Overview & Reviews

Though not as popular as full-size pickups, compact and midsize pickups fulfill an important role. For the many truck buyers whose towing and hauling needs don't require the capabilities of a full-size, these more nimble and fuel-efficient trucks are the perfect choice. GMC's entrant in this segment is the Canyon.

The GMC Canyon is handsome-looking, thanks to its square jaw and broad-shouldered stance, and its impressive crash test scores offer peace of mind to owners. It also offers available V8 power, a rare treat in this segment. When it comes to negatives, however, the Canyon is plagued with more than its fair share. For much of this truck's life, its standard four- and five-cylinder engines have been lacking in the power department, which has limited the truck's ability to comfortably haul cargo or tow heavy loads. Build quality is average at best, and many items within the truck's cabin feel flimsy and cheap.

Though the snazzy, affordably priced GMC Canyon will no doubt hold a certain charm for budget-conscious shoppers with an eye for style, we think most compact or midsize pickup truck buyers will be better served by more capable rivals like the Nissan Frontier or Toyota Tacoma.

Current GMC Canyon

Three configurations are available for the GMC Canyon: standard cab, extended cab and crew cab. Extended-cab and crew-cab models feature four doors; crew-cab Canyons have four standard-sized doors and a 60/40-split-folding rear seat that can seat three adults, while extended-cab versions offer two small reverse-opening doors and rear jump seats. Canyon crew cabs haul loads with a 5-foot bed, while the other two configurations get the job done with a bed that measures 6 feet.

Three trim levels are available: Work Truck (WT), SLE and SLT. WT models offer features like air-conditioning, cruise control and an AM/FM stereo. The Canyon SLE model adds an improved stereo and a more extensive options list, though power accessories are an extra-cost option on regular-cab SLEs (standard on extended-cab SLEs). The SLT steps it up with leather upholstery and power seats. There are also two optional suspension packages. The Z71 suspension improves the off-road performance of 4WD trucks, while the ZQ8 package for 2WD trucks enhances on-road handling and grip.

GMC Canyon buyers have a choice of three engines. A 2.9-liter inline four-cylinder produces 185 horsepower, and is standard on WT and SLE models. It comes with either a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic. The 3.7-liter inline five-cylinder is more robust, offering 242 hp. Both a five-speed manual and a four-speed automatic transmission are available. The available 5.3-liter V8 cranks out 300 hp. Two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive are offered; the 4WD system has a dual-range transfer case and push-button controls.

The GMC Canyon has met with middling reviews from our editors. Its interior has been criticized for being below average in build and material quality. Its engines, too, have been panned as lackluster, though the optional V8 is possibly the most enjoyable engine in the compact truck segment. In consumer reviews, owners have praised the truck for its stylish exterior and quiet ride, but have expressed reservations about its build quality. In sum, unless you can't live without V8 power in your midsize truck, there are better choices.

Used GMC Canyon Models

The GMC Canyon was launched for the 2004 model year. It debuted with less powerful engines: a 175-hp, 2.8-liter inline four-cylinder and a 220-hp 3.5-liter inline-5. The ZQ8 package didn't become available until 2006, and the five-cylinder engine received a power boost to current levels in 2007, along with a revised four-speed automatic transmission with better shift quality. The V8 engine option didn't debut until 2009; this was also the first year for stability control and satellite radio.

Consumers shopping for a used GMC Canyon would probably be wise to expand their search to include its corporate twin, the Chevrolet Colorado, which offers basically the same attributes.

User Reviews:

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  Great - If it had any semblace of a decent tranny - 2016 GMC Canyon
  By Sorely disappointed - February 5 - 9:53 am

  Its a nice truck, that rides fairly well. SLT interior is rather nice. It sucks fuel, less than 14 mpg in city driving with the 3.6 V6. The transmission, WHAT A JOKE!!! It has no idea what gear it wants to be in, constantly hunts and when it does pick one, its 2 gears too high for the situation. Case in point, turned left into my neighborhood, speedometer says 18 mpg. Press the gas pedal to accelerate. . .nothing, downshift it (which causes it to drop one gear and actually display the number rather than the D), and its in 4th gear. That means, it was in 5th gear of a 6 speed transmission going 18 mph. How does that make any sense?? I drive it like a manual with the manual shift just to have power when I need it. Now, its started a new "feature" Youll stop at a stop sign, or a light with the tranny in drive and when you press the gas pedal to go. NOTHING. No RPM increase, no movement, look at the shifter and the D is flashing red. Its almost killed me 3 times so far and just this morning, did the same thing trying to reverse out of the garage. Dealership said I didnt know how to drive the "new" auto transmission since Ive been driving a stick for the last 18 years. Cant WAIT for the 2018 Ranger, this thing will be history. The last GM I owned was a 1990 Grand Prix, it, like this truck look pretty, but are rolling piles of junk. DONE WITH GM.

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  Coffin Dodger - 2016 GMC Canyon
  By Coffin Dodger - January 9 - 5:19 pm

  Good pickup for older person. Rides and drives great. Not bad mileage. Dont regret buying it.

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  One Poor Truck - 2016 GMC Canyon
  By mllambert@bellsouth.net - January 2 - 12:42 am

  Some of these vehicles have issues knowing when to shift. I have had this truck back to the dealer countless times for this issue. I have even had the region service tech work on the truck twice. The story is the same "it is a characteristic of this model" what a very poor excuse for GMC. They have no idea what they need to do to fix this. I have complained to GM as well as the dealership and NO ONE does anything. I am a very regular buyer of GM vehicles. one every 16-24 months. After this experience I will never own another GM vehicle again or work with the dealership. Thankfully I leased the thing so I can walk away in 36 mo.

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  My Grand Canyon - 2006 GMC Canyon
  By EX FORD OWNER - December 31 - 11:08 am

  To be sure of the fact that style is as beautifull for the truck, as it seems to have been named after And the hardiness of its spirit for the ruggedness of same. Ive owned a Ford for thirty years, of that a Ranger pickup extended cab for fourteen, and Ford can not match what Canyon has going for it. Thanks for a great truck! P.S. Canyon was a 2006 left over with only 7 miles on it then.

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  Love it so far - 2005 GMC Canyon
  By Jason - December 21 - 11:22 pm

  I have owned my Canyon for a month now and this being my first truck I love it! It has plenty of power and the look is great, only thing I have any sort of problem with is the rear seat is a little shallow but I dont sit there so no biggie. I would recommend this truck to anyone who wants a small truck that has good gas mileage and lots of HP.

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  poor truck - 2006 GMC Canyon
  By Rev - December 15 - 11:16 am

  Must be the cheapest designed, and poorly built truck...EVER! I wish I had looked more closely. I will go back to a foreign model. Its too bad. The U.S. better get its quality control up. Its horrible. Everything about this truck...just spells CHEAP at your expense!!!! They must be laughing all the way.

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  BOY DO I REGRET BUYING MY TRCUK - 2006 GMC Canyon
  By TAMMY ADAMS - October 3 - 11:06 am

  I bought my canyon July of 2006,in February of 2007 engine light came on and the truck powered down.Took it to local dealership,they cleaned it up (said there was dirt on the sensors) and sent me on my way.a couple of days later same thing.This has gone on for several months.Weve changed computers,brake lines, you name it.Still it does not work.This time theyve had it for three weeks still not fixed. Gm rep wont call me..Im really disappointed with my purchase..i regret it everyday...

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  My Canyon - 2006 GMC Canyon
  By metallicat - September 15 - 8:18 pm

  What can I say about this truck? I love it, so much better than the S15 it replaces. Its bigger, it has more power.

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  Sporty good-Looking Truck - 2016 GMC Canyon
  By Jolie Vorse - September 5 - 1:20 pm

  Our teenage son is driving this truck as well as us, his parents; thus we opted for the 4-cylinder engine. The truck is fun to drive and has a very nice back-up camera, which is important to us. The entertainment (bluetooth, stereo, etc.) is very good. The brakes are very responsive. Weve had the truck less than a month and have already taken a road trip with it, and it served us beautifully. So far, I can happily recommend this vehicle.

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  I really like it - 2007 GMC Canyon
  By TrojanHorse - August 29 - 3:27 am

  Yeah, Ill admit I wanted a Tacoma xtra-cab, but, I bought an American truck with more features, and at a better price. Yes, the fit and finish is not the same as Toyota, but it is close. My only complaint is freeway wind rush coming from the drivers side 1/2 door (which isnt much). If you have the sunroof (which I think is pretty cool, no one else has it...) you need a wind deflector. Yes, the interior is simple, but I didnt think it was cheap looking. The factory 6 disc player cranks pretty good too. The 2.9l! is the best 4 cyl I ever sat behind, and it gets damn decent mileage. $8000 less than a Tacoma! I have enough left over to buy a new Titus Mtn. Bike...