2005 GMC Canyon: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

Little-changed for 2005, GMC's compact pickups share powertrains and a basic design with Chevrolet Colorados, but differ in trim and features. Canyon offers regular-cab, extended-cab, and Crew Cab models with SL or uplevel SLE trim and 4-cyl or optional 5-cyl engines. Both engines team with manual or automatic transmission and either rear-wheel drive or 4WD that has low-range gearing but should not be left engaged on dry pavement. Regular cabs seat up to three. Extendeds come with dual rear-hinged back doors and seats for five. The 4-dr crew cabs seat up to six and have a 5-ft-long cargo box vs. a 6-ft bed. All models include ABS and offer optional curtain side airbags for head protection in all seating rows. Traction control is available on 2WDs and now includes a limited-slip differential. All Canyons use 15-inch alloy wheels. The base suspension is designated Z85. A high-riding Z71 off-road setup is available linewide, but Canyon does not offer Colorado's ZQ8 sport-suspension option. A sunroof is newly available for 2005, as is leather upholstery and a stereo with CD/MP3 player. Satellite radio and OnStar assistance are also available. Canyon's performance and accommodations mirror those of similarly equipped Colorados.

COMPETITION

Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 17 classes based on size, price, and market position. Compact Pickups offer a true-truck design in a relatively modest package. They are best suited for personal or light-duty use rather than commercial use, heavy hauling, or towing.

Our Best Buy is the Toyota Tacoma. Our Recommended picks include the Dodge Dakota and Ford Ranger.