For the past couple of years, buyers wanting anything less than a full-size pickup had to visit a Toyota or Nissan dealership. Fans of American iron will be pleased to know that General Motors is back in the midsize truck business with the 2015 GMC Canyon, which adopts many of the winning virtues of the brand's flagship Sierra on a smaller scale.
What's New for 2015
Last offered in 2012, the GMC Canyon is all-new for 2015.
Choosing your GMC Canyon
The new Canyon takes its styling cues from the Sierra, including a towering chromed grille, LED accent lighting and tasteful fender bulges. The effect is both modern and comfortably imposing. The Canyon is offered in two body styles: an extended cab with narrow rear-hinged back doors and a 6-foot bed, and a four-door crew cab with your choice of a 5- or 6-foot bed.
The extended cab's standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine produces 200 horsepower, enough for everyday driving and light hauling. The available 3.6-liter V6, which comes standard on the crew cab, provides a boost to 305 horsepower and allows the Canyon to tow up to 7,000 pounds. A six-speed automatic transmission is standard on all configurations except the rear-drive extended cab, which starts out with a six-speed manual. Four-wheel drive with auto mode is available across the board.
Both cab styles are available in three trim levels:
Additional options for the SLE and SLT include a Bose 7-speaker sound system and navigation. All trims can get a variety of cargo organizing and bed protection features.
The Base Canyon is not nearly as austere as you might expect for any entry-level pickup -- just make sure to get the Convenience package if you want the full complement of car-like features. Whether to upgrade to the SLE or SLT depends on how much style and luxury you expect from a pickup.