canyon features, plus
•       17-inch Bright Silver cast-aluminum wheels
•       Body-color door handles
•       Body-color, heated, power mirrors
•       Chrome beltline moldings
•       EZ-Lift and Lower tailgate
•       Fog lights
•       Spotter mirror
•       4.2-inch color driver-information center
•       Six-way power driver’s seat
•       Premium GMC Infotainment System
•       8-inch high-definition touchscreen
•       SiriusXM® satellite radio
•       HD Radio™
•       Two rear charge-only USB ports
•       Chrome interior door handles
•       Cruise control
•       Illuminated vanity mirrors
•       GMC Connected Access Capable
•       Auto-dimming rearview mirror
•       Soft-touch instrument panel material
•       Aluminum interior trim
•       Leather-wrapped steering wheel
•       Tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel
•       OnStar
•       Overhead console
•       Rear window defogger
•       Remote keyless entry
•       Steering-wheel-mounted controls
•       High-definition rearview camera

All Terrain – Cloth: $37,595

•       All SLE features, plus
•       3.6-liter V-6 engine
•       Four-wheel drive
•       Eight-speed automatic transmission
•       Automatic-locking rear differential
•       Autotrac® two-speed transfer case
•       Hill-descent control
•       Off-road suspension
•       Gas-charged shocks
•       Transfer-case shield
•       Tow/Haul mode
•       Black recovery hooks
•       17-inch Dark Argent Metallic cast-aluminum wheels
•       17-inch all-terrain tires
•       Full-size 16-inch spare tire
•       Black grille with body-color surround
•       Body-color rear bumper
•       Manual-sliding rear window
•       Four-way power passenger’s seat
•       Single-zone automatic climate control
•       Heated front seats
•       Power front seat lumbar control
•       Remote ignition
•       Trailering-assist guidelines

All Terrain – Leather: $38,995

•       All Terrain – Cloth features, plus
•       Heated steering wheel
•       Leather seating
•       Wireless charging pad
•       Rear parking assist

SLT: $36,895

•       All SLE features, plus
•       3.6-liter V-6 engine
•       Eight-speed automatic transmission
•       Automatic-locking rear differential
•       Tow/Haul mode
•       18-inch polished cast-aluminum wheels
•       Full-size 16-inch spare tire
•       Trailering assist guidelines
•       Chrome door handles
•       Chrome mirrors
•       Manual-sliding rear window
•       Four-way power passenger’s seat
•       Power front seat lumbar control
•       Single-zone automatic climate control
•       Heated front seats
•       Heated steering wheel
•       Interior courtesy and reading lights
•       Folding rear bench seat
•       Remote ignition
•       Leather seating
•       Wireless charging pad
•       Rear park assist

Denali: $41,495

•       All SLT features, plus
•       2-inch receiver hitch
•       Four- and seven-pin trailer connectors
•       Seven-wire electrical harness and seven-pin sealed connector
•       Four-way sealed connector
•       Automatic-locking rear differential
•       Polished exhaust tip
•       20-inch bright machined aluminum wheels
•       5-inch chrome rectangular assist steps
•       Body-color rear bumper
•       LED cargo box lighting
•       Chrome Denali grille
•       Spray-in bed liner
•       Navigation
•       Seven-speaker Bose® audio system
•       Ventilated front seats
•       Forward-collision alert
•       Lane-departure warning

2020 Chevy Colorado Key Features and Pricing by Trim

Base: $22,395

•       2.5-liter four-cylinder engine
•       Six-speed automatic transmission
•       Rear-wheel drive
•       Electric power steering
•       Extended cab body
•       16-inch Ultra Silver metallic steel wheels
•       18-inch compact spare tire
•       Chrome rear bumpers with CornerStep
•       Black beltline moldings
•       Automatic on/off halogen headlights
•       Daytime running lights
•       Cab-mounted cargo area light
•       Black mirrors with manual operation
•       Black door handles
•       Locking tailgate
•       Black tailgate handle
•       Chevrolet Infotainment 3 System
•       7-inch touchscreen
•       Bluetooth® connectivity with audio streaming
•       Voice command
•       Apple CarPlay®
•       Android Auto™
•       Six-speaker audio system
•       Four-way power driver’s seat
•       Two-way manual passenger’s seat
•       Rear seat delete
•       Front center console
•       Dual front-center-console-mounted USB ports
•       Rubberized vinyl floor covering
•       Tilt steering
•       3.5-inch monochromatic driver information center
•       Power windows with driver’s side one-touch up/down
•       Power door locks
•       Single-zone climate control
•       Black interior door handles
•       Rearview camera
•       Teen Driver
•       Tire-fill alert

WT: $25,895

•       All Base features, plus
•       Carpeted floors
•       Dual rear seats with underseat storage
•       Carpeted front and rear floor mats

LT: $28,795

•       All WT features, plus
•       17-inch Blade Silver Metallic cast-aluminum wheels
•       Remote-locking tailgate
•       Body-color door handles
•       Body-color, power mirrors
•       Body-color rear bumper
•       Chrome beltline moldings
•       EZ-Lift and Lower tailgate
•       Spotter mirror
•       4.2-inch color driver-information center
•       4G LTE Wi-Fi® hotspot capable
•       Six-way power driver’s seat
•       Two charge-only rear USB ports
•       Chevrolet Infotainment 3 Plus System
•       8-inch high-definition touchscreen
•       Chrome interior door handles
•       Cruise control
•       Illuminated vanity mirrors
•       HD Radio
•       Leather-wrapped steering wheel
•       Tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel
•       OnStar
•       Overhead console
•       Remote keyless entry
•       SiriusXM®
•       Steering-wheel-mounted controls
•       Theft-deterrent unauthorized entry system
•       High-definition rearview camera

Z71: $36,695

•       All LT features, plus
•       3.6-liter V-6 engine
•       Eight-speed automatic transmission
•       Automatic-locking rear differential
•       Black recovery tow hooks
•       Hill-descent control
•       Off-road gas-charged shocks
•       Transfer-case shield
•       Tow/haul mode
•       Crew Cab body
•       17-inch Dark Argent Metallic cast-aluminum wheels
•       Black beltline moldings
•       Heated mirrors
•       Fog lights
•       Manual-sliding rear window
•       Projector-beam headlights
•       Rear window defogger
•       Four-way power passenger’s seat
•       Automatic climate control
•       Heated front seats
•       Heated steering wheel
•       Auto-dimming rearview mirror
•       Power driver’s seat lumbar
•       Power passenger’s seat lumbar
•       Folding rear bench seat
•       Remote ignition
•       Wireless charging pad
•       Rearview camera with trailering-assist guidelines
•       Rear parking sensors

ZR2: $42,495

•       All Z71 features, plus
•       Four-wheel drive
•       Autotrac two-speed transfer case
•       Full-locking front and rear differentials
•       Integrated trailer-brake controller
•       Off-road rocker protection
•       2-inch receiver hitch with four- and seven-pin connectors
•       Seven-wire electrical harness and seven-pin sealed harness
•       Four-way sealed connector
•       Transfer case shield
•       All-terrain tires
•       DSSV Multimatic suspension dampers
•       Extended-cab body
•       17-inch aluminum wheels
•       17-inch aluminum spare wheel
•       Black rear bumper
•       Spray-on bed liner
•       Off-road front fascia, rear bumper, and fender flares
•       Taller and wider stance
•       Dual rear seats with underseat storage

Who Should Buy the 2020 GMC Canyon

The 2020 GMC Canyon is mechanically identical to the Colorado and almost a carbon copy visually. Where it separates itself is in its higher and better-equipped trims. This makes it a great option for buyers who want a more premium midsize pickup that still has no problem getting dirty at times.

Who Should Buy the 2020 Chevy Colorado

With its lower base price and simpler features, the Colorado is a great option for buyers who just want an inexpensive midsize pickup for work. Also, those seeking a legit off-roader will find this in the range-topping ZR2 model, which the Canyon has no match for.

Ready to blend utility and luxury by putting the 2020 GMC Canyon in your garage? Head over to Garber Automall, serving Jacksonville, Orange Park, and the surrounding area, today to take it for a test drive and see what it has to offer. Can’t make it to our Fleming Island area new-GMC showroom today to see the Canyon in person? Navigate to our online inventory page to see all our in-stock 2020 Canyon models, choose a few that meet your needs, and schedule a test drive around your busy life.