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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  Enjoy - 2006 GMC Canyon
  By i own one - August 13 - 4:47 pm

  Just bought a 2006 SLE I5 auto extended cab. I am get 18.88 miles per gallon in city, 21.96 on highway. Consumer Reports puzzles me. Nice smooth ride. It may feel like driving a truck to them , but that is what it is. I drove a Mustang for 5 years, a very good handling car, I dont miss the performance at all .

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  2.8l Diesel- sweet! - 2016 GMC Canyon
  By ARE-NJ - July 24 - 6:11 pm

  I just got this puppy a month ago and its been a great drive so far. Got the hard to get 2.8l diesel at a fantastic price and then got up sold the extended warranty which Im not so sure I need .. Did it because the 2.8l diesel is new in the USA ( tho not new in Asia apparently).. Truck accelerates good enough for highway but does even better passing over 50 because of torque . Going up hill the truck doesnt sweat it. Gas mileage is great which really hooked me. But we will see how diesel prices out Ive the years and whether it was a good decision vs getting the regular gas v6 .. Slt vs Denali? I say save your money and stick with the slt..

• 

  Powerful - 2016 GMC Canyon
  By Don - July 18 - 2:17 am

  The 2.8 Liter Duramax Diesel is so much stronger than the V6 gas engine it is hard to believe. I have owned both. The fuel mileage is 31 hwy / 26 city on my 2016 Canyon. This is a strong little truck.

• 

  Mildly disappointed - 2017 GMC Canyon
  By Disappointed - July 8 - 6:50 am

  Pros: nice ride, get lots of complements. Cons: for a mid size truck the height of the vehicle(getting in and out) is slightly difficult(Im 511"). You have to raise your right foot 2 feet to get into the truck. The trucks rear end bumper is about 5 inches higher than the front. It sits at an angle. Level the truck off. Lower the back end about 4-5 inches. This would also lower getting in and out a couple of inches. The top of the back gate is shoulder level. Difficult getting things in and out of the back end. Had to buy a reacher like the old people use and a rake to get things out of the back end. Again, lowering the back about 4" would really help. Really disappointed, NO CD player. Everyone under the age of 30 probably has a CD collection which they cant use. I gotta think this was done to force people to buy Sirrius/XM with GM probably getting a cut. Also, the factory radio antenna adds 9 more inches. Couldnt get truck into garage. Bought after market antenna that works fine and lowered the overall height by 5-6 inches. Why not the shark fin antenna like the suburbans? If GMC would level off the truck and lower it by about 3-4 inches it would be perfect. And put the CD back in. Got a good deal. 6700 off and 0%.

• 

  Great truck - 2005 GMC Canyon
  By Goden - June 22 - 10:55 am

  Ive used this truck for hauling and as a daily driver. Great little truck, very smooth 5 speed, comfortable for a bench seat.

• 

  Best Truck - 2006 GMC Canyon
  By Roy - June 4 - 9:29 am

  This truck has plenty of power for a 4 cylinder, 175 hp! I have the 5-speed and it is fun to drive and handles the road great. I have been averaging 26~28 mpg. It looks like a mid scale version of the large ones. I highly recommed it over any in its class.

• 

  Good all round truck - 2006 GMC Canyon
  By Jay - May 26 - 2:42 pm

  I went from a 2001 Lincoln Navigator to this and only thing I miss is the outside temp reading. The truck is fun to drive and handles well. I have the hard tonneau cover and spray in bed liner.

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  GMC Rules - 2005 GMC Canyon
  By Truck Man - May 20 - 7:09 pm

  So far this has been the best truck I have ever had. I have the inline 5 and it has more than enough power. Great for work or play. Wouldnt buy anything else. Great truck!!!

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  gm messed it up agine - 2016 GMC Canyon
  By Michael Larson Cheney WA. - May 7 - 4:32 am

  The truck is to high . I cant reach the bottom of the bed. My wife cant get in it with out a stool .I had to add a receiver hitch and a 6" drop ball mount because the bumper is 5" higher then my old truck. This is replacing my 92 gmc Sonoma it was just the right size. When closed the back doors are to wide and the handle hits me in the back every time I get in. The cruse control doesnt work and the right turn signal doesnt cancel after a turn. It left the factory this way It gets terrible gas mileage at 70 mph. They made a unheard of bolt pattern 6 lug on 4.72" so my snow wheels wont fit or any other past wheel . We dont need 16" wheels on a small truck. Gm also made the brakes to big so you cant buy after market 15" snow wheels. I bought the 4cly with a 6 speed auto thought Id get better mileage then my 92s 4.3v6 and 4 speed auto but its the same with less power. My biggest complaint is the height

• 

  Good Truck - 2006 GMC Canyon
  By AdamJ - April 26 - 9:29 am

  Finally bought my first truck in Feb. 2006 and love it. It rides great and is fun to drive. So far I have added a hard lockable tonneau cover and a spray in bed liner. The tonneau cover improved the gas mileage so I would recommend buying one. I have about 3,000 miles on it so far and have been very impressed with everything. I have the I5 3.5 engine and it has plenty of power for a mid-size truck. Have not towed anything yet, but dont foresee any problems. Other options I have is 4WD, auto, power everything and I have not had a problem with anything thus far. I am looking forward to having and enjoying this truck for a very long time. Great product, you get a lot truck for a good price.