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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  Very disappointed - 2005 GMC Canyon
  By loveledc - April 8 - 11:48 am

  Interior quality is sad, no padding, and very little comfort. 4 cylinder engine is quite an improvement over the old S-10. The engine is quite noisy at low speeds, and gas mileage is sad for a 4 cylinder. It certainly does not live up to the 27 mpg promised. The truck is certainly over priced for value.

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  Canyon performance - 2004 GMC Canyon
  By Ron - April 2 - 5:02 pm

  I am very satisfied with the overall performance. it was not designed to be a rocket. I have no complaints with the power, and I can pull a loaded utility trailer with firewood weighing about 300 lbs. with no problems. The interior could use a bit of dazzle, as it is quite plain. Rear disc brakes would be better. The exteior is as classy as any small truck on the market. I have had many compliments on the design.

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  Solid and Smooth - 2005 GMC Canyon
  By indiana - March 23 - 10:28 pm

  GMC did a lot right with the Canyon. Good fit and finish. Great aggressive lines. The interior room is impressive, particularly the front leg room. The two-tone cloth interior is very sharp as well. My only complaint is that the doors do not lock shut on their own..ie..they need to be pushed with some force. I had to think long and hard to come up with that though...it is a great truck!

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  High-end SUV with a bed - 2016 GMC Canyon
  By Volley - March 10 - 9:14 pm

  This is a really nice truck. Exceptional ride, handling and interior comfort with a very quiet cab. Fit and finish is excellent and the 8-inch color touchscreen is remarkable. Full-size trucks are too big for my needs and although the Canyon is large, it drives like a mid-sized car Gas mileage is around 22 mpg mixed city/hwy and 25 mpg pure hwy. The Canyon is a great alternative to a full-size truck or SUV.

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  GMC Canyon is a nice truck - 2004 GMC Canyon
  By Greg - February 26 - 8:45 pm

  At first, the GMC Canyons interior was hard to adapt to the plastic materials left much to be desired. After a while, however, I adapted and began to appreciate the plastics. They are actually quite rugged. My truck has the I5, XM, 6CD, Auto-dimming/compass mirror, and power heated leather seats. All are very enjoyable. The seats are comfortable for the longest of trips, and the vehicle handles very well and has a TON of power for only having five cylinders. It is very much more powerful than its S-series predecessors, and I can confirm first hand that the truck can pull WAY more than it is rated -- the truck can pull over 7,500 pounds practically effortlessly. Trust me.

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  A month of interstates and mountains - 2004 GMC Canyon
  By Tom - February 24 - 8:36 pm

  Ive found the Canyon 3.5 liter excellent for fast interstate and slower, steep mountain driving. The two stage 4wd has also been very good on snow. The OEM tires, however, have limited "stickiness" in spite of their "all season" rating.

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  Nice truck so far - 2005 GMC Canyon
  By Ron - February 2 - 1:13 am

  I really enjoy the ride of this truck. The seats are comfortable. I have used the truck to pull people out of ditches and it does it easily. I have the Z71 extended cab with a 5 cyl automatic 4X4. My truck has the side steps and at first I thought they were useless. When someone slammed their door into the side steps and not my door, I really liked them. I have about 11,000 miles so far with the only problem is getting out of 4 low.

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  Great truck - 2005 GMC Canyon
  By ed - January 20 - 12:09 pm

  This truck looks good and has plenty of room. Bought it for my 16 year old son. Very easy to drive with lots of safety features.

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  Great truck - 2004 GMC Canyon
  By Karen Newberry - January 11 - 10:42 pm

  I love driving this truck. It rides like a Yukon, only better. I never would drive a truck and fell in love with this one. Only problem we have is my husband hits his elbows on the split console sometimes. I have no problems with it at all!

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  Canyon Extended Cab Z71 W/3.5l 5Cyl - 2004 GMC Canyon
  By AC - January 10 - 2:40 pm

  I have had my Canyon for several months now. Overall Id give it a 9. Size is just right. Comfort is excellent (Front buckets). It is great for tooling around the city, and country roads alike. Suspension is very good. 4wd also very good. Bottom end grunt is lacking, but its nowhere near underpowered (5cyl). Interior simple and clean, even if the plastic isnt as good as materials used in other vehicles. No mechanical problems at all. Payload rating is adequate. I agree it could be higher, but anything heavier would be pushing you around pretty good given the Canyons relatively lower weight. Its a very good truck when you think reasonably.