GMC Canyon

Overview: Is the GMC Canyon a Good Truck?

The GMC Canyon is popular among midsize pickup truck buyers who want to balance comfort and practicality. Debuting for the 2004 model year, the Canyon shares its platform with the Chevrolet Colorado but offers a slightly greater premium experience.

Like most trucks in this category, GMC's smaller pickup has grown over the years, presenting a more practical alternative to the larger Sierra 1500. The latest Canyon competes with recently updated versions of the Chevrolet Colorado, Ford Ranger, Nissan Frontier, and Toyota Tacoma.

This overview covers the three generations of the GMC Canyon:

• GMC Canyon first generation: 2004-2012
• GMC Canyon second generation: 2015-2022
• GMC Canyon third generation: 2023-Present

Note: Equipment, features, and trims can vary by model year. Always confirm these details when looking for used GMC Canyon trucks for sale.

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Related: Here Are The GMC Canyon Years To Avoid

Key Features

The GMC Canyon offers:

• Compact (first generation) or midsize (second and third generations) pickup truck body style
• Multiple cab configurations (varying by generation): 2-door regular cab, 4-door extended cab, or 4-door crew cab.
• Numerous engine options (varying by year), including turbocharged four-cylinder, V6, and diesel powertrains
• Rear-wheel drive (RWD) or available four-wheel drive (4WD)

Trims

GMC Canyon trim levels have varied across generations but typically include the base model, SLE, SLT, All Terrain (AT4 in the third generation), and the luxurious Denali. The current lineup starts with the Elevation trim, then moves to the AT4 and Denali. A new AT4X edition sits atop the GMC Canyon range.

Comfort, Technology & Cargo

The GMC Canyon's interior balances durability and refinement, with higher trims offering a more upscale experience. The Canyon's seats provide ample support and comfort, with the second row of the third generation especially accommodating. Newer models feature an infotainment system with a touchscreen display and smartphone integration. The Canyon has a range of standard safety features, depending on the year. This equipment includes multiple airbags, stability control, and anti-lock brakes. More recent editions offer advanced driver assistance technologies, such as forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and rear parking sensors.

The Canyon's multiple cab and bed configurations offer passenger and cargo capacity flexibility, with the Crew Cab model providing the most spacious interior for up to five passengers.

Review: How Long Do GMC Canyons Last? The Scoop on Vehicle Lifespan

How It Drives

Driving an older Canyon is uneventful, but there’s a noticeable difference in the refinement of newer models, particularly from the current generation. More recent Canyons incorporate a more robust frame, responsive steering, and well-tuned suspension. Among the first and second generations, GMC offered numerous powerplant options, including a diesel. However, the latest edition comes only with a turbocharged 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine, offering spritely performance and better fuel economy.

Safety

The first-generation GMC Canyon has mixed safety ratings with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), scoring three- or four-star (out of five) crash test ratings. The newer editions perform better, scoring a consistent four-star overall safety rating.

Reviews

GMC Canyon reviews on Kelley Blue Book are strong for the first and second generations. The trucks have an average consumer rating of 4.3-4.4 out of 5, with reliability, comfort, and performance ranking high. However, there isn’t sufficient feedback to summarize reviews for the newest GMC Canyon.

Learn More: Which Years Of Used GMC Canyons Are Most Reliable?

GMC Canyon FAQs

Why is the GMC Canyon so expensive?

The GMC Canyon, particularly in its higher trim levels like the Denali and AT4X, is positioned as a premium midsize truck, offering a more upscale and feature-rich experience than some competitors. Additionally, the demand for well-equipped trucks has grown in recent years, allowing manufacturers to charge more for these vehicles.

Is a GMC Canyon a full-size truck?

No, the GMC Canyon is not a full-size truck. The second and third generations are classified as midsize pickup trucks, slotting below the larger GMC Sierra 1500 in the brand's lineup. The Canyon is smaller in dimensions and towing capacity than full-size trucks but offers a more maneuverable and efficient option for those who don't require a larger pickup.

Is the GMC Canyon fuel efficient?

The GMC Canyon's fuel efficiency varies depending on the engine, drivetrain, and configuration. The most fuel-efficient option is the turbocharged four-cylinder engine with rear-wheel drive, which achieves an EPA-estimated 20 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway. Looking at older Canyons, the diesel engine is EPA-rated for 20 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway in rear-wheel drive configuration. The V6 engine, while more powerful, is less fuel-efficient, with an EPA-estimated 18 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway in rear-wheel drive models.

What trims are available for the 2024 GMC Canyon?

GMC offers four versions of the 2024 Canyon:

• GMC Canyon Elevation
• GMC Canyon AT4
• GMC Canyon Denali
• GMC Canyon AT4X

Check out a used GMC Canyon for sale.