Used 2020 GMC Canyon Extended Cab

Yes, the 2020 GMC Canyon has much in common with the Chevrolet Colorado, but this comfortable midsize pickup has its own sense of style. And unlike the Ford Ranger, which has but one powerplant, the Canyon offers a 2.5-liter-cylinder gasoline engine, a 2.8-liter turbodiesel 4-cylinder and a 3.6-liter V6.

The Canyon is newer than the Nissan Frontier, and therefore offers more high-tech features and a more contemporary interior. Buyers can choose among an Extended Cab with a 6-foot-2-inch bed or a Crew Cab with either a 5-foot-2-inch bed or one that’s 6-feet-2 inches. As such, the GMC Canyon can be a simple work truck (SL) or a luxurious workhorse (Denali).

The seating position of the 2020 GMC Canyon is excellent, with plenty of height helping to provide a good outward view in all directions. The seats themselves are wide and supportive, and the overall feel is more modern SUV than pickup truck. The steering feels direct, the brakes have a firm feel, and the suspension delivers a smooth ride on paved surfaces and controlled body motions when the Canyon is off-roading.

Most people will find the base 4-cylinder engine adequate. Our preferred engine choice is GM’s 3.6-liter V6, although the 2.8-liter turbodiesel is a nice but expensive choice if you plan to tow. The V6, with the 8-speed automatic transmission, provides decent mileage, satisfying acceleration and impressive passing power. You’ll be able to tow up to 7,000 pounds vs. the diesel’s 7,700 pounds. Off-roaders will appreciate the Canyon’s 4-wheel-drive (4WD) system, which has a low-range transfer case and an automatically locking rear differential for maximum traction on dirt and snow.

With either the Extended Cab or the Crew Cab, the 2020 Canyon has an interior that blends contemporary style with all the practicality you’d expect from a pickup, further aided by a large center console. The Canyon’s seats are suitable for large folks, and many of the functions are located on the big center stack. Additionally, we like how the large knobs can be operated by gloved hands. The Crew Cab seats four adults in good comfort, or five in a pinch.

Available upholstery materials include vinyl, cloth and leather, and the upgraded infotainment system with the 8-inch touch screen is a smart choice. In addition to having available onboard Wi-Fi, the Canyon offers Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability.

GMC says the Canyon is a “premium” midsize pickup, and it looks the part. The nose is large and squared-off, and there’s a strong family resemblance to the full-size GMC Sierra pickup. Its LED running lights and projector-beam headlights are complemented by flared fenders that enhance this midsize pickup’s muscular look.

One of our favorite exterior details has a very practical purpose: Integrated into each end of the rear bumper are CornerSteps, which provide people with an easy way to step up and into the Canyon’s rather high cargo bed. For a bit of extra class, the SLT and Denali versions of the GMC Canyon are fitted with chrome mirrors and door handles.

13 STANDARD TIE-DOWNS
That’s right, the 2020 GMC Canyon has 13 standard tie-down points in its bed, for use with available cargo tie-down rings that are movable. Clearly, GMC makes it easy to keep all your cargo secure!

DURAMAX TURBODIESEL ENGINE
You won’t find a diesel engine in the Nissan Frontier, Ford Ranger, Toyota Tacoma or Honda Ridgeline, but there is one in the 2020 GMC Canyon. The 2.8-liter 4-cylinder turbodiesel makes 181 horsepower and a substantial 369 lb-ft of torque, which gives this Canyon a 7,700-pound tow rating and an EPA highway figure of 30 mpg.

Standard features on the 2020 GMC Canyon include a 7-inch touch screen with 6-speaker audio, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, power windows and door locks, 4-way-power driver seat and rearview camera, plus the CornerStep rear bumper, cargo-box lighting and a locking tailgate.

The SLE, All Terrain and SLT models get an 8-inch infotainment screen, while navigation is standard on the Denali. The Canyon SL and standard Canyon get two USB ports, while the SLE, All Terrain, SLT and Denali get four. Wireless smartphone charging is standard on the Denali and SLT, and available on the All Terrain.

The Canyon SLE is well equipped with cruise control, rear defogger, remote keyless entry, steering-wheel audio controls, a 6-way-power driver’s seat, fog lights, 17-inch wheels and additional conveniences. If you want a Canyon with automatic climate control, a sliding rear window, remote start, heated seats and 18-inch wheels, they’re standard on the SLT and Denali.

Several packages are available on the 2020 GMC Canyon. The Elevation Package features a black grille and wheels, while the SLE Convenience Package includes a manual sliding rear window, remote start and automatic climate control. There also is a Driver Alert Package that includes Rear Park Assist, Forward Collision Alert and Lane Departure Warning. Priced at about $700, the Driver Alert Package is a bargain.

Folks who plan to use their Canyon off-road should seriously consider the All Terrain X package, a roughly $2,000 option that includes off-road suspension and aggressive Goodyear tires. We suspect many folks will supplement the X package with a Skid Plate Package that provides underbody protection for the front and middle sections of the truck. And while they’re doing that, they might also order an Interior Protection Package (about $250) that includes all-weather floormats and a rubber bed mat.

The basic GMC Canyon is powered by a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine making 200 horsepower and paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. Two- or 4-wheel-drive (2WD, 4WD) is available with any of the three engines offered.

Most buyers will want the more powerful 3.6-liter V6 for its 308 horsepower and 275 lb-ft of torque. This engine mates to an 8-speed automatic transmission and provides the Canyon with a max tow rating of 7,000 pounds. If you have serious towing needs, get the diesel. The 2.8-liter turbodiesel, with 369 lb-ft of torque, gives the Canyon a maximum tow rating of 7,700 pounds. It costs about $4,000 more than the gasoline V6. The diesel’s EPA Highway fuel economy, at 30 mpg, is excellent.

2.5-liter inline-4
200 horsepower @ 6,300 rpm
191 lb-ft of torque @ 4,400 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 20/26 mpg (2WD), 19/24 mpg (4WD)

3.6-liter V6
308 horsepower @ 6,800 rpm
275 lb-ft of torque @ 4,000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 18/25 mpg (2WD), 17/24 mpg (4WD)

2.8-liter turbodiesel inline-4
181 horsepower @ 3,400 rpm
369 lb-ft of torque @ 2,000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 20/30 mpg (2WD), 19/28 mpg (4WD)