2022 GMC Canyon

The Canyon comes in a huge array of configurations, with three cab sizes, two drive modes, three engines, and four trims. However, many combinations are specific to certain cabs, engines, or drive types.

The cheapest route into Canyon ownership is the 2WD Extended Cab Elevation Standard with a 2.5-liter gas engine, costing $27,995 including destination, while dropping in the more powerful 3.6-liter V6 engine raises the price to $29,480. Crew Cab Short Box models start at $29,895, and Crew Cab Long Box increases the Canyon’s base price to $39,095. The most expensive Canyon is a 4WD Crew Cab Long Box Denali, retailing at $50,145; AT4 and Denali trims are only available with Crew Cabs.

There are three engines available across the Canyon range, starting with a 2.5-liter gas engine that generates 200 horsepower and 191 pound-feet of torque. This is supplied to either the rear or all four wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission. Next up is the more powerful 3.6-liter V6, putting out 308 hp and 275 lb-ft of torque via an eight-speed box. The smaller six-speed transmission is fitted as standard in the range’s only diesel model – a 2.8-liter turbodiesel producing 181 hp but an impressive 369 lb-ft.

Fuel economy varies by engine, transmission, cab, and drive system. For reference, a 2WD turbodiesel Crew Cab Short Box returns 20 mpg city, 30 highway, and 23 combined. Figures for the 3.6-liter engine with the eight-speed gearbox in Crew Cab Short Box 4WD guide are 16/22/18 mpg.

The Extended Cab Canyon seats four, while Crew Cabs accommodate five people. Cargo volume ranges from 41.3 cubic feet in Crew Cab Short Box model to 49.9 cubic feet in the Extended and Crew Cab Long Box models.

Even the most basic Elevation Standard model receives GMC’s Teen Driver system alongside tire fill alerts, electronic traction control, and six airbags. Denali models benefit from an array of additional features including driver alert monitoring, rear park assist, forward collision alert, and lane-departure warning systems, and some of these can be added to AT4 and Elevation trims.

Every Canyon receives GMC’s infotainment system with color touchscreen, though Elevation and AT4 models make do with a seven-inch display compared to the eight-inch screen in Denali trim. WiFi is available from Elevation upwards, while Denali owners receive navigation alongside a Bose premium audio system, AUX and SD card inputs, and an HD radio.

You’re clearly getting a budget pickup with Elevation Standard. The outside mirrors are manually adjustable, there’s no driver information center, and a single-zone climate is one of the cabin’s few comforts. At least the driver’s seat has four-way power, while the door locks and windows are also powered. A GMC infotainment system includes a color touchscreen for adjusting the six-speaker audio system.

The $630 Convenience Pack is worth adding, bringing remote keyless entry and tailgate locking alongside cruise control, an alarm, and a rear window defogger.

Equipped with connected services, Elevation’s upgrades include an alarm system, remote keyless entry and start plus remote tailgate locking. There are USB charging ports and microphones throughout a cabin also featuring a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, climate control, and a six-way power driver’s seat.

Costing $1,400, the Elevation Premium Package adds heating elements into the steering wheel and leather front seats, which also benefit from power lumbar for the driver. A compelling upgrade is the $690 Driver Alert Pack, bundling forward collision alert and lane-departure warning with rear park assist.

Distinguished by off-road suspension, Crew Cab-only AT4 models receive hill descent control as standard, alongside a shielded two-speed transfer case and standard all-wheel drive. Interior specs are comparable with Elevation trim, with heated front seats including power lumbar for the driver.

Leather trim is a $1,800 upgrade on V6 models but only $1,505 extra on turbodiesels. The Driver Alert Package is carried over from Elevation, while the snappily-titled AT4 Off-Road Performance Edition Package combines ten features including gloss-black aluminum wheels, performance skid plates, and black chrome exhaust tips.

Riding on 20-inch diamond-cut aluminum wheels and accessed via chrome assist steps, Denali models also feature cargo box LED lighting and chrome detailing. This is the first Canyon to come with a power passenger seat or a color driver information center, the first one with HD radio or an SD card reader, and the first to heat its steering wheel and front seats – the latter also gaining power lumbar and ventilation. Safety is upgraded with lane-departure warning and forward collision alert, rear park assist, and an HD rear camera.

The Denali Black Edition package combines 20-inch low gloss black wheels with matching rectangular assist steps, a black chrome exhaust tip, and premium all-weather floor liners. It costs $2,295.

Compare Canyon Trims Side-By-Side