The GMC Canyon mid-size pickup is a close cousin to the Chevrolet Colorado, built on the same platform and sharing much in the way of mechanicals while remaining distinctive inside and out. Distinguished as the only premium pickup in the mid-size segment, the brand’s DNA is clearly evident with the Canyon appearing a smaller version of the GMC Sierra truck. Work-oriented base, SL, SLE, and SLT trim levels are available. Additional model choices offered this year include a new top-of-line Canyon Denali and availability of an All Terrain X package on the Canyon SLE.

Canyon Denali features a Denali-signature chrome grille, 20-inch ultra-bright machined aluminum wheels with painted accents, tubular chrome assist steps, and spray-on bed liner. Inside, an exclusive Jet Black interior features leather-appointments, heated and ventilated front seats, unique instrument panel and console trim, heated steering wheel, and Denali-logo sill plates and floor mats. Additional standard features include GMC IntelliLink with Navigation, an 8-inch color touchscreen, full-color driver information center, 4G Wi-Fi hotspot, automatic climate control, Bose premium seven-speaker audio system, and remote start. Forward Collision Alert and Lane Departure Warning are also part of the package. The Canyon Denali is available only as a crew cab in 2WD and 4WD.

The All Terrain package offered on the SLE is the most off-road-capable of Canyon choices. The ‘X’ adds Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac P255/65R17 all-terrain tires on unique aluminum wheels and all-weather floor liners to the already-available All Terrain package. There is also a body-color grille surround and matching rear step bumper, Hill Descent Control, and an off-road suspension.

Canyon benefits from a new 3.6-liter V-6 engine mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. This new engine, which is shared among other GM models including Cadillac crossovers and the Chevrolet Camaro, replaces the previous-generation 3.6-liter LFX V-6. The new V-6 is rated at 308 horsepower with 275 lb-ft torque, improving these specs by just a slight margin over the earlier engine. The new powerplant is more efficient, though, due to the use of GM’s Active Fuel Management cylinder deactivation and refinements to the direct injection system.

Two additional powertrain choices are carried over from the previous model year. These include a fuel-efficient 2.5-liter gasoline inline-four and the notable 2.8-liter Duramax turbodiesel four-cylinder that was introduced last year. The four-cylinder engine is the only version available with a manual gearbox, and only on the SL model with rear-wheel drive. Canyon nets a welcome 25 to 30 highway mpg depending on engine choice, with the Duramax diesel the most efficient.

Extended Cab long-box Canyons start at $21,880 with two-wheel drive. Base cost moves upward for four-wheel drive, Crew Cab models, and optional equipment. The Canyon Denali is $39,995 to $43,760 depending on box length and two- or four-wheel drive choices.

Chevrolet’s all-new 2015 Colorado midsize pickup seeks to fill a potentially hot market replete with buyers interested in the functionality of a truck but requiring a bit smaller package for better maneuverability in urban areas. Starting at an MSRP of $20,120, the Colorado is available in four-door extended cab or crew cab models to fit varying needs, offering a standard six-foot pickup bed with a short five-foot bed also available on a short bed crew cab versions. Rear seat room is very tight in the extended cab and reasonably comfortable in the crew cab.

Power choices include two fuel efficient engines, a 2.5 liter four-cylinder and a 3.6 liter V-6.  The four-cylinder is rated at 200 horsepower and 191 lb-ft of torque, with approximately 90 percent of the peak torque available from 2,000 rpm to 6,200 rpm. The V-6 engine is rated at 305 horsepower and 269 lb-ft of torque. Fuel economy is estimated at 18 city/26 highway mpg with the V-6 and bumps up to 20 city/27 highway mpg with the four-cylinder. A new clean diesel option is coming with the 2016 Colorado, which will be offering a new 2.8-liter Duramax engine featuring an expected 181 horsepower and a sizeable 369 lb-ft of torque coming on at a low 2,000 rpm. Fuel efficiency promises to be outstanding for a pickup.

Aluminum blocks and forged-steel crankshafts, along with dual-overhead camshafts with variable valve timing, direct injection, and jet-spray piston cooling are shared by both of the current gasoline engines. The Colorado's trailering rating is up to 7,000 pounds with the V-6 engine and heavy-duty towing package. All models come with a standard six-speed automatic transmission with auto grade braking and a tow/haul mode. Extended cab 2WD WT models equipped with the 2.5-liter engine are available with a six-speed manual transmission.

The Colorado features triple-sealed doors inlaid in the body sides for improved aerodynamic performance and a quieter interior. To help keep overall mass down, lightweight materials such as an aluminum hood are used. It also has active aero grille shutters, designed to enhance aerodynamics when closed. Electric power steering improves efficiency by eliminating the energy used by an engine-driven hydraulic pump.

With nearly the capacity and features of the full-size Chevrolet Silverado pickup, this mid-sized pickup offers not only better fuel economy, but enhanced maneuverability including  a short turning radius of 41.3 feet, great on city streets or backing a trailer into a camping spot.

The Colorado may be a pickup, but it offers the advanced electronics so desired by consumers today. Safety is also top-of-mind with forward collision alert and lane departure warning plus a standard rear-vision camera.