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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  Good truck with a TERRIBLE transmission - 2016 GMC Canyon
  By Brian - March 31 - 8:47 pm

  First of all, I really do love this truck. I have had it over a year now, and could see myself in it for years. It is very comfortable, handles like an SUV, and the interior is great. I had one small issue with the infotainment not booting one time, but it was quickly resolved by turning the truck off and back on. So now on the bad news. THIS IS THE WORST TRANSMISSION EVER! They have programmed the shift points to make it more fuel-efficient (which its really not). MPGs are great, but not at the expense of driver comfort and safety. The thing just will not downshift when it needs to. So the scenario would be like this.. Youre cruising along at 45 mph and its rolling in 5th gear. You come to a slight incline and give a it a bit more gas to stay at 45. A normal transmission would drop to 4th gear as soon as it started to struggle. well NOT this one. It tries to stay in 5th gear until you can literally feel the torque converter giving up. The only way to get it to downshift is to quickly press the gas pedal to ask for more power. But THEN, does it downshift to 4th? No, it drops 2 gears so now youre revving high in 3rd gear for no reason. GMC could easily fix the shift points with a new ECU flash, but for some reason just continue to ignore us.

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  Gmc Canyon Crew - 2004 GMC Canyon
  By Al Canyon - March 15 - 2:00 am

  Looks like a truck rides like a car. Best truck I have ever owned. Top of the line. Move over Toyota you have been out done!!!

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  Very Satisfied Customer - 2004 GMC Canyon
  By Michael Richmond - March 2 - 2:00 am

  I have had absolutely no trouble with this vehicle, and I was skeptical at first about the 5 cylinder engine. The only thing I feel could have used a little more thought is an absolutely trivial item, the center console is not tall enough to use for an armrest. I feel that if the only complaint I can find is the armrest, then I am 100% satisfied with my purchase. This truck performs well, it rides better than many 4x4 vehicles I have been in. The electronic selection for 2wd,4wdhi and 4wdlo is very convenient, just push a button and away you go.

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  Excellent Truck - 2004 GMC Canyon
  By Mrgreen - February 28 - 2:00 am

  Great ride, performance and getting 20+ mpg in mixed driving. This truck is heads above my Sonoma and much more solid than the Dakota I drove. Room for wife, daughter and all our gear. Quiet smooth cruising.

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  Great Truck - 2004 GMC Canyon
  By Patriot Nation - February 15 - 2:00 am

  This truck is big upgrade from the Somona crewcab 4X4.More room,horsepower,better features.Just a better truck!

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  Good Job - 2004 GMC Canyon
  By mushucat - February 13 - 2:00 am

  This is a great truck. Fun to drive and very smooth. Lots of room. Worth sacrificing a foot of bed lenth.

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  pleased with the Canyon - 2004 GMC Canyon
  By patentmike - January 27 - 2:00 am

  SLE, 5 cylinder, auto, Excellent vehicle so far. No defects, plenty of power and comfort. GM got this one right.

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  Great Purchase so Far - 2016 GMC Canyon
  By Dave - December 8 - 12:15 pm

  Purchased October, 2015, 20k miles. 3 recalls, oil changes and tire rotations, have been my only trips to the dealer. My first truck, surprisingly comfortable and tows my 2,000lb boat much better than my SUV. Besides the funky shifting of the transmission when accelerating from 20-30MPH it has been a super vehicle. I AVG 22MPG on my work commute, and have gotten 28MPG @ 60 MPH cruising the coast.

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  wonderful - 2004 GMC Canyon
  By Kusi2006Appiah - November 29 - 2:00 am

  best thing in the world

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  Good Beans - 2004 GMC Canyon
  By Mesiah - November 8 - 2:00 am

  Its a good truck, more people should buy good ole american knowhow. Its good beans.