There’s been quite the hubbub surrounding the 2020 truck scene. There have been many contenders seeking to claim their spot as the premier American midsize truck. While you can huff and puff all day about which model is best, you really can’t decide without taking a look at specific models and going through the nitty-gritty information to arrive at a conclusion as to which vehicle reigns supreme. The easiest way to start the conversation regarding the midsize truck market is by taking two heavyweight contenders and cross-comparing to determine which model takes the cake. For instance, you could compare the 2020 GMC Canyon vs 2020 Chevy Colorado.
An Overview of Two Midsize Giants
The GMC Canyon is known for its bold appearance. GMC has been around for many decades and has the reputation of being dependable for the average consumer time and time again. Over the years, the industry has changed, and SUVs have become much more prevalent. While GMC has accommodated the SUV fans, one thing to always remember is that they are staying true to their past with their truck lineup. The 2020 GMC Canyon slides in that midsize truck segment, so of course, it is often compared to the Chevy Colorado.
The Chevy Colorado is a midsize pickup truck that is facing increasingly stiff competition in the growing section. Only 5 years ago, when the current Colorado debuted, the Honda Ridgeline, Nissan Frontier, and the Toyota Tacoma were its only competition. Nowadays, there are also the Ford Ranger, Jeep Gladiator, and the GMC Canyon out there as well. Ultimately, the Chevy Colorado isn’t all that exciting. Many would not hold that against it, however, since the truck has always been about being simple and getting the job done. The real comparison comes when discussing specs and features.
Exterior
The front of the 2020 GMC Canyon boasts LED daytime running lamps. Dropping down, there are functional fog lamps beneath the headlights that are surrounded by a matt black coating to protect the lights. The front grille is unmistakably a pickup grille, which we have seen becoming rarer on newer truck models out there.
Down low, ABS plastic is included to add some durability over the years as you drive. The hood itself has a clear indentation to give it personality and separate it from the Chevy Colorado. The wheels on the 2020 GMC Canyon are 18” diameter wheels that are black by default. The truck sits well over the wheels, with plenty of room between the top of the tire and inside the fender; the rear wheels sit well in the same way.
GMC included a great indentation on the fender to give the car more personality. The cab has a chrome line running along the bottom of the windows, which easily catches the attention of onlookers. The taillights of the 2020 GMC Canyon are a beautiful C-shaped interlocking design that sits right above the bumper. The bumper itself has a step up, a great feature if you find yourself needing to climb into the truck bed. The truck comes ready to go with a bed liner as well that allows for plenty of extra hooks to be added. Overall, when comparing the exterior of the 2020 GMC Canyon vs the 2020 Chevy Colorado, it’s clear that the Canyon is more aesthetically pleasing to onlookers.
To gain a better understanding of what the 2020 Chevy Colorado’s exterior consists of, read on. While the LED daytime running lamps are larger, they appear more bulbous than the 2020 GMC Canyon. It shares the 2020 GMC Canyon’s fog lamps, however, which is nice because many trucks have been foregoing the useful feature.
The grille of the 2020 Chevy Colorado is quite bare. It does not share the Canyon’s distinctly truck-like grille that makes a statement. It appears to be more of an area to display the Chevy symbol more than anything else. The hook has small indentations to give it some character but pales in comparison to the Canyon’s bold hood. This is the same with the fender and sides of the Colorado, which are bare and seem quite plain compared to its competition.
Performance and Pricing
The 2020 GMC Canyon starts at an MSRP of $22,200. Regardless of your needs, crew cab and extended cab versions are available for both 2WD and 4WD. There are 3 engines to choose from, depending on your preferences.
The 2WD trims offer a 2.8L Duramax turbo-diesel 4-cylinder engine that produces 181 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. This diesel engine boasts a max conventional trailering weight of 7,700 lbs. This would be a great option if you find yourself moving heavy loads, as the torque will be invaluable for you in the long run.
You can also roll with a 2.5L 4-cylinder engine, which operates at 200 hp and 191 lb-ft of torque. This engine is able to pull 3,500 pounds as a max conventional trailering weight. The 3.6L V6 engine is also available, which produces 308 hp and 275 lb-ft of torque. This option is good for 7,000 lbs as a max conventional trailering weight.
As for the 4WD options, you could choose between the aforementioned 2.8L Duramax turbo-diesel 4-cylinder engine or the 3.6L V6 engine. The 4WD options consist of the 3.6L V6 engine or the 2.8L Duramax turbo-diesel 4-cylinder engine.
The 2020 Chevy Colorado also has 3 engine options. Your options consist of a 2.5L DOHC I-4 engine that runs at 200 hp and 191 lb-ft of torque, a the 3.6L DOHC V-6 engine that produces 308 hp and 275 lb-ft of torque, and a Duramax 2.8L Turbo-Diesel engine that produces 181 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. While the Chevy Colorado does have a slightly cheaper starting MSRP of $21,300.
Interior
To be expected, the upscale features really show through in the 2020 GMC Canyon. Its wood finish on the center console is nothing to scoff at, and the minimalistic dashboard is very intuitive. A screen is positioned above the center console to assist with various tasks such as Bluetooth connection and GPS assistance. The GMC Canyon also includes Apple Carplay and Android Auto integration.
The 2020 Chevy Colorado has a similar infotainment screen above the center console. This model features the Chevrolet Infotainment 3 system that also allows for Apple Carplay and Android Auto compatibility. When compared, the Canyon and Colorado seem pretty evenly matched with their infotainment systems.
The End Result
At the end of the day, Chevy and GMC trucks are known for reliability and consistency, so you can’t go wrong by choosing either vehicle. That being said, the 2020 GMC Canyon is a superior option by comparison of its performance and presence on the road. The styling, with its unique indentations and chrome accents, is superb and distinct. Its engine choices are vast and powerful. After an in-depth comparison, it is clear the 2020 GMC Canyon takes the cake.
