2020 GMC Canyon Review

GMC Canyon All Terrain Crew Cab Pickup Exterior

GMC Canyon Denali Crew Cab Pickup Exterior

+95

The Canyon Denali is a different sort of midsize pickup. It's less focused on off-road adventure (although it's still capable) and more geared toward trailering and on-road comfort. A civilized cabin, punchy V6 engine, smooth eight-speed transmission, and excellent infotainment tech make it a standout in the class.

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GMC Canyon for Sale

GMC Canyon types

Crew Cab
Extended Cab

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2020 GMC Canyon Review

byDan Frio^{Reviews Editor
Dan spent many years covering the go-fast, look-good, get-loud corners of the automotive universe. First, he served as editor of enthusiast magazines AutoSound and Honda Tuning, then as executive editor at SEMA News, the publishing arm of the trade group that produces the annual SEMA Show (yes, that show). As a contributor to Edmunds, he now likes to keep the volume low and the speed limit legal, providing expert car-shopping advice to drivers looking for the perfect match.}

Pros

Big towing capacity with gas V6 and diesel four-cylinder engines
Maneuverable size, along with well-mannered steering and handling
Comfortable ride over most surfaces

Cons

Front seats can feel small to larger people
Rivals offer more in-cab storage with rear seats folded
Low-hanging front airdam limits off-road potential

What's new

Newly available remote-locking tailgate
A new tire-fill alert added as standard
Changes to standard/optional equipment and available safety packages
Part of the second GMC Canyon generation introduced for 2015

Overview

Five years ago, your choices in midsize trucks came down to the Nissan Frontier — an old design even then — and the institutional favorite Toyota Tacoma. Then came the Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon twins, followed shortly by reimagined Honda Ridgeline and Ford Ranger models and a refreshed Tacoma. What was once a stale segment is vibrant again, and the 2020 GMC Canyon remains a key player in this company.

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2020 GMC Canyon SL 4dr Extended Cab SB (2.5L 4cyl 6A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.50 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.}

Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio

$193/mo

$240/mo

Avg. Compact Truck

Calculate my fuel costs

The Canyon offers some of the best towing capability in the class, along with a cushy, quiet cabin and road manners that feel more car-like than truckish. Seat comfort is impressive, and there's enough room — and enough tech — to make long road trips a pleasure.

But don't think the Canyon can't do the business. Properly equipped, it can tow between 7,000 and 7,700 pounds depending on the engine. The standard four-cylinder is capable, if unremarkable, but the V6 upgrade or torque-rich turbodiesel engine are really where you'll see the Canyon shine. The Canyon can even hold its own off-road, although you'll need to remove its lower front airdam for best performance. (It's a hassle, but worth it.)

Ultimately, though, the Canyon is a spiffed-up Chevrolet Colorado. It offers a few more optional upscale features, a nicer-looking grille and fancier wheels, but no more capability than its Chevy counterpart. This fact makes the Canyon's extra cost, especially in Denali trim, a dubious proposition. If you simply prefer nicer trim, softer touch points or the Canyon's bold design, then it may be worth it. But if you simply need power and punch for towing or blasting dirt trails, the Colorado will save you money in the end.

Edmunds Expert Rating

Our Verdict^{The Edmunds Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.}

Average

7.6

out of 10

edmunds TESTED

Rated for you by America's best test team.

Performance

8.0/10

How does the Canyon drive? We tested the Denali trim level, which comes with the 3.6-liter V6. It delivers solid thrust and pulls with authority. Our test truck reached 60 mph in 6.9 seconds, which is quick for a midsize truck. It also steers and brakes with commendable precision and composure, and car-like handling is one of the Canyon's strengths.

The Canyon can also mix it up off-road, with decent articulation and a two-speed transfer case standard on 4WD models, but you'll need to remove its unnecessary, low-hanging chin spoiler first.

Comfort

8.0/10

How comfortable is the Canyon? While the Canyon is unmistakably a pickup from the outside, the cabin comfort and features are far from basic pickup fare. The Denali trim's seats offer good comfort on long drives despite the firm backrests and not much lateral support. The rear seats, though, are fairly flat and upright. Adults won't want to stay back there too long.

Fundamentally, the Canyon is refined and road trip-ready, unusual traits for a midsize pickup. It offers good noise isolation and effective climate control. And the ride, while slightly bouncy if there's no cargo in the back, settles down nicely once you drop a few hundred pounds in the bed.

Interior

8.0/10

How’s the interior? The Canyon's interior is laid out logically, with simple and effective knob interfaces, plenty of space up front, and a wide range of seating adjustments. This alone sets the Canyon apart from its Tacoma rival, which has a fairly narrow range of comfortable driving positions. The rear seats offer an abundance of headroom, but taller passengers may come up short on legroom.

The tall windows and large windshield give drivers a commanding view of the road ahead, although rear-quarter visibility is limited. The rearview camera helps while backing up. The Canyon's tall seats make getting in and out nearly as much work as entering and exiting a full-size truck. The side step bars help here.

Technology

8.0/10

How’s the tech? For 2020, the Canyon delivers even more refined infotainment, with a larger revised display and a tile-based home screen that feels similar to an Android device. (Don't worry, iPhone users, the Canyon also offers Apple CarPlay in addition to Android Auto.) Two USB ports are included up front, while two rear-seat charge-only ports come on upper trim levels.

Voice controls were a mixed bag on our test model, and we haven't tested the Canyon's new system yet. Based on our experience with recent GM models, however, there's bound to be a vast improvement in accuracy and response.

Towing and Storage

7.5/10

How are the towing and storage? The Canyon V6's maximum tow rating of 7,000 pounds is among the best you'll find for a midsize pickup. The bed is somewhat basic and lacks some of the extra features (such as additional tie-downs) of its rivals, though you can add a variety of dealer-sourced accessories to spruce it up. The tailgate lip and bed sides are high and can make loading difficult, although handy bumper steps address this issue somewhat.

When it's time to haul things inside instead of people, the backseat-folding design is inferior to the competition. The rear seats flip up, but the floor is marred by obstructions and you can't lay items flat. There are enough storage nooks for small items, but some competitors offer more. Child seats can be accommodated, but the Canyon doesn't make it easy to install them.

Fuel Economy

7.0/10

How’s the fuel economy? The EPA estimates the V6-powered two-wheel-drive Canyon at 20 mpg combined (18 city/25 highway). Our driving experience suggests you'll be able to match these numbers in real-world driving without too much difficulty.

Value

7.0/10

Is the Canyon a good value? The Denali trim makes the Canyon one of the pricier midsize pickups on the market. For all but the most creature-comfort-obsessed buyers, it isn't worth the extra cost over a well-equipped and mechanically identical Chevrolet Colorado. You're buying a little extra cush, a badge and an image, not a more capable Canyon.

But five years (or 60,000 miles) of roadside assistance and a complimentary service visit are useful, while the five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty is typical for the class. The V6 Canyon trails its Honda and Toyota rivals in fuel economy but beats the Nissan.

Wildcard

7.0/10

Having fun with trucks generally involves some off-roading, but the Canyon makes a compromise in terms of front ground clearance versus competitors such as the Tacoma or Frontier. The Canyon Z71 off-road option should give some added ability, but the low front fascia still limits the approach angle. Fortunately it's removable, but it's a hassle.

On the road, the Canyon is quite competent. It's not quite as refined as the Honda Ridgeline perhaps, but the Canyon is more capable than the Honda in towing, payload and off-road ability. The Canyon tries to mimic the look of GMC's larger Sierra and largely succeeds, but in the trade, it's harder to reach the bed and cabin.

Which Canyon does Edmunds recommend?

Moving high up the Canyon's trim ladder delivers questionable value, so we recommend the SLE trim level. It's available with any of the Canyon's three powertrain choices, and it comes with a significant amount of standard equipment.

2020 GMC Canyon models

The 2020 GMC Canyon is a midsize pickup offered in two- and four-seat extended-cab and five-seat crew-cab body styles. There are two bed lengths and six trim levels to choose from: SL, base Canyon, SLE, All-Terrain, SLT and the top-of-the-line Denali.

The SL is the most basic of the bunch, equipped with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine (200 horsepower and 191 lb-ft of torque) and a six-speed automatic transmission. But it lacks rear seats and comes in the extended cab only. It does, however, offer air conditioning, a 7-inch touchscreen, two USB ports and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, so it's still a pretty civilized workhorse truck.

Moving up to the base Canyon model unlocks both extended- and crew-cab body styles, with rear jump seats offered on extended-cab models. A 3.6-liter V6 engine (308 hp and 275 lb-ft) paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission is optional or standard, depending on the configuration. Notably, the base Canyon is also eligible for options not available on the SL, such as remote keyless entry, cruise control and the new remote locking tailgate.

Upgrading to the SLE is a better choice than slapping options on a base model. The SLE comes with most of the base trim's options as well as upgraded interior materials, an 8-inch touchscreen and a Wi-Fi hotspot. It's also the first trim available with the 2.8-liter four-cylinder diesel engine (181 hp, 369 lb-ft) and optional driver safety aids (forward collision warning, lane departure warning).

Those off-road inclined may prefer the All Terrain since it bundles the V6 engine, off-road tires, reinforced suspension, and a rear locking differential, as well as a selection of other upgraded features.

The SLT moves more upmarket with features such as leather upholstery and wireless phone charging. But for maximum creature comforts, look to the Denali. It comes with an upgraded sound system, navigation, standard driver safety aids, heated and ventilated front seats, and a spray-in bedliner among other items.

Reliability Ratings by RepairPal

4/5Excellent

#3 out of 8 among Midsize Trucks

RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.

Cost

^{The average total annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance across all model years of the GMC Canyon from 2008-2022.}

$464/yr

vs. $451/yr
for Average Midsize Truck

Frequency

^{The average number of times this model is brought into the shop for unscheduled repairs and maintenance in a single year. RepairPal calculates this metric by tracking millions of unique vehicles over multiple years to determine an average number of visits per year (omitting small routine visits, e.g., oil changes).}

0.65x/yr

vs. 0.79x/yr
for Average Midsize Truck

Severity

^{The probability that a repair will be a major issue, meaning the repair costs 3x the average annual repair cost for all models. This threshold will be higher for vehicles that have higher labor rates and parts costs (such as a premium brand).}

14%

vs. 13.6%
for Average Midsize Truck

powered by RepairPal ^{Based on RepairPal reliability data as of 8/23/2023. Ratings are provided by RepairPal and Edmunds is not responsible for their accuracy.}

Consumer reviews

Read what other owners think about the Used 2020 GMC Canyon.

5 (44%)

4 (20%)

3 (8%)

2 (13%)

1 (15%)

3.7

36 reviews

Write a vehicle review See all 36 reviews

Most helpful consumer reviews

Better than all the rivals

M. Levine, 02/23/2020

2020 GMC Canyon Denali 4dr Crew Cab SB (3.6L 6cyl 8A)

This truck is actually fun to drive. Adequate power from the V6, Nice brakes and steering that actually gives feedback. The interior although a bit dated is nice enough. I previously owned a 2016 Colorado but stepped up to the Canyon. All in all a great truck!

2020 Canyon All-Terrain 4x4

Kovich, 03/06/2020

2020 GMC Canyon All Terrain 4dr Crew Cab 4WD SB w/Cloth (3.6L 6cyl 8A)

After intensively researching new midsize trucks, I felt it was clear that the Colorado/Canyon twins were the best options (although I prefer the "truckier" front end of the Canyon). The V6/8 speed combo works fantastically well together in the city and on the highway-- it never feels out of breath, even in steep mountain driving. The Canyon drives and handles much smaller than it is-- …

2019 Crew Cab long box SLT

Michael, 10/15/2019

2019 GMC Canyon SLT 4dr Crew Cab 4WD LB (3.6L 6cyl 8A)

I've had my Canyon for three months and I love it. I was driving a 2012 Sierra, but I was looking for something easier to maneuver and park and the Canyon is much better in that respect. Also, I'm not getting any younger, so I like the lower step in height. I will say that finding a Canyon configured like I wanted was quite a journey. Maybe 90% of the crew cab models have the short 5 … foot box, and I wanted the 6 foot box. Plus I don't like black leather interiors, and nearly all have black. I was considering a factory order, but I finally found an emerald blue SLT 4WD with cocoa dune leather 350 miles away in a small town in Ohio. I really enjoy driving this truck! The ride is quiet and smooth, computer is showing 23 mpg. The V6 can really move. I'm impressed with the build quality. Seats are very comfortable, and the back seat area is roomy too. Much easier to park than my old truck, and its great in heavy traffic. The dash is laid out logically, with knobs where they are supposed to be on things that are supposed to have knobs. I don't have to hunt through a maze of buttons like I do with my wife's SUV. If I had to hunt for some gripes, here they are. Keep in mind that I consider these minor design issues. Rear view mirror visibility is limited with a small rear window. About half the view is the inside of the tailgate. Of course having a long bed contributes to that but the large screen HD back up camera helps a lot. The large front air dam is a little unsightly and limits ground clearance, but I don't plan on doing much off-roading anyway. Also, the way the hood is stamped, there is a surface that slopes back downward toward the windshield. This can result in some sun glare even if the sun is at a relatively high angle. Finally, the spare tire seems to be mounted so that most of it shows from the side. Great truck, I highly recommend it. UPDATE: After 15 months and 32000 miles, everything is fine. I have been on several 1000+ mile trips, rides smooth. Haven't towed anything yet. Update 4/22/22: now at 54,000 miles, original tires still look great. Had an issue with the transmission shuddering at highway speeds. Took it in to the GM dealer about 4 months ago, they said it was a known problem and a TSB bulletin had been issued by GM. The torque converter was not locking in properly due to the viscosity of the transmission fluid. The fluid was changed out and it's run perfectly ever since. I get a lot of compliments on the truck, especially the color and the combination of crew cab with a long box. Blue Emerald Metallic was offered only in 2019 and 2020 I believe.

Ready to trade in my 2020 Canyon

C.B., 06/08/2020

2020 GMC Canyon SLT 4dr Crew Cab SB (3.6L 6cyl 8A)

This truck is...disappointing. Mainly due to the glitchy electrical system. Radio issues, cruise control issues, power seat issues, shifting gear issues, and brake issues. And it is only 2 months old!!!

We have a limited number of reviews for the 2020 GMC Canyon, so we've included reviews for other years of the Canyon since its last redesign.

See all 36 reviews of the GMC Canyon

Write a vehicle review

2020 Canyon Highlights

Type:

Crew Cab

Trim:

Base

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$27,600
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	22 MPG
Cost to Drive	$193/month
Seating	5 seats
Drivetrain	rear wheel drive
Max Towing Capacity	7,000 lbs.
Warranty	3 years / 36,000 miles

See all features & specs

Safety

Our experts like the Canyon models:

OnStar System: Provides emergency crash notification, stolen-vehicle notification, and remote locking and unlocking.
Driver Alert Package: Includes forward collision and lane departure warning systems. This package is optional on the SLE, All Terrain and SLT trims (standard on the Denali).
Tire Fill Alert: A new feature for 2020, it provides an audible and visual confirmation when tire pressure is added to a tire that is low.

NHTSA Overall Rating

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.

Frontal Barrier Crash Rating
Overall4 / 5
Driver5 / 5
Passenger4 / 5
Side Crash Rating
Overall5 / 5
Side Barrier Rating
Overall5 / 5
Driver5 / 5
Passenger5 / 5
Combined Side Barrier & Pole Ratings
Front Seat5 / 5
Back Seat5 / 5
Rollover
Rollover3 / 5
Dynamic Test ResultNo Tip
Risk Of Rollover21.4%

IIHS Rating

The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.

Small Overlap Front Driver-Side Test
Acceptable
Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side Test
Not Tested
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Original
Good
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Updated
Not Tested
Side Impact Test – Original
Acceptable
Side Impact Test – Updated
Not Tested
Roof Strength Test
Good
Rear Crash Protection / Head Restraint
Good

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2020 GMC Canyon Review

2020 GMC Canyon Review

Pros

Cons

What's new

Overview

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2020 GMC Canyon SL 4dr Extended Cab SB (2.5L 4cyl 6A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.50 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.}

Edmunds Expert Rating

Performance

Comfort

Interior

Technology

Towing and Storage

Fuel Economy

Value

Wildcard

Which Canyon does Edmunds recommend?

2020 GMC Canyon models

Reliability Ratings by RepairPal

Cost

Frequency

Severity

Consumer reviews

Read what other owners think about the Used 2020 GMC Canyon.

Trending topics in reviews

Most helpful consumer reviews

Better than all the rivals

2020 Canyon All-Terrain 4x4

2019 Crew Cab long box SLT

Ready to trade in my 2020 Canyon

2020 Canyon Highlights

Safety

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2020 GMC Canyon Review

2020 GMC Canyon Review

Pros

Cons

What's new

Overview

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2020 GMC Canyon SL 4dr Extended Cab SB (2.5L 4cyl 6A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.50 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.

Edmunds Expert Rating

Performance

Comfort

Interior

Technology

Towing and Storage

Fuel Economy

Value

Wildcard

Which Canyon does Edmunds recommend?

2020 GMC Canyon models

Reliability Ratings by RepairPal

Cost

Frequency

Severity

Most helpful consumer reviews

Better than all the rivals

2020 Canyon All-Terrain 4x4

2019 Crew Cab long box SLT

Ready to trade in my 2020 Canyon

2020 Canyon Highlights

Safety

People who viewed this also viewed

Related Used 2020 GMC Canyon info

Vehicle reviews of used models

Popular new car reviews and ratings

Research other models of Gmc

Research similar vehicles

Other models

Join Edmunds

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2020 GMC Canyon SL 4dr Extended Cab SB (2.5L 4cyl 6A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.50 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.}