The GMC Canyon can be configured with one of three available engines: a 2.5L 4-cylinder, a 3.6L V6, or a 2.8L 4-cylinder Duramax turbo-diesel. All are relatively powerful, with the 2.5L producing 200 horsepower and 191 pound-feet of torque, the 3.6L making 308 horsepower and 275 pound-feet of torque. Finally, the turbo-diesel, available on SLE and SLT trims, makes 181 horsepower and 369 lb-feet of torque.
Two-wheel drive Canyons are the most efficient powertrains and are capable of 27 highway mpg when equipped with the 4-cylinder engine. V6-equipped Canyons can achieve 26 mpg on the highway.
When properly equipped, Canyons with the 2.5L engines are rated up to 3,500 pounds of towing capacity; the figure jumps to 7,000 pounds on the 3.6L V6 and top out at an impressive 7,700 pounds for those trucks fitted with the diesel.
Buyers are given the choice of three different body styles and five different trims. Crew cab models, with four full-sized doors, are available in long and short bed styles, while the slightly smaller extended cab body style is available only with the longer bed. Four-wheel drive is an option across all body choices on SLE and SLT trims.
Base Elevation Canyons are adequately equipped with standard features that include 4-wheel antilock disc brakes, 18-inch aluminum wheels, a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth and Android Auto and Apple CarPlay and 4-way power driver seat adjustment.
AT4 models are immediately recognizable thanks to their 31-inch goodyear tires fitted around 17-inch aluminum wheels. The AT4 also gets off-road tuned suspension, a hill descent control system, a locking rear differential and a skid plate for the transfer case. The interior of the AT4 gets unique stitching, while the exterior has a blacked-out look with dark chrome highlights.
The top of the line Denali model comes with 20-inch diamond cut aluminum wheels, chrome step assists, chrome accents around the exterior and a unique grille. Inside, the Canyon Denali has open pore ash wood trim with aluminum highlights, a dark brown color scheme and heated and vented seats as standard. Both the Denali and AT4 come only with either the V6 engine or the 2.8L Diesel.
Like most modern vehicles, safety is addressed by a combination of airbags and electronic systems designed to help prevent an accident. The Canyon comes with a rearview camera, anti-lock brakes, traction control and stability control standard. Features such as forward collision alert and a lane-departure warning system are optional.
Powerful Engines
Towing Capacity
Relatively Compact Footprint
Good Fuel Economy
Quiet Ride
Available 4-wheel Drive
The biggest news for 2021 is the addition of two new trim models to the lineup, the off-road oriented AT4 and the luxurious Denali trim. The Denali trim has gradually spread throughout the GMC lineup as more and more buyers want a dose of luxury to go with their GMC vehicles. In addition, the new AT4 trim level caters to those that want just a bit more capability and tough off-road looks from their GMC truck.
The GMC Canyon fits the bill for people who need solid utility but appreciate the fuel economy compromises a full-sized pickup truck bring with it. As trucks have gotten more capable, they've also gotten bigger. Some buyers are looking for a truck's cargo capacity but don't want to give up fuel economy or maneuverability. Enter the GMC Canyon, with a footprint that's not much bigger than the average mid-size sedan. The GMC Canyon competes with such compact trucks as the Toyota Tacoma and the Nissan Frontier.
