For our 2015 Mid-Size Shootout, the Chevrolet Colorado walked away with the victory because it simply was the best all-around truck in the test. GM built a great new platform shared on both the Chevy Colorado and GMC Canyon to compete in the mid-size truck segment, and they jumped back in just before Toyota unveiled its new Tacoma in 2016. For the 2016 Mid-Size Truck Shootout, the GMC Canyon now gets an option 2.8L Duramax diesel engine.
The big headlines for Chevy and GMC in the segment were last year based on the fact that GM was re-entering the mid-size market, but the trucks are still making news this year by introducing the first-ever diesel-powered mid-size truck for the U.S. market. As an available option to the naturally aspirated 3.6-liter V6 engine, both the Colorado and Canyon can be equipped with a 2.8-liter Duramax turbo-diesel engine that offers the best fuel economy for any truck in the U.S. (31 mpg on 2WD models, 29 mpg on 4x4s). The small diesel engine produces 181 horsepower at 3,400 rpm, but its most impressive figure is its torque rating of 369 lb.-ft. of torque at a low-revving 2,000 rpm – that’s 100 more lb.-ft. of torque versus the 3.6-liter naturally aspirated V6.
For this year’s test, we decided to include the GMC Canyon for testing. The only real difference between it and the Colorado is it is essentially the more handsomely-equipped truck of the two. Our Canyon is also upgraded with the All Terrain Adventure Package, offering the Z71 Off-Road Package, heated and electronically adjustable front seats, step bars, spray-in bedliner and more. The Canyon is also the lone long-bed truck in the test. Along with the 2.8L Duramax upgrade (a $3,730 cost), the Canyon has the highest price tag of the bunch at $43,790, though it certainly offers a number of upgrades and features that the Toyota Tacoma and Nissan Frontier do not.
Be sure to check out which truck took home the crown in this year’s 2016 Mid-Size Truck Shootout.
2016 Mid-Size Truck Shootout – Tale of the Tape
2016 Toyota Tacoma TRD Off-Road
Specifications
2016 GMC Canyon 4WD Z71
Model: SLE Crew Cab Long Box
Engine: 2.8L 4-cyl. Duramax Tubro Diesel
Horsepower: 181 @ 3,400 rpm
Torque: 369 lb.-ft. @ 2,000 rpm
Transmission: Hydra-Matic 6-speed automatic
Curb Weight*: 4860 lbs.
Height: 70.6 in.
Track Width: 62.4 in. (front), 62.4 in. (rear)
Length: 224.6 in.
Wheelbase: 140.5 in.
Ground Clearance: 8.4 in.
Approach Angle: 17.1 degrees
Departure Angle: 22.2 degrees
Breakover Angle: 18.6 degrees
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: 6,200 lbs.
Towing Capacity: 7,000 lbs.
Payload Capacity: 1,420 lbs.
Fuel Tank: 21 gal.
Seating Capacity: 5
Axle Ratio: 3.42
MPG Rating: 20 city, 29 hwy
Aver. MPG (tested): 28.1 (combined)
Price: $43,790
*Weighed with full tank of gas