2015 Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon V6 [First Drive]

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The 2015 Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon V6 are based on the same platform and reside on a fully boxed frame, exclusively built for these trucks. Most of the internal components are the same including the 306 horsepower 3.6-liter V6 that makes 269 lb-ft of torque. The V6 Colorado and Canyon come with a six-speed automatic transmission. A six-speed manual transmission is only available with the Chevrolet Colorado four-cylinder, rear-drive truck using the extended cab base trim and SL trims.

You can read about the base model, four-cylinder Chevrolet Colorado (here).

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There are no major differences 2015 Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon V6 dynamically, they are pretty much the same and drive a lot like their full-sized brethren. The two major differences between the 2015 Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon V6 are exterior design and the GMC’sAutotrac transfer case. The Chevrolet Colorado’s design looks unique and smooth, whereas the GMC Canyon looks like a 9/10th scale model of a GMC Sierra.

When equipped, the Autotrack system allows the GMC Canyon’s 4×4 system to automatically engage when it detects wheel slippage. It works like an on-demand AWD system. Otherwise, the GMC Canyon’s 4X4 system can be engaged and locked in by the twist of a dial – just like the Chevrolet Colorado.

Four-wheel disc brakes come standard across the board.

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The interiors look about the same, which is a good thing as even the base 2015 Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon V6 interiors are better designed than the ones in the Nissan Frontier and Toyota Tacoma. The extended cab has the typical, rear-hinged, clamshell rear doors. This configuration (only available with the Chevrolet Colorado) is tight and provides rear seating for two. The headrests can be reattached to the lower cushion to make for a large enough seating area for a child/baby’s seat to be properly mounted. It’s a novel approach.

Standard-cab GMC Canyon and Chevrolet Colorados will not see production.

Crew cabs are the most logical choice for the 2015 Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon V6 given their rear seating accommodations and overall space. Large adults will be hard pressed to find comfort as the legroom is a bit tight and the backrests are somewhat upright, but average adults should find the rear seats more comfortable and spacious than the competition’s rear seats. The interior build quality is outstanding, especially when compared to the competition.

Switchgear, buttons, knobs, dials and (most) interior materials are excellent. The most notable issue is the lack of soft-touch materials used on the door panels. Considering the price of a top-of-the-line model, you would expect more on the door. Fabric and leather seats are very comfortable and mold nicely to my large frame.

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The 2015 Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon V6 shine when driven. They are very car-like with a compliant ride and one of the quietest interiors in the segment. The electrically assisted power steering is a bit numb, but it builds up nicely and it’s easy to place the front wheels. We’re curious about the steering on the rough stuff – but that will have to wait until we get one of these up to the Rocky Mountains.

Speaking of “rough stuff” you may have noticed the low-hanging front lip. It is removeable and, according to General Motors, it’s fairly easy to take off. I have a feeling that General Motors may build a serious off road version of both trucks down the road. If that’s the case, it would be nice to have them reconsider using a manual in the V6 4X4.

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The limited amount of towing we did during the press event was done with a 4,500 lbs boat/trailer. The 2015 Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon V6 are rated to tow up to 7,000 lbs, so this boat and trailer combo was no sweat for the V6 (at least in light traffic at sea-level). The mirrors are pretty good for towing, but I would still recommend mirror extensions.

Prices start at just under $21,000 and fully loaded top-of-the-line models can crest the $40,000 mark.

You can watch our brief towing review below!

Nathan Adlen reviews vehicles from the cheapest to the most prestigious. His words, good humor and video are enjoyed  worldwide.
Nathan Adlen reviews vehicles from the cheapest to the most prestigious. His words, good humor and video are enjoyed
worldwide.
Nathan Adlen
Easily amused by anything with four wheels, Nathan Adlen reviews vehicles from the cheapest to the most prestigious. Wrecking yards, dealer lots, garages, racetracks, professional automotive testing and automotive journalism - Nathan has experienced a wide range of the automotive spectrum. Brought up in the California car culture and educated in theater, childhood education, film, journalism and history, Nathan now lives with his family in Denver, CO. His words, good humor and video are enjoyed worldwide.