more about this model If you're searching for a pickup that's easier to park than the typical full-size pickup but still want a lot of capability, you'll want to check out the 2017 GMC Canyon. A more upscale sibling of the Chevrolet Colorado, the Canyon can be configured to tow up to 7,700 pounds and carry up to 1,620 pounds in the cargo bed, so it's certainly got the muscle for heavy jobs. With an array of available upscale features and a roomy cab, it's also more luxurious and comfortable than its rivals.
As is the case with many pickup trucks, the Canyon comes in a wide variety of versions. The SL is a stripped-down work truck, available only with an extended cab, no rear seat and no options. The next model up — the actual base model — offers access to more options but is still aimed at commercial or small-business owners. Most individual buyers will probably prefer the midrange SLE, though GMC also offers the SLT and range-topping Denali should you want the most out of your midsize truck.
The base engine is a 2.5 liter four-cylinder that generates out 200 horsepower and 191 pound-feet of torque. You can upgrade to a 3.6-liter V6, which offers 308 horsepower and 275 lb-ft of torque. An intriguing alternative unique to the Canyon (and Colorado) is an optional turbocharged 2.8-liter diesel four-cylinder, which develops 181 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. That's the engine you'll need if you want the full 7,700 pounds of maximum towing capacity; the V6 tops out at 7,000 pounds and the gas four-cylinder at 3,500 pounds.
The base four-cylinder engine comes with a manual transmission; an automatic is optional and is standard equipment on the V6 and the diesel. EPA fuel economy estimates range from a low of 19 mpg combined (17 city/24 highway) for the V6 4WD to a high of 25 mpg combined (22 city/30 highway) for the RWD diesel.
We don't expect a glass-smooth ride from any pickup, but the Canyon is pretty well settled, especially with a load in the bed, and it's much easier to park and maneuver than a full-size pickup. We are also impressed by the comfort and refinement the Canyon provides. The cab's controls are organized well, and the seats are comfortable enough for all-day comfort.
There are a few other choices for a midsize pickup, but the 2017 GMC Canyon could be the one for you. Use Edmunds to do further research and locate the perfect one.
2017 GMC Canyon Overview
Edmunds experts have compiled a robust series of ratings and reviews for the 2017 GMC Canyon and all model years in our database. Our rich content includes expert reviews and recommendations for the 2017 Canyon featuring deep dives into trim levels and features, performance, mpg, safety, interior, and driving. Edmunds also offers expert ratings, road test and performance data, long-term road tests, first-drive reviews, video reviews and more.
Our Review Process
This review was written by a member of Edmunds' editorial team of expert car reviewers. Our team drives every car you can buy. We put the vehicles through rigorous testing, evaluating how they drive and comparing them in detail to their competitors.
We're also regular people like you, so we pay attention to all the different ways people use their cars every day. We want to know if there's enough room for our families and our weekend gear and whether or not our favorite drink fits in the cupholder. Our editors want to help you make the best decision on a car that fits your life.
Edmunds Value
Edmunds has deep data on over 6 million new, used, and certified pre-owned vehicles, including rich, trim-level features and specs information like: MSRP, average price paid, warranty information (basic, drivetrain, and maintenance), features (upholstery, bluetooth, navigation, heated seating, cooled seating, cruise control, parking assistance, keyless ignition, satellite radio, folding rears seats ,run flat tires, wheel type, tire size, wheel tire, sunroof, etc.), vehicle specifications (engine cylinder count, drivetrain, engine power, engine torque, engine displacement, transmission), fuel economy (city, highway, combined, fuel capacity, range), vehicle dimensions (length, width, seating capacity, cargo space), car safety, true cost to own. Edmunds also provides tools to allow shopper to compare vehicles to similar models of their choosing by warranty, interior features, exterior features, specifications, fuel economy, vehicle dimensions, consumer rating, edmunds rating, and color
The 2017 Gmc Canyon earned a 4-star overall safety rating from NHTSA and "GOOD" ratings from the IIHS in the following caregories: Moderate Overlap Front Test Results, and a JD POWER overall quality rating of 4.0 out of 5. Among Edmunds' many tools and resources for finding your perfect car are detailed safety ratings and analysis from NHTSA, IIHS, and JD Power, including overall ratings, frontal barrier crash ratings, side impact tests and crash ratings, rollover test results, roof strength tests, rear crash protection and head restraint ratings, side barrier ratings, combined side barrier and pole ratings, and more.
Available GMC Canyon 2017 Submodel Types: Crew Cab, Extended Cab, Regular Cab
Available Trims: SLE, SLT, Denali, Base, SLE-1, Z71 SLE, SL, Work Truck, Z71 SLE Base, SLE-2, Z85 SLE, Z85 SLE Base
Exterior Colors: Onyx Black, Summit White, Quicksilver Metallic, Cyber Gray Metallic, Dark Slate Metallic, Red Quartz Tintcoat, Marine Blue Metallic, Silver Birch Metallic, Fire Red, Copper Red Metallic, Cardinal Red, Satin Steel Metallic, Emerald Green Metallic, Bronze Alloy Metallic, Olympic White, Pure Silver Metallic, Cherry Red Metallic, Midnight Blue Metallic, Navy Blue, Merlot Jewel Metallic, Mineral Metallic, Superior Blue Metallic, Carbon Black Metallic, Dark Steel Gray Metallic, Flame Yellow, Sonoma Red Metallic, Sport Blue
Interior Colors: Jet Black leather, Jet Black cloth, Cocoa/Dune leather, Dark Pewter, Jet Black/Cobalt Red cloth, Ebony premium cloth, Ebony cloth, Jet Black/Dark Ash vinyl, Jet Black/Dark Ash cloth, Pewter cloth, Dark Pewter leather, Cocoa/Dune cloth, Dark Pewter premium cloth, Ebony leather, Light Tan premium cloth, Light Tan cloth, Medium Pewter cloth, Medium Pewter vinyl, Pewter vinyl
Popular Features: Rear Bench Seats, Fold Flat Rear Seats, Tire Pressure Warning, Post-collision safety system, AWD/4WD, Stability Control, 6000lb Towing Capacity, Power Driver Seat, Bluetooth, Aux Audio Inputs, Back-up camera, Trip Computer, USB Inputs, Alarm, Mobile Internet, Crew Cab, Audio and cruise controls on steering wheel, Auto Climate Control, Remote Start, Heated seats, 6ft Bed, Towing Hitch, Navigation, Lane Departure Warning, Upgraded Stereo, Upgraded Engine, Extended Cab, 3500lb Towing Capacity, Cooled Seats, Leather Seats, 5000lb Towing Capacity, Standard Cab
Engine/Mechanics: 6, 4, 5, 8 cylinders
Transmission: AUTOMATIC, MANUAL
Fuel Types: regular unleaded, diesel
Drivetrains: four wheel drive, rear wheel drive
Edmunds attended a manufacturer-sponsored event, to which selected members of the press were invited, to facilitate this report.
