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2020 GMC Canyon

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Make
GMC
Model
Canyon
Year
2020
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GMC Canyon OEM Exterior Primary Photo
OEM Interior Primary
OEM Exterior
OEM Exterior
OEM Interior
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Expert Rating
2.4 (Fair)

Our expert ratings are based on seven comprehensive criteria: quality, safety, comfort, performance, fuel economy, reliability history and value.

You can interpret our ratings in the following way:

: Outstanding vehicle. Only the most exceptional vehicles achieve this rating.

: Very Good vehicle. Very good and close to being the best vehicle in its class.

: Good vehicle. Decent, but not quite the best. Often affordable, but lacking key features found in vehicles of the same class.

: Below average vehicle. Not recommended, and lacking attributes a car buyer would come to expect for the price.

: Poor vehicle. Simply does not deserve to be on the road.

Select a Trim
Select a Trim
2020 SL 4x2 Extended Cab 6 ft. box 128.3 in. WB
most popular
Price:   -  From $22,200
2020 Base 4x2 Extended Cab 6 ft. box 128.3 in. WB Price:   -  From $25,700
2020 Base 4x2 Crew Cab 5 ft. box 128.3 in. WB Price:   -  From $27,600
2020 SLE 4x2 Extended Cab 6 ft. box 128.3 in. WB Price:   -  From $29,100
2020 SLE 4x2 Crew Cab 5 ft. box 128.3 in. WB Price:   -  From $31,000
2020 Base 4x4 Extended Cab 6 ft. box 128.3 in. WB Price:   -  From $31,100
2020 SLE 4x4 Extended Cab 6 ft. box 128.3 in. WB Price:   -  From $34,500
2020 SLT 4x2 Crew Cab 5 ft. box 128.3 in. WB Price:   -  From $35,900
2020 SLE 4x4 Crew Cab 5 ft. box 128.3 in. WB Price:   -  From $36,100
2020 All Terrain w/Cloth 4x4 Extended Cab 6 ft. box 128.3 in. WB Price:   -  From $36,600
2020 SLE 4x4 Crew Cab 6 ft. box 140.5 in. WB Price:   -  From $36,700
2020 All Terrain w/Cloth 4x4 Crew Cab 5 ft. box 128.3 in. WB Price:   -  From $37,900
2020 All Terrain w/Cloth 4x4 Crew Cab 6 ft. box 140.5 in. WB Price:   -  From $38,500
2020 All Terrain w/Leather 4x4 Crew Cab 5 ft. box 128.3 in. WB Price:   -  From $39,300
2020 SLT 4x4 Crew Cab 5 ft. box 128.3 in. WB Price:   -  From $39,400
2020 All Terrain w/Leather 4x4 Crew Cab 6 ft. box 140.5 in. WB Price:   -  From $39,900
2020 SLT 4x4 Crew Cab 6 ft. box 140.5 in. WB Price:   -  From $40,000
2020 Denali 4x2 Crew Cab 5 ft. box 128.3 in. WB Price:   -  From $40,500
2020 Denali 4x4 Crew Cab 5 ft. box 128.3 in. WB Price:   -  From $44,000
2020 Denali 4x4 Crew Cab 6 ft. box 140.5 in. WB Price:   -  From $44,300

Overview

What's New

In most trims, the 2020 GMC Canyon offers shoppers something a little more upmarket than the usual suspects in the mid-size truck class. It's a unique marketing proposition that GMC has pulled off surprisingly well over the years; if nothing else, you won't catch anyone scoffing at the brand's ritzy Denali models.

For 2020, GMC has chosen not to mess with success, and the Canyon soldiers on unchanged. Don't call it complacency, though. The mid-sizer is expected to be refreshed for 2021 and will boast updated styling along with a new off-road sub-trim to be called AT4.

Choosing Your GMC Canyon

The GMC Canyon is available in six trims: SL, Canyon, SLE, SLT, All Terrain, and Denali. Pricing starts at $23,790 including destination for the SL and climbs to $41,595 for the Denali.

Crew Cab models are offered with both the 5-foot-2-inch Short Box and the 6-foot-2-inch Long Box. Extended Cabs come exclusively with the Long Box. The Crew Cab is offered for all trims but the SL; the Extended Cab isn't offered in SLT or Denali spec, but is available throughout the rest of the range.

Engine Choices

The entry-level powertrain is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that's standard on the SL, Canyon, and SLE. Most examples come with the 3.6-liter V6, which is standard on the SLT, All Terrain, and Denali and available on the Canyon and SLE. A 2.8-liter turbodiesel is optional on the SLE, SLT, All Terrain, and Denali.

Engine TypeHorsepowerTorqueMax TowingFuel Economy (Combined)
2.5L 4-Cylinder200 hp191 lb-ft3,500 pounds22 mpg
3.6L V6308 hp275 lb-ft7,000 pounds20 mpg
2.8L Turbodiesel 4-Cylinder181 hp369 lb-ft7,700 pounds23 mpg

The two four-cylinder engines use a six-speed automatic transmission, while the V6 is hooked up to an eight-speed automatic gearbox.

Of the three engines, the diesel will prove to be the most elusive on the streets. The simple reason is money – and how much of it is needed to buy one. While the exact upcharge varies by trim, expect to shell out between $3,000 and $6,000 for it.

Passenger and Cargo Capacity

All Canyons but the SL sit at least four people, though the riders shoehorned into the back of an Extended Cab will be pining for more comfortable accommodations. Its rear seats are puritanically upright and there's little leg room to speak of.

The five-passenger Crew Cab remedies this with a standard rear bench that offers all the space and comfort of an ordinary mid-size SUV. For those planning on carrying passengers with any frequency, the Crew Cab is the better choice by a wide margin.

The longer 6-foot-2-inch bed boasts 49.9 cubic feet of cargo capacity, while the 5-foot-2-inch bed holds 41.3 cubic feet. Maximum payload ranges between 1,349 pounds and 1,528 pounds; the high end of that spectrum is realized with the 5-foot-2-inch bed.

GMC Canyon

Safety Features

Few trucks on the market offer any comprehensive list of active safety features, and the Canyon is no exception. The only notable piece of safety equipment standard across the whole range is GM's Teen Driver feature. This bit of tech keeps young drivers in check with computer-generated driving reports as well as parent-determined speed limits and volume limits.

Forward-collision warning and lane departure warning become available beginning with the SLE. Only the Denali includes these two features as standard.

The NHTSA was impressed enough with the Canyon's crashworthiness to issue it a four-star overall safety rating.

Connectivity

A 7-inch color touchscreen fills the center stack of SL- and Canyon-trimmed trucks, while an 8-inch screen handles infotainment duty elsewhere in the lineup. Both screens feature Bluetooth, voice recognition, and Apple CarPlay; the bigger screen also includes SiriusXM and HD radio.

Android users take note: the base software found within the 8-inch screen doesn't offer Android Auto. However, upgrading to the $495 navigation-equipped system does include Android Auto compatibility.

GMC Canyon

SL - From $23,295

The most basic Canyon SL probably best lives up to the brand's "Professional Grade" slogan, as there are few outside the professional world who will want one. All SLs are built to the same specs; you won't find one as anything but a rear-wheel drive, 2.5-liter-powered Extended Cab. With its rear-seat delete, the SL only seats two.

Basic amenities include a four-way power driver seat, vinyl upholstery, a tilt steering column, and a 3.5-liter driver information center. An alarm is standard, as are power locks and windows. Manual climate control with air conditioning keeps the sparse cabin comfortable.

Canyon - From $26,795

The Canyon trim – whether this makes a Canyon-trimmed Canyon a Canyon Canyon has yet to be confirmed by GMC – is another fleet-oriented truck, albeit with more flexibility in build configurations. Buyers have the choice of both cabs and can also choose to upgrade to four-wheel drive.

There's only two additional no-cost features when compared to the SL: a rear seat and carpeted floors. Despite the dearth in standard equipment, the options list is extensive, and there are five option packages to choose from.

Of those five, it's the Convenience Package that bestows the Canyon with the most noteworthy extra creature comforts. For $630, it includes cruise control, a rear-window defogger, keyless entry, and tailgate assist with a remote-locking tailgate.

SLE - From $30,195

The SLE includes a 4.2-inch driver information cluster, wi-fi hotspot capability, a six-way power driver seat, and the 8-inch touchscreen. There's also cloth seats, two USB ports, and an auto-dimming mirror. All the contents of the Canyon's Convenience Package have been made standard as well.

A $575 SLE Convenience Package adds single-zone automatic climate control, remote start, and a sliding rear window.

SLT - From $36,995

The SLT, which is only offered with the Crew Cab and comes standard with the V6, is the most well-appointed model not wearing a Denali badge. Outside, there's 18-inch wheels, chrome bumpers and trim, and chrome heated power outside mirrors. Interiors get leather upholstery, automatic climate control, heated seats, and a heated steering wheel. Wireless charging and rear parking assist are also standard.

Dress-up and protective options such as mud flaps, floor mats, bed liners, and skid plates are available here just as they are through the rest of the range, but no exclusive SLT packages are available.

All Terrain - From $37,695

Until the AT4 comes around next year, the off-roading trim remains the All Terrain. Fittingly, four-wheel drive is mandatory. Equipment levels are largely similar to the SLT, though there's no wireless charging or heated steering wheel. Unique standard features include hill descent control, an off-road suspension, and 17-inch wheels wrapped in all-terrain tires.

The All Terrain X ($2,070) is the only option package unique to the All Terrain. It includes fatter, 31-inch all-terrain Goodyear tires, 3-inch black step bars, and a bedliner.

Denali - From $41,595

The fanciest Canyon is the Denali. It trumps the SLT by virtue of its 20-inch wheels, LED bed lighting, and a navigation-equipped 8-inch touchscreen. Bose audio, additional USB ports, and ventilated front seats are also standard. The trademark Denali grille is present and accounted for.

Compare Canyon Trims Side-By-Side

CarsDirect Tip

The bling of the 2020 GMC Canyon Denali can't outshine the SLT's inherent appeal. A fair bit cheaper and still quite well equipped, the lesser model is the better value.

author image
Automotive Editor
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Expert Review

Pros
  • Still looks good
  • Fantastic optional engines
  • A trim for every buyer
  • Standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
Cons
  • Lacks safety features
  • Turbodiesel engine is a huge cost
  • Forgettable base engine
Expert Rating
2.4 (Fair)

Our expert ratings are based on seven comprehensive criteria: quality, safety, comfort, performance, fuel economy, reliability history and value.

You can interpret our ratings in the following way:

: Outstanding vehicle. Only the most exceptional vehicles achieve this rating.

: Very Good vehicle. Very good and close to being the best vehicle in its class.

: Good vehicle. Decent, but not quite the best. Often affordable, but lacking key features found in vehicles of the same class.

: Below average vehicle. Not recommended, and lacking attributes a car buyer would come to expect for the price.

: Poor vehicle. Simply does not deserve to be on the road.

author image
Automotive Editor

Oldie but a goodie. The GMC Canyon returned to the scene with a new look in 2015, and it remains relatively stylish today. Despite its age, the 2020 GMC Canyon remains solid in looks and tech. The latter is both a strong and weak point, though, as its standard infotainment system is robust and includes Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

In terms of safety tech, though, the Canyon falls on its face while the competition continues to improve.

A trim for every shopper. Pickup trucks have become some of the more versatile vehicles on the planet, as their buyers range from fleet customers seeking cheap wheels to beat up to families looking for premium features and upscale upholstery. This has bled into the mid-size pickup segment, and the GMC Canyon is ready to meet every customer’s needs with its six trims.

The base SL is a fleet-customer special with its hose-down vinyl seats and flooring, but it still has creature comforts like a 7-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto.

While this tech is common in a base passenger car, trucks are another story. For reference, the Ford Ranger comes standard with a 4.2-inch screen and no smartphone integration. The Honda Ridgeline also lacks standard smartphone integration but adds a 5-inch infotainment screen.

More retail buyers will shoot for the SLE trim, which adds an 8-inch touchscreen, alloy wheels, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, body-color handles and mirrors, an EZ-lift and lower tailgate, fog lights, and more.

Things get downright luxurious with the SLT and its leather upholstery and the Denali with its navigation, heated steering wheel, and ventilated front seats. Off-road lovers will find a solution in the All Terrain model, which includes an off-road suspension, skid plates, recovery hooks, a blacked-out grille, and more. While this trim offers more off-road readiness, it's not on par with its sibling, the Chevrolet Colorado ZR2.

Three fantastic powertrain options. The GMC Canyon’s base 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine is must-skip with its wheezy 200 horsepower and 191 pound-feet of torque. It’s easily gobbled up by the Ford Ranger’s standard 270-hp turbocharged four-pot and the Honda Ridgeline’s 280-hp V6.

On the optional side, the Canyon delivers superior power with its 308-hp, 3.6-liter V6. This engine pairs with a slick-shifting eight-speed automatic transmission for smooth acceleration and up to a 7,000-pound towing capacity. Surprisingly, though, the Ranger can tow 500 pounds more with its turbo four-pot.

If you have deep pockets and want to tow big, you can opt for the 2.8-liter turbodiesel engine rated at 186 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. While that isn’t much horsepower, the low-end toque allows it to tug up to a 7,700-pound trailer. This engine also allows the Canyon to deliver up to 30 miles per gallon highway, according to the EPA. Other than the Chevy Colorado, no other competitors offer a diesel engine, yet.


GMC Canyon

Still looks good, but for how much longer? The GMC Canyon debuted in 2015 and was quickly joined by a new Honda Ridgeline and Ford Ranger. The mid-size pickup segment is slow to change, so the Canyon still looks good for its age, but once the redesigns start piling in, it’s doubtful this look will remain relevant. It already looks old next to its big brother, the GMC Sierra, which just went through a redesign.

With the Chevy Colorado getting a refresh, the Nissan Frontier way overdue for a redesign, and the timeless looks of the Toyota Tacoma, the Canyon’s current styling is on borrowed time.

Final thoughts. With its wide range of trim levels, options, and engines, the 2020 GMC Canyon is an excellent pickup for just about any buyer, but it's not without its flaws.

One glaring weakness is its lack of any advanced safety tech and so-so crash-test scores. Buyers who put these items at the top of their lists will find these advanced safety features standard in the Toyota Tacoma and Ford Ranger, and optionally in the Honda Ridgeline.

The Canyon’s base 2.5-liter engine is also a sore spot. Buyers who want more power and max towing without pricey options will find this balance in the 270-hp base Ranger.

Check prices for the 2020 GMC Canyon »

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Specs & Features

Highlights
Overall Crash Safety Rating
Engine - Cylinders/Horsepower/Torque
Standard: 3.6L V-6 / 308 HP / 275 ft.lbs.
Available: 2.8L I-4 / 181 HP / 369 ft.lbs.
Transmission
Standard: 8-spd sequential shift control auto w/OD
Available: 6-spd auto w/OD
Drive Type
Autotrac Part And Full-time Four-wheel
Fuel Economy - City/Highway/Combined
17 / 24 / 20 Mpg
Passenger Capacity
5
Bumper to Bumper Warranty
36 Months / 36,000 Miles
Mechanical Specs
Engine - Cylinders/Horsepower/Torque
Standard: 3.6L V-6 / 308 HP / 275 ft.lbs.
Available: 2.8L I-4 / 181 HP / 369 ft.lbs.
Drive Type
Autotrac Part And Full-time Four-wheel
Fuel Economy - City/Hwy/Combined
17 / 24 / 20 Mpg
Brakes
4-wheel Disc
Front Suspension
Short And Long Arm
Rear Suspension
Rigid Axle Leaf
Spare Tire And Wheel
Full-size Steel
Fuel Tank
21.0 Gal.
Recommended Fuel Type
Regular Unleaded / Diesel
Average Cost To Fill Tank
$80
Dimensions & Capabilities
Maximum Cargo Volume
Passenger Volume
Exterior Length
212.4 "
Exterior Width
74.3 "
Exterior Height
70.6 "
Front Headroom
41.4 "
Rear Headroom
38.3 "
Front Legroom
45.0 "
Rear Legroom
35.8 "
Front Shoulder Room
57.5 "
Rear Shoulder Room
56.2 "
Front Hip Room
Rear Hip Room
Curb Weight
4,488 Lbs. / 4,757 Lbs.
Wheel Base
128 "
Turning Radius
20.6 '
Exterior Features
Door Count
4 Doors
Wheels
20.0 " Machined W/painted Accents Aluminum / 20.0 " Black Aluminum
Paint
Clearcoat Monotone / Metallic Monotone
Exterior Mirrors
Dual Power Remote Heated Convex Spotter
Bumpers
Body-colored With 2 Front Tow Hook(s) / Front Body-colored With 2 Front Tow Hook(s)
Grille Moldings
Chrome
Rear Spoiler
Exhaust
Stainless Steel With Polished Tailpipe Finish / Stainless Steel With Black Tailpipe Finish
Interior Features
Seating
Passenger Capacity
5
Seat Trim
Leather
Front Seat Type
Bucket
Heated Front Seats
Driver And Front Passenger Heated-cushion, Heated-seatback
Front Driver Seat Direction Controls
(6-way Power)
Front Passenger Seat Direction Controls
6-way (4-way Power)
Front Armrests
(6-way Power)
Rear Armrests
Center
Rear Seats
Full Bench
Radio & Infotainment
Radio
Gmc Infotainment System Siriusxm Am/fm/hd/satellite, Clock, Seek-scan / Gmc Infotainment System Siriusxm Am/fm/hd/satellite, Seek-scan
Speakers
7 Bose
Radio Steering Wheel Controls
Apple Car Play
Android Auto
Bluetooth w/ Hands-Free Connectivity
Convenience Features
Steering Wheel Type
Telescopic Tilt
Climate Control
Automatic Air Conditioning
Cruise Control
With Steering Wheel Controls
Sun Roof
Rearview Mirror
Auto-dimming Day-night
One Touch Open Window
Driver
Tinted Windows
Deep
Vanity Mirrors
Dual Illuminated
Remote Keyless Entry
Keyfob (all Doors)
Power Outlets
2
Safety Features
Overall Crash Safety Rating
Overall Front Crash Safety Rating
Overall Side Crash Safety Rating
Rollover Crash Safety Rating
Front Impact Airbags
Driver And Passenger
Driver Side Impact Airbags
Seat Mounted
Knee Airbag
Passenger Side Impact Airbag
Seat Mounted
Rear Side Airbag
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Front
Anti-Lock Brakes
4-wheel Anti-lock Brakes (abs)
Forward Collision Warning
Forward Collision Alert Forward Collision Warning
Blind Spot Sensor
Lane Departure Warning
Lane Departure Warning Lane Departure
Autonomous Cruise Control
Pedestrian Detection
Driver Attention Alert
Daytime Running Lights
Auto High Beams
Adaptive Headlights
Parking Sensors
Ultrasonic Rear
Security Systems
Security System
Panic Alarm
Ignition Disable
Immobilizer
Warranty
Bumper To Bumper Months Miles
36 Months / 36,000 Miles
Major Components Months
60 Months / 60,000 Miles
Included Maintenance Months
12 Months / Unlimited Miles
Roadside Assistance Months
60 Months / 60,000 Miles
Corrosion Perforation
72 Months / 100,000 Miles
Accessories Months

Used 2020 GMC Canyon for Sale

1 vehicles found within 100 miles of your area
GMC
SLE
Price

$27,357

Mileage

49,052 mi

Map location icon

Audi Valencia (35 mi)

Phone: (888) 885-5748

Other GMC Canyon Listings

We have expanded the search to include other GMC Canyon years that you might be interested in.

GMC
2WD SLE
Color: Blue Emerald Metallic
Price

$24,453

Mileage

66,268 mi

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Hunter Dodge Chrysler Jeep RAM (54 mi)

Phone: (661) 622-4951
GMC
2WD Elevation
Color: Summit White
Price

$31,432

Mileage

31,873 mi

Map location icon

Hunter Dodge Chrysler Jeep RAM (54 mi)

Phone: (661) 622-4951
GMC
Elevation Standard
Color: Summit White
Price

$27,000

Mileage

6,741 mi

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LAX Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram (4 mi)

Phone: (424) 261-0578
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