Overview
The mid-size GMC Canyon is a mechanical twin of Chevy’s Colorado, and both do their very best to offer the power and capability of their full-size counterparts. These smaller, mid-size trucks have gone as far as borrowing tools from the likes of the Sierra and Silverado 1500, which is where the Canyon’s 310-hp turbocharged-four cylinder comes from. An eight-speed automatic is the only transmission, leaving the Jeep Gladiator and Toyota Tacoma as the only mid-size trucks that offer a manual. The Canyon’s interior is distinguished from the Colorado’s by differences in its instrument panel design, materials, and trim accents—changes aimed at elevating the cabin environs. Both brands’ trucks offer a segment-leading max towing capacity of 7700 pounds and similar extreme off-road versions; the Canyon’s hardcore model is the AT4X AEV Edition.
What’s New for 2024?
Having launched its new-gen mid-size Canyon in 2023, GMC makes no significant changes to most of the lineup. But it does add a max-capability AEV Edition model to its off-road AT4X trim. The AEV side of the business includes exclusive 17-inch AEV wheels wrapped in imposing 35-inch Goodyear mud-terrain tires, additional, stronger skid plates, and AEV steel bumpers. The AEV Edition stands 1.5 inches taller than the regular AT4X for a total of 12.2 inches of ground clearance.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
Significantly pricier than the Chevy it shares most parts with, the Canyon is for those who want something different from what the bowtie brand offers and don’t mind paying for it. With that in mind, $50,000 is still a lot for a mid-size pickup (looking at you, Canyon Denali), so we’d feel better about suggesting Canyon AT4, which offers plenty of standard equipment, such as four-wheel drive, an 11.3-inch infotainment system, and a 2.0-inch lift, but for much less than the Denali trim. Heated front seats that are manually adjustable are also standard on the AT4, and so is the nice-to-have remote start.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
Every Canyon uses a 310-hp turbocharged 2.7-liter inline-four engine with 430 pound-feet of torque. That’s bolted to an eight-speed automatic transmission with rear-wheel drive as standard, but we strongly suggest going with the optional four-wheel drive. This gives the Canyon more power and torque than the V-6 powertrains found in the Honda Ridgeline, Jeep Gladiator, and Toyota Tacoma. Unfortunately, an issue shared with the Chevy Colorado is the discontinuation of the Duramax Diesel. The Canyon has nicely weighted steering and a firm brake pedal that matches the characteristics of its solid-feeling chassis. We called the last-generation GM mid-size pickups “the best-driving body-on-frame vehicle on sale today” in 2019, but these new trucks improve on that. We haven’t tested the new Canyon yet, but we expect it to achieve 60 mph in just over 6.0 seconds.
Towing and Payload Capacity
The new GMC Canyon has a max towing capacity of 7700 pounds for Elevation, AT4, and Denali trim levels. That rating drops to 6000 pounds for Canyon AT4X, and down to 5500 for the AT4X when optioned with the Edition 1 package.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
The most fuel-efficient GMC Canyon is the rear-wheel drive Elevation model that gets an EPA-estimated 18 mpg city and 23 mpg highway. Things only get slightly more thirsty for four-wheel drive models, with an EPA-estimated 17 mpg city and 21 mpg on the highway. The EPA also estimates mud-terrain-equipped Canyon pickups get an estimated 17 mpg city and 20 mpg highway. We’ll update this space once the Canyon has undergone 75-mph fuel-economy route, which is part of our extensive testing regimen. For more information about the Canyon’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
GMC has brought some much-needed technology to the inside of the Canyon. Available equipment includes underbody cameras, a head-up display, and a full redesign of the Canyon’s cabin similar to how Chevy updated the new Colorado’s interior. A new digital gauge cluster sits behind a new steering wheel, and the gear shifter is now closer to the passenger side of the cab, which allows room for the drive-mode selection knob. GMC has even moved those precious cupholders into a deeper cubby, closer to the driver and passenger. The AT4X trim comes standard with a head-up display and a boomtastic seven-speaker Bose audio system. Elevation and AT4 trims get an 8.0-inch digital gauge cluster, while Denali and AT4X get a larger 11.0-inch display.
Infotainment and Connectivity
Every Canyon gets a fancy 11.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, making them all Wi-Fi hotspot capable and wireless Android Auto and Apply CarPlay compatible. Wireless phone charging is available on AT4 trim, but standard on Denali and AT4X. GM’s Hitch View and Hitch Guidance system that makes finding a willing trailer tongue much easier are standard on even the lowly Elevation trim level. The 360-degree camera is standard on Denali and AT4X only, but available on the two lowest trim levels for extra cash.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
GMC’s list of driver-assistance features for the Canyon is part of its standard Pro Safety package. For more information about the Canyon’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features are likely to include:
- Standard forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking
- Standard lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist
- Available adaptive cruise control
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
General Motors provides competitive coverage in the mid-size-pickup segment with the Canyon and the Colorado. The two have the best corrosion protection and the most impressive roadside assistance coverage. While complimentary scheduled maintenance is included, Toyota provides better coverage.
- Limited warranty covers three years or 36,000 miles
- Powertrain warranty covers five years or 60,000 miles
- Complimentary maintenance covers one visit for the first year
Specifications
Specifications
2023 GMC Canyon
Vehicle Type: front-engine, rear- or rear/4-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door pickup
PRICE
Base: 2WD Elevation, $38,395; 4WD Elevation, $41,695; AT4, $45,395; Denali, $52,495; AT4X, $56,995
ENGINE
Turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 16-valve inline-4, aluminum block and head, direct fuel injection
Displacement: 166 in3, 2727 cm3
Power: 310 hp @ 5600 rpm
Torque: 430 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm
TRANSMISSION
8-speed automatic
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 131.4 in
Length: 213.2–217.9 in
Width: 72.4 in
Height: 79.8–81.7 in
Passenger Volume, F/R: 61/43 ft3
Curb Weight (C/D est): 4500–5250 lb
PERFORMANCE (C/D EST)
60 mph: 6.0–6.5 sec
1/4-Mile: 13.0–14.0 sec
Top Speed: 100 mph
EPA FUEL ECONOMY
Combined/City/Highway: 18–20/17–18/20–23 mpg
More Features and Specs