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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  Canyon uncovered - 2005 GMC Canyon
  By Rqquillen - January 3 - 7:28 pm

  The valve line has had to be rebuilt twice for under sized valve springs at 12,000 miles. There is a glitch in the valve spring strength to allow the recovery of the valves themselves. I am dissapointed that they dont offer the 6 cylinder in the motor. The 5 is enough power but it may give problems later. It need to be offered with 16 inch tires. The 15 is just too small.

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  Charming Canyon - 2005 GMC Canyon
  By Edwin Feliu - January 3 - 11:06 am

  This truck drives like any of the best Japanese SUVs, roars smoothly like a classic muscle car, the off road package gives you commanding visibility and a smooth ride that lures you for more driving, and the fuel economy is about 19-20 MPH if you stay in the highway. On wet pavement it is a steady stead. GMC successfully created the ideal SUV-truck hybrid: tough like a truck, yet spacious and comfortable like the best SUV. I am very impressed and pleased with the package and final invoice.This vehicle definitely and permanently changed my previous skeptical opinion and dislike for trucks in general.Thank you, GMC engineers, for this remarkable and extraordinary vehicular achievement.

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  Leather seats are VERY UNCOMFORTABLE - 2016 GMC Canyon
  By Dennis Hughes - January 3 - 8:58 am

  Overall pleased with truck even though it was in shop twice in first five weeks. Biggest complaint is the leathet seats are not comfortable driving on long drives. Had a 2016 with cloth seats and did 9100 miles in 3 months, gteat trip. Traded it in for 4x4 drove 2600 miles and had leg circulation problem on several days. These seats are not made for the long drives at all.

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  On The Road In A Canyon Pickup - 2005 GMC Canyon
  By Kent Sherry - December 20 - 8:24 pm

  I like the exterior styling and had several friends remarked how great it looked. Of course there were some extras such as the mud flaps and running board. The first day out of the dealership I took it out on some snow covered mountain roads in Pennsylvania. The 4-WD high range feature came in handy and the change from 2-WD to 4-WD was fast and smooth. I purchased a unit with alot of extras such as an MP3 radio, power windows and side mirrors, and remote locks. The truck has a 6 cyl Vortex Engine that kicks out over 220 hp. It is being set up for towing and I plan to pull an 18 pontoon boat during the summer months.

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  Better than the rest - 2004 GMC Canyon
  By David Romanyshyn - December 5 - 3:59 pm

  This has been an incredible truck! The engine is smooth and powerful, the suspension soaks up bumps better than my roommates 2001 Accord, there are no rattles anywhere, and everything feels solid and of great quality. I especially love the crisp shifting of my 5-speed Aisin manual. Compared to my fathers 2002 Ranger, this truck is way ahead in all areas. I highly recommend one!

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  Canyon - 2005 GMC Canyon
  By Cindy Miller - December 1 - 7:02 pm

  I personally think that it is probably the best vehicle on the road.I would recomend it to the whole world.

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  awesome truck - 2005 GMC Canyon
  By Power - November 17 - 7:36 pm

  the funnest truck ive ever driven. Ive owned 7 trucks in my past

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  Solid Truck - 2005 GMC Canyon
  By Bradh - October 11 - 2:00 am

  My first pickup. 3.5/5cyl/4WD/tow pkg /ext.cab. Was considering larger 8Cyl., but crappy mileage eliminated all (Ive got a fairly long commute). Compared to other mid size pickups, power rating was much better. Mileage so far, about 18-20, mixed driving. Needed mainly for lighter hauling (lumber, mowers, etc.) Havent tried towing yet, but will be pulling 2500lb trailer occasionally. Handling is pretty crisp for a truck. Good std. stereo w/CD, decent interior & sharp exterior. Truck is a good fit for those of us who dont need massive power or towing capacity, but still need a truck for various reasons. No problems apparent (only at 2000 miles) So far Im pretty satisfied.

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  85 SLE with 5 cylinder Extended Cab. - 2004 GMC Canyon
  By matoby - October 1 - 2:00 am

  Sold my Dakota, got a Canyon. The Canyon is not the truck my Dakota was. Do like the engine/trans combination. 4 doors great. Canyon is smaller and sound more tinnie. Bucket seat were replaced with 60/40 split and no reduction in price. Right side (passenger side) has no key entry on the door handle, this is unsafe if you transport children. No way to enter truck if it is locked without breaking glass if for some reason the drivers door is damaged or obstructed.

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  Whats not to like about the new Canyon? - 2004 GMC Canyon
  By greg_mgoblue - September 19 - 2:00 am

  Ordered in Nov. 2003 and it finally arrived in March 2004 but worth the wait. Trading down from an 02 Sierra that ran flawlessly for 95,000 miles in 2 years was a tough decision but with fuel over 2 bucks a gallon and 3 fill- ups a week something had to change. The choice was made easier when I saw pics of the new truck. WOW! 21 MPG with the I-5, plenty of power, holds speed on the mountains here in Northern "Kaaalifornia" (California for the rest of the you)