2019 GMC Canyon

For 2019, GMC makes a few minor improvements to its small pickup. All models see a new GMC infotainment system and an improved high-definition rear camera. Higher trim levels see an additional interior microphone to aid speech recognition and a six-way power-adjustable driver's seat. There are also four new metallic paint options.

What We Think

The GMC Canyon's decidedly non-trucklike ride and handling combined with a well-appointed interior on higher-grade trim levels makes the Canyon an approachable daily driver for those new to truck ownership. The available diesel engine is a pricey upgrade but we appreciated its high level of capability and best-in-class 30 mpg highway. Its platform sibling, the Chevrolet Colorado, was the unanimous winner of our recent midsize truck comparison test, and the GMC is just as strong a player in this increasingly competitive field.

Performance and Fuel Economy

Most Canyon models come with your choice of a 3.6-liter V-6 or a 2.8-liter turbodiesel inline four-cylinder, but a naturally aspirated four-cylinder is available with some entry-level rear-wheel-drive models. Four-cylinder Canyon models pair their engines with a six-speed automatic, but buyers can opt for the V-6 model's eight-speed auto. In our First Test, the V-6-powered Canyon hit 60 mph from a stop in 6.8 seconds. It delivers an EPA-rated 18/25 mpg city/highway with rear-wheel drive (17/24 mpg with four-wheel drive). Besting the V-6 in fuel economy and torque output, the Duramax turbodiesel four-cylinder helps the Canyon accelerate from 0-60 mph in 9.1 seconds and we achieved 22/30 mpg city/highway during Real MPG testing in our First Test. A rear-drive diesel-powered Canyon crew cab has a maximum towing capacity of 7,700 lb and a payload capacity of 1,605 lb.

What's Standard

Because there are so many configurations of the Canyon, the base car is relatively spartan. Entry-level Canyon models get 16-inch cast aluminum wheels, disc brakes all around, a 7.0-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and cab-mounted cargo area lamps. It's cheap and basic, but we're grateful that the low cost of entry keeps the Canyon accessible for those who don't need a Buick interior in their work truck.

5 Cool Features

• The Duramax turbodiesel four-cylinder makes only 11 lb-ft of torque less than the 5.3-liter V-8 in the GMC Sierra
• All Canyons get GM's CornerStep rear bumper to help you climb up into the bed
• The Canyon's available V-6 engine is the most powerful in its class, and in our First Test, we complimented how good it sounded
• Heated and ventilated front seats are standard on the Canyon Denali
• With three cab and bed configurations, two drive types, and three different engines, there are a total of 40 different Canyon configurations to consider

Safety Ratings

The Canyon receives mostly Good crash test ratings from the IIHS (Good is the highest possible rating), with the exception of a Marginal score (second worst) for small overlap front crashworthiness on the passenger side. It also received the worst possible rating of Poor for its headlights. From the NHTSA, the Canyon earns a four-star overall safety rating. It was held back by a four-star score in a frontal crash test on the passenger side and a four-star rollover score.

Key Competitors:

• Chevrolet Colorado
• Toyota Tacoma
• Honda Ridgeline
• Ford Ranger