Used 2021 GMC Canyon

For 2021, the GMC Canyon has had its model names revised. Last year’s mix of SL, SLE, SLT, and Denali has been replaced with this new lineup: Elevation Standard, Elevation, AT4, and Denali.

The big news for 2021 is the debut of the first-ever GMC Canyon AT4. GMC sees the new Canyon AT4 as a premium off-road vehicle, one with better dirt abilities than the outgoing Canyon All Terrain. The AT4 Canyon is equipped with 31-inch Goodyear off-road tires and a specially tuned suspension along with a locking rear differential and a skidplate for the transfer case. On the outside, the new AT4 is distinguished by a larger grille, red recovery hooks, and dark chrome trim.

Similarly, the GMC Canyon Denali has been improved for 2021 with revised styling to make it look more like its larger Sierra siblings. In addition to a more sculpted grille, the new 2021 GMC Canyon Denali has chrome assist steps, exclusive 20-inch alloy wheels, and a further-refined interior featuring open-pore wood trim along with heated and vented seats.

Both the AT4 and Denali are available with a 308-horsepower 3.6-liter V6 or a 2.8-liter diesel 4-cylinder with a stump-pulling 369 lb-ft of torque. Buyers, as before, can choose between an Extended Cab Canyon with a 6-foot-2-inch bed or a Crew Cab Canyon with either a 5-foot-2-inch bed or one that’s 6 feet, 2 inches. As in previous years, the GMC Canyon lineup ranges from simple work truck to luxury workhorse.

The seating position of the 2021 GMC Canyon is excellent, with plenty of height providing a good outward view. The seats are wide and supportive, and the feel inside the cab is more modern SUV than pickup truck. The steering is direct, the brakes are firm, and the suspension delivers a smooth ride on paved surfaces and well-controlled body motions on bumpy dirt roads.

The base 4-cylinder engine is adequate. Our preferred choice is the 3.6-liter V6, although the 2.8-liter turbodiesel 4-cylinder is a wise choice if you plan to tow. The V6, which like all Canyon engines mates to an 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 a locking rear differential for extra traction in dirt and snow.

With the Extended Cab or Crew Cab, the 2021 GMC Canyon interior blends contemporary style with truck practicality. There’s a large center console, and the Canyon’s seats are suitable for large folks, with many controls located on the center stack. The large knobs can be operated by gloved hands, and the Crew Cab model 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 touchscreen is a smart choice. In addition to available onboard Wi-Fi, the Canyon offers Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability. For 2021, the Canyon Denali is available in a Cocoa/Dark Atmosphere color theme with a particularly rich look. A heated steering wheel also is standard on the Denali, as is wood trim.

The GMC Canyon is considered a premium midsize truck, 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 truck. LED running lights and projector-beam headlights are complemented by flared fenders that add a bit of muscle.

One of our favorite exterior details has a practical purpose: Integrated into each end of the rear bumper are corner steps, which provide people with an easy way to step up and into the Canyon’s rather high cargo bed. For added distinction, the refined, new 2021 GMC Canyon Denali has 20-inch wheels, a polished exhaust tip, and a larger new grille that’s layered and sculpted. The new AT4’s rugged off-road appearance is enhanced by prominent red recovery hooks.

THE NEW AT4
Last year’s GMC Canyon All Terrain X was appreciated, but the new AT4 is much better suited for off-roading. With its aggressive tires, a locking rear differential, an underbody skidplate, and specially tuned off-road suspension, the new Canyon AT4 relishes difficult conditions.

DURAMAX TURBODIESEL ENGINE
You won’t find a diesel in the Nissan Frontier, Ford Ranger, Toyota Tacoma, or Honda Ridgeline, but there is one in the 2021 GMC Canyon. The 2.8-liter 4-cylinder turbodiesel makes 181 horsepower and a substantial 369 lb-ft of torque, which is good for a tow rating of 7,700 pounds and EPA highway fuel economy of 30 mpg.

Standard features on the 2021 GMC Canyon include a locking tailgate, a corner-step rear bumper, 18-inch wheels, a 7-inch touch screen, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, two USB ports, and a power driver’s seat.

Elevation models (and above) come with an 8-inch infotainment screen, along with automatic climate control, a Wi-Fi hotspot, an overhead console, a soft-touch instrument panel, and aluminum interior trim.

In addition to its off-road suspension and aggressive 31-inch Goodyears, the new Canyon AT4 is equipped with 17-inch wheels, a skidplate for the transfer case, and wireless smartphone charging.

As the top Canyon, the Denali is loaded with standard equipment. Highlights include a leather interior, a 7-speaker Bose audio system, a color information display, cargo lamps, heated outside mirrors, chrome exterior molding, a spray-on bedliner, a trailering package, and unique 20-inch alloy wheels.

Option packages abound on the 2021 GMC Canyon. We suspect a $630 Convenience Package will be popular on the base-level Canyon, which is now called the Elevation Standard. This package includes remote keyless entry, a remote-locking EZ-Lift tailgate, cruise control, and a rear-window defogger.

Moving up, the Elevation and AT4 Canyons can be ordered with a $690 Driver Alert Package that includes Rear Park Assist, forward-collision Alert, and lane-departure warning. The Canyon Elevation also can be ordered with a new $1,400 High Elevation Package that includes black leather front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a power lumbar adjuster for the driver.

GMC Canyon engines are unchanged for 2021. The base powerplant is a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine making 200 horsepower and paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. This powertrain is popular with fleet buyers. Two- or 4-wheel-drive (2WD, 4WD) is available with any of the three engines offered.

We prefer the 3.6-liter V6, which is teamed with an 8-speed automatic transmission. The V6 puts out 308 horsepower and 275 lb-ft of torque, and it endows the Canyon with a tow rating of 7,000 pounds. If you order the 2.8-liter turbodiesel, which produces 369 lb-ft of torque, the Canyon is rated to tow 7,700 pounds. The diesel (which adds between $4,000 and $5,000, depending on model), is more expensive than the gasoline V6, but it gets 30 mpg on the highway. The turbodiesel has a 6-speed automatic transmission.

2.5-liter inline-4
200 horsepower @ 6,300 rpm
191 lb-ft of torque @ 4,400 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 19/25 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)