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Descending to lower trims like the Elevation and Elevation Standard, the Canyon revealed more commonplace materials and fixtures, although the overall material quality exceeded expectations for the class.

The 2023 Chevrolet Colorado, particularly in the Trail Boss trim, demonstrated a rugged and robust off-road appeal with a factory suspension lift, box-flared fenders with charcoal gray trim, and a sculpted hood. The blacked-out look accentuated its aggressive demeanor. The interior borrowed styling cues from the Camaro, with dashboard toggle switches and round air vents contributing to a sporty and balanced cabin design.

However, the base Work Truck (WT) and even the Trail Boss had interiors described as overwhelmingly gray and less impressive, with significant use of cheap materials. The WT lacked advanced features, although it had a functional but uninspired front skid plate. Higher trims, including the LT, Z71, and ZR2, saw upgrades in material quality and cabin aesthetics, plus more external detailing.

A notable addition to the Trail Boss was a purposeful front skid plate and a range of exterior and interior options that boosted its MSRP to $42,150. Despite some criticisms, the Colorado’s overall look, particularly in higher trims, equaled a handsome impression inside and out.

The 2022 GMC Canyon offered a range of engines catering to different buyer preferences. The available powertrains included a 200-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder, a 308-hp 3.6-liter V6, and a 2.8-liter turbodiesel four-cylinder producing 181 hp and a robust 369 lb-ft of torque. The V6 and turbodiesel variants could tow up to 7,700 pounds when paired with the Trailering package.

Our test vehicle featured the V6 engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, providing abundant power and smooth shifts. Previous experiences with the turbodiesel confirmed its towing capabilities, combined with commendable fuel economy. The AT4’s off-road equipment, including 31-inch Wrangler Duratrac tires, a two-speed electronic transfer case, and special off-road suspension, made it a credible off-road competitor. Despite some tire noise, the Canyon’s ride remained stable both on highways and rugged terrains.

In comparison, the 2023 Chevrolet Colorado consolidated its engine choices to a single turbocharged 2.7-liter four-cylinder in different states of tune. The WT and LT trims produced 237 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque, whereas the Trail Boss and Z71 churned out 310 hp and 391 lb-ft of torque. The ZR2 topped the range with 310 hp and a higher torque output of 430 lb-ft.

Our Trail Boss test vehicle had the mid-tier 310-hp engine, exhibiting commendable off-road performance with a 2-inch suspension lift, all-terrain tires, and robust Autotrac 4WD system. The off-road excursion showcased its prowess, maintaining momentum across challenging terrains with minimal slip. However, the on-road behavior, especially freeway cruising, remained unexpectedly quiet and composed. While the power delivery was swift, it didn’t evoke as much thrill as some competitors, with a less engaging engine note.

The fuel economy proved disappointing, averaging 17 mpg against an EPA rating of 19 mpg, falling short of expectations for a turbocharged four-cylinder.

The 2022 GMC Canyon offered versatile configurations with either an extended cab and 6'2" bed or a crew cab paired with either a 5'2" or 6'2" bed. The crew cab delivered significant rear passenger space, suiting six-footers comfortably, with advantageous features like a rear folding bench for additional storage. Front-seat comfort was ensured with power adjustments, heated seats, and a heated steering wheel in our test AT4.

Cargo bed utility was another strength with two-tier loading, 13 tie-down points, and an integrated corner step rear bumper. The ease of entry, thanks to an SUV-like seat height, enhanced its user-friendly design.

In contrast, the 2023 Chevrolet Colorado Trail Boss required a climb to enter, challenging for shorter individuals. It provided comfortable seating for four, with a snug but decent legroom for rear passengers. The front driver’s seat offered eight-way power adjustments, but the passenger seat lack height adjustment—perhaps non-essential given entry challenges.

The Trail Boss’s cargo bed measured 41.9 cubic feet, just over five feet in length, and featured the new StowFlex storage panel for added utility. The Mid-Position tailgate feature boosted practicality, accommodating long items with partial support. Convenience Package II added enhancements like the EZ-Lift and Lower tailgate, though storage spaces within the cabin were considered limited.

The 2022 GMC Canyon, although not teeming with tech, efficiently satisfied essential needs in the higher trims. The Elevation Standard trim started with a 7-inch color touchscreen, with the Elevation trim upgrading to 8 inches, offering Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Our AT4 came with the optional 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system integrated with navigation, voice recognition, and a Bose premium audio system, proving simple and effective connectivity.

In stark contrast, the 2023 Chevrolet Colorado standardized advanced technology across all trims, even the base WT, with features such as an 11.3-inch touchscreen, digital instrumentation, and Google Built-in technology. This tech suite included natural voice recognition through Google Assistant, real-time navigation updates, and app accessibility via Google Play. The connectivity extended to wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a Wi-Fi hotspot.

While the transition to Google Assistant required some adjustment for users familiar with Chevrolet’s previous system, it represented a significant upgrade. Additional tech in higher trims included real-time off-roading data and enhanced trailering technology, further enhancing its appeal.

Safety in the 2022 GMC Canyon varied significantly across trims. The base Elevation Standard lacked advanced driver aids but included useful features like tire-fill alert and GM’s Teen Driver system. The Driver Alert package, optional on mid-tier trims but standard on Denali, added forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and rear park assist—but conspicuous absences included adaptive cruise control and automatic emergency braking. The Canyon earned mixed safety ratings, including a respectable four stars overall from NHTSA and several “Good” ratings from IIHS, though it fared poorly in passenger-side crash tests and headlight performance.

In contrast, the 2023 Chevrolet Colorado boasted an impressive arsenal of standard safety features, including forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and automatic emergency braking. An optional suite added adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Trouble with overly sensitive forward-collision warnings marred our test experience, but adjusting settings helped.