Far-superior interior compared to the old Canyon; much better engine performance; wide range of equipment; better ride than other midsize trucks
Ride is still pretty bumpy; front-seat comfort could be improved; pricing might not be enough to distinguish it from larger Sierra
The Canyon is completely new for the 2015 model year.
Our dream Canyon is a well-equipped SLE model with the pickup's optional 3.6-liter V6 engine. That way, we could get a wide range of amenities without spending big money, and we'd still have the pickup's bulky 6-cylinder engine for muscle when necessary. Find a GMC Canyon for sale
The Canyon comes in four trim levels: the base-level Canyon SL, an unnamed midlevel Canyon trim, the SLE and the upscale SLT. Three body styles are offered: a long-bed extended cab, or a crew cab with either a long or short bed. Although GMC has not yet confirmed it, we expect to see a high-end Canyon Denali debut eventually, possibly for the 2016 model year.
The Canyon SL model ($21,900) is only offered in the truck's base-level, extended-cab configuration. Pitched as a bare-bones work truck, it includes a backup camera, a power driver's seat, LED daytime running lights, vinyl floor coverings, no rear seats, air conditioning and a USB port for music. It skips out on essentials such as cruise control and remote keyless entry.
If you want a few more features, enter the Canyon ($23,600), which adds rear seats and carpeted floor coverings to the mix. More importantly, it adds a wide range of desirable options such as remote keyless entry, cruise control, a spray-in bed liner, a 3.6-liter V6 and a few extra colors.
Next up is the Canyon SLE ($27,500), which adds a host of new items, including two rear USB charging ports, a multi-color driver information display, remote keyless entry, cruise control, SiriusXM Satellite Radio, an 8-inch color touchscreen, OnStar with 4G LTE Wi-Fi hot spot capabilities, 17-in alloy wheels, power mirrors and additional aluminum trim, inside and out.
Topping the range is the Canyon SLT ($30,700), which adds automatic climate control, a remote starter, heated front seats, 18-in wheels and a power passenger seat.
Canyon options include the truck's 3.6-liter V6 engine, forward-collision alert, lane-departure warning, running boards, an innovative in-bed cargo-divider system, chrome wheels, a navigation system and a Bose sound system.
| Truck | Original MSRP / Price | Engine | Horsepower | City MPG / Hwy MPG | Transmission | Drive |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canyon 2WD Crew Cab 128.3' | $25,205 / N/A | 4 Cylinder / 6 Cylinder | 200 | 20 / 27 | 6-Speed Shiftable Automatic | RWD |
| Canyon 2WD Crew Cab 128.3' SLE | $28,535 / N/A | 4 Cylinder / 6 Cylinder | 200 | 20 / 27 | 6-Speed Shiftable Automatic | RWD / AWD4WD |
| Canyon 2WD Crew Cab 128.3' SLT | $31,650 / N/A | 4 Cylinder / 6 Cylinder | 200 | 20 / 27 | 6-Speed Shiftable Automatic | RWD / AWD4WD |
| Canyon 2WD Crew Cab 140.5' | $26,725 / N/A | 4 Cylinder / 6 Cylinder | 305 | 18 / 26 | 6-Speed Shiftable Automatic | RWD |
| Canyon 2WD Crew Cab 140.5' SLE | $30,055 / N/A | 4 Cylinder / 6 Cylinder | 305 | 18 / 26 | 6-Speed Shiftable Automatic | RWD / AWD4WD |
| Canyon 2WD Crew Cab 140.5' SLT | $33,420 / N/A | 4 Cylinder / 6 Cylinder | 305 | 18 / 26 | 6-Speed Shiftable Automatic | RWD / AWD4WD |
| Canyon 2WD Ext Cab 128.3' | $22,650 / N/A | 4 Cylinder / 6 Cylinder | 200 | N/A | 6-Speed Manual / 6-Speed Shiftable Automatic | RWD / AWD4WD |
| Canyon 2WD Ext Cab 128.3' SL | $20,955 / N/A | 4 Cylinder | 200 | N/A | 6-Speed Manual | RWD |
| Canyon 2WD Ext Cab 128.3' SLE | $26,595 / N/A | 4 Cylinder / 6 Cylinder | 200 | 20 / 27 | 6-Speed Shiftable Automatic | RWD / AWD4WD |
| Canyon 2WD Ext Cab 128.3' SLT | $29,730 / N/A | 4 Cylinder / 6 Cylinder | 200 | 20 / 27 | 6-Speed Shiftable Automatic | RWD / AWD4WD |
| Canyon 4WD Crew Cab 128.3' SLE | $34,010 / N/A | 4 Cylinder / 6 Cylinder | 305 | 17 / 24 | 6-Speed Shiftable Automatic | RWD / AWD4WD |
| Canyon 4WD Crew Cab 128.3' SLT | $36,950 / N/A | 4 Cylinder / 6 Cylinder | 305 | 17 / 24 | 6-Speed Shiftable Automatic | RWD / AWD4WD |
| Canyon 4WD Crew Cab 140.5' SLE | $34,310 / N/A | 4 Cylinder / 6 Cylinder | 305 | 17 / 24 | 6-Speed Shiftable Automatic | RWD / AWD4WD |
| Canyon 4WD Crew Cab 140.5' SLT | $37,250 / N/A | 4 Cylinder / 6 Cylinder | 305 | 17 / 24 | 6-Speed Shiftable Automatic | RWD / AWD4WD |
| Canyon 4WD Ext Cab 128.3' | $27,935 / N/A | 4 Cylinder / 6 Cylinder | 200 | 19 / 25 | 6-Speed Manual / 6-Speed Shiftable Automatic | RWD / AWD4WD |
| Canyon 4WD Ext Cab 128.3' SLE | $31,145 / N/A | 4 Cylinder / 6 Cylinder | 200 | 19 / 25 | 6-Speed Shiftable Automatic | RWD / AWD4WD |
| Canyon 4WD Ext Cab 128.3' SLT | $33,855 / N/A | 4 Cylinder / 6 Cylinder | 200 | 19 / 25 | 6-Speed Shiftable Automatic | RWD / AWD4WD |
All 2015 GMC Canyon models come standard with dual front airbags, along with side-curtain airbags for front and rear occupants. The Canyon also includes a standard backup camera and traction control. Options include forward-collision alert and a lane-departure warning system.
As of this writing, the Canyon had not yet been crash-tested by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
| Basic | 3 Years/36,000 Miles |
| Drivetrain | 5 Years/100,000 Miles |
| Corrosion | 3 Years/36,000 Miles |
| Rust-Through | 6 Years/100,000 Miles |
| Roadside Assistance | 5 Years/100,000 Miles |
| Maintenance | 2 Years/24,000 Miles |
Chevrolet Colorado -- The Canyon's Chevrolet-badged stablemate is obviously worth considering, as the trucks are highly similar in a lot of ways. The Colorado may soon offer an exclusive diesel engine, which could sway shoppers toward the Chevrolet bow tie.
Toyota Tacoma -- The Tacoma is the Canyon's chief rival, offering notoriously durable construction and boasting a loyal following. We like the Tacoma, but we think that the new Canyon is a better truck.
Used Chevrolet Silverado -- If you need more capabilities than the Canyon can offer, consider a used Silverado. Though we especially like the all-new model, which came out last year, earlier versions are also worth a look.
These used pickups offer utility and relatively modern features for a great price.
