2019 GMC Canyon

Overview

The mid-size Canyon is essentially a downsized GMC Sierra, with strikingly similar style and ample ability. It's available with General Motors' exclusive diesel four-cylinder that's fuel efficient and can tow up to 7700 pounds. As with its corporate cousin, the Chevrolet Colorado, the Canyon has two cab and cargo-bed styles that pair with several powertrain choices. The base four-cylinder has a standard manual transmission, the 308-hp V-6 is exceedingly quick, and the mini Duramax diesel makes 369 lb-ft of torque. The iconic Denali model dresses up the truck with chrome cladding, bigger wheels, and better interior materials. Its infotainment system is excellent; unfortunately, the Canyon is shortchanged by its minimal options for driver-assistance technology. Regardless, the highly skilled Canyon slots near the top of its class—only the 10Best-winning Honda Ridgeline surpasses it.

What's New for 2019?

Every 2019 Canyon adds the latest infotainment software, with contemporary menu designs and improved functionality. The SLE and pricier trim levels add a second microphone for enhanced voice controls. Likewise, these versions receive a six-way power-adjustable driver's seat. The SLE wears newly designed 17-inch wheels. Exterior paint colors now include Dark Sky, Smokey Quartz, Blue Emerald, and Sedona. Most models also have a higher-resolution backup camera. Wireless charging and a heated steering wheel are now available on more models, and rear parking sensors are available for the first time.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

For the best balance of bang and buck, we like the Canyon SLE and its smattering of infotainment upgrades and convenience features. Choose the crew-cab/short-box model, and multiparty road trips will actually be possible while maintaining maneuverability. Take the potent V-6 engine and all-wheel drive—the four-cylinder is underpowered and hardly more efficient. Notable standard features on the SLE include an 8.0-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 4G LTE mobile hotspot, rear automatic locking differential, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. The SLE Convenience package adds automatic climate control, a sliding rear window, and remote start. To fully utilize the model's 7000-pound towing capacity, we'd also choose the Trailering package and integrated trailer-brake controller.

Engine, Transmission, Performance, and Towing

Likes: Speedy V-6, exclusive diesel option, can tow up to 7700 pounds.
Dislikes: Unremarkable gasoline four-cylinder, big bumps unsettle the ride quality.

Of the Canyon's trio of engines, we'd steer you away from the base 2.5-liter four-cylinder. Higher models feature a standard 308-hp 3.6-liter V-6 mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. Not only does the V-6 have cylinder deactivation in an attempt to preserve fuel, it's also one of the quickest mid-size pickups we've tested. The diesel 2.8-liter four-cylinder sacrifices speed in favor of fuel efficiency and towing proficiency. Indeed, the Canyon's diesel engine is surprisingly polished; however, it'll cost buyers a chunk of change. It can tow up to 7700 pounds, when properly equipped; the stout V-6 can tow up to 7000. The gasoline four-cylinder can only manage up to 3500 pounds, barely enough to tow the weight of your disappointment with that engine.

The Canyon's ride quality doesn't transcend its class, but it manages to successfully strike a balance between soft and firm damping. On bumpy and unpaved roads, it's very capable and will soak up most imperfections while muting harshness. The All Terrain model elevates off-road capability even more with an upgraded suspension. At highway speeds, the Canyon is stable and relaxed. Around town, its smaller dimensions and agility require less driver attention in traffic and in tight confines. A firm brake pedal provided responsive feedback in the Canyon we tested.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

The base four-cylinder with all-wheel drive has EPA estimates of 19 mpg city and 24 highway. The more muscular V-6 will set you back only 2 mpg in the city. The diesel version is EPA-rated at 19 city and 28 highway. In our 200-mile fuel-economy test, the diesel matched its highway rating, but the gasoline-powered version fell short of its highway rating by 2 mpg.

Interior, Infotainment, and Cargo

Likes: Spacious front seats, excellent infotainment system, impressive interior cubby space.
Dislikes: Denali has disappointing interior materials, crew cab has a tight back seat.

The Canyon's interior design is high on function and low on flash. It features an upright instrument panel layout and controls that are easy to reach and read. Unfortunately, the center console is burdened by a jumbo shifter. Plastic toggle switches for accessory equipment on the center stack are handy and accessible, but they look cheap in pricier trim levels as with the Denali we tested. Therein lies our biggest complaint about the Canyon's interior: even in Denali trim, it never feels like a premium environment. Its front seat is wonderfully spacious. However, the back seat has limited legroom. The elevated rear-seating position improves comfort, but three adults will be squished on long trips.

The Canyon's touchscreen infotainment system is attractive and intuitive, with standard features such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The screen is easy to use, with rubberized knobs for volume and tuning and redundant hard buttons for quick operation. The SLE model and up have an 8.0-inch touchscreen with a 4G LTE mobile hotspot. The Denali has an exclusive wireless charging pad, and the Bose premium audio system is also standard.

The Canyon may not have as much room for carrying suitcases inside the cab, but it has the most cargo-bed volume and significantly more space for smaller items than its rivals. Its deep center-console bin, multiple door pockets, and other miscellaneous storage spots throughout the cabin provide refuge for an assortment of loose items. For items that take up a lot of space, there's a giant plastic bin under the rear seat (only on the crew cab).

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

The Canyon did not perform well in its crash-testing tests. It earned a four-star rating (out of a possible five) from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, and it was not named a Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. It also offers little in the way of driver-assistance equipment, leaving it far behind the Ridgeline and the Toyota Tacoma. If you're a customer who wants every piece of safety tech there is, you'll have to look elsewhere. Key safety features include:

• Available forward-collision warning
• Available lane-departure alert
• Available rear parking sensors

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

GM provides competitive coverage in the mid-size-pickup segment with the Canyon and the Colorado. The two have the best corrosion protection and the most impressive roadside-assistance coverage. While complimentary scheduled maintenance is included, Toyota provides better coverage.

• Limited warranty covers 3 years or 36,000 miles
• Powertrain warranty covers 5 years or 60,000 miles
• Complimentary maintenance covers one visit for the first year