Best Upgrades for 3rd Gen GMC Canyon / Chevy Colorado

Cold Air Intakes, Charge Pipes, Cat-Back Exhausts, and more.

Chevy Colorado and GMC Canyon engine upgrades are necessary to take your truck to the next level and unleash its full potential. In this guide, we will break down the best performance upgrades for the 2.7L Chevy Colorado and GMC Canyon– including horsepower boosting cold air intakes, charge pipes, exhaust systems, and more– for whichever trim you have – Trail Boss, Z71, ZR2, Denali, or AT4.

Cold Air Intakes

Momentum GT

Cold Air Intake w/ Pro 5R filter

Momentum GT Cold Air Intake installed in Chevy Colorado

The popular aFe POWER Momentum GT Cold Air Intake for the 3rd Gen Chevy Colorado and GMC Canyon offers a sealed design, large window, bolt-on installation with no CELs or tune required, and delivers dyno-proven gains of +10 horsepower and +13 lb-ft torque. 

  • Outflows Factory Intake by 10%
  • Measured Flow: 270 CFM @ 7″ H2O
  • Washable and Reusable Pro 5R Air Filter for Maximum Performance
  • Large Clear Sight Window for Convenient Filter Inspection Without Disassembly
  • Sealed Housing Utilizes Factory Air Inlet and Additional Optional Auxiliary Air Inlet
  • Premium Clamps and Silicone Couplings Provide a Secure Seal and Excellent Durability
  • Also available with Dry Filter (50-70113D)

Charge Pipes

BladeRunner

Hot & Cold Aluminum Charge Pipes

Aftermarket Colorado or Canyon truck intercooler pipes on white background

aFe POWER Charge Pipes for the 3rd Gen Chevy Colorado and GMC Canyon are available in hot-side-only, cold-side-only, or as a pair in black or red.

GMC Canyon and Chevy Colorado Charge Pipes
  • Increase airflow and performance – Upgrades restrictive factory charge pipes with smooth, mandrel-bent aluminum to reduce turbulence and improve horsepower and torque.
  • Durable, warp-proof construction – Built from TIG-welded 2.5” hot-side and 3” cold-side aluminum pipes, designed for maximum strength and heat resistance.
  • Leak-free, secure fit – Includes SmartSeal clamps, 5-ply silicone couplings, and factory-style billet aluminum quick-connect adapters for a durable, airtight seal.

  • Upgrade-ready design – Features 1/8” NPT ports, allowing easy installation of sensors or water/methanol injection for future performance upgrades.

  • Stylish and corrosion-resistant finish – Wrinkle black powder coating with a laser-etched aFe POWER logo enhances durability while giving your engine bay a sleek, custom look

Exhaust Systems

Explore Cat-Back Exhaust Systems for the 3rd Gen Chevy Colorado and GMC Canyon with different style options like high tuck for off-road usage, side exit, and single or dual tip. 

Apollo GT Series

3″ 409 Stainless Steel Cat-Back Exhaust System

The aFe POWER Hi-Tuck Cat-Back Exhaust System for the 3rd Gen Chevy Colorado and GMC Canyon is finished off with a hi-tuck design that provides extra clearance during extreme-angle climbs or descents and protects the exhaust over rough terrain.

  • Constructed from 3″ Mandrel-Bent 409 Stainless Steel Tubing
  • Hi-Tuck Design for Extra Ground Clearance, Protects Exhaust Over Rough Terrain
  • Utilizes Factory Style Flange and Hangers for a Secure Fit
  • 100% MIG-Welded for Strength and Durability

Apollo GT Series 3″ 409 Stainless Steel Cat-Back Exhaust System w/ Polished Tip

  • Exits after the rear right tire
  • Sounds similar to exhaust system 49-44143 above, but may be a few dB quieter because of exit location
  • Constructed from 3″ Mandrel-Bent 409 Stainless Steel Tubing
  • 4″ Diameter Polished 304 Stainless Steel Clamp-On Exhaust Tip
  • Utilizes Factory Style Flange and Hangers for a Secure Fit
  • 100% MIG-Welded for Strength and Durability
  • Also available with Polished Tip (49-44141-P)

Rock Basher 3″ 409 Stainless Steel Cat-Back Exhaust System 

Rock Basher Off-road exhaust for Chevy Colorado or GMC Canyon 2.7t
Rock Basher off-road exhaust extra clearnce for Chevy Colorado GMC Canyon
  • Exits before the rear axle
  • Constructed from 3″ Mandrel-Bent 409 Stainless Steel Tubing
  • Hi-Tuck Downwards Turned Tip for Maximum Ground Clearance 
  • Utilizes Factory Style Flange and Hangers for a Secure Fit
  • 100% MIG-Welded for Strength and Durability

Rebel Series 3″ Stainless Steel Cat-Back Exhaust System w/ Polished Tip

  • Exits before the rear right tire
  • Constructed from 3″ Mandrel-Bent 304 Stainless Steel Tubing
  • 4″ Diameter Polished 304 Stainless Steel Exhaust Tip
  • Utilizes Factory Style Flange and Hangers for a Secure Fit
  • 100% MIG-Welded for Strength and Durability
  • Also available with Black Tip (49-34142-B)

Electronics

Explore plug-and-play electronics for the GMC Canyon and Chevy Colorado, including the Scorcher Power Module to increase horsepower and torque without actually tuning your truck or the Pedal 2 Metal throttle enhancer to quicken your throttle response and customize sensitivity. 

SCORCHER BLUE Bluetooth Power Module

The aFe POWER Scorcher BLUE Power Module for the 3rd Gen Chevy Colorado or GMC Canyon plugs directly into your truck to instantly boost turbo performance (+33 HP, +55 lb-ft torque) and sharpen throttle response with no ECU flash.

  • Easy Setup: True plug-and-play installation with zero permanent modifications.

  • 4 Power Modes: Toggle between Stock, Sport, Sport+, and Race via in-cabin LED switch or phone app.

  • Bluetooth Connected: Adjust power levels, tweak custom settings, or update software straight from your phone.

  • No ECU Flash: Operates as a piggyback system without modifying factory engine code.

Pedal 2 Metal Throttle Enhancer

The Pedal 2 Metal Throttle Enhancer for the 3rd Gen Chevy Colorado or GMC Canyon plugs directly behind your pedal to eliminate throttle lag and sharpen acceleration in real time.

  • Easy Setup: True plug-and-play installation with OE connectors and zero wire cutting.

  • 5 Driving Modes: Toggle between Stock, Economy, Street, Performance, and Race via the phone app.

  • Bluetooth Connected: Adjust throttle responsiveness and fine-tune sensitivity straight from your phone.

  • Built-In Security: Features Valet Mode to limit performance and Pedal Lock Mode to disable throttle input against theft.

Air Filters

Magnum FLOW Pro 5R Air Filter

Upgrade your engine paper air fillter for your 3rd Gen Chevy Colorado or GMC Canyon with a washable/reusable performance aFe POWER Drop-In OE Replacement Air Filter.

With up to a 35% increase in flow over stock, this Pro 5R air filter is the high-flow filter option and features factory-oiled media for maximum performance. Its progressive bump seal design and polyurethane frame make it extremely durable and simple to install.

  • Washable and Reusable for Multiple Cleaning Cycles
  • Pro 5R Filter Media Features Five Layers of Progressive Oiled Cotton Gauze for Maximum Performance
  • Deep, Open Pleats Allow for Increased Surface Area and Air Flow

Magnum FLOW Pro DRY S Air Filter

This Pro DRY S air filter features three layers of oil-free synthetic media, making it our easiest-to-maintain performance air filter. With a progressive bump seal design and polyurethane frame, it is also extremely durable and simple to install.

  • Washable and Reusable for Multiple Cleaning Cycles
  • Pro DRY S Filter Media Features Three Layers of Progressive Synthetic (Dry) Media for Maximum Convenience
  • Deep Pleats Allow for Increased Surface Area and Dust Holding Capacity

Cabin Air Filter

Replace your musty cabin air filter on your Chevy Colorado or GMC Canyon with an upgraded activated carbon aFe POWER Cabin Air Filter. 

  • Activated Carbon Reduces Odors and Fumes
  • Better Than Stock Replacement Cabin Filter
  • Easy To Install
  • Helps Keep A/C Evaporator Clean and Microbe-Free
  • Recommended Replacement Every 12,000-15,000 Miles

Fluid Filters

Pro GUARD HD Oil Filter

  • High Flow Rates and Outstanding Filtration
  • Built-In 3/8″ Nut/Ratchet Drive with a 1″ Square Boss for Easy Removal
  • Direct Stock Replacement

Leveling Kits

aFe CONTROL 1.25″ Leveling Kit

  • 1.25 inch Front Lift
  • CNC Machined 6061 Billet Aluminum
  • High Strength Hardware
  • Red Anodized Finish
  • Increases Front Ground Clearance
  • Easy Bolt-On Installation, Requires no Modifications

Upgrade Your Colorado/Canyon

We hope this guide helped you find the Top Performance Upgrades for the Chevy Colorado and GMC Canyon. Overall, the 2023, 2024, 2025, or 2026 2.7L turbo-charged Chevrolet Colorado or GMC Canyon stands out for its combination of capability, performance, and comfort. Whether you’re seeking a reliable work truck or an off-road companion, this midsize pickup delivers with GM’s reputation for durability and dependability.

Let aFe POWER help you unlock the perfect customization to elevate your ride.

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