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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  Long term review - 2005 GMC Canyon
  By Andy L. - January 9 - 5:18 pm

  I bought this truck new in Oct 2004. My review from Jan 06 remains true. This truck has been outstanding. The fit and finish on the interior is fine, the exterior has held up perfectly. It is very well powered, and a pleasure to drive. Does great in Michigan winters. Even better with new Dick Cepek FC-II tires. Ive hauled many loads of wood, pulled a small boat, traveled with family of five and never been let down. The only two issues have been the theft deterance went out (minor), and the drivers window regulater died ($300) I have 86k miles and plan to put on many more.

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  Not that bad - 2010 GMC Canyon
  By juliancasta - January 3 - 2:47 pm

  I wanted a small truck to haul small loads. I wanted an American truck. So far its not that bad, its really good on the highway, not that much noise. The seats could be better, but they are ok. The cd player though does have an old style to it. One weird thing, on the armrest there is a cassette tape case holder. Who uses cassettes anymore, its a waste of space. Its easy to drive, my wife likes to drive it. It needs a place for your change, you dont have a storage place on the dash for your change or anything important. I havent yet taken it offroad.

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  Great truck few problems - 2009 GMC Canyon
  By seabig - December 15 - 9:49 am

  I have a 2009 ex cab long box 2wd. Pros. -gas mileage, just over 20mpg in the city -no problems really so far, -stabilitrac is a must for winter driving -stereo sounds great -comfortable -power is adequate -Love all the chrome and the little tool boxes under the rear seats Cons. -Tires (amerigeneral) love to grab little stones and fling them up causing paint chips. Driving down a road that is dirty sounds like you are being shot at. -Plastic around stereo and vents looks very cheap -trac control comes on automatically and limits acceleration if you forget to turn it off and try to jump across traffic you might die -drivers door wouldnt shut right but dealer adjusted it and its fine now

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  2007 GMC Canyon - 2007 GMC Canyon
  By Busk - December 11 - 4:53 am

  Although its been reliable, this is the most uselessly designed truck Ive ever had. The bed is ok for firewood, mulch, etc (but the bed is too thin and girly). The mandatory 6 foot bed is annoying. You cant even lay down a six foot ladder flat. Its a real loser to load with construction materials. The tailgate lowers to accommodate 8 foot materials. However 4 wide drywall, plywood doesnt fit between or on top of the wheel wells. Very annoying. Poor design. Theres also a large blind spot when turning left or going around sharp left curves.

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  Comfortable, Fun to Drive V8 - 2009 GMC Canyon
  By Lanie - November 24 - 6:24 pm

  FYI, I have the extended cab V8 SLT. This website did not have that choice. In any case I have had this truck about 9 months now, and just love it. It is really comfortable to drive. Being in CO it is wonderful to have the heated seats in winter. It handles well in snow, on rough dirt roads, etc. The gas mileage isnt great, but didnt expect it to be given that it is a V8. Has great "get up and go" to get up those mountains!

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  Great truck ! - 2005 GMC Canyon
  By mr bill - November 24 - 9:49 am

  I bought my 2005 used in 2009 after the lease ran out. It is a great tight well handly truck and I have had no problems with it. It gets a consistant 26 mpg with 3.5 and auto transmission. As I said I bought it used, but it still is in great shape and I am very pleased and would recomend it to anyone wanting this size truck.

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  SO DISAPPOINTED! - 2007 GMC Canyon
  By tracyandnoah - November 18 - 7:35 pm

  I bought this truck brand new. They "shipped" it from PA, and when I got it there was 600 miles on it. Within the first two weeks, the drivers window and passenger windows got stuck and wouldnt go up. Then after one and a half years, I already needed rear brakes. Got those replaced and then I needed front brakes. Got those replaced and its been squeaking ever since. Also, the tires (that came with the truck) began "warping" from the inside after about a year. On top of all these problems, the gas mileage is HORRIBLE! I travel approximately 53 miles a day and I have to fill up every four days. Im so not happy! Im looking elsewhere, but not looking forward to losing money.

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  Brake Problems - 2008 GMC Canyon
  By ken Almonrode - October 29 - 12:39 pm

  The day I picked it up the head lights would not shut off and brake pedal went almost to the floor. the Dealer fixed the head lights and was told the brakes were ok they are all like that. Back to the dealer for wipers that turned on by their self and low tire light coming on for on reason. Took vehicle to a none dealer service station were they trued the rear drums and solved the brake problem.

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  is ok would be better if I get it cheap. - 2016 GMC Canyon
  By Jose flores - October 24 - 1:50 pm

  The starting price, to much secrets onthe price and all the info that you need to send before you get a price that discouraged a pitential buyet.

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  exellent truck - 2005 GMC Canyon
  By bill biello - October 18 - 6:40 am

  exellent truck-58,000 miles. driven right i can pull 23-24 mpg.no problems so far