GMC Canyon Review

Though not as popular in terms of sales as full-size pickups, compact and midsize pickups fulfill an important role. For the many new 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.

One of the GMC Canyon's biggest assets is its choice of several well-sorted suspension setups that provide impressive capability off-road or sporty handling dynamics on twisty blacktop. The Canyon is also handsome-looking, thanks to its square jaw and broad-shouldered stance, and its impressive crash test scores offer peace of mind to owners.

When it comes to negatives, however, the Canyon is plagued with more than its fair share. For much of this truck's life, its 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 -- like its door handles and shifter -- 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 other more powerful and capable entries in this segment, such as 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. WT and SL models offer features like air-conditioning, cruise control and an AM/FM stereo, with SL models substituting cloth upholstery for the WT's vinyl. Premium Canyon SLE models add an improved stereo, upgraded upholstery and a more extensive options list. All three trims are offered on standard and extended-cab models, but crew cab models come only in SLE trim. Major options, depending on the trim, include a sunroof, side curtain airbags and satellite radio. 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 two engines. A 2.9-liter inline four-cylinder produces 185 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque, and is standard on all Canyons, save for the four-wheel-drive crew cab. The 3.7-liter inline five-cylinder is more robust, offering 242 hp and 242 lb-ft of torque. Both a five-speed manual and a four-speed automatic transmission are available. 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 on the editorial front -- its interior has been criticized for being below average in build and material quality. Its engines, too, have been panned as lackluster, though the current Canyon is certainly better in this regard than previous years. In consumer reviews, owners praise the truck for its stylish exterior and quiet ride; gripes primarily concern build quality.
Past GMC Canyons
The GMC Canyon was launched for the 2004 model year. Though still in its first generation, the Canyon has seen a few changes over the years. Originally, the pickup truck debuted with less powerful engines: a 175-hp, 2.8-liter inline four-cylinder and a 220-hp 3.5-liter inline five-cylinder. The ZQ8 package didn't become available until 2006, and the engine power upgrades, along with a revised four-speed automatic transmission with better shift quality, occurred for the 2007 model year.
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.

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