The GMC Canyon first made its debut in 2004 as a replacement for the GMC Sonoma compact pickup. The Canyon shares many of its underpinnings with its corporate sibling, the Chevrolet Colorado. It was designed to offer customers a smaller, more fuel-efficient alternative to full-size trucks without compromising on capability, technology, or comfort.
The exterior of the Canyon is rugged and bold, consistent with GMC's design ethos. Sharp lines, prominent wheel arches, and a large grille give the truck a confident road presence.
Inside, the GMC Canyon manages to pack a lot of comforts into its compact dimensions. Depending on the trim level, the interior materials range from hard-wearing cloth to premium leather. The dashboard is logically laid out, with controls within easy reach. The infotainment system supports Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a built-in Wi-Fi hotspot.
The Canyon also offers a useful amount of cargo space, with the long box offering 49.9 cubic feet of volume. And for those needing to tow, the Canyon offers an impressive maximum towing capacity of up to 7,700 pounds when properly equipped.
The base model comes with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 200 horsepower and 191 lb-ft of torque. For those needing more power, there's a 3.6-liter V6 engine that produces 308 horsepower and 275 lb-ft of torque. A 2.8-liter four-cylinder turbodiesel is also available, delivering 181 horsepower and a healthy 369 lb-ft of torque.
The Canyon's handling is commendable for a pickup. It's nimble in the corners, the ride is smooth, and the steering is responsive, making it a pleasure to drive both on and off-road.
When it comes to safety, the GMC Canyon comes equipped with a variety of features such as a rearview camera, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and rear parking sensors. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) gave the Canyon "Good" scores in several crash tests, reflecting its robust safety performance.
Over the years, the GMC Canyon has enjoyed consistent sales and positive reviews from critics. While it may not match the sales numbers of some larger trucks, the Canyon has carved out a solid niche for itself in the compact pickup segment. It's particularly popular with drivers looking for a more manageable, fuel-efficient truck without sacrificing capability.
The GMC Canyon is a well-rounded compact pickup truck that offers a compelling mix of utility, efficiency, and comfort. Whether used as a daily driver or a workhorse, the Canyon is well-equipped to meet a variety of needs. As GMC continues to refine and enhance the Canyon, its appeal only promises to grow.