GM Makes Midsize 2015 GMC Pickup Look Big

The new GMC Canyon isn't just a lookalike to its sibling, the Chevrolet Colorado midsize pickup General Motors Co. introduced in November.

The Canyon debuted on Sunday at the Detroit auto show with a massive front end that makes the truck look like a slightly smaller version of the fullsize GMC Sierra.

The Chevy and GMC trucks will offer the same two engine choices: a 2.5-liter four-banger rated at 193 hp and a 3.6-liter V-6 that makes 302 hp. Both will add a diesel engine in the 2016 model year. Both come with a standard 6-speed automatic, optional four-wheel drive and the ability to tow as much as 6,700 lbs.

The two trucks are based on a midsize pickup platform GM developed for an earlier version of the Chevy Colorado made in Thailand. GM says the U.S. versions are as much as 40% lighter. Both nameplates will be produced at GM's plant in Wentzville, Mo.

GM is positioning the Chevy Colorado as a sporty truck for families. It will market the GMC Canyon to would-be buyers of fullsize Ford and Chrysler pickups as a more compact alternative but with similar capabilities.

GM also hopes the two new models will lure lovers of smaller pickups whose choices shrank when Ford dropped the Ranger and Chrysler stopped making the Dodge Dakota. The American midsize pickup segment currently is dominated by Toyota Motor Corp.'s Tacoma truck.