Best Used Trucks: GMC vs Chevy

If you are shopping for used trucks in and around Atlanta, there are two brands that probably stick out at the top of your list. The battle of GMC vs Chevy has been waging for years, and folks seem to have varying opinions. That’s where we come in. Our experts here at Rick Hendrick Buick GMC Duluth are here to settle the dispute once and for all. Let’s start with the basics.

Overall Lineup

When it comes to vehicles, it’s no secret that Chevrolet has many to choose from. With an array of sedans, trucks, SUVs, and sports cars to choose from, it’s hard to tell what the brand’s focus is. This isn’t the case with GMC. Known specifically for trucks and SUVs, this brand hyper focuses on what its customers want. Keep in mind that both brands are owned by GM, so they will share a few similarities here and there.

2019 GMC Canyon vs Chevy Colorado

Looking at either of these trucks from the outside might confuse the untrained eye. Both are very similar in their body styles and design elements. To give you a better idea of just how close the two models are, the Colorado measure between 212.4 to 224.9 inches in overall length, and the Canyon is between 212.2 to 224.6 inches. These models are so close in size; you won’t be able to tell the difference.

However, there are a few exterior highlights that vary. First, the 2019 GMC Canyon features a large chrome grille with bigger headlights while the Chevy Colorado features slim headlamps and a smaller, black grille. On the back, you will see that the Canyon boasts clear-and-red taillights while the Colorado is fitted with solid-colored lights.

Comparing Cabins

Once you step inside the cabin, there are no variances in the interior size. Both models have the same measurements. In the front, they each offer 41.4 inches of headroom, 45 inches of legroom, 55 inches of hip room, and 57.5 inches of shoulder room. For the extended and crew cab body styles, they each offer 36.7 to 38.3 inches of headroom, 28.6 to 35.8 inches of legroom, 52.2 to 53.3 inches of hip room, and 56.2 to 57.3 inches of shoulder room. They aren’t cousins. They are twins in this case!

Just like with twins, they may share the same DNA, but their styles vary greatly. Interior design elements are where you will see the difference shine. This is especially true if you look at the top-tier trim levels. The GMC Canyon Denali features leather upholstery throughout the cabin as well as a Bose stereo system. On the other hand, the Chevy Colorado is much more rugged.

The Hearts of the Beasts

Now let’s discuss the performance stats. Essentially, they are the same in this category as well. If you look at a pre-owned 2019 version of either truck, you will find one of three engines under the hood. First is a 2.5L 4-cylinder engine paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission that produces 200 hp and 191 lb-ft of torque. Next is the 3.6L V6 engine mated with an 8-speed automatic transmission. This powertrain generates 308 hp and 275 lb-ft of torque.

Lastly, the Colorado and Canyon also share the same 2.8L Duramax Turbo-Diesel four-cylinder motor coupled with a 6-speed automatic transmission. Pushing out 181 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, this powertrain has an outstanding fuel economy set at 23 mpg combined (20 city/30 highway). However, the difference is in the payload.

The Canyon weighs about 63 pounds less than the Colorado. Because of this, it can manage a payload of 1,605 pounds, while the Colorado can only handle 1,578 pounds. The maximum towing capacities remain the same ranging from 3,500 to 7,700 pounds.

The moral of this story is that if you’re looking for a luxury pickup truck, the GMC Canyon is the way to go.

2019 GMC Sierra vs Chevy Silverado

It just so happens that the two most popular light-duty pickup trucks in America just so happen to fall under the GM umbrella. The 2019 GMC Sierra and the Chevy Silverado are like the Canyon and the Colorado. They are very much alike.

As a product of the 1990s, the Sierra and Silverado used to be trim levels for a line of Chevrolet trucks. However, to rev up the competition against Ford, they each became standalone trucks by 1999. Although they look very similar, we are about to point out a few variations between them.

The Two “Fraternal” Twins

From the exterior, the face of both vehicles varies quite a lot. For example, the Silverado features the Chevy bowtie emblem on the grille while the Sierra boasts the GMC emblem. You can also see the difference between the grille styles, headlights, fog lamps, and even the bumpers. The Silverado is also a bit more streamlined for an aerodynamic profile, and the GMC Sierra is a bit more boxy with its traditional shape. As far as cab and bed designs, the two share these features as well.

Both are available in regular, extended, and crew cabs with three varying bed lengths. You can find these used GMC and Chevy trucks with a 5.8-ft, 6.6-ft, or an 8-ft box. Other shared exterior features include LED headlights, fog lamps, and CornerStep bumpers to easily get up into the truck bed.

Filled With Everything Nice

Slipping behind the wheel of either model is a treat, especially if the model is higher trim. For the sake of this article, let’s look at the top trim levels. These are the Silverado High Country and the Sierra Denali. Both offer voice-activated navigation displayed on a large 8-inch touchscreen. They also both provide a wireless charging pad to keep the cabin from getting cluttered, a 110-volt household-style power outlet, several USB ports, and a 4G LTE Wifi hotspot.

A premium Bose stereo system is also included in these two models along with a large center console for extra storage space. Here’s the catch. The GMC Sierra is marketed as a high-end luxury truck, and the Chevy Silverado is marketed as a work truck. Therefore, you will notice differences in style and comfort levels. The Sierra is also said to have a much quieter cabin as well.

Full of Power and Potential

Finally, let’s take a peek under the hoods of these two trucks. You probably already guessed it, but they are the same. Both feature three engine choices starting with the 4.3L V6 engine that generates 285 hp and 305 lb-ft of torque (best-in-class). This powertrain enables the trucks to haul 7,600 pounds effortlessly. Next is the 5.3L V8 engine that produces 355 hp and 383 lb-ft of torque and can tow 11,100 pounds. Finally, the 6.2L V8 engine makes an exceptional 420 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque. It can also tow over 12,000 pounds without breaking a sweat. Both trucks also feature Magnetic Ride Control suspension, which makes driving over rough roads much smoother.

Again, if you are looking for luxury, the GMC Sierra is the way to go.

Finding the Perfect Used Truck

Have we piqued your interest? If you’re ready to take a pre-owned GMC truck out for a spin, contact us to schedule a test drive today! You can find us conveniently located at 3244 Commerce Avenue NW in Duluth, GA.