While midsize trucks aren't as robust as their full-size brethren, they still offer an impressive amount of capability. They're also easier to park and typically get better fuel economy. For a solid example of the breed, check out the 2018 GMC Canyon.

With the Canyon, which is a marginally more upscale version of the Chevy Colorado pickup, you get those midsize truck traits plus a comfortable highway ride and a stout maximum tow rating of 7,700 pounds. The Colorado also offers a strong 308-horsepower V6 engine or a fuel-efficient four-cylinder diesel. Lots of optional features, such as forward collision warning and an 8-inch infotainment system, round out the Canyon's appeal.

The Canyon does have some drawbacks, such as limited off-road ability and front seats that can feel a little confining for some folks. Overall, though, we think GMC's Canyon is a smart pick for a midsize truck.

Notably, we picked the 2018 GMC Canyon Diesel as one of Edmunds' Best Trucks for this year.

trim levels & features

The 2018 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 five trim levels to choose from: SL, base Canyon, SLE, SLT and the top-of-the-line Denali.

Although the GMC Canyon is a more upscale version of its Chevy Colorado sibling, there is an entry-level trim called the SL. The SL is offered only with the extended cab. It lacks rear seats and it comes standard with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine (200 horsepower and 191 pound-feet of torque), a six-speed manual transmission, 16-inch wheels, air-conditioning, a four-way power driver seat (with manual recline), a tilt-only steering wheel, power windows, a rearview camera, Bluetooth, a 7-inch touchscreen, voice commands, a USB port and a six-speaker sound system.

The next step up is the base Canyon trim, which is available in both extended-cab and crew-cab body styles and adds a six-speed automatic transmission (optional or standard, depending on the configuration) and fold-up rear jump seats (extended-cab models only). A 3.6-liter V6 engine (308 hp and 275 lb-ft) paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission is also optional or standard here depending on the configuration.

Significantly, the base Canyon can be ordered with some options packages that aren't available on the SL. Notable features to look out for include remote keyless entry, an easy-lift tailgate, cruise control and a trailering package.

Instead of picking options packages for the base Canyon, you could just upgrade to the SLE. It gets you most of the above as standard, plus 17-inch wheels, power side mirrors, upgraded interior trim materials, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, an 8-inch touchscreen, satellite radio, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, OnStar connectivity (with 4G LTE and Wi-Fi hotspot) and three extra USB ports.

Much like the base Canyon, the SLE gets most of its options in packages. The All-Terrain package (essentially GMC's equivalent of the off-road-focused Colorado Z71) bundles 17-inch dark-tinted alloy wheels and all-terrain tires, an off-road-oriented suspension, a rear locking differential, hill descent control, heated front seats, a four-way power passenger seat and distinctive cloth upholstery. The optional SLE Convenience package includes automatic climate control, remote start and a sliding rear window.

Even with all those available options, a few things are still left on the table, and right near the top, there's the SLT trim. It gets all the SLE's standard equipment plus the contents of the SLE Convenience package. It also comes standard with the 3.6-liter V6 engine, 18-inch wheels, leather upholstery and the All-Terrain package's front seating upgrades (power adjustments and heating).

Both the SLE and SLT can be equipped with the optional Driver Alert package that features forward collision warning and lane departure warning. Other optional extras include the turbocharged 2.8-liter four-cylinder diesel engine (181 hp and 369 lb-ft) paired to a six-speed automatic. An upgraded seven-speaker Bose audio system is also among the extras.

If you want all the creature comforts GMC can throw at you, there's the Canyon Denali. The Denali gets the SLT's equipment plus the contents of the Driver Alert package, the upgraded Bose audio system, navigation, chrome 20-inch wheels, cargo lamps, a spray-in bedliner, heated and ventilated front seats, wireless charging for compatible cellphones and a heated steering wheel.

trim tested

Each vehicle typically comes in multiple versions that are fundamentally similar. The ratings in this review are based on our full test of the 2017 GMC Canyon Denali Crew Cab (3.6L V6 | 8-speed automatic | 4WD | 5-foot-1-inch bed).

driving

Our Denali tester had 3.6-liter V6, which provides solid thrust. Though bulky for a midsize truck, it steers and brakes more tidily than its competition. When it comes to overall performance for midsize pickups, only the mechanically identical Chevrolet Colorado can compete.

acceleration

4.5

The Canyon's revised 3.6-liter V6 pulls with authority from low revs, and compared to the outgoing engine it sounds and feels less coarse at high rpm. Our fully optioned Canyon Denali 4x4 test truck reached 60 mph in 6.9 seconds, which is quicker than the Nissan Frontier or Toyota Tacoma.

braking

3.5

The brakes are easy to modulate and inspire confidence in routine driving conditions. This firm pedal becomes vague in moderately hard stops, though the truck remained composed during aggressive panic stops. Our panic stop from 60 mph required 122 feet, a good result.

steering

3.5

The steering has appropriate weighting but lacks feel. Good buildup of effort makes it easy to maintain a steady course within your lane. On winding roads, the truck threads its way through switchbacks with commendable precision, but the slow ratio does keep the driver's hands busy.

handling

Confident, reasonably carlike handling is a strength. Body roll is present but not excessive. You're not going to find many 4,600-pound pickups that feel sporty while cornering, but the Canyon comports itself well in any everyday driving situation. That said, it does feel large in tight confines.

drivability

The shifts from the eight-speed automatic transmission are admirably smooth. The transmission wants to stay in higher gears in the name of fuel economy, but it's much more willing to downshift than the six-speed in the 2015 and 2016 Canyons, and it's far more agreeable than the Toyota Tacoma's.

comfort

While unmistakably a pickup from the outside, the Canyon's cabin comfort and features are far from basic. It's fundamentally refined, with very good noise isolation and effective climate control. The Canyon is easily up for long road trips — an unusual trait in a midsize pickup.

seat comfort

Upmarket Denali's seats accommodate a wider range of people than the Colorado's. Good comfort on long drives despite firm backrests and a slight lack of lateral support. The back seat has a flat, upright backrest with little thigh support but manages to fit adults with decent comfort on short trips.

ride comfort

3.5

It swallows pavement irregularities well enough. Driving a pickup over rough roads without any cargo in the bed usually results in a bouncy ride, and the GMC Canyon doesn't fully escape this reality. But it never feels out of sorts, and with a few hundred pounds in the bed, it settles down nicely.

noise & vibration

4.5

Wind and road noise is pleasantly silenced at highway speeds. Although the engine can sound unrefined during hard acceleration, the cockpit remains pretty quiet. Despite its utilitarian intent, the Canyon is an easy place to spend a day. This is a civilized place to be.

climate control

The two-knob interface is simple and easy to use. The automatic climate control capably maintains the target temperature and can cool the cabin down rapidly. Vents are good-sized and easy to aim.

interior

The Canyon's interior (and that of the nearly identical Chevy Colorado) is logically laid out. Simple knob interfaces are effective and easy to use without looking. The infotainment system is showing its age. This Denali has more creature comforts inside than any other midsize pickup.

ease of use

3.5

The cabin's physical buttons and knobs are logically placed and fall readily to hand. The IntelliLink infotainment interface's screen flow, however, can confound at times when using the radio or navigation controls for which there are no redundant hard keys.

getting in/getting out

The Canyon's seat is high enough off the ground that it takes almost as much effort to get in and out as with a full-size truck. The step bars will help shorter drivers a bit but are in the way for taller drivers. Backseat access hampered by narrow doors and high step.

driving position

4.5

The steering wheel telescopes far more than a Tacoma's and has a suitable grip diameter. Very large range for driver seat height. Tall drivers may not even need to set the seat all the way down. Natural-feeling leg position unlike in the Tacoma.

roominess

3.5

Space is plentiful up front for even the tallest of drivers. The rear seats have an abundance of headroom, but taller folks may run out of legroom. This cabin isn't nearly as wide as that of the Ridgeline, which also boasts better rear legroom.

visibility

3.5

The Canyon affords a commanding view of the road ahead thanks to tall windows and large windshield. Side mirrors are of average size. Rear-quarter visibility is OK but not great. A rearview camera is standard but has a somewhat murky display.

quality

The Canyon is built for tough conditions but doesn't skimp on interior quality. Controls have a solid and satisfying heft, and there weren't any creaks to be heard. Except for the Ridgeline, the GMC and Chevy twins have the best build quality in the class.

utility

Tow ratings lead the class, but the bed is rather basic compared to competitors, and the tailgate lip and bed sides are high. Handy bumper steps help. When it's time to haul things inside instead of people, the backseat folding design is not nearly as well-executed as the competition.

small-item storage

Very deep console bin, reasonable glovebox, average cupholders. Front door storage is limited to very shallow pockets and a tiny cupholder. There are storage compartments under the rear-seat bottoms, but they're awfully small. The Ridgeline does a better job.

cargo space

In-cab cargo space isn't nearly as useful as in the Tacoma or Ridgeline because the rear seatbacks simply fold down atop the seat bottoms and create a high, uneven space. You can fold the seat bottoms up instead, but there's not much under there because of the bulky seat base design.

child safety seat accomodation

The outboard rear seats both offer LATCH points, although the tether anchors are difficult to access. Larger rear-facing seats will impinge on front-seat travel. The rear-seat height means getting seats and infants into the rear requires lifting, which may be troublesome to shorter buyers.

technology

Smartphone integration is well-executed and looks great on the large, high-resolution screen. Very rapid responses to touch inputs is a big advance over the outgoing system. The native navigation and audio controls are good most of the time.

audio & navigation

Intellilink screen responds quickly to touches. The screenflow is not always intuitive, such as swiping for radio and reverting to map centering. The map graphics are on the old-school side but are clear and don't wash out.

smartphone integration

Has two USB jacks up front, and supports Bluetooth phone and streaming audio. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are both supported and are easy to use, and by plugging in and using those you can bypass the Bluetooth pairing process and take advantage of the large screen for your phone's map display.

voice control

3.5

Voice controls are hit or miss. The menu structure is good but the vocabulary recognition isn't as good as smartphone ones. Makes for frustrating entry of navigation. You'll feel better if you hold the voice button longer to access your paired phone's voice commands instead.

Features & Specs

	4dr Extended Cab SB (2.5L 4cyl 6M)	SLE 4dr Extended Cab 4WD SB (2.5L 4cyl 6A)	SLE 4dr Extended Cab SB (2.5L 4cyl 6A)	4dr Extended Cab 4WD SB (2.5L 4cyl 6A)	All Terrain 4dr Extended Cab 4WD SB (3.6L 6cyl 8A)	SL 4dr Extended Cab SB (2.5L 4cyl 6M)
Starting MSRP	$24,355	$32,470	$28,260	$29,300	$34,520	$20,885
MPG	22	21	22	21	19	22
Seating	4	4	4	4	4	2
Transmission	6-speed manual	6-speed shiftable automatic	6-speed shiftable automatic	6-speed shiftable automatic	8-speed shiftable automatic	6-speed manual
Fuel	gas	gas	gas	gas	gas	gas
Horsepower	200 hp @ 6300 rpm	200 hp @ 6300 rpm	200 hp @ 6300 rpm	200 hp @ 6300 rpm	308 hp @ 6800 rpm	200 hp @ 6300 rpm

See all 2018 GMC Canyon features & specs

Safety

Our experts’ favorite Canyon safety features:

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 and SLT (standard on the Denali).
Rearview Camera: Displays a view of what's behind you on the touchscreen. Dynamic guidelines are a new feature this year.

NHTSA Overall Rating

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.