GM’s stronger 2.7L TurboMax is coming to the 2027 Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon, bringing the same 350 horsepower and 455 lb-ft of torque announced for the new Silverado 1500 and Sierra 1500.
For midsize-truck shoppers, the meaningful upgrade is more power from the standard four-cylinder. There is one key difference from the full-size pickups: the transmission.
350 hp and 455 lb-ft for both midsize trucks
The new L4B replaces the outgoing L3B TurboMax. Output rises from 310 to 350 horsepower and from 430 to 455 lb-ft of torque. That is an extra 40 hp and 25 lb-ft without increasing the engine’s 2.7-liter displacement.
GM Authority reported September 18 that GM released those ratings for the Colorado and Canyon. TFLtruck also identified the L4B in GM’s 2027 order guides. The midsize output matches GM’s newly announced full-size-truck ratings.
The enhanced TurboMax gets hardware changes
In its September 17 powertrain announcement, GM detailed a new turbocharger, revised fuel injection, updated active thermal management and redesigned pistons for the enhanced TurboMax.
GM says the changes also address drivability, noise and vibration. Those are manufacturer claims for now; a road test will tell us how much difference drivers notice. The important detail is that this update includes hardware changes, not simply a new name for the existing engine.
Colorado and Canyon keep the eight-speed
Sharing the engine does not mean sharing the entire powertrain. GM Authority reports that the Colorado and Canyon retain their eight-speed automatic. GM’s announcement pairs the enhanced TurboMax in the 2027 Silverado 1500 and Sierra 1500 with a ten-speed automatic.
The additional power also does not automatically raise the midsize trucks’ towing limits. GM Authority reports that maximum towing remains 7,700 pounds when properly equipped, with lower limits for certain off-road configurations. Buyers still need to check the rating for their specific truck.
A stronger reason to consider the 2027 model
Our earlier 2027 Colorado update flagged the L4B engine code before the output figures were available. These numbers answer the big question behind that change.
For perspective, Ford rates the Ranger Raptor’s standard 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 at 405 hp and 430 lb-ft. Toyota’s Tacoma i-FORCE MAX hybrid produces 326 hp and 465 lb-ft. The upgraded GM four-cylinder therefore splits those rivals: more torque than the stock Raptor, more horsepower than the Tacoma hybrid.
That makes the 2027 trucks worth considering if you were already shopping a Colorado or Canyon. It does not establish better fuel economy, durability or acceleration by itself. Those questions need vehicle-specific ratings, testing and time.
