Two years ago, GMC rolled out an American alternative to the midsize pickup trucks long-proffered by Toyota and Nissan. As it turned out, the 2015 Canyon (like its cousin, the Chevrolet Colorado) was just what the market ordered. With recent increases in production capacity, even more buyers are likely to drive one home.
What's New For 2017
Biggest news for 2017 is the debut of the posh Canyon Denali, with a distinctive chrome grille, specific 20-inch aluminum wheels, heated/ventilated front seats, and additional trim. The new All Terrain X package features Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac 17-inch all-terrain tires, all-weather floor lining, an off-road suspension, and hill descent control. There's also a newly available Nightfall Edition with a body-colored grille, spray-on bedliner, and 18-inch wheels. GMC’s 3.6-liter V6 gains direct injection and cylinder deactivation, and now mates with an eight-speed automatic transmission. A trailer brake controller is now available with the V6. Teen Driver is now standard, and the IntelliLink audio system receives a 7-inch touchscreen.
Choosing Your GMC Canyon
The Canyon takes its styling cues from GMC’s full-size Sierra pickup, 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 configurations: 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. Cargo beds include 13 tie-down locations.
The Extended Cab's standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine produces 200 horsepower – sufficient for everyday driving and light hauling. The optional 3.6-liter V6, which comes standard in Crew Cabs, provides a boost to 308 horsepower and 275 pound-feet of torque, and allows the Canyon to tow up to 7,000 pounds.
A third option emerged last year: a 2.8-liter Duramax turbodiesel four-cylinder, which puts out 181 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. Models so equipped can pull up to 7,700 pounds and come standard with an integrated brake controller and an automatic locking rear differential. Diesel fuel economy is estimated at 31 mpg (highway) with rear-wheel drive.
A six-speed automatic transmission is standard with the Duramax engine and on all other configurations except the rear-drive Extended Cab, which starts out with a six-speed manual gearbox. Four-wheel drive with automatic mode is available across the board.
Both cab styles are available in fives trim levels:
GMC’s diesel engine ($3,730) is available on SLE, SLT, and Denali Crew Cab models. All trims can get a variety of cargo organizing and bed protection features.
The base Canyon isn’t nearly as austere as you might expect for an 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, not to mention the new Denali, depends on how much style and luxury you expect from a truck, and how much you’re willing to pay for it.