Overview
The 2017 GMC Canyon proves that small can be big. Despite their more manageable size and fuel economy, compact and midsize pickup trucks have been on the decline for years. However, the current-generation Canyon is living proof that downsizing doesn't have to be a bad thing.
The 2017 GMC Canyon is a midsize pickup with the choice of two cab body styles; short and long boxes; and five trim levels, including a new top-of-the-line Canyon Denali. The 2017 Canyon is also available with an updated V6 engine paired with a new eight-speed automatic transmission. That means there are plenty of options to personalize your Canyon to fit your unique specifications, whether you want a luxurious daily driver or a heavy hauler—or both.
The Perfect Ride for…
Buyers looking for a smooth-handling but capable pickup that doesn’t skimp on the creature comforts. As the only premium midsize pickup, the Canyon serves a unique audience with style. From the inside, you’d be forgiven for thinking you were in a premium SUV—but under the hood, the Canyon is all business.
Drive & Handling
The standard engine is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder that produces 200 horsepower and 191 pound-feet of torque. It’s coupled to a six-speed manual transmission and either rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive.
With rear-wheel drive, the Canyon will achieve an EPA-estimated 22 mpg combined (20 mpg city, 26 mpg highway) and 21 mpg combined (19 mpg city, 24 mpg highway) with four-wheel drive.*
If you’re looking for more power, consider the optional 3.6-liter V6, which has been revised to produce 308 hp and 275 lb-ft of torque. Offered with a new eight-speed automatic as the four-cylinder, V6 fuel economy is estimated at 20 mpg combined (18 mpg city, 25 mpg highway) with rear-wheel drive and 19 mpg combined (17 mpg city, 24 mpg highway) with four-wheel drive.*
Finally, a turbocharged 2.8-liter four-cylinder diesel engine is available on select models. It generates 181 hp and an impressive 369 lb-ft of torque. A six-speed automatic is standard, as is a more capable trailering package that includes a driver-selectable exhaust brake and an integrated trailer brake controller. For your convenience, GMC offers turbodiesel models in both rear-wheel and four-wheel configurations.
In terms of towing, and regardless of what engine you select, the 2017 Canyon is up to the task. When properly equipped with the optional towing package, V6 models can also tow a maximum of 7,000 pounds while diesel models are able to tow up to 7,700 pounds.**
Key Features
Driver Convenience
The Canyon offers the kind of thoughtful features that may seem minor, but go a long way toward creating a completely satisfying driving experience. A standard Rear Vision Camera provides additional peace of mind while maneuvering or parking, and the Rear Seat Reminder alerts you whenever the second-row door is opened and closed just before or during a trip.
Denali Luxury
The Denali name denotes the highest trim level of any GMC model, so the new Canyon Denali offers a higher level of standard equipment than ever previously offered on this truck. Some of the features offered on the Denali include 10-inch ultra-bright machined aluminum wheels, Mulan leather-appointed seats, heated steering wheel, automatic climate control, remote start, and GMC’s Intellilink infotainment system with Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™ compatibility.
Alternative Options
If the Canyon doesn’t fit your needs, the GMC Sierra family is a natural alternative. The Sierra 1500 is GMC’s best-selling truck, and it’s not hard to see why. With a robust list of available advanced features, the 2017 GMC Sierra 1500 quickly proves that it has enough brains go along with its brawn. The heavy-duty Sierra 2500HD and Sierra 3500HD offer all the power you could hope for to tackle your biggest work challenges (or weekend adventures).
Gallery
*EPA estimates. Your mileage will vary depending on driving habits and conditions.
**Canyon’s 7000-lb rating requires available trailering package and 3.6-L V6 engine. Before you buy a vehicle or use it for trailering, carefully review the trailering section of the Owner’s Manual. The weight of passengers, cargo and options or accessories may reduce the amount you can tow.
Image Credit: GMC
