When it comes to trucks, there's two breeds. There's ones who look like they're strictly made for work, and there's the GMC. GMCs are known for their strong backbone and look good doing it. We'll take a look at some of the things that you can expect from this model, so you know which will best suit your needs, and your style.
Key takeaways
- When looking at the GMC Canyon towing capacity used, you'll be pleased to know that it comes with a 7,700-pound tow rating.
- If you're wanting something that can hit the trails, then you can look for the AT4, and the AT4X, with the latter being the best option of the two.
- If you're someone who prefers a manual, you're in luck as it is offered for four years.
Third Generation (2023-Present)
Being the most recent generation, this one had a ton to prove, not just to drivers, but also, itself. And we think that it smashed it out of the park, thanks to the introduction of the AT4X off-road trim. What was once a model focused on looks, this trim adds some off-road equipment, allowing you to tear up the trails. This comes with an extra 10.7-inches of ground clearance thanks to a factory 3.0-inch lift and 33-inch mud-terrain tires. With these tires, you'll have a hard time getting stuck, no matter the terrain.
No matter the trim, you'll find that only one engine is in the GMC Canyon, with this one being the 2.7L I4. This engine can output 310 horsepower, and 430 lb-ft of torque, letting you tow 7,700-pounds. But if you're going with the AT4X, this drops to 6,000-pounds. Despite this model being able to tow a decent amount, it also does come with some decent gas mileage. This has an EPA rating of 20 MPG combined, which for a truck, is pretty decent.
No matter the trim that you find, you'll be able to enjoy an 11.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system. This allows all trims to have Wi-Fi hotspot, as well as wireless phone connectivity thanks to Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. If you're someone who wants the most, then you can look for the upper level trims as these will come with a wireless charging pad, which will come in handy when on the trails, eliminating the need for wires.
Even the experts at Car and Driver sing the truck's praises. They state that it has "great driving dynamics for a body-on-frame pickup, finally has a true off-road version, far better interior than before." This is why the truck is the editor's pick for its first year this generation.
Second Generation (2015-2022)
In its second generation, this model hit the road in 2015, and at first, it was powered by a 2.5L I4, and it was actually paired with a 6-speed manual. While most drivers will prefer an automatic, if you're someone who prefers manual, you have 2015-2019 models to find it on. This is because starting in mid 2019, the manual was replaced by automatic transmissions.
At first, there were a ton of trims to pick from, but GMC decided to refine that a bit. So starting in 2021, the model saw a facelift, as well as a reduction of trim levels, making it easier to get the features that you want.
The facelift brought new looks, but most importantly, a new trim. This trim is the AT4, and much like the most recent generation, it brought some much sought after off-road gear. While not as massive as the AT4X, the AT4 did bring 31-inch Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac tires that are articulated via an exclusive suspension setup. This also brought some skidplates to the truck, helping protect the underbody from any damage.
Should I get a used GMC Canyon?
We think that it is a great option for those who don't want to pay new prices, but still want something that is stylish. The Canyon is a mix of power, looks, and features, perfect for handymen, off-road enthusiasts, and even those who want the most creature comforts. If you want to see some in person, come on down to Alan Jay GMC. We believe in the Alan Jay way, and what that means for you is no surprise fees, online pricing is what you get. This is because we think that the way to build a community is by helping the community.