Latest Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon Models Lose Manual Options

Nowadays, major automakers follow the trend of automation and prefer automatic gearboxes for their new models over manual solutions. In the segment of light and medium trucks, only a small number of models still include a manual gearbox as an option. Recently, that number has grown even shorter, as GM removed the manual option for the Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon.

2019 GMC Canyon

2019 Chevrolet Colorado

Initially, both trucks were preferably manufactured with a 6-speed manual gearbox, rather than with an automatic option. Manual versions were equipped with the 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine. Thanks to the new gearbox solutions both trucks can have other engine options. Now customers can expect 6- or 8-speed automatics mated to the 3.6-liter V6 engine and 2.8-liter four-cylinder diesel engine under the hood of Colorado or Canyon models.

According to the GM representative, this step was caused by the fact that currently the manual gearboxes are economically unviable, sluggish demand for manual versions just does not justify manufacturing efforts. Apart from the gearbox replacement, both trucks are completely similar to their predecessors. The last year’s model had significant design improvements, therefore this year GM engineers limited themselves to only one change. Both models are promised to be upgraded in the future.

The shift to automatics became a sad news for admirers of these models, but this scenario was predictable. Due to the growing demand for automatic solutions in trucks, manual options very soon may become obsolete.