2021 GMC Canyon

History/Overview

In 2004, the GMC Canyon replaced the Sonoma as the brand’s entry-level, then-compact pickup truck. GMC redesigned it in 2015, turning it into a mid-size model.

What’s New/Key Changes From Last Year

For 2021, the GMC Canyon undergoes a significant update with freshened styling and a reorganization of its trim levels. Last year’s entry-grade SL and SLE trims are gone, replaced by the Elevation Standard and Elevation models. There’s also a new AT4 designation in place of the 2020 All Terrain.

Available Trims

The Canyon range comprises Elevation Standard, Elevation, AT4 and Denali.

An extended cab/long-box body comes in Elevation Standard (2WD) and Elevation (2WD or 4WD) with a choice of 2.5L four-cylinder or 3.6L V6 engines.

A four-door crew cab model comes with either short or long cargo box. Again, Elevation (2WD) and Elevation Standard (2WD or 4WD) are here, and AT4 and Denali are available with standard 4WD. Crew cab trucks add the option of a 2.8L four-cylinder diesel and make 4WD standard with the V6 engine.

The four-cylinder gas and diesel engines come with a six-speed automatic transmission. V6 models get an eight-speed.

Standard Features

Elevation Standard comes with 18-inch gloss black aluminum wheels, black exterior trim and door handles, a body-colour rear bumper, LED front signature lighting, a locking tailgate, a four-way power driver’s seat, a six-speaker stereo, 3.5-inch driver info display, power door locks, tilt steering, air conditioning, two USB ports, a 7.0-inch infotainment display, power windows, cloth upholstery, and tire pressure monitoring.

Elevation adds body-colour door handles and side mirrors with heated glass, an 8.0-inch infotainment screen, keyless entry, an E-Z lift tailgate with remote locking, LED fog lights, a sliding rear window, spotter mirrors, a Wi-Fi hotspot, six-way power driver’s seat, automatic climate control, charging-only USB ports, cruise control, GMC Connected Access, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, reading lights, aluminum interior trim, a leather-trimmed steering wheel with tilt-and-telescopic adjustments, rear window defogger, and remote engine start.

AT4 trim brings 17-inch wheels with off-road tires, heated front seats, rear courtesy and reading lights, and driver’s seat lumbar.

Denali trim comes with 20-inch wheels, chrome side steps, chrome exterior door handles and side mirror housings, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, rear park assist, a spray-in bedliner, four-way front passenger seat with lumbar, a 4.2-inch driver info display, navigation, a Bose stereo with HD radio, an upgraded backup camera, heated steering wheel, auto-dimming rearview mirror, leather upholstery, ventilated front seats, and wireless smartphone charging.

Key Options

Elevation Standard offers a convenience package of keyless entry with remote tailgate locking, cruise control, rear window defroster, and an E-Z lift tailgate.

Elevation can be optioned with a driver alert package comprising forward collision alert, lane departure warning and, when fitted with leather upholstery, rear park assist.

Most of Denali’s extras are material and/or appearance upgrades.

Fuel Economy

GMC’s fuel consumption estimates for the Canyon start at 11.8/7.9 L/100 km (city/highway) with the diesel engine and 2WD, and 12.2/8.4 with 4WD.

Four-cylinder gas models are rated 12.2/9.4 with 2WD and 12.7/9.9 with 4WD.

The V6’s estimates are 12.9/9.3 with 2WD and 14.0/9.9 with 4WD.

Competition

GMC’s main competition includes the Toyota Tacoma, Nissan’s Frontier, the Ford Ranger, and Honda’s Ridgeline.

The Canyon also competes with the very similar Chevrolet Colorado.