2018 GMC Canyon

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: The 2018 GMC Canyon has few changes for 2018. Leather seats are now available on the All Terrain model and a washer-fluid sensor is standard on all models. 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). Available features include forward collision alert, lane-departure warning, locking rear differential, hill-descent control, heated steering wheel, and heated/ventilated front seats. These GM pickups offer technology and all-around refinement. The smaller, more-tractable dimensions should make Canyon a practical alternative for many big-truck intenders.