Truck talk is a funny sort of thing. First of all, there’s a large segment of our population that limits such discussion to talk of the ‘Big Three’ of Ford, Chevy, and RAM. Second, a large portion of conversation favor full-size offerings, and the comparison of their heavy-duty capability. So, where does that leave the plethora of midsize offerings that are well-deserving of conversation, especially since that conversation automatically includes the likes of Honda, Toyota, Nissan and even GMC? When it comes down to it, it really is a separate conversation, driven by those with more modest demands of a truck. Noting the ease with which such offerings are overlooked, it bears noting that the GMC Canyon is arguably the most easily overlooked of all. This is, of course, a shame, seeing as the 2018 GMC Canyon offers a lot of value worth considering as the more upscale cousin of the Colorado.
Configuration Options
Across five trim levels (SL, base Canyon, SLE, SLT, and Denali) the Canyon can be configured as needed, including (two-and-four seating) extended cab, (five-seating) crew cab, and in two different bed lengths.
Powertrain Options
In terms of engine configurations, the Canyon kicks things off with the 2.5-liter four-cylinder mated to a six-speed manual transmission. Channeling 200 hp and 191 lb-ft of torque, the SL trim is a confident entry-level offering.
Step up to at the base Canyon and a 3.6-liter V6 paired with a six-speed automatic comes standard. Rated for 308 hp and 275 lb-ft of torque, this engine comes standard in the SLE and SLT trims, as well, while the latter has the option of a diesel engine. That 2.8-liter four-cylinder diesel is paired with a six-speed automatic, earning 181 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque.
Quality Interior
One of the largest disappointments of the the Canyon being so easily overlooked is that the design, construction, and dimensions of its interior are deserving of more attention than it receives. Accessible, spacious and consisting of strong material choices, the Canyon marries form and function in a comfortable, sensible layout, without compromising a truck-like feel.
Utility Ratings
Rated for 7,000 LBS the Canyon tows up to 500 LBS more than its direct competitors, and with the diesel, that number jumps to around 7700 LBS. Combined with a sufficient 4600 LB payload rating, and the Canyon has no problems getting most jobs done.
The Denali
And of course, the top-of-the-line Denali trim is icing on the cake. Carrying over all of the SLT’s basic equipment, the Denali rides on 20-inch chrome wheels and boasts a Bose sound system, wireless charging and the full benefits of the Driver Alert Package, among other valuable features. For those interested in luxury over (or even alongside) utility, the Denali is a win.
For a closer look at how far you can take the GMC Canyon, here’s a closer look at the 2018 Denali trim, and everything that makes it worthy of consideration:
