Pros: Refined road manners for a pickup truck; good selection of modern comfort, safety, and technology features; available full-time 4WD system
Cons: Rear seat space is tight, especially in extended-cab models; prices rise quickly as options are added
CG Says: For 2017 GMC Canyon adds a topline Denali model with unique trim and heated/ventilated front seats. The available V6 engine is new and now has cylinder deactivation for improved fuel economy. The new V6 gets an 8-speed automatic transmission to replace the previous 6-speed. A trailer-brake controller is newly available on V6 versions. Also, an off-road-oriented All Terrain X Package has been added. The GMC Canyon was redesigned for 2015, after taking the 2013 and 2014 model years off. The Canyon and its slightly less-ritzy cousin, the Chevrolet Colorado, are GM’s “compact” pickups–though they are really more midsize. They share a basic extended-cab or crew-cab platform. Both are available with 4-cylinder, V6, and diesel engines, but the GMC offers a more sophisticated full-time 4-wheel-system that is only available on Chevy’s off-road-oriented ZR2 (other 4×4 Chevys have part-time 4WD). These new GM pickups debuted as Best Buys in their segment, since they offer technology and all-around refinement.
| Class | Compact Pickup Truck |
| Body Style(s) | extended cab, crew cab |
| Passenger Count | 5 |
| Drive Wheels | rear-wheel drive, 4-wheel drive |
| Manufacturer | GMC |
| Nation of Manufacture | USA |
| Base Prices | (Only select models listed) SL ext. cab: $20,940 Base crew cab, 5-ft. bed: $26,510 SLE 4×4 ext. cab: $32,160 SLT 4×4 crew cab, 6-ft. bed: $38,015 Denali 4×4 crew cab, 5-ft bed: $42,820 |
| Base Engine 2.5-liter 4-cylinder |
| Horsepower 200 |
| Std. Transmission 6-speed manual (ext. cab only) |
| Avail. Transmission 6-speed automatic |
| EPA City Range (mpg) 19-20 |
| EPA Hwy Range (mpg) 25-27 |
| Optional Engine 3.6-liter V6 |
| Horsepower 308 |
| Std. Transmission 8-speed automatic |
| Avail. Transmission NA |
| EPA City Range (mpg) 17-18 |
| EPA Hwy Range (mpg) 24-25 |
| Optional Engine 2.8-liter turbodiesel 4-cylinder |
| Horsepower 181 |
| Std. Transmission 6-speed automatic |
| Avail. Transmission NA |
| EPA City Range (mpg) 20-22 |
| EPA Hwy Range (mpg) 29-31 |
ROAD TESTS AND ADDITIONAL INFO
Test Drive: 2015 GMC Canyon SLT
Test Drive: 2015 Chevrolet Colorado Z71 Crew Cab
CG Real-World Fuel Economy: 2016 GMC Canyon Duramax Diesel
2015 GMC Canyon First Spin Review
2015 GMC Canyon: Not Just a Gussied-Up Colorado
2017 GMC Canyon Best Buy Review
2017 Chevrolet Colorado Best Buy Review
