Since its introduction last year, GMC has had a real hit on its hands with the Canyon. It’s quickly become one of the segment’s most sought-after models, and has ruffled feathers at Toyota and Nissan. Given the Canyon just hit the market, changes for the coming model years a modest.
Models that feature the IntelliLink infotainment system get enhancements to improve touchscreen response, as well as full compatibility for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The only other feature change is that a sliding rear window is now standard on the SLT trim and is included as a part of the Convenience Package for the SLE trim.
For 2016, GMC has added a third powertrain choice to the Canyon lineup. Joining the efficient 2.5-litre four cylinder (200 hp, 191 lb-ft) and 3.6-litre V6 (305 hp, 269 lb-ft) is a 2.8-litre four-cylinder Duramax turbodiesel engine. It develops 181 hp and an impressive 369 lb-ft of torque, and gives the Canyon the ability to tow up to 7,700 lbs – which is well into full-size truck territory. Diesel Canyons also receive a standard trailer brake control and an exhaust brake to help reduce wear and tear on the braking system. Fuel economy for the four-cylinder gas and the diesel tie at a segment-best 7.7 L/100 km on the highway.
All of the powertrains come standard with a six-speed automatic with the exception of the four-cylinder 2WD Extended Cab, which features a six-speed manual as standard. The Canyon is also available with a class-exclusive AutoTrac automatic four-wheel drive, which shifts between two and four-wheel drive if wheel slip is detected.
Speaking of configurations, the Canyon is available in Extended Cab and Crew Cab body styles. The Extended Cab features a 6’2” bed as standard, while the Crew Cab can be had with either a 5’2” bed or a 6’2” bed. Maximum payload is 735 kg (1,620 lbs).
All Canyon trims are well equipped with standard air conditioning, 16-inch alloy wheels, reverse camera, automatic projector beam headlamps with LED daytime running lights, in-bumper corner step, and a power driver’s seat. All trims but the most basic also receive a soft-touch plastic dashboard with genuine aluminum accents. In conjunction with the Chevrolet Colorado, the Canyon is the only vehicle in the segment to offer lane departure warning and pre-collision warning.
Pricing for the 2016 Canyon starts at $22,020, and tops off at $40,970 for the SLT Crew Cab with 4WD.
