The 2017 model is a game changer, though. The 2017 V6-equipped Chevrolet Colorado / GMC Canyon, while externally, is identical to the earlier models (save for a new V6 badge on the tailgate), in fact received two major powertrain updates: the new 3.6L LGZ engine, and the 8L45 8 speed automatic transmission.
 
For our write-up on the comparison between the older V6 and the new one, see our article here:
TRIFECTA: The next generation of V6s from GM (RPO: LGW, LGX, and LGZ)

Right off the bat, we noticed that the transmission shift strategy is improved. With the addition of two gears and a wider gear ratio-spread, the new 8 speed transmission is much more capable at finding the ideal gear to be in, depending on what the driver wants to do. Downshifts are more progressive (though we patently dislike the detent in the accelerator pedal at the end of its travel, the threshold of which must be passed to get the transmission to downshift to the lowest possible gear), and gear changes are smooth and efficient. Furthermore, all of this and the transmission allows the vehicle to run at a lower RPM, improving fuel economy.

Out of the box, the new LGZ engine (which is a variant of the 3.6L LGX engine offered in the 2016+ Chevrolet Camaro and most 2016+ Cadillac vehicles) offers 3HP gain over the outgoing LFX engine, and torque is improved by 6 lb-ft. This might not sound like much, but when combined with the more favorable gear ratios the rest of the powertrain offers, the truck accelerates impressively while being able to tow up to 7000 pounds. The LGZ engine also introduces active fuel management (AFM) to the Chevrolet Colorado / GMC Canyon. AFM allows the vehicle to disable two of the cylinders under light load to further improve fuel economy. We found the AFM transitions to be smooth and, frankly almost unnoticeable.

We are in the midst of our development cycle for the 2017 Chevrolet Colorado / GMC Canyon and are working tirelessly to analyze the factory drivability experience to look for ways to make a great truck even greater! Expect to see updates from TRIFECTA as we work through our performance tuning product for the 2017 Chevrolet Colorado / GMC Canyon, and search for every bit of extra power we can wring out of it!

View our product for the 2015--2016 Colorado/Canyon here:

Chevrolet Colorado
GMC Canyon