Anyone gone from an HD to a Colorado/Canyon?

[CRApex]

I’ve driven HD trucks for years but have not done frequent heavy towing in a while and if I do I have HD work trucks I can borrow.  As the title suggests, can anyone share experience in making this change?  Thanks

[David W S]

I'm not quite sure what you're looking for on this. The Colorado is a smaller truck. It can't pull or carry as much. It gets better gas mileage than the V8s and is easier to drive in town. It does well towing with things under 6k. I've had 3500HDs, 2500HDs, 1500s and one other Colorado. I like the Colorado better than the larger trucks for 99.9% of what I do. If you're pulling larger loads, however... it's not even close.

[KARNUT]

I thought about the canyon when I bought my last 1/2 ton. I like the size and the V-6. When I was looking you couldn’t get the extended cab anymore. When it came to cost I got a 1/2 ton cheaper and with more options.

[CRApex]

18 hours ago, David W S said:

I'm not quite sure what you're looking for on this. The Colorado is a smaller truck. It can't pull or carry as much. It gets better gas mileage than the V8s and is easier to drive in town. It does well towing with things under 6k. I've had 3500HDs, 2500HDs, 1500s and one other Colorado. I like the Colorado better than the larger trucks for 99.9% of what I do. If you're pulling larger loads, however... it's not even close.

Exactly what I was looking for.  On the one hand I'm thinking about going back to the diesel, on the other, really like the looks of the Canyon Denali...I need counseling!  lol

[Likarok]

Not a good comparison. But the 4 cylinder is holding me back of going from a v6. IMO you would be very disappointed, especially going from a 6.6 Duramax to a 4 cylinder!

[newdude]

I had 3 HD and a 1/2 ton before my 2016 Colorado with the 2.8 Duramax.  I never really used the HDs for what they were capable of (04, 06 and a 15, all gas regular cabs).  Colorado was a welcome change.  I actually ended up towing more with that truck than the others I had before it, and it towed quite well and the almost 26mpg average I managed during ownership was a welcome change from 13mpg.  I really enjoyed that truck and the size didn't bother me either, only occupants that rode in back lol.    

 

After the Colorado, I went to a 2019 1500 LD 5.3, and now a 2022.5 crew cab 2.7 Turbo HO (Turbomax).  I have driven the new 2023+up Colorados at work though.  

 

I would say the biggest thing would be crew cab full size to crew cab midsize, and then overall cabin room.  If you've had full size crews, it "might" be hard to shrink that.  The current Colorado/Canyon, the cabin is a bit roomier than the last gen, but its still about a full size double cab in terms of leg room back there.  I can sit behind myself, but not sure I'd want to do it for 3 hours (5ft 10in tall), where in a full size there is room for days.  

 

Powertrain wise, sure, a 6.6 Duramax going down to the 2.7 Turbomax, its a change but the Turbomax is probably my favorite engine in the full size right now, especially putting 24,000mi on mine so far.  In the mid twins, its all of that but a 500lbs lighter truck, so more than adequate power.  They feel faster than my 1500 does.  310hp, 430 ft.lbs torque.  MPG wise, I get 19-21mpg in my 1500, not sure how the mid twins do as I haven't had the chance to drive one longer than around the block. 

 

If you are considering diesel again, have you thought about the somewhat goldilocks 3.0 Duramax in a 1500?  You could always pair that with NHT max trailer for 13,000lbs of towing, but enjoy 30+mpg empty driving and keep the room of the full size.      

Edited August 14, 2024 by newdude