The second wave of GM’s quarter-ton offerings, the Chevy Colorado and GMC Canyon, are nigh upon us. It was almost a year ago today that we learned of the trucks’ coming debut, and we’ve been waiting with bated breath to see just how well these trucks live up to the hype.

Over the course of the past twelve months, we’ve heard how light the pickups will be, how much they’ll cost, and now, how well they do at the gas pump. The EPA just released its findings regarding the four-cylinder versions of the pickups, and here’s what the report has to say.

According to the results, the standard 2WD, six-speed automatic with a 2.5L inline-four engine will average 22 MPG (20 MPG city/27 MPG highway), while a six-speed manual will attain the same 22 MPG across a smaller range (19 MPG city/26 MPG highway). The 4WD versions will generate an average of 21 MPG (19 MPG city/25 MPG highway).

In the past, four-banger versions of trucks have been a compromise of cheaper price tags and better fuel economy against power, but the new Colorado and Canyon are blazing a new trail. The 2.5L Ecotec will give off 200 horsepower and 191 pound-feet of torque, making it far superior to the competing Tacoma‘s 2.7 L 2TR-FE I4 (159 horsepower, 180 pound-feet of torque) or the Frontier‘s 2.5L QR25DE I4 (152 hp, 171 pound-feet of torque). High-tech add-ons include dual overhead camshafts, variable valve timing, direct injection, and jet-spray piston cooling.

Factoring in the 15-20 percent driveline loss from engine to tires, this figures out to about 160 horsepower at the tires, which should afford owners plenty of hooning pleasure while out and about. What do you think? Will these numbers sway you toward a future GM purchase? Or will you wait to see how these trucks play out in the coming months? Deposit your two cents below.