2021 GMC Canyon

What Is the 2021 GMC Canyon?

The GMC Canyon is a mid-size pickup truck that seats up to five and is available in extended- or crew-cab form. It comes standard with a 200-horsepower, 2.5-liter four-cylinder gas engine; a 308-hp, 3.6-liter V-6 and 181-hp, turbo-diesel 2.8-liter four-cylinder are also offered. The four-cylinder engines are paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, and the V-6 comes with an eight-speed automatic. The Canyon is available with rear- or four-wheel drive. 

Competitors include the Honda Ridgeline, Ford Ranger and Toyota Tacoma. The Canyon’s Chevrolet mechanical twin is the Colorado. 

What’s New on the 2021 GMC Canyon?

GMC has renamed the Canyon’s trim levels. They now consist of the Elevation Standard, Elevation, AT4 and Denali. The AT4 is a new addition to the lineup that’s designed for off-road driving and comes with hill descent control, off-road suspension tuning, 31-inch all-terrain tires on 17-inch aluminum wheels, a locking rear differential and a skid plate for the transfer case.   

What Features in the 2021 GMC Canyon Are Most Important?

Standard features include:

• Cloth upholstery
• Power-adjustable driver’s seat
• Bluetooth streaming audio
• 7-inch touchscreen multimedia system
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity
• Two front USB ports

Available features include:

• Remote start
• Cruise control
• Automatic air conditioning
• Leather-trimmed seats
• Heated front seats
• Ventilated front seats
• Heated steering wheel
• 8-inch touchscreen
• Navigation
• Bose premium stereo
• Wireless device charging
• Forward collision warning
• Lane departure warning

Should I Buy the 2021 GMC Canyon?

The Canyon’s available V-6 engine is powerful, and the truck’s cabin is quiet on the highway. Unfortunately, a number of other aspects of the driving experience disappoint; brake pedal feel is poor and the ride is stiff. The seats aren’t all that comfortable, either. In a 2019 comparison of four mid-size trucks, the Canyon finished last, so it’s worth checking out the competition before making a final decision.