Anyone stopping by a new truck dealership may be easily overwhelmed by the sheer number of options available for those looking to buy a new truck. Today’s pickup trucks come in nearly every size and shape imaginable.
But, as a driver, you know best what you need out of a truck. Are you looking for a powerful diesel work truck? Or does your future vehicle need to be able to handle the rigors of off-road transportation? When it comes to picking out your new truck, you likely have a mental list of all the things you want and need.
At the same time, the trucks available today are highly customizable and come with long lists of features that can be hard to decipher. What happened to a good old-fashioned truck – one that’s capable, enjoyable to drive, and can stand up to get the job done day in and day out? For these drivers, there’s the 2021 GMC Canyon. Whether you’re looking for a refined truck that looks good in any setting or a workhorse you can rely on, the 2021 GMC Canyon has an option for nearly every driver.
The Trims and Configurations of the 2021 Canyon
The 2021 GMC Canyon is offered in four trim levels: Elevation Standard, Elevation, AT4, and Denali. All of the features, from the cab and bed configurations, to the engine options, to the comfort and convenience features, are based on the trim selected, making it easier for drivers to choose exactly which package meets their lifestyle and needs.
The Elevation Standard offers a lot of flexibility, even as the base model of the lineup. Drivers can choose from an extended cab version with a 74-inch long bed or a crew cab with a 61.7-inch short bed. The extended cab with the long bed is offered with either two or four-wheel drive, while the crew cab version is offered in two-wheel drive only.
The Elevation trim is offered as an extended cab with a 74-inch long bed, as well, but only as a two-wheel drive vehicle. Those opting for the crew cab can choose the Elevation trim with a 61.7-inch short bed in either two-wheel or four-wheel drive, but the Elevation with a crew cab and long bed is four-wheel drive only.
Elevation Standard and Elevation trucks with the extended cab and long bed provide room for up to 49.9 cubic feet of cargo, which translates into a maximum payload of up to 1,580 pounds. Selecting the crew cab with a short bed reduces the cargo volume to 41.3 cubic feet. Crew cab versions of either truck can handle a payload ranging up to 1,570 pounds.
Those who frequently travel the roads less taken may gravitate towards the AT4 trim. This trim expands on the previous All Terrain X package, adding skid plates, off-road suspension, and a locking rear differential, making it a much steadier and readier beast when the pavement turns to dirt. The AT4 is offered as a crew cab model only, and four-wheel drive is standard. Drivers do have a choice of a short or long bed, so cargo room can vary from 41.3 cubic feet to 49.9 cubic feet. That is plenty of room to accommodate all of your tools, equipment, and supplies.
At the top of the trim line is the Denali. Those who select the Denali can choose from two or four-wheel drive when the short bed is selected, while four-wheel drive is standard for drivers of the long bed option. This trim comes with all of the best features and transforms the Canyon into a real luxury truck.
Under the Hood of the 2021 GMC Canyon
The 2021 GMC Canyon is offered with three engines. Two gasoline options are standard on the various trims, while a diesel option is available on all but the Elevation Standard trim.
The base engine, which is standard on Elevation Standard and Elevation trucks, is a 2.5L DOHC inline-4 engine. Despite the notions you might have about a “standard” engine, this version is quite capable, providing 200 horsepower and 191 lb-ft of torque. Regardless of whether two-wheel or four-wheel drive is chosen, drivers can expect a fuel economy of 19 miles per gallon on the city streets, with up to 25 miles per gallon on the highways. The maximum trailering capacity for this engine is 3,500 pounds.
Available on Elevation Standard and Elevation trucks, but standard on the AT4 and Denali trims, is a 3.6L V6. This engine offers significantly more muscle than the 2.5L engine, providing 308 horsepower and 275 lb-ft of torque. This raises the towing maximum to an even 7,000 pounds. Even more notably, fuel economy hardly changes. This engine provides 18 miles per gallon city and 25 miles per gallon highway in its two-wheel drive configuration, and 17 miles per gallon city and 24 miles per gallon highway when four-wheel drive is selected.
Last but certainly not least is the available 2.8L Duramax Turbo Diesel inline-4 engine. With 181 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque to its name, this engine provides the highest towing rating for the 2021 Canyon, at 7,700 pounds. Offered in two-wheel and four-wheel drive options, drivers may be surprised to note that this engine has the ability to provide up to 30 miles per gallon fuel economy on the highways.
Features and Options of the 2021 GMC Canyon
Each trim comes with plenty of comfort and convenience features to balance the workmanlike attitude of the 2021 Canyon. While each trim has its own standard offerings, many of the features from higher trims can be optioned into lower trims, either independently or via the multiple packages that GMC offers drivers.
The Elevation Standard includes the basics, such as a 7-inch color touchscreen-operated infotainment system and a power-adjustable driver’s seat. StabiliTrak Electronic Stability Control, tire pressure monitoring, and a rear vision camera are also standard, handy features that can make a huge difference in enjoying the drive.
The Elevation trim upgrades the infotainment system to an 8-inch touchscreen and adds Bluetooth streaming along with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility. Drivers may also opt for the High Elevation Package, which adds leather-appointed, heated front seats and a heated steering wheel.
The AT4 Canyon includes the off-road-ready features mentioned earlier, as well as a heated power driver’s seat with additional lumbar support and a wireless device charging pad. As you might expect, the AT4 Cloth has cloth upholstery, while the AT4 Leather has a more luxurious leather interior.
At the top of the trims, the 2021 Canyon Denali is best described as “loaded.” A full suite of driver assistance features is standard, including lane departure warning, rear park assist with rear vision camera, and forward collision alert. Navigation is built into the infotainment system, and the trim comes with a luxe leather interior and standard trailering package.
The Right Truck for the Job
Drivers of modern pickup trucks are faced with the unenviable dilemma of choosing the right truck for the job, and there are many options available. While some truck manufacturers make the list of configurations, engines, trims, and options almost infinite, the 2021 GMC Canyon understands that drivers have a very specific list of needs and wants. Capable without being overbearing and enjoyable without being ostentatious, the 2021 Canyon manages to check many needs and wants off the list without creating a world of confusion or leaving drivers wanting more. The refined options and workmanlike engines give drivers exactly the right choices to get the job done, with plenty of extras that can be added on to tailor-make each driver’s experience for their needs. From heading off the pavement with the AT4 to riding in style in the Denali, there is a GMC Canyon for even the most discerning driver.
