2021 GMC Canyon Review
Price Range: $22,990 - $37,990
View 104 more photos
View 104 more photos
View 104 more photos
View 104 more photos
View 104 more photos+100
Average
7.6
out of 10
edmunds TESTED
The 2021 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.
Price & Payment
Changing year will take you to a new page
31 cars
|$30,850 avg. price
$
to$
Price
2021 GMC Canyon Review
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
What's new
- Renamed trim levels
- Minor revisions to standard equipment
- New grille design for Canyon Denali
- Part of the second GMC Canyon generation introduced for 2015
Overview
Mechanically similar to the Chevrolet Colorado, the GMC Canyon has struggled to establish its own identity in the midsize pickup truck segment. For 2021, GMC looks to change that, and it gives the top of the line Denali enhanced cabin materials and a new grille reminiscent of the one on the full-size Sierra 1500 pickup.
For sale near Ashburn, VA
31 listings
- $30,000great price$2,823 below market
- 46,661 miles
- No accidents, 1 owner, personal use
- 5'2” bed, 3.6l, 6cyl
- Koons Sterling Ford (6 mi away)
- AWD/4WD
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Navigation
- Leather Seats
Close
Located in Sterling, VA
One Owner Denali.No Accident Carfax Report.Experience the KOONS ADVANTAGE with great vehicles, low prices and no hidden fees!!
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: Yes
Features and Specs:
18 Combined MPG (16 City/22 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: 1GTG6EEN6M1250115
Stock: KSFP210262
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 11-11-2025 - $31,495fair price$1,613 below market
- 37,118 miles
- No accidents, 1 owner, personal use only
- 5'2” bed, 3.6l, 6cyl
- Criswell Chevrolet GMC (16 mi away)
- AWD/4WD
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Navigation
- Leather Seats
Close
Located in Gaithersburg, MD
2021 GMC Canyon AT4 w/Leather Summit White 4WD.Clean CARFAX. CARFAX One-Owner.The Used Vehicle Sale Price is plus sales tax, tag fees and a $800 proce...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
18 Combined MPG (16 City/22 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: 1GTG6FENXM1183461
Stock: B260032A
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 10-06-2025
There's also a new AT4 trim level. It's mostly just a replacement for the previous All Terrain trim level, but it does come with all-terrain tires and a special suspension to improve the truck's off-road capability. Both speak to the truck's versatility, provided you're looking to buy a Canyon in one of its more expensive trims.
Edmunds Expert Rating
edmunds TESTED
by the Edmunds Experts
Average
7.6
out of 10
We drove the 2021 GMC Canyon on our test track and on real roads. Our Edmunds team conducts rigorous independent vehicle testing, driving 500,000 miles a year.
Performance
8/10
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.
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
8/10
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.
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
8/10
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.
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
8/10
How’s the tech? The Canyon infotainment system is easy to use and feature-rich. It has Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone integration as standard. The optional Bose system is a nice upgrade, but volume doesn't get as high as we'd like. For device charging, there are two USB ports up front and two in back. GMC's Wi-Fi hotspot setup is also one of the easier systems to use as it offers a 4G LTE connection and can handle up to seven devices.
Forward collision alert and lane departure warning are optional and a bit sensitive, but they work as advertised. Otherwise, we'd like to see the inclusion of blind-spot monitoring on the options list.
Forward collision alert and lane departure warning are optional and a bit sensitive, but they work as advertised. Otherwise, we'd like to see the inclusion of blind-spot monitoring on the options list.
Towing and Storage
7.5/10
How are the towing and storage? The Canyon V6's maximum tow rating of 7,700 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.
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
7/10
How’s the fuel economy? The EPA estimates the V6-powered rear-wheel-drive Canyon at 21 mpg in combined city/highway driving. Our driving experience suggests you'll be able to match these numbers in real-world driving without too much difficulty.
Value
7/10
Is the Canyon a good value? The Denali trim, which we tested, 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.
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.
Wildcard
7/10
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 AT4, with its extra off-road hardware, should give some added ability, but the low front fascia still limits the approach angle. 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.
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.
Advertisement
Build Your 2026 GMC Canyon AT4X

- 6 Colors
- 4 Trims
- 5 Packages
- $45,400starting MSRP

Build & Price GMC.com
*The Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price excludes destination freight charge, tax, title, license, dealer fees, and optional equipment. Dealer sets final price. Click here to see all GMC vehicles’ destination freight charges.
2021 GMC Canyon trim level differences
The 2021 Canyon is offered in extended-cab and crew-cab body styles. The crew cab comes with either a short cargo bed or a long bed. There are four trim levels: the Elevation Standard, Elevation, AT4 and Denali. You also have your choice of one of three engines.
Which Canyon trim does Edmunds recommend?
We usually wouldn't go for the most luxurious trim level on a pickup truck, but we think the Canyon is best in its newly enhanced Denali trim. We like the long list of standard equipment included for the price as well as the simplicity it brings by allowing you to bypass ordering multiple equipment packages. We like its standard V6 engine too. The optional diesel engine is likable, but we don't think its substantial price is worth the gain in fuel economy.
Compare 2021 GMC Canyon trim levels
Helpful trims summary and side-by-side comparison chart

Best Full-Size Truck of 2025: F-150, Silverado, Ram, Tundra and Sierra Ranked

2026 GMC Sierra EV AT4 First Drive: Taking the Electric Pickup Off-Road

2026 GMC Terrain First Drive: Stretching Upmarket

GMC Sierra EV Adds Less-Expensive AT4 and Elevation Trims for 2026
Reliability
The 2021 GMC Canyon has a 3 years / 36,000 miles basic warranty and 2 recalls. RepairPal gives it a reliability rating of 4 out of 5, ranks it #3 out of 8 among Midsize Trucks. Below you’ll find our owner reviews.
Reliability Rating by RepairPal
4 out of 5 stars4/5Excellent
#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
$464/yr
vs. $451/yr
for Average Midsize Truck
for Average Midsize Truck
Frequency
0.65x/yr
vs. 0.79x/yr
for Average Midsize Truck
for Average Midsize Truck
Severity
14%
vs. 13.6%
for Average Midsize Truck
for Average Midsize Truck
powered by RepairPal
Recalls
2 recalls foundChecking if a car has a recall is simple. Just type the car's VIN number into the NHTSA website (https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls). If there's an unrepaired recall, you'll see it there.
If a recall shows up, just call your local car dealer. They'll know about the recall and will work with the car maker to fix it for free (if the recall happened within 10 years of the car being first sold).
- Recall Number:
- 21V497000
- Manufacturer Recall Number:
- N212340735
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 7199
- Defect Description:
- General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 GMC Canyon vehicles. The load carrying capacity printed on the Tire and Loading Information placard is 22.5 kg (51 lbs.) more than intended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
- Defect Consequence:
- An incorrect label may lead to unintentionally overloading the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Corrective Action:
- GM will mail owners a new B-pillar label, free of charge. Owners may apply the label, or bring it to a dealer for installation. Owner notification letters were mailed on August 17, 2021. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N212340735.
- Recall Number:
- 20V811000
- Manufacturer Recall Number:
- N202322230
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 470
- Defect Description:
- General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV and 2021 GMC Canyon and Sierra 1500, 2500 and 3500, Yukon, Yukon XL, Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV and Chevrolet Blazer, Camaro, Colorado, Equinox, Silverado 1500, 2500 and 3500, Suburban and Tahoe vehicles. Incorrect bolts may have been used at one or more fastening locations to secure the seat belts to the vehicle. If an incorrect bolt was used, the seat belt may not be properly attached to the vehicle.
- Defect Consequence:
- If a seat belt assembly is not properly attached to the vehicle, the seat belt may not properly restrain an occupant in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
- Corrective Action:
- GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the suspect bolts, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin February 6, 2021. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8785, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N202322230.
Warranty
3 years / 36,000 miles Basic Warranty- Basic Warranty
- 3 years / 36,000 miles
- Drivetrain Warranty
- 5 years / 60,000 miles
- Rust Warranty
- 6 years / 100,000 miles
- Roadside assistance Warranty
- 5 years / 60,000 miles
- Free maintenance Warranty
- 1 years / unlimited miles
GMC Canyon Reviews
Owner Reviews
5(41%)
4(20%)
3(3%)
2(13%)
1(23%)
Most Helpful Owner Reviews
Trending topics
Better than all the rivals
4 out of 5 starsM. 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
5 out of 5 starsKovich, 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-- … making it very livable in parking garages and street parking-- and ride quality is superb for a truck. After owning the truck for 7 months now, I'm impressed to note that it gets 20-21 mpg in mostly city driving. That's better mileage than the V6-powered midsize car it replaced. Get one. You'll love it.
2021 AT4 GMC Canyon
5 out of 5 starsBob S., 03/04/2021
2021 GMC Canyon AT4 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 5.1 ft. SB w/Leather (3.6L 6cyl 8A)
I've got a little over 2K on my 2021 Canyon AT4 Quad cab short bed. There is nothing I don't like about this mid size pickup. Really glad with the redesign body in 2021 vs. prior years. The ride is smooth, seats are firm and comfortable. Enjoy the remote start. Have had to get use to actually putting a key into the ignition again. The tow rating of over 7K fits with our towing needs … and we do have the tow package. The milage is quite good and auto 2/4x works great.
Reliability, thumbs down
1 out of 5 starsBeeDee, 10/18/2020
2020 GMC Canyon All Terrain 4dr Crew Cab 4WD SB w/Cloth (3.6L 6cyl 8A)
Liked the vehicle a lot initially, great off road manners other than the low front air dam, which can be removed. But it threw a rod @ 5000 miles during normal highway driving, getting jerked around by GM with the truck at a dealer 800 miles from my home, ordering a new engine.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2021 GMC Canyon, so we've included reviews for other years of the Canyon since its last redesign.
2021 Canyon Highlights
Crew Cab
Elevation Standard
| Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $28,700 |
|---|---|
| Engine Type | Gas |
| Combined MPG | 22 MPG |
| Cost to Drive | $166/month |
| Seating | 5 seats |
| Drivetrain | rear wheel drive |
| Max Towing Capacity | 7,000 lbs. |
| Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
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 Elevation Standard, Elevation and AT4 trims (standard on the Denali).
- Tire Fill Alert
- Provides an audible and visual confirmation when tire pressure is added to a tire that is low.
NHTSA Overall Rating
4 out of 5 starsThe National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverall4 / 5Driver5 / 5Passenger4 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverall5 / 5
- Side Barrier RatingOverall5 / 5Driver5 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront Seat5 / 5Back Seat5 / 5
- RolloverRollover3 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of Rollover21.4%
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestAcceptable
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalGood
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalAcceptable
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestGood
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintGood
People who viewed this also viewed
| 5.0 average Rating out of 4 reviews. |
| Starting at $31,900 |
| 4.1 average Rating out of 10 reviews. |
| Starting at $33,350 |
| 4.5 average Rating out of 14 reviews. |
| Starting at $31,590 |
Related Used 2021 GMC Canyon info
Vehicle reviews of used models
- Subaru Ascent 2021 Review
- GMC Sierra 2500HD 2021 Review
- Toyota Prius Prime 2020 Review
- Audi S8 2020 Review
- BMW X6 2020 Review
- BMW X7 2020 Review
- Kia Telluride 2021 Review
Shop similar models
- Used Chevrolet Colorado 2026
- Used GMC Sierra-1500 2025
- Used Toyota Tacoma 2025
- Used Jeep Gladiator 2025
- Used Toyota Tundra 2026
- Used Ram 1500 2025
- Used Nissan Frontier 2026
- Used Nissan Titan 2024
- Used Ford F-250-super-duty 2026
Shop used vehicles in your area
Popular new car reviews and ratings
Research other models of GMC
- GMC Sierra 1500 2025
- New GMC Sierra 2500HD
- 2024 GMC Sierra 3500HD
- 2026 GMC Sierra 1500
- GMC Sierra 1500 2024
- New GMC Sierra 3500HD
- New GMC Sierra 1500
- 2024 Sierra 1500
- New GMC Savana Cargo
- GMC Sierra 3500HD 2025
Research similar vehicles
Other models
- Used BMW 5-Series-Gran-Turismo in West Columbia, SC 2017
- Used Jeep Grand-Wagoneer in North Royalton, OH 2025
- Used Mercedes-Benz Sls-Amg in Foley, AL 2012
- Used Dodge Charger in Selma, AL 2025
- New Volkswagen Id-Buzz for Sale in Warminster, PA
- Used Mercury Grand-Marquis in Gastonia, NC 2011
- New Mercedes-Benz Cla-Class for Sale in Berlin, MD
- Used Mitsubishi Outlander-Phev in Florence, AL 2025
- Used Buick Regal-Tourx in Oakland, CA 2020
- Used Chrysler 300M in Coatesville, PA 2004


