GMC launched the second-generation of its mid-size Canyon pickup in 2015. Since then, it's seen few changes other than a diesel engine that arrived last year.
For 2018 it does see some infotainment system upgrades, with a 7.0-inch touchscreen with Intellilink, Apple CarPlay, and Android Autos replacing a 4.2-inch screen on base trim trucks. Canyons equipped with tow/haul mode get trailer assist lines built into the rearview camera system.
The Canyon is available with a four-cylinder gas engine, a six-cylinder gas engine, and a four-pot diesel. That diesel is a class-exclusive to the Canyon and its Chevy Colorado stablemate.
While the Canyon is a small truck, its max towing capacity of 3,493 kg actually matches and beats some full-size trucks. Notably, it's ahead of most versions of the Ram 1500's diesel. The diesel is rated for 10.8 L/100 km city, 7.9 highway, putting it far ahead of any engine in Nissan's Frontier or Toyota's Tacoma.
The Canyon has a large, comfortable cab, that has easy to use controls and excellent infotainment choices. It feels much more modern and roomy compared to competitors like the ageing Nissan Frontier and the Toyota Tacoma. The crew cab has plenty of room for rear-seat passengers or cargo.
The Canyon is available in extended or crew cab models only. Extended cab trucks come in two or four-wheel drive, with a 6'2" box. Crew cabs have both drive choices and get either the 6'2" box or a shorter 5'1" bed. Extended cab trucks come as SL, base, or SLE trim, Crew cabs are SLE, SLT, and ultra-lux Denali.
The base engine is the 2.5L four that delivers 200 hp and 191 lb-ft of torque. That engine is standard on base and SLE extended cab. Next up is the 3.6L V6 that delivers 308 hp and 275 lb-ft. That's the default choice on crew cab trucks. Finally, the 2.8L Duramax diesel is available on SLE and SLT, but not Denali, and comes with a six-speed automatic. V6 and diesel models get a tow/haul function in the transmission that will downshift to maintain speed and hold gears longer on ascents. Diesel models are equipped with an exhaust brake and an integrated trailer brake controller.
The SL trim has a standard six-speed manual as the only transmission choice. It has 16-inch steel wheels, a chrome rear bumper, driver information display, air conditioning, and power windows and locks. The seats and floor covering are vinyl, but the seats have power adjustment.
Step up to Canyon and get cloth seats with fold-flat read seats. The floors are now carpet as well. But at this level, there is still no tilt steering wheel.
SLE has some more luxury features, like a tilt and telescoping wheel and an extra USB port. Cruise control and a rear defroster are also standard. Option packs include heated seats, remote start, a sliding window, and an off-road All Terrain pack. A Bose stereo is also on the options list.
SLT adds heated leather front seats. Finally, the Denali gets unique styling and wheels. It has heated and cooled perforated leather front seats, the Bose stereo, and a standard trailering package with locking rear differential. Finally, the steering wheel is heated as well.
The Canyon is rated to tow between 1,588 and 3,493 kg depending on equipment, with payloads ranging from 635 to 714 kg. Fuel economy is rated at 12.2 L/100 km city, 9.6 highway for the 2.5L four and the manual transmission, 10.8/7.9 for a rear-drive diesel, and 13.4/9.6 for a rear-drive V6. Four-wheel drive models rate slightly worse, with 12.7/9.6, 14.0/9.9, and 12.1/8.4 respectively.
This vehicle has not yet been reviewed
