- The lone engine option for both pickups
- How GM explains the single engine option concept
- Specs of both the Chevy Colorado and GMC Canyon
Truck buyers have long since grown accustomed to having tons of customization options. Bed lengths, cab sizes, and powertrains often come in varieties. But if you’re taking a closer look at the new 2023 Chevy Colorado or GMC Canyon, prepare yourself for fewer choices.
While both are proving to be more than capable trucks, you’ll lose out on choosing which engine comes with yours. Both pickups only present one engine option. And here’s why it might just make sense.
2023 Chevrolet Colorado | GM
The lone engine option for both pickups
So what is this lone engine option for the 2023 Chevy Colorado and GMC Canyon? As Edmunds describes, GM stepped away from the previous model’s four-cylinder, V6, and diesel options. Now both the Colorado and the Canyon only have one engine. You’ll get the single turbocharged 2.7-liter inline four-cylinder in every 2023 configuration.
The engine options may be limited, but this 2.7-liter engine is anything but limited. It can harness 237 horses, which is about 37 more than the current four-cylinder engine. And it offers 259 lb-ft of torque, too, and maintains its 3,500-pound tow rating.
Additionally, GM says this new 2.7-liter engine is expected to achieve the same fuel economy as that outgoing four-cylinder, which indicates a serious leg-up in consumer value. More engine power with similar MPG? Yes, please.
How GM explains the single engine option concept
The Chief Engineer for both the 2023 Chevy Colorado and the 2023 GMC Canyon, Nick Katcherian, recently spoke about the single-engine-option engineering decision. Motor1 says the reason behind the corporate decision to offer one engine is fairly simple. This 2.7-liter is so good that there isn’t a need to create a second option. And with its power and fuel efficiency, there wasn’t a need for a diesel variation either.
Citing the new engine’s ability to outperform every previous engine design, GM believes there’s 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 share this new, 2.7-liter engine is just an overall improvement over every previous option.
Specs of both the Chevy Colorado and GMC Canyon
Don’t be too dismayed at losing the ability to select your engine. Both the GMC Canyon and Chevy Colorado still have plenty of other options for layout and trims, so you can get your customization fix.
For example, the Colorado will be available with either rear or four-wheel drive. Trims will include the WT, the LT, the Z71, the Trail Boss, and the ZR2. Colorado’s interior design gets a significant boost, too, including a new infotainment screen, gauge cluster, and steering wheel. Sunroofs are optional, and those lockable storage boxes come standard with the ZR2.
The GMC Canyon, similar to the Colorado, presents plenty of choices for consumers who want to create their perfect pickup. Trim levels with various equipment options include the Elevation, the AT4, the Denali, and the all-new AT4X.
Differentiating the Canyon from its Colorado cousin will also be a host of cabin upgrades and technology, including an optional head-up display. The Canyon is more off-road focused, too, with the four-wheel drive standard above the base model. Each trim also has an off-road suspension and wider track, measuring as a two-inch lift to last year’s Canyon.
The 2023 Chevy Colorado is projected to start around $28,000, while the 2023 GMC Canyon will likely be more, possibly around $40,000. And while you’ll have to give up choosing an engine, you won’t be disappointed with this engine for either truck.
Keyword: Chevy Colorado and GMC Canyon Have Only 1 Engine Option, Here’s Why