2024 GMC Canyon

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The Canyon is one of the better-driving pickups on the road. The turbocharged four-cylinder engine is strong, though its power was somewhat masked by the AT4X model we tested. The extra weight from the AT4X's upgraded suspension, wheels and tires can make the Canyon feel a bit sluggish. Our truck accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 8.2 seconds. Expect something closer to the higher end of 6 seconds for a regular Canyon. The Canyon's steering is weighted well and feels nice and direct on the highway. Off-road, the more capable Canyon trims (such as the AT4X) can take on rocky trails and obstacles with little trouble.

The Canyon only offers a single Canyon configuration: crew cab with a 5-foot bed. The bed is wide and easy to load. The tall sides do create more space but also make it more difficult to reach into the bed from the side.

While those specs may be average, the Canyon's tow and haul ratings are among the best in the class. You can load up to 1,700 pounds in the Canyon, depending on the configuration. There are nice hooks and an adjustable panel for keeping loads contained when the tailgate is lowered. Hauling is equally impressive, with a max rating of 7,700 pounds. That's among the best you'll find without going to a full-size truck.

Storage inside the cabin isn't quite as good as in the Canyon's rivals. There are fewer bins and pockets, making it a bit less usable than the Taco and Ranger. The storage bin under the rear seats is handy but small.

The EPA estimates the Canyon's will get between 16 and 22 mpg in combined city/highway driving depending on the configuration. The more capable off-road, the worse the fuel economy rating. Other midsize trucks are capable of slightly better mpg.

The Canyon's interior is much like that of its corporate twin, the Chevrolet Colorado. That's a good thing in this case since we like the layout of both trucks. Controls are easy to see and reach. There are plenty of physical buttons, too, for things like drive modes or the four-wheel-drive selector. Some physical controls are missing, though. Turning the lights on and off is done through the touchscreen rather than by knob or switch. It's an odd choice given there are so many other buttons.

Getting in and out of the Canyon depends on the trim, though all Canyon models are pretty tall. The lack of a grab handle on the driver's side is an oversight, especially on the lifted AT4X model. Once you're inside, there's a decent amount of room for passengers. The rear seat isn't massive, but headroom and legroom are about average for the class. Visibility is average, too. The windows are tall and upright, and the mirrors are well placed, providing a good view without creating blind spots.

Ride comfort in the Canyon is quite good for a pickup. It's not stiff, but it doesn't feel overly soft either. The Canyon soaks up bumps well and doesn't get rocked by big potholes or uneven roads. AT4X models with the upgraded suspension actually ride even better, with a smooth, composed ride both on city streets and on the highway.

Still, newest doesn't always mean bestest, and despite being the newest car in this class, we still think the seats lag compared to rivals. They're flat in both the bottom and back cushions, and while not too soft or too firm, we'd welcome a more huggy seat. Height, fore/aft positions, and backrest are all adjustable. And the seats also come with 2-way lumbar.

As in nearly every car from General Motors, the Canyon's climate control system is among the best you'll find in any car around. The air conditioning blows cold, and the heated seats do a great job of keeping your butt and back toasty. We also appreciate that all the climate controls are physical, with real knobs and buttons for every setting. The air vents are easy to aim, too, and we appreciate that GMC offers rear passengers their own air vents.

GMC offers some of the best in-car tech you'll find in any pickup on the road today. Highlights include standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Both can connect your phone wirelessly. The Canyon offers a wireless charging pad too. The infotainment and navigation are Google-based. If you sign in with a Google account, things like contacts, saved addresses and your calendar can sync with the car. It's particularly useful if you often use Google Maps for directions. Voice controls, too, are offered by Google. The system understands commands well, and it can do everything from adjust the climate to answer questions from the web. Great stuff.

The Canyon is available with a wide array of driver aids, including adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assistance, blind-spot warning and a plethora of camera angles (including an available underbody camera for off-roading). The systems worked well during our testing.

While they may not come right out and say it, GMC wants to position the Canyon as a bit more of a premium offering than the average midsize pickup truck. As such, it commands a base price that's a few thousand dollars higher than rivals. You can get a nearly identical truck from Chevrolet for slightly less money. Fit and finish is solid, with no noticeable squeaks or rattles from anywhere in the truck, but we don't think the interior is really any more premium than what you'll find elsewhere.

The Canyon comes with a three-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. Notably, GMC also includes five years or 60,000 miles of roadside assistance and a year of free maintenance.