Starting at
Starting at
Above Average | J.D. Power Reliability Rating | Average |
7,600 LBS | Base Level Towing Capacity | 3,500 LBS |
181-308 HP | Horsepower | 181-308 HP |
Like many GM vehicles, it can be hard to determine the differences between the 2019 GMC Canyon vs 2019 Chevy Colorado. However, these class-leading compact pickup trucks do offer a few major distinctions.
The 2019 GMC Canyon is powerful, efficient, and advanced, featuring impressive performance specs that are nearly identical to the 2019 Chevy Colorado. Both vehicles offer a maximum towing capacity of 7,700 LBS and can produce up to 308 hp, while offering fuel economy ratings at up to 20 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway. However, the Canyon is simply more luxurious and features more upscale features across its trim levels than the Colorado. While the Colorado features cheaper plastics and upholstery, the Canyon offers all soft-touch materials and well-cushioned seating.
The Canyon and Colorado also differ in terms of pricing, with the Canyon being slightly more expensive for its luxurious interior.
Both the Canyon and Colorado also offer similar performances in the category of safety, earning high scores from both the NHTSA and IIHS and offering plenty of standard and available safety features.
Overall, both the 2019 GMC Canyon and 2019 Chevy Colorado are two of the top-performing vehicles in the compact pickup truck class. To determine which of these vehicles is the right choice for you, let’s take a closer look at how they compare in terms of performance, entertainment, and safety.
As GM siblings, the 2019 GMC Canyon and 2019 Chevy Colorado are nearly identical in terms of power, capability, and efficiency. Both the Canyon and Colorado are two of the most powerful and efficient compact pickup trucks in their class, and either choice will serve you well whether you’re looking for a daily driver or a vehicle to tow recreational equipment or perform tough tasks.
The 2019 GMC Canyon comes standard with a 4-cylinder engine capable of producing up to 200 hp. However, a V6 engine and turbo-diesel engine are also available. The V6 engine is the most popular choice among consumers, as it is capable of producing up to 308 hp. Meanwhile, the available turbo-diesel engine is the most fuel-efficient option and offers fuel economy ratings of up to 20 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway, which outperforms the Canyon’s base engine ratings of up to 20 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway.
When properly equipped, the 2019 GMC Canyon is capable of towing up to 7,700 LBS, which is one of the highest maximum towing capacities in the compact pickup truck class. Drivers and critics also note that the new Canyon handles exceptionally well. Despite its compact size, the Canyon does not feel like a small vehicle but offers the improved maneuverability of one. Tough terrains and less than ideal weather conditions still equate to smooth and comfortable handling, which is further improved by responsive steering and brakes.
Like the Canyon, the Colorado offers a 4-cylinder engine, V6 engine, and turbo-diesel engine, which all produce nearly identical performance specs to those of the Canyon. The 3.6L V6 engine offers the highest horsepower ratings, while the turbo-diesel offers the highest fuel economy ratings. The 4-cylinder and turbo-diesel engines are paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission, while the V6 engine is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. Drivers can opt for either RWD or 4WD, and the Colorado matches the Canyon’s maximum towing capacity of 7,700 LBS.
The Colorado is also a capable off-roading vehicle, thanks to its ZL1 and ZR2 models which feature additional performance upgrades. With nearly identical mechanics to the 2019 GMC Canyon, the Colorado also offers impressive handling and ride quality with its responsive steering and brakes, smooth suspension, and excellent maneuverability. Overall, the 2019 GMC Canyon and 2019 Chevy Colorado offer very little differences in the category of performance, making either vehicle a great choice for drivers looking for a high level of power and capability from a compact pickup truck.
Each year it seems like the Canyon and Colorado are simply identical vehicles from the GM fleet; however, there are major differences when it comes to the interiors of these vehicles. In general, the Canyon is the more luxurious choice, offering a more upscale interior designed with higher quality materials and more advanced technology. This accounts for the Canyon’s slightly higher MSRP and makes it the more appealing option for drivers looking for a bit of luxury in their next vehicle.
The 2019 GMC Canyon is only about $300 more than the 2019 Chevy Colorado, but the interior quality of its cabin is exceptionally more luxurious. Whether you’re planning on investing in the base model or top trim level of the Canyon, you’ll get to enjoy an upscale interior that features a fresh and modern design. The centerpiece of the Canyon’s cabin is its intuitive 7-inch touchscreen display for use with the GMC infotainment system.
Other standard features on the base model of the Canyon include both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, two USB ports, and a 6-speaker sound system. However, higher trim levels and packages also offer additional features like an 8-inch touchscreen display, a WiFi hotspot, navigation, wireless charging for compatible mobile devices, and a Bose sound system. The infotainment system onboard the Canyon is top-rated for its user-friendly design, sharp graphics, and responsiveness, so tech-savvy drivers and those new to infotainment systems can both appreciate its ease of use.
The 2019 Chevy Colorado also offers a nice interior but is noticeably less premium than that of the Canyon. High-quality materials and soft-touch materials are present in the cabin, but so are a variety of cheap and hard plastics. This makes the Colorado slightly more affordable but also makes for a less comfortable ride. The standard entertainment features are pretty similar to the Canyon’s and include a 7-inch touchscreen display, two USB ports, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and Bluetooth. Available entertainment features are also similar and include an 8-inch touchscreen, HD radio, satellite radio, and a WiFi hotspot. Like the Canyon, the Colorado also offers more luxurious options among its higher trim levels including leather upholstery and heated seats, however comparing the top trim levels of these vehicles will show that the Canyon offers the more luxurious options overall.
Both the 2019 GMC Canyon and 2019 Chevy Colorado are incredibly safe and reliable. These compact pickup trucks earned high safety and crash test scores with both the IIHS and NHTSA, and offer plenty of standard and available safety features. Drivers looking for a safe vehicle will be pleased with either choice.
The 2019 GMC Canyon comes standard with a rearview camera and offers numerous standard features including forward collision warning, rear parking sensors, and lane departure warning. For a vehicle in the compact pickup truck class, this is a generous suite of safety features. The Canyon proved the effectiveness of its safety technology by earning the highest score of ‘Good’ in 5 out of 6 crash test categories with the IIHS, and through high scores with the NHTSA as well. The Canyon also earned an above-average reliability rating from J.D. Power, making it one of the smartest purchases in the compact pickup truck class.
The 2019 Chevy Colorado also earned the highest score of ‘Good’ in 5 out of 6 crash test categories with the IIHS, as well as high scores from the NHTSA. Standard safety features on the Colorado include a rearview camera and Teen Driver technology, while available features include forward collision alert, lane departure warning, and rear parking sensors. An updated HD rearview camera is also available, allowing for a clearer and sharper image when backing up. The Colorado earned an average reliability rating from J.D. Powers, which was lower than that given to the 2019 GMC Canyon. Overall, both vehicles are safe and reliable, but the Canyon has a slight edge in terms of reliability.