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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  100% Satisfied Customer - 2016 GMC Canyon
  By Terrace White - August 15 - 5:59 pm

  I researched all mid-size trucks for two years before finally deciding to buy the 2016 GMC Canyon SLT. Overall exterior and interior styling, comfort, performance, technology and cost were my main deciding factors. This truck definitely meets my daily needs and I am completely satisfied!

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  I got the lemon - 2004 GMC Canyon
  By jcanyon - July 6 - 12:23 am

  Initially, I loved this thing! Over some time, I realized that many small things would add up to make me hate it! The plastic molding is of poor quality, the rear seat cup holder has broken 3 times. Brake light recall sent me to the shop twice. Front turn signal wiring harness only works when bumped in just the right way. Gauges poorly located behind steering wheel. Musty air conditioner. Rear cloth seats that no one sits in have torn in the seams. Rear seats squeak constantly. Rear seats very uncomfortable when used. Computer acts up intermitently - alarm sounds when truck unlocks! Worst is that it is the same exact truck as the Isuzu I-370! Is it a GM or Isuzu?

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  3.7 5 cyl SLE - 2007 GMC Canyon
  By Kirk - June 18 - 9:05 pm

  My truck is a SLE Ext. Cab 3.7 5 cyl. Automatic Trans. The web site does not give this choice. I drove a Nissan Frontier for 2 months and there is no reason to get the Nissan. This truck is quiet and has a much better ride. Fuel milage is better by 3 MPG, city. Engine is smooth and refined. I have loaded the bed with mulch and dirt and the ride was good and there was plenty of power. The seats in the back are only for children. This truck has side air bags which are not found in other trucks this size. I also mounted a BOSS snowplow to this and it plows like a full size. The locking rear end is also excellent and not found on any other truck this size. The truck is a tank in snow and mud.

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  Great truck - 2006 GMC Canyon
  By Ed - June 12 - 8:25 pm

  Had an S-10 before this, and although I believe the interior was nicer and more comfortable in the S-10, I love the crew cab for my family. The truck runs great, but I think gas mileage should be better than 24 (get about 24 exactly). Biggest problem I have had is the wear of the front tires. The alignment seems off and the inside is wearing odd. Dealer repeatedly tells me this is normal, I dont see how. I have over 50000 on it and I like it as much as when I bought it. Seems like the S-10 was more refined and corners where cut to get this to a price point, there are absolutely no frills or extras, but bottom line, I would buy it again.

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  2006 GMC Canyon - 2006 GMC Canyon
  By jeff smith - June 10 - 10:59 pm

  Have had the truck 7 months and have 7k on it.The truck is OK but nothing to write home about. Has 5 speed that is hard to shift when cold. A/C seems to cycle too much and does not cool well on hot days. I still have 93 S-10 2.8 V6 5 speed with over 200K miles that get the same mileage (avg. 26) but runs, brakes, and shifts better than this new one. I know this a base truck but will beat you on a trip of over 3 hrs.

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  New truck with some issues - 2016 GMC Canyon
  By Philip - June 2 - 2:28 am

  Transmission shifts rough. Poor fit and finish, cheap plastic, two parts broke first week , one on the first day. Finally got them replaced. Oil indicator is messed up, had 53% life with 250 miles, now has 850 miles and only 40% now. Either not reset at the factory correctly or the electronics are messed up. The truck looks great, is fairly comfortable, just rough over bumps, but it is a truck. I have read a lot of horror stories today about GMs customer service and that frightens me. This is first $40,000 vehicle I have ever owned and now that I am retired I had hoped to have a good truck that would last for a long time. I hope it does and that I dont have to deal much with customer service. I will speak with the customer satisfaction representative tomorrow at Linus GMC and see if he can get me some help with the oil indicator issue. I still like the truck, just hope nothing else crops up.

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  2006 GMC Crew Cab 2WD - 2006 GMC Canyon
  By JScott - May 15 - 9:09 pm

  My main reason for choosing the GMC Canyon crew cab pickup was fuel economy. I could only find GMC and Ford Ranger offering 4 cylinder engines and only GMC was available with the crew cab and a 5-speed standard transmission. I am very pleased with its fuel economy because it has exceeded the EPA estimates. I have averaged about 23.6 mpg for city and highway lumped together. For highway driving, the mpg has ranged up to 29.3 mpg for one long trip with no load. The Ford Ranger is EPA rated slightly higher than EPA rates the Canyon 4 cylinder, but the Ford Ranger 4 cyl is slightly less horsepower. I dont need much power most of the time, so I have been happy with the Canyon all the time.

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  Great Truck! - 2007 GMC Canyon
  By Ed - April 25 - 8:47 am

  This is my first Canyon and I love it. It has great towing capability and I get a lot of standard features on a base model like remote keyless entry, cruise control, and intermittent wipers. I also opted for XM satellite radio. This is great, because Toyota makes you pay extra on the Tacoma for keyless entry and cruise control. Canyon even gives me a leather wrapped steering.

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  Recommend Canyon - 2007 GMC Canyon
  By Bill - April 19 - 2:54 pm

  I would absolutely recommend the Canyon. Great horsepower and towing capacity for a smaller truck. Quiet ride and excellent quality from the Profressional Grade Division of General Motors. Makes the Tacoma look silly.

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  My Canyon - 2006 GMC Canyon
  By gmc_man9 - February 23 - 8:00 pm

  I went from regular cab Sierra to the extended cab Canyon. At first I wasnt a happy guy, but this truck will grow on you. I put a bug guard and a soft tonneau cover on my silver Canyon. Do I get the compliments. I get 21 MPG around town with the 4 CYL. I have friends who have extended cab Ford Rangers and it seems as if the Canyon is more roomy. Have owned many vehicles since I started driving, my Canyon by far has to be my favorite.