GM Gives Colorado and Canyon Trucks New 350-HP Turbo Engine

More Power

The automotive industry moves quickly; we’re seeing new cars and updated models launch more often than ever. It’s important that automotive manufacturers stay competitive in the key segments of the market in the U.S.; that means anything to do with the pickup truck.

GM’s trucks are an essential part of its core business, and it recently announced some updates for the 2027 models. The upgrades don’t stop at the top; the smaller trucks are also getting updates, mostly in the form of more power.

Sharing the Strength

Based on the ordering guide that Auto Evolution got its hands on, both the Colorado and the Canyon are getting the L4B engine, which will significantly increase power. Previously, both trucks used a punchy 310 hp motor, but they will get the newer 2.7-liter turbocharged motor that bumps power up to 350 hp and 455 lb-ft of torque.

The L4B was originally slated for launch in the bigger Silverado and Sierra models, but is now also available in the smaller trucks. Beyond power, the L4B also gets significant upgrades, including an enhanced turbocharger, updated active thermal management, better NVH levels, upgraded fuel injection, and redesigned pistons. While getting the same engine as its bigger truck siblings is a good thing, the trucks differ in a major way. The Silverado and Sierra will get the 10-speed automatic, while the Colorado and Canyon make do with the 8-Speed.

It’s also worth noting that while power has gone up, capabilities remain the same. Both the Colorado and the Canyon will retain a maximum towing capacity of 7,700 pounds. The same goes for the more off-road-biased versions like the ZR2 and AT4X, which have a towing capacity rating of 6,000 pounds, while the Bison and AEV can pull up to 5,500 pounds.

Playing With The Big Boys

The updated L4B TurboMax is an in-line four-cylinder engine, but with 350 hp and 455 lb-ft on tap, it now bumps itself up into competition with V6s and hybridized motors. The king of the hill is still the Ford Raptor with a 405 hp V6, while Toyota’s i-FORCE MAX engine makes 326 hp, leaving the GM models in the middle.

The 2027 Colorado and Canyon will also get a slew of other upgrades; some will add better standard equipment, while others will focus on exterior paint and rim options.