Here's Why I'd Buy The 2023 GMC Canyon Over 2023 Chevy Colorado

On a first drive for the 2023 GMC Canyon, Publisher Tim Esterdahl and Managing Editor Jill Ciminillo discuss which one Tim would buy after having driven both new midsize trucks. Tim lists his reasons why the GMC Canyon wins him over the Colorado.
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[@IamGroot786]

Precisely why some folks get in over their heads. They fall for the “What kind of monthly payment are you looking for?” Trick at the dealership, instead of focusing on the OTD price

[@semiauto3148]

You’re exactly right! And dealerships know that. I hate shopping for new vehicles….

[@MrRGiller]

I always tell the dealership, as cheap as I can get it!!

[@IamGroot786]

@@semiauto3148 It's salesmanship 101

[@seana985]

AT4X has front and rear locking differentials, the multi-matic shocks, 33" tires and 1 inch additional lift compared to an AT4. Its a Colorado ZR2 with equivalent Denali level equipment.

[@Boobtube.]

well explained

[@Nitehawkin]

Such a beautiful truck. I’d rather have the at4x over the zr2

[@tnguy13]

Agreed. I'm not sure why she thinks the At4 is the same as At4x.

[@Torch4Life]

I just bought one (AT4X) was liking the interior over the AT4 (& all the rest). Figured I'm spending this much anyway, might as well really enjoy driving it.

[@rossbone2323]

I’m leaning towards the Denali now,.. and yes I could get a full size ,..but for a daily driver , the mid-size is more friendly in city and errand situations. And I’m a empty nester.

[@ALMX5DP]

Agree. I have a full size but was shopping around for a midsize, I just couldn’t find the right one at the time. A little bit of a shame the GMC are all wider track as I’d imagine the narrower Colorados would be even more suited to city driving and general runabout duties.

[@Dusdaddy]

I'm with you, as I also want to downsize from a full-size. But I think I would rather get the loaded AT4 over the Denali. Just too much chrome for my tastes. The only thing I will miss is the bigger gauge panel but that's fine for $3k less. They need to offer "Vader Chrome" in the Denali like the full-size Ultimate.

[@Ornelas11B]

They need to come down about $12,000 off the price.

[@steveblume4556]

Canyon AT4 for the money over the Z71 and ZR2. Especially when you can option it with the additional lift package when ordering to equal the 3" on the AT4X

[@joalyincontroly4379]

I like them all, but I ordered a 2023 ZR2 and I'm utterly convinced I made the right choice for me👍🏻

[@walkworthy]

You did. The ZR2 is the only one worth buying.

[@chrisdemas8246]

That’s the one I’d get. Best of both worlds without AT4X price.

[@JacquieKlein]

I chose a Colorado ZR2 Desert Boss (hopefully getting built next week) to replace my 2018 Jeep Rubicon. I just didn't care for the look of the front end or the interior of the GMC. Everyone likes what they like - nothing wrong with that.

[@lomparti]

Buddy has a good point. The price difference between trail boss and at4 Is $50 biweekly and you’d be getting a truck that has all the capability and features of the trail boss plus all the modern bells and whistles that a vehicle built in 2023 should have.

[@ALMX5DP]

True though I’m the type of person who actually likes a more basic vehicle over having all the bells and whistles. Pretty cool they have offerings that can appeal to near everyone.

[@robhtwo]

That AT4 is the sweet spot. I just don't know if I can get past the headlight switch being over 1-2k to repair on the GM platform.

[@bobbysmith9411]

I agree the Canyon does look better in my opinion. The interior is sharp and the loft with higher trim engine are all better than the Colorados

[@richardvalitalo3670]

Looks & money always matter. Currently waiting for 23 tacoma trd offroad.I've had one chev.

[@erickisel8668]

@Pickup Truck Plus SUV Talk: It is not often that I agree with @Jill Ciminello but Tim is out of his mind. Of course $100-$150 more per month is going to hit people hard. Less and less people can afford new vehicles. As far as the truck goes, I agree with Tim that the styling and interior tips the scales in favor of the GMC. I will wait to see the new Ranger and Tacoma before I decide. Thank you for your entertaining videos.

[@Pickuptrucktalk]

Don't tell that to Jill!

[@TREVORJB101]

AT4X is more capable than the AT4 (lockers, height, angles). I'd take the Colorado ZR2 over AT4X. I think it looks more aggressive and has a better approach angle. Really curious to see how much more capability the Bison ZR2 and AEV Canyon will bring to the table. Better be something substantial because Ford Ranger will dominate this segment if their Raptor numbers are accurate.

[@Gene1969]

I would go wit the Chevy and for me $100 a month difference is a lot. I'm still having issues paying more for a vehicle than my mortgage. I will do $450 a month MAX for five years and that's it.

[@BadlandIndustries]

our at4 should be about $500 a month. I plan to make parts for it like the first and second gen trucks but if i didnt have the business, yea would have a hard time convincing myself

[@matth3wc]

Were you able to look at an AT4 with the cloth/cortec interior or were they all the premium leather interior?

[@justinboucher5923]

Chevy trail boss with At4 interior, game over. I think the Canyon front end will look like it’s needs an update very soon. Have t seen one in person, but it ruffles my feathers. The Chevy looks great, but the combinations/specs are off. If I could get the trail boss with Z71 interior even I’d be sold.

[@FrontyMan]

I agree 100%!

[@adamfitzpatrick676]

Level with me please. I have an AT4 ordered but just watched your Tacoma video and you seemed pretty geeked with them and they do look solid. If it were you, would you hold off for the 2024 Taco?

[@chadgodfrey4364]

In North Carolina the canyon AT4 costs 52,020 at my local dealership. The GMC Sierra AT4 cost 52,599 at the same dealership but it does have 5.3 liter engine. Both are black sitting side-by-side at the dealership. That’s the cost of each one on the sticker. What the hell

[@cecil5152]

Nothing like buying cheap and then regretting you didn’t buy what you really wanted whenever you see the truck/car you really wanted drive by.

[@johnmccool6875]

I just hope they keep making models like the trail boss for those that want off road capable and don't care about luxury items.

[@Boobtube.]

agreed

[@ri438j]

I've got one more vehicle as I move into retirement soon. I would go with the one that I liked the best without regard to price. Tunafish and Cup-A-Noodles for the duration of the loan isn't a terrible idea to offset the price, or is it?

[@christophershelton7272]

Ford introduces the 2024 Ranger tomorrow May 10th, and Toyota introduces the new Tacoma on the 19th. So waiting out another month of truck shopping is fine with me. Right now I would take the new Denali but prefer the ATX4. Let's see what Tacoma TRD PRO and Ranger Raptor have first, then make a decision 😊

[@user-kh2id5hu9h]

In the minority maybe after reading the comments, but I’m with Tim on this one. If you’re shopping at this price point, an extra few K up front, or $100/mo isn’t enough to forego what you want. Now some may be happy with the most basic models (after all yesteryear’s full load had less than the WT offers nowadays). Now for me though, affordability isn’t an issue as it is with many & I’m trying to buy the vehicle I’ll have for another decade or more so the cost over time to not settle is very small. And I’m a guy that likes it all. As one comment said, glad they offer so many options so everyone can find what fits them!

[@Pickuptrucktalk]

Thanks. I hoped I wasn’t the only one!

[@jnmaher1967]

Will the 3.0 diesel be used in the future for the midsize truck

[@mattyice6521]

Just put my order in for the At4, i do wish they came with the 3inch lift.

[@George-on3zm]

Did you receive AT4 yet?? Looks like it’s been a couple of months that you made this comment and they say from the time you build them a lot of places are two or three months out.

[@mattyice6521]

@@George-on3zm oh yeah I got mine back in May!

[@RK57AZ]

When Jill was comparing the pricing on the last gen. Canyons to this gen. she forgot to mention that the last gen. base model was a WT and the new gen. is a step up from the WT Still that is a big price jump! The materials might be better in the at4x but, white on the seats and trim panels is a non starter as is the reduced approach angle with the bumper, skid plate and winch not to mention the added cost! Just put a Caddy name plate on it and it’s cost at least seems more reasonable!

[@Torch4Life]

That's what the AT4X is, the Cadillac of the midsizeds

[@morningdrums]

The at4x has the front and rear lockers which if i am correct if off roading is a big deal.

[@robertcurtis3807]

3.8 liter natural aspirated V6 Nissan Frontier is the way to go with it’s even, gradual, power-band

[@DirtRoadRemedy]

Canyon AT4 would be my choice... but then I heard about... Taco TRD Pro with Hybrid... 😍😍

[@kx8960]

At least you're honest and said you want a nicer interior. I'll take the ZR2 for a LOT less money, and buy that NAD M28 amp I've been lusting after...

[@underscr0e]

So putting premium fuel in these top performance turbo engines does not get you better performance?

[@joebarfay3966]

If money were no concern I’d go with the GMC. The decision for me is between a $48k ZR2 or a $44k AT4 … seems like that is a $4K’ish difference worth paying for. But jumping to $57k for AT4X is just too much.

[@Dusdaddy]

Option the AT4 out with Tech Plus, AT4 Premium and Prograde Trailering package and you get the best of everything for $50K. Much better than the Z71

[@tylersrubar6451]

Money should matter to most. Shouldn’t purchase what you realistically can’t afford. That said, you should get the truck you want even if means saving a little longer for a down payment to get to an affordable payment

[@CraigG21]

I can get the top of the line Colorado ZR2 that’s more capable than the AT4 for the same money, and I don’t have to deal with those hideous lights on the wheel flares of the GMC. Colorado ZR2 for me. $100/month is a lot of coin! AT4X has more lift and much better suspension than AT4.

[@IVloses]

There’s a big difference between the AT4 and AT4X. Capability can be subjective depending on your use case but there’s no doubt the AT4X can do everything the AT4 can plus more.

[@Dusdaddy]

For $12K more it better be an improvement.

[@wildernessfather]

Well, sort of. You lose a significant amount of towing and payload, so it really depends on your use case.

[@matth3wc]

The price difference between the Canyon and Colorado wouldn't be that bad if OnStar was not included on the GMC. Luckily that is going away for the 2024 model (with an exception for Denali).

[@iandl9147]

The AT4X is not just an AT4 with nicer trim...it is waay more capable ..it has a bigger lift, front and rear locking diffs and multimatic dssv shocks....the AT4 has none of that.

[@chrisdemas8246]

Pricing wise you can get the ZR2 Colorado for about same price as Canyon AT4. Still get the leather, full digital display etc. I would take ZR 2 for the $.

[@ethenjordan2010]

Right? Then comparing the AT4x which is it’s equal it’s like 6k more

[@mikemissouri5152]

I agree the ZR2 is plenty nice on the interior and way more Offroad capably then an AT4.

[@joseeduardo4327]

$100 is a good chunk of change man. Lol

[@ethenjordan2010]

I’m getting the ZR2 over the Canyon. Essentially the same truck but the Canyon is 8k more. No thanks. Maybe on lower Trims I’d go for the Canyon.

[@ethana763]

How is there no sport or snow modes????

[@_ZYELYNE_]

Denali is the only one I would want.

[@GonzoLag]

I would actually be good with elevation and one or two packages for right at 40k

[@mdbangsund]

If you want an elevation with 4X4. It will be about 43800k. With some options. Full spec is 48k

[@kabloosh699]

I think the price point of the AT4X is too much to justify it over the ZR2. Plus, I think the ZR2 looks better on the outside. I can see going for a AT4 over a Z71 though. Also, out the door price is far more important than the monthly payment. You can easily turn a 50k vehicle into a 60k car after you pay off the loan over 6-7 years. I'm looking to get a ZR2 and with my trade in and maybe a little extra money down my payments should be around 500-600 a month. What is more important to me is the overall price of the vehicle because that is what I ultimately pay for the thing. Plus every dollar you save on price affects the monthly payment.

[@8ball_998]

That way of thinking that it's just X amount more per month, it's no big deal. Is exactly how manufactures and dealers want you to think. That's why the average transaction price on vehicles are so high now. It's also why so many more people have longer term loans than they use to. The bottom line and over all price should definitely be all you look at. Not the payment. This vehicle will cost me 38k with tax plus X amount of interest, That vehicle will cost me 45k with tax plus X amount of interest. Is this one worth 7k more than that one to me... People also get tripped up by loan terms. Oh you can get this nicer model for the same price or just a few dollars more if we do your loan at 72 months vs 60. Lots of people don't actually realize the total cost difference when you factor in interest. Tim commented that the bottom line price difference matters more to cash buyers. I think it's the opposite. If you are paying interest on the money you are buying your vehicle with. The amount should absolutely matter more, not less.

[@kevinselzer1669]

I actually like the look of the Trail Boss the most. While I can afford a ZR2, just the idea of how the front of the Trail Boss can take a beating with rocks and I won't give a crap kinda makes it more tempting. Only thing is the lack of options on the interior is what makes me kinda lean more towards GMC so I get comfort, some off road capability and still maintaining that crazy good towing capacity. The ZR2 I know will feel better to drive, but that cut in towing capacity is kinda pushing me away.

[@walkworthy]

Yeah, but the ZR2 is badass.

[@fossil9440]

If Chevy added a few more packages to the Trail Boss, they could get rid of the Z71 trim. I like the extra ground clearance and the off road suspension of the Trail Boss, but the extras in the Z71 are tempting. Nice video. The AT4 is better, but fewer available in my area vs. the Chevy Trail Boss/Z71.

[@Boobtube.]

Money matters, but if I want something bad enough, I can overlook money. (within reason) I'm basically willing to pay for what I want.

[@n0xxm3rcyxx]

Watch the OTD PRICE.

[@bradbruggeman6745]

Money matters. Thats why i keep my 01 z71 extended cab. Take care of it and repair it when needed. Much cheaper. Besides i dont want or need all those fancy features. What i would buy if available is a full size,standard cab 4wd with a V8 with a manual tranny.

[@jeffreymayes-hy9jd]

I love the look of the GMC’s over the Chevy both small truck and full size so at a 100 dollar a month extra I would pick the Chevy. Yes money matters to me so at the end of a 60 or 72 month payments that 6-7200 more money in C.D.’s or money market account that will pay a lot towards my next hunting trips. I would much rather have a good vehicle and memories of a fun adventure or very nice vacation over sitting at the computer send the extra 100 a month to a car company. This is why I bought a Z-71 3.0L versus the X-31 3.0L. The GMC with the same options except the power slider was 61 versus the 56 for the Chevy.

[@jeffreymayes-hy9jd]

Oh and I’m sitting at 30.8 lifetime fuel Milage. Just turned 40,000 last night coming home from work

[@Holden-McGroin]

So, diesel costing ~$1 more than gasoline, the cost is basically a wash. And that’s if you didn’t pay extra for the Diesel engine option.

[@revest100]

Looks matter especially when I keep my vehicles for 10+ years I really want something that I like. I have always like the GMC's over the Chevy's and the GMC's tend to have better materials and workmanship.

[@Boobtube.]

Exactly,For what these cost, I am not about to just "settle" for what is on the dealers lot. I will research things to narrow down what I want, than order it. Because the chance of there being exactly what I want is very slim, finding one on dealers lot.

[@mikemissouri5152]

If they would’ve put the two speed transfer case in the elevation, I think it would be a great seller. It basically would’ve been the trail boss with a luxury interior.

[@johnmccool6875]

That and lockers, but yeah, it seems there aren't many truck buyers left that would rather NOT have the luxury items. I can't imaging paying 50k to 60k for a truck that I'm going to beat down off road....heck even 40k is crazy but I don't think there's anything out there for less that 40 anymore.

[@johnwhitneykokalis9990]

I just bought the Elevation 2wd with most of the available options except the leather type seats and I think the interior is super nice on the eye appeal and the description on the window sticker says it is equipped with the off road lift and off road suspension and tires and it even has a screen display with off road instrumentation graphics, I didn't expect that. If I decide to go on an old logging trail or cruise an out of the way sandy Beach then I still have capabilities compared to the 2wd Colorado. Also I am only 5'8" and love the step side shelf that I ordered with it, It makes entry a breeze.

[@Dusdaddy]

The base AT4 is not far away from a TrailBoss. At least it comes stock with the HO motor and cruise!

[@johnwhitneykokalis9990]

Being a GM retiree my discount cost was 39,400 and sticker was 42,440., so not to bad being under 4k.

[@andrewshenton6541]

10$ a month isn’t much I’m sorry 100 to 150 is a lot of difference

[@maxhenry1977]

Lmao at Jill yankin Tim’s chain. Good job Jill!

[@GoOutdoorsMore5420]

If I’m spending a bunch for a payment a couple of grand is worth it to get what you want. The GMC looks better than the Colorado to me.

[@ryanmalec4234]

Denali and Denali only

[@manuelgomez2715]

👍

[@semiauto3148]

10k for a new year and new style truck is absolutely ridiculous…I love the style of the trucks. But they’ve gotten crazy with their prices….don’t forget. Probably assembled in Mexico to….think I’m gonna see what the new Tacoma looks like

[@PBrooksSawyer]

I test drive the sport a couple days ago. The 6 speed. Tbh I was underwhelmed. Interior seemed decent but it seemed quite slow to me.

[@jamesclapp6940]

there exists a $3400 up charge to buy the gmc!

[@cputeq007]

Easy choice for me- I don’t want the lift, so Z71 it is!

[@n0xxm3rcyxx]

U dont want the lift, on a truck? Ok.

[@cputeq007]

@@n0xxm3rcyxxExactly! Z71 should have better street manners, which is where I spend 99.999% of my driving time. I will enjoy my heated/vented leather seats every day I use it. How often would I enjoy the TB’s width/lift? Rarely. Chevy made the TB interior too limited. And anyway, that 2” TB left only gets you 0.9” more clearance (IIRC).

[@armyfazer1410]

You have great videos. But it seems that you have spent too much time in the high end trucks. Not everyone can be or wants to be a Denali/AT4 customer. That extra $100 can mean a lot to some potential customers.

[@Pickuptrucktalk]

The Elevation trim wasn't available when we did this video. Nothing more than that.

[@armyfazer1410]

@@Pickuptrucktalk Thanks for the reply. I do enjoy the work. It was really about the minimalization of an extra $100 a month. That's a lot to many people.

[@Pickuptrucktalk]

@@armyfazer1410 everyone’s view on money is different which is why I was trying to be really clear in my wording on the subject.

[@MrOconner10]

Most definitely would take the GMC over the bow tie any day is the week. Yes looks, engine, and interior fit and finish do make a difference.

[@DaveInCanada081]

I like the GMC.

[@elliottmanning4116]

Does the Denali have a side step delete option? Those steps look out of place and hang too low. Ruins the exterior design.

[@christophershelton7272]

They are removable, and you can add something else.

[@elliottmanning4116]

@@christophershelton7272 Thanks. But I was thinking more like a delete option from GMC. Similar to how you can get a “spoiler delete” on a Mustang. *Truck channel, I know* 😂😂

[@vr4787]

Cause you hate how stiff Chevy truck seats are?

[@davidyackell]

Overall these trucks and trucks in general have gotten way too expensive. Everyone's excuse is 'well then just make more money'. Uhhh ok... A GMC AT4X One Edition is $65,000. That's insane!! But people will still lineup for them.

[@GregEmburyK4GTE]

5-10k over comparable Colorado models. No thanks, I'll take the ZR2.

[@daocean1103]

I cant get over that 8 inch screen.

[@reflectionrecon]

heard 2024 get a Whole screen dash, Weird.

[@daocean1103]

@@reflectionrecon the dash board on the at4

[@RyanTSattler]

Pricing a vehicle purchase by monthly payment is literal nonsense.

[@MH_6160]

call me petty, the circular vents in the Colorado are cheap looking…

[@robm3357]

I like the Canyon interior over the Colorado Except for those white pcs. I don’t want anything white in my truck. The Colorado has those really cheap and out of place round air vents. What idiot decided to put them in there. But I don’t think I would own a new Canyon/Colorado since I have the 2nd gen Colorado diesel that gets 30+ mpg. And that 2.7 gets crappy mpg. I am not interested in pussy footing the go pedal. GM screwed up dropping the diesel. They should have hardened it to make it more reliable.

[@castandblast1852]

Tim, you are so out of touch. 800-900 for a truck that is going to get beat up is a lot. A few hundred extra in a car payment is a lot for 99% of people. Most people their worlds don’t center around 60k trucks.

[@RossMalagarie]

I would choose the Trail Boss because I prefer the grill on the Chevy over the GMC I like the fact that the trail boss is basically a work truck with a 2-in lift and wider track it seems to be the best value off-roader out of the bunch

[@kevinsimmons7182]

Canyon over any Colorado except the ZR2. It’s too much value for the money, and the interior is still upscale.

[@Kazewarrior]

I just cant stand the round vents. Why are they copying the camaro thats on its way out. The whole exterior design and dash layout is boxy with sharp angles... It's a sore thumb.

[@PVVP500]

Love the Chevy emblem, can't and never will like the GMC. Period

[@ubangiestomp]

Go with the base model. All the rest is a waste of money and not worth the price.

[@chestophercolumbo4561]

You would by a Toyota Tacoma

[@johnperea2437]

What did I just watch..?

[@josephbreen9955]

The GMC Canyon looks way better than the Colorado.

[@jaylee8542]

I'm not buying any of them. I've worked really hard to get where I am and I'm not throwing my efforts away on the same old trucks in a different skin. When My current car goes down I'll find a new car for a few grand and move on. The auto market, and its associated culture has gotten way out of hand. People should be ashamed at the excess we go to over these vehicles.

[@nordlandak6853]

Lol do not take financial advice from Tim. It’s exactly that kind of thinking that allows the automakers to raise prices!

[@Dusdaddy]

I find it odd how he says $50-100 extra a month is no big deal. Yet on other videos, he pushes that the 3.0 diesel is a great way to spend less money.

[@Snappydadshoes]

Wait, it requires premium fuel? That's a hard pass.

[@ALMX5DP]

I think that was a question. To my knowledge all versions are based on 87 octane.

[@robertpulliam9973]

Premium fuel😮🎉😢

[@seana985]

They do not require premium fuel

[@CarsMadeSimple]

No, they are all designed to run 87.

[@fishbike2356]

Your wife is beautiful.

[@fubarmedic4222]

😂

[@tomstarcevich1147]

That's not his wife

[@robertpulliam9973]

Not his wife

[@fubarmedic4222]

@fish bike I guess they don’t get sarcasm

[@Dusdaddy]

Right over their heads.....

[@uttamgala7186]

Here’s something to chew on - if you’re borrowing money to buy a truck and an additional 10% would break the bank - you’re overextending yourself financially.