The GMC Canyon is often overlooked when it comes to pickups, but that’s not because it's a bad truck. Today, we’ll be looking at Canyon and what makes it one of the best trucks to buy as a used vehicle.
Key Takeaways:
- When it comes to used GMC Canyon trims and engine options, the most exciting trim is the AT4X, but that only comes with one engine option.
- If engine options are important to you, then look for something in the 2nd generation, this is because it comes with three options.
- If you want the best engine option in the past two generations, then you’d want the diesel engine. Not only is it the most efficient, it’s also powerful.
Third Generation (2023-Present)
When this generation hit the roads, it came out swinging. While it still offered the on-road features from before, this year came with the AT4X, the off-road monster. While the previous off-road trim, the ZR2, was a nice addition, the AT4X is miles better. This comes with 10.7 inches of clearance, thanks to a factory 3.0-inch lift, and 33-inch mud-terrain tires.
For the rest of the lineup, you will find a revised interior. This was done for quality of life improvements, helping make sure that the truck can be the best it can be.
This generation sees only one engine to pick from. This engine is a 2.7L Inline 4 that can produce 430 lb-ft of torque. While there isn't too much choice, it is still strong. Much like the engine options, the Canyon debuted with one bed option and one cab option. The cab is the Crew Cab.
This engine doesn't have the best fuel efficiency. Having an EPA-rated 20 MPG combined, and coming with a total range of 428 miles, this leaves a bit to be desired, especially since it is the only engine option.
Second Generation (2015-2022)
When this Canyon hit the market, it came with three trims and both 2WD and 4WD configurations. If you find an early generation base trim model, you will find that it comes with a manual transmission. Some features that you can find on this model are active aero grille shutters, OnStar 4G LTE with on-board Wi-Fi, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and even Teen Driver feature that limits speed, and radio volume.
This generation came with a few engines to pick from. The engines are as follows:
- 2.5L I4
- 3.6L V6
- A diesel engine
The first engine has 200 horsepower, and 191 lb-ft of torque, definitely not the strongest. The next engine is the V6, which is much more powerful. This has 308 horsepower, which is more respectable. But if you want the most power towing, then you want the diesel. The Diesel engine had 181 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. While that’s not as much horsepower as the V6, this engine has a max towing capacity of 7,700 pounds, says Car and Driver.
The 2.8L I4 diesel engine has the added benefit of being the most efficient engine to drive around. The EPA has given this engine a 25 MPG combined rating. This makes it a good truck to drive around when you’re not working.
Is the GMC Canyon a good truck to get?
Yes, the Canyon is a good truck to get, especially used. When you look at some of the changes that the truck has seen over the years, you may not be excited about all of them, but that’s what makes looking at a used model better than a new one. If you want to see some in person or have some more questions, then come see us here at Jarrett! We’ll be happy to help!