The GMC Canyon is powered by one of two available engines, a 2.5L 4-cylinder or a 3.6L V6. Both engines are relatively powerful in this segment, with the 2.5L producing 200hp while the 3.6L is good for 305 hp. Both engines are relatively efficient as well, with 2-wheel drive models capable of 27 mpg on the highway when equipped with the 4-cylinder engine. The V6-equipped Canyon is estimated at 26 mpg on the highway.
Buyers are given the choice of three different body styles and four different trims. Crew Cabs with four full-sized doors are available with in long or short bed styles, while an Extended Cab with a smaller rear seating area is available only with the longer bed. Four-wheel drive is an option across all body choices; however it is only available in SLE and SLT trims.
The Extended Cab version is the only Canyon that can be had in the stripped out SL trim. Costing a couple of thousand dollars less than other Canyon models, the SL has no rear seat and a 6-speed manual transmission. It does however, come with a rear-view camera.
The base trim on the Crew Cab versions is simply called Canyon. This trim level adds a power driver's seat, projector beam headlights, 16-inch alloy wheels and a corner step rear bumper.
The SLE trim adds a slew of interior features, including an 8-inch color touch screen, 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" aluminum wheels and nicer 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, 18" polished aluminum wheels. Options on the SLT include a Bose stereo and a navigation system.
Like most modern vehicles, safety concerns are eased by a combination of airbags and electronic systems designed to prevent an accident. The Canyon comes standard with a rear view camera, anti-lock brakes, traction control and stability control. 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
The GMC Canyon is all new for 2015. It slots in below the GMC Sierra and Sierra HD as the most compact truck in the GMC lineup. Small enough to be maneuverable in the city, the Canyon is capable of towing up to 7,000 lbs. when properly equipped.
The GMC Canyon fits the bill for people who need a decent amount of utility but who don't want to deal with driving a full-sized pickup truck everywhere they go. As trucks have gotten more capable, they've also gotten bigger. Modern, full sized trucks are simply too big to be practical in many situations these days. Enter the GMC Canyon, with a footprint not much bigger than the average family sedan; it's maneuverable but still rugged enough for all of the jobs that can only be dealt with by a true pickup truck. The GMC Canyon competes with other compact trucks such as the Toyota Tacoma and the Nissan Frontier.
