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 mid size truck - 2016 GMC Canyon
  By Andy - April 20 - 6:36 am

  Great ride ,very quiet cabin, good fuel economy for a truck, 6 cylinder has plenty of power. A pleasure to drive, you would not think you were driving a truck. A lot of tech features if you like that kind of stuff.

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  Engine trouble in GMC Cannon - 2005 GMC Canyon
  By tccagle - April 10 - 8:53 pm

  I bought a new 2005 GMC Cannon to use as a work truck. I bought a very basic model without any extras. I have been so disappointed. Within the last year I have had the truck in the shop over 10 times. They have never found out the problem wiht the engine. I have been through several meeting and I am happy to say that GMC is repurchasing my truck. I have missed so many days from work taking care if this matter, but it is finally over.

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  Canyon Review - 2006 GMC Canyon
  By diatribe - April 1 - 12:56 am

  I purchased this truck for use in my courier business and have been very pleased with it so far. The interior comfort is good, however, it would be nice if the seats would recline backwards. I think they dont because its an extended cab, however, that would be a nice feature. Exterior styling is head-turning everywhere I go. I have a Silver Birch model with and A.R.E. Cab High cap and get many compliments. Excelllent fuel economy. Pure highway driving between 60 & 65 MPH, on cruise control with automatic, result in 24- 26 MPG. A highway/city mix, still results in over 20 MPG. Pizza delivery driving, however, results in about 11 to 13 MPG. Truck is rated 13 city, 17 hwy.

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  Great all-around truck! - 2006 GMC Canyon
  By Jim - March 22 - 8:18 pm

  First Pickup Ive owned and I find it to be not only a very useful vehicle, but very enjoyable to drive., whether a long or short trip, very comfortable. I have the Inline fuel-injected 5-Cyl. and its got excellent power and smooth performance. The gas mileage is a pleasant surprise with this engine too! All Black, and equipped with the "Off- Road" package, plus 4-wheel drive, she handles like a dream, and goes just about anywhere, in all types of terrain and weather conditions. GMC should be very proud of this truck, because its a definite winner!!!!

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  gmc2005 - 2006 GMC Canyon
  By gmc2005 - March 16 - 9:12 pm

  Drive 80 miles to work one way. Have not been able to drive my truck for 3 weeks, the check engine light came on at 22000 miles, first it was the valve seal that was replaced, drove about 30 miles check engine came on again, next it was the fuel injector twice, then finally the cylinder in the engine went bad all in 1 week. bought the truck 1 year ago. I like the gas mileage. thinking about trading in for something more dependable for my money, back seat not very roomy

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  Needs a V8 - 2016 GMC Canyon
  By T Duffy - March 12 - 9:47 pm

  I have had trucks, suvs for over 25 years, this is a looker but the engine is so sluggish going up the hills of Western, Pa. I cant believe how terrible the power is. It rides nice over 55 and overall nice space, front seats not real comfortable. Bose audio just ok, got a speaker rattle with anything in a decent loudness. Its a company truck so Im cant complain but really needs a V8 for how heavy this truck is. Do not like the break assist while going down hill, i think I know how to break.

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  Love it - 2005 GMC Canyon
  By countryhonk - February 14 - 12:04 am

  I love it. My last truck was a Toyota Taco 4cyl 4x4. My new Canyon 5 cyl has twice the horsepower and 2mpg better than the anemic Toyota. This truck is loaded with more gizmos than I need. My enthusiasum may be do in part by the ten thousand dollars I saved with the "employee discount for everyone" I paid 18000 w/tax and the window sticker was 26935 Even so this is a very nice truck and the G80 locking rear diff is what makes it happen for me. I have read that people say the straight 5 lacks power? Nonsense! Maybe if you put it in a heavy hummer, anyways this motor gives me better mpgs w/auto than my manual Toyota 4cyl. This truck smokes the tires ! Get a little higher in revs to make it work

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  Canyon-Great Truck for the Money - 2005 GMC Canyon
  By Tom N - February 11 - 1:30 am

  The GMC Canyon is a great looking, very functional truck, particularly for medium duty use (truck is rated 1300 lb. payload, 4000 lb towing capacity). Interior is very clean looking, straightforward and functional with easy controls. Great ride, and 5 cyl is a good compromise between power and economy (21 mpg on last tankful, averaging just over 20 mpg). Seats could be more supportive but are not uncomfortable. Extended cab gives good inside storage capacity, but would not recommend it for passengers on long trips. If you need room for more than 2 passengers, go with the crew cab instead. Got a great deal on this truck on the fly 4WD, duraliner and tonneau for 22K

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  Canyon z71 crew 4x4 - 2005 GMC Canyon
  By CrazyEyez - February 4 - 6:03 pm

  I just got the truck in October already has 4110 miles on it and I got it with 88 miles on it. Fuel mileage really stunk at first, but as with other owners I’ve talked to, it’s getting better as it breaks in some more. The ride is pretty good, though it is stiff being that mine is the 4x4 z-71. Handling is pretty good for a truck. The inline-5 motor has plenty of power, but it lacks in a good strong sound. The engine, though more powerful then the old 4.3L v-6, doesn’t sound as powerful as the v-6. I drove a 4.3L powered 2000 Blazer 4x4 4door, and I am missing that extra 25lb-ft of torque that the 4.3L has over the inline-5. And though I haven’t had a chance to, 4wd seems pretty strong.

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  body frame rust very bad - 2006 GMC Canyon
  By jorge - January 29 - 4:44 pm

  body frame rust really bad my is a 2006 and is really rusty cheap material