With only one trip to a GMC Dealer, it’s easy to become enamored by the vehicles on display and the quality behind each one. The trucks on offer by GMC are stellar automobiles that boast a wide range of versatility. And when you’re looking for a truck to take care of your towing and commuting needs, GMC trucks have got you covered. The 2021 GMC Canyon, in particular, continues the Canyon legacy with some notable additions and remains a fan-favorite for many drivers.
Featuring a vicious exterior, coupled with a cozy and robust interior, you can guarantee the Canyon is a stylish ride. Plus, this year’s Canyon lineup serves a whole new trim with an emphasis on off-roading capabilities. In addition to this, all but one trim has been renamed and repurposed. There are four trims for the 2021 GMC Canyon, in total, which is fewer than the six trims available last year. This helps customers narrow down their choices easier, and it allows GMC to pack more features into their currently available trims.
The trim that serves as the baseline for the 2021 Canyon is Elevation Standard, which starts at an MSRP of $26,400. The next trim available for the 2021 Canyon is Elevation, which adds a host of additional upgrades over the base model. This trim is then promptly followed by AT4, which is the aforementioned brand-new trim with a strong emphasis on off-roading capabilities. And lastly, the 2021 Canyon can be purchased in the Denali trim, an offering that has made its way over from previous years. In all, the 2021 Canyon comes in a variety of different configurations for many different price ranges. But let’s take a closer look at what this truck has to offer.
Canyon Performance
Regarding the powertrains you may fit your 2021 Canyon with, it’s an identical setup to last year’s Canyon. You’ll have the option between a rear-wheel-drive (RWD) configuration that comes standard, or you may upgrade to an all-wheel-drive (AWD) variant. The first returning engine is the 2.5L 4-cylinder, which serves as the base engine. This engine comes standard in the Elevation and Elevation Standard trims and comes paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. Regardless of this engine’s place as the base option, it produces an ample 200 hp and 191 lb-ft of torque and is capable of towing a maximum capacity of 3,500 lbs. This certainly allows for lighter towing tasks such as bringing a boat to the lake and might be just enough for some drivers.
EPA-estimated ratings are respectable enough at 19 MPG in the city and 25 MPG on the highway with the FWD configuration. These numbers aren’t necessarily the best-in-class, but this doesn’t serve as a detriment to the Canyon. Plus, when compared to many of its contemporaries, the GMC Canyon is quite efficient. Of course, though, those looking for extra performance will have the option of doing so much like last year.
The most powerful engine the Canyon offers is a 3.6L V6 engine that produces a much higher 308 hp and 275 lb-ft of torque. In comparison to the previously mentioned 2.5L 4-cylinder that comes standard with the Canyon, this is a 54% increase to horsepower and a 43.9% increase to torque output. Due to this increase in power, this engine can help the Canyon tow a maximum capacity of 7,000 lbs, which is double the amount of the 4-cylinder engine.
Unlike the previous engine, the V6 comes paired with 8-speed automatic transmission. This V6 also receives similar yet not identical fuel efficiency ratings with the FWD variant getting 18 MPG in the city and 25 MPG on the highway. You’ll find this engine standard in the AT4, and Denali trims but is also an available upgrade for the Elevation and Elevation Standard.
As is tradition with the Canyon ever since the 2016 model, a 2.8L Duramax Turbo-Diesel engine is available for the Canyon. This diesel engine gives the Canyon a maximum towing capacity of 7,700 lbs and produces 181 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. Referring back to the previous two engines, this turbo-diesel engine produces 34% more torque output than the V6 and an impressive 93% more than the 4-cylinder engine. Where this turbo-diesel engine also shines is in fuel efficiency as this engine gets EPA-estimated ratings of 20 MPG in the city and 30 MPG on the highway. But overall, these three engines give you a wide range of performance options to best suit your needs.
A High-Class Interior
Although performance certainly is important to the overall experience of your Canyon, your interior is where you’ll be spending your time, making it equally important. GMC has gone to great lengths to ensure the interior of the Canyon is not only cozy but lends itself to long road trips with ease. The Canyon comes in two different sizes, these being a crew cab and an extended cab. This choice will affect your available cargo space and maximum passenger capacity, so it’s important to know what your wants and needs are before purchasing.
The crew cab allows for more passengers with a capacity of five but with a smaller 61.7” bed. In total, this translates to 41.3 cu.ft. of cargo space. In comparison, the available extended cab variants come with a 74” bed that allows for more storage capacity which caps out at 49.9 cu.ft. However, this configuration only supports a maximum seating capacity of four passengers.
No matter the trim or configuration, every Canyon comes standard with an infotainment center sporting a 7-inch touch screen along with a plethora of infotainment centers. Among these inclusions are a duo of USB ports, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, along with Bluetooth connectivity. Additional features include an upgraded 8-inch touch screen, a 4G LTE-Wi-Fi hotspot, and a wireless phone charging pad, to name a few.
If you’re looking for the utmost luxury in your Canyon’s interior, however, then look no further than the available High Elevation Package. This package is exclusive to the Elevation trim, and it adds a sense of admiration for the lower-tier Elevation. The High Elevation Package gives the interior a stylistic overhaul featuring leather-appointed seats with a Jet Black finish. In addition to this, your driver’s seat will have power-adjustable lumbar support and heating controls. Your front-seat passenger will also be treated to a heated seat, and your steering wheel will also have heating capabilities. These additions help give the Canyon a classy interior that complements the exterior quite nicely.
First-Hand Experience With The 2021 Canyon
The 2021 Canyon is an exciting vehicle. Although no changes have been made regarding the Canyon’s available powertrains, since the 2020 model year, the Canyon remains a competitor. Purchasing a 2021 Canyon will net you a smooth and thrilling ride, regardless of the specs you have chosen. Those looking for the best towing capability and fuel efficiency should opt for the turbo-diesel variant, but the other two gas engines perform equally as well.
Great performance, coupled with a robust interior that includes a host of connectivity features, gives Canyon a strong presence in the market. If you’re looking to experience the Canyon for yourself and take one for a test drive, visiting your local GMC dealer is a great way to get started. After taking a Canyon for a test drive, you’ll see exactly why it’s one of the most praised trucks on the market.
