2004-2008 GMC Canyon: Road Test

In nearly every area, the GMC Canyon is similar to Chevrolet's Colorado. GM's four-cylinder engine is underpowered for anything other than daily commuting. Adequate with 2WD and a manual gearbox, it's sluggish with 4WD and an automatic transmission. The five-cylinder is sprightly with 2WD and adequate with 4WD. Both are considerably smoother than the engines they replaced, and they seem well-matched to the quick-shifting automatic transmission. As expected, four-cylinder engines are a bit easier on fuel. An extended-cab five-cylinder with 2WD averaged 18.8 mpg in mostly highway driving. Under similar conditions, a Crew Cab 4WD pickup with that engine averaged 18.1 mpg. A manual-shift 2WD four-cylinder regular-cab pickup averaged 18.1 mpg in mostly city driving. Chevrolet recommends regular-grade fuel for both engines. Jittery on rough surfaces or badly broken pavement, Canyons are otherwise composed. Overall, they ride better than most compact pickups. On the down side, abrupt vertical motions are felt over bumps and dips. The base suspension furnishes the best ride, while stiffer Z71 (off-road) and ZQ8 (sport) suspensions can grow tiresome on long drives. Cornering with greater security and poise than the old Sonoma, GMC's Canyon and its Chevrolet counterpart rank among the more agile compact pickups. Straightline stability is good, and steering has pronounced on-center feel, though some testers have claimed it reacts slowly to driver inputs. The turning radius is noticeably larger with 4WD than with 2WD. Brakes provide quick and even stops, with precise pedal feel. Overall, Canyons are quieter than most competitors, but extended cabs in particular may suffer some wind rush where the front and rear door meet. Five-cylinder engines are louder and coarser than rival V6s, but the four-cylinder is about average for this class. Instruments are easy to read, but some early digital displays could wash out in direct sunlight. Audio/climate controls are clearly marked and easy to use. Interior materials and fit/finish score above average for the class, though some early test models had a few squeaks and rattles from the dashboard area. Front occupants get ample leg and head room, on seats that are adequately comfortable for long drives. Middle seats are for occasional use only. Some testers have complained of hard, flat seatbacks in base models. The extended cab's rear seat is for preteens only; adults lack leg room if front seats are pushed more than halfway back. Crew cabs are somewhat more spacious, but rear leg space is no better than that of a compact sedan, and entry/exit is difficult through small door openings. All rear seats are hard and undersized. Interior storage is limited in regular cabs, but good in extended and crew cabs with their rear seats folded. A unique dual-position support cable allows the tailgate to be secured in a partially open position, permitting 4x8 sheets to fit atop the wheelwells, supported in back by the tailgate.

Value for the Money
GMC's Canyon and its Chevrolet Coloardo companion target light-duty daily users, assuming that heavy haulers will move up to a full-size Sierra pickup. Overall, though, the Canyon is a well-balanced, modern, and attractive small truck that exudes considerable appeal.