“The versatility and usability of these trucks appeal to small business owners, families or even outdoor lovers…”

DEL MAR, California.

It’s a quintessential SoCal morning.

The marine layer is in full effect, blocking a would-be gorgeous sunrise. Yet that won’t stop avid sports enthusiasts from taking a run along the beach. Or taking to the water for some morning wave action.

Nor does it stop couples from walking arm-in-arm, with their hands occupied by their morning coffee, and their midsize breed of pooch following close by. However, something does turn their heads.

A host of all-new 2015 midsize trucks have them perplexed. They’ve never seen these kinds of Canyons or Colorados gracing the streets before and wonder what all the commotion is about.

Then again, it’s not uncommon to see midsized trucks in this part of the world. In fact, they’re a dime a dozen. Most are outfitted with surf racks, toolboxes or have gear loaded in the bed. They are put to good use.

Anita Burke, GM’s chief vehicle engineer of midsize trucks, explained what makes this category of relatively small truck popular. The versatility and usability of these trucks appeal to small business owners, families or even outdoor lovers.

With a 12.5-metre turning radius – which we put to the test when we want to make a U-turn to take some photos – it’s quite impressive. Furthermore, it’s the all-in-one midsize truck without compromise.

It has the segment’s best horsepower thanks to two great engines. The first being a 2.5L, 4-cylinder with 200 hp and 191 lb-ft of torque, the next being a 3.6L, V6 with 305 hp and 269 lb-ft of torque. Both engines are paired to a six-speed automatic transmission; a six-speed manual is available on select extended cab 2WD models

Come 2015, a 2.8L Duramax Turbo-Diesel is scheduled to join in the engine lineup.

Want to tow a couple of dirt bikes, or mount a couple of kayaks on the rear? Sure! Not a problem.

As I drove through Del Mar with a trailer hitched to the back that carried two incredibly clean dirt bikes, I barely felt they were there.

The V6-endowed Chevy Colorado (or GMC Canyon) tows up to 3,175 kg (7,000 lbs.) with the trailering package, so it has ample oomph to get it up some tough grades without breaking a sweat.

When you want to access the bed – regardless of trim – they all come with a standard CornerStep rear bumper.

You’ll also find 13 standard tie-down locations throughout the bed that you can use with available, movable cargo tie-down rings.

Furthermore, the 2015 Colorado’s configurations are available in an extended cab model with a 6-foot bed, a crew cab with a 5-foot bed and a crew cab with a 6-foot bed. With the tailgate down, the 6-foot bed allows hauling of 8-foot-long items.

Even though both trucks are built on GM’s Global mid-size truck platform, they are targeted at two different buyers.

The GMC Canyon has more upscale features and a lavish cabin – something I wouldn’t have said before when it comes to midsize trucks – while the Colorado is more utilitarian in nature. No matter how you slice it, both of these trucks have impressive features.

One is its quietness. Whether driving the four or six-cylinder variants, no rattles, bangs or buzzing were heard. I actually couldn’t believe my ears as to how serene the cabin was. I guess the triple door seals are doing their job and doing it well.

The transmission had a smoothness to it and the 8-inch touchscreen featuring Text Messaging Alerts and Siri Eyes Free are a bonus.

If you’re just hauling yourself, or a pair of jet skis around back, the GMC Canyon and Chevrolet Colorado can do the job. And they do it very well.

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Pricing for the Chevrolet Colorado starts at an MSRP of $19,900 for the four-cylinder with the extended cab. The GMC Canyon has a starting MSRP of $20,600 (both exclude a destination charge of $1,695).

Visit www.gm.ca for more information

Contact: alexandra [dot] straub [at] drivewaybc [dot] ca