General Motors has announced a major performance boost for its two most accessible compact trucks, the Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon, with a new engine set to debut in the 2027 lineup. This upgrade places them directly in the high-performance tier of midsize pickup trucks.
Engine Overhaul and Power Specifications
Starting next year, both models will transition from the current 2.7-liter turbocharged inline-four (L3B) to GM’s updated 2.7-liter turbocharged inline-four (L4B). The L4B is already in use across the automaker’s upcoming full-size half-ton trucks, signaling its importance in GM’s future powertrain strategy. Under the hood, the L4B delivers 350 horsepower and 450 lb.-ft. of torque, replacing the outgoing L3B’s 310 horsepower and 430 lb.-ft. The new engine will be the sole option across all trims, from basic work trucks to fully equipped variants.
The performance gains immediately position the Colorado and Canyon ahead of the Ford Ranger’s optional 2.7-liter twin-turbo V6, which produces 315 horsepower and 400 lb.-ft. of torque. However, Ford’s high-performance Ranger Raptor, rated at 400 horsepower, remains the segment leader in raw output.
Toyota’s Tacoma HybridMAX, with 326 horsepower and 465 lb.-ft. of torque, currently holds the second-highest torque figure in the midsize class. Its electrified powertrain is standard on off-road-focused models like the Trailhunter and TRD Pro, directly competing with the Colorado’s ZR2 and Canyon’s AT4X trims.
Transmission and Competitive Positioning
GM has not disclosed how the increased torque will be handled, as the 2027 models will retain the existing eight-speed automatic transmission (8L80) rather than adopting the newer ten-speed unit found in its full-size trucks. The order guide specifies the transmission code “MFC,” indicating a carryover design with unspecified torque capacity upgrades.
This development comes on the heels of GM’s recent powertrain announcements for larger trucks, including a new range of V8 engines for its next-generation half-ton pickups and a massive 8.3-liter turbodiesel for heavy-duty models. By extending the L4B engine to its most affordable pickups, GM ensures that even entry-level buyers benefit from the same advanced technology found in its premium offerings.