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 305 horsepower and 269 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 four 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 SL Canyons are adequately equipped with standard features that include 4-wheel antilock disc brakes, 16" aluminum wheels, a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth and Android Auto and Apple Carplay and 4-way power driver seat adjustment.
The SLE trim adds a slew of interior features, including an 8-inch color touchscreen upgrade, OnStar with built-in Wi-Fi hotspot technology, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, aluminum interior trim, four USB ports and steering wheel-mounted audio controls. Other additions to the SLE trim include 17-inch aluminum wheels and a upgraded rear tailgate.
The top-of-the-line SLT trim adds plenty of upscale goodies as well as a bit of bling. Additions include leather seating surfaces, heated front seats, heated and powered outside mirrors, a powered passenger seat, a remote starter, chrome exterior highlights and 18-inch polished aluminum wheels. Options on the SLT include a Bose stereo and a navigation system.
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
For 2020, GMC has updated the Canyon's available lineup options, starting with the elimination of the availability of the rear-wheel-drive long-box model, all-wheel-drive extended-cab and All Terrain trims are all no longer available. The six-speed-manual transmission and auxiliary audio input are also discontinued this year. However, a bright spot is the new locking rear tailgate and tire fill alert system that add some convenience and capability.
The GMC Canyon fits the bill for people who need a solid utility but who 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.
