2006 GMC Canyon Road Test - Consumer Guide Automotive

Our road test for the 2006 GMC Canyon includes a full evaluation of the 2006 GMC Canyon from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2006 GMC Canyon, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2006 GMC Canyon help you decide if a 2006 GMC Canyon is right for you.

2006 GMC Canyon Road Test

Pros	Cons

Instruments/controls	Rear-seat comfort (extended cab)

Cargo room (crew cab)	Acceleration (4 cyl/auto)

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

Acceleration

2WD SLE Z85 ext. cab, 4-cyl auto.	2WD SLE Z71 ext. cab, 5-cyl auto.	4WD SLE Z85 Crew Cab, 5-cyl auto.	Class Average
3	6	5	4.8

In daily commuting, 4 cyl is adequate with 2WD and manual transmission, sluggish with 4WD and automatic. The 5 cyl is sprightly with 2WD, adequate with 4WD. Both engines well-matched to quick-shifting automatic transmission.

Fuel Economy

2WD SLE Z85 ext. cab, 4-cyl auto.	2WD SLE Z71 ext. cab, 5-cyl auto.	4WD SLE Z85 Crew Cab, 5-cyl auto.	Class Average
5	5	4	4

No opportunity to measure Canyon with 4 cyl, but test 4-cyl Colorado with manual transmission averaged 18.1 mpg in mostly city driving. With 5-cyl, extended-cab 2WD averaged 18.8 mpg, a 4WD Crew Cab 18.1. Those test numbers reflect mostly highway work, but slightly better those of V6 rivals. GM recommends regular-grade fuel for both engines.

Ride Quality

2WD SLE Z85 ext. cab, 4-cyl auto.	2WD SLE Z71 ext. cab, 5-cyl auto.	4WD SLE Z85 Crew Cab, 5-cyl auto.	Class Average
4	5	4	4.3

Better than most other compact pickups. Generally composed with base Z85 suspension, though abrupt vertical motions evident over bumps and dips, plus some jitter on badly broken surfaces. Stiffer Z71 off-road suspension grows tiresome on long drives.

Steering/Handling/Braking

2WD SLE Z85 ext. cab, 4-cyl auto.	2WD SLE Z71 ext. cab, 5-cyl auto.	4WD SLE Z85 Crew Cab, 5-cyl auto.	Class Average
4	4	4	3.9

Slow to react to most steering inputs, but corners with reasonable poise--among the more-agile compact pickups. Good straight-line stability too. Turning radius noticeably larger on 4WDs vs. 2WDs. Brakes provide quick, even stops with good pedal feel.

Quietness

2WD SLE Z85 ext. cab, 4-cyl auto.	2WD SLE Z71 ext. cab, 5-cyl auto.	4WD SLE Z85 Crew Cab, 5-cyl auto.	Class Average
4	4	4	4.4

Less wind and road noise than most competitors, though highway wind rush prominent around doors of extended and crew models. GM's 5-cyl engine louder, coarser than rivals' V6s; 4 cyl par for the class.

Controls

2WD SLE Z85 ext. cab, 4-cyl auto.	2WD SLE Z71 ext. cab, 5-cyl auto.	4WD SLE Z85 Crew Cab, 5-cyl auto.	Class Average
6	6	6	5.8

Audio/climate controls simple to use, clearly marked. Gauges easy to read, but some digital readouts wash out in direct sunlight. Interior materials and fit-and-finish above average for the class. Still, some test models had a few squeaks and rattles from the dashboard area.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

2WD SLE Z85 ext. cab, 4-cyl auto.	2WD SLE Z71 ext. cab, 5-cyl auto.	4WD SLE Z85 Crew Cab, 5-cyl auto.	Class Average
4	4	4	5.2

Lots of leg and head room; seats adequately comfortable for long drives. Middle seat for occasional use only.

Room/Comfort (rear)

2WD SLE Z85 ext. cab, 4-cyl auto.	2WD SLE Z71 ext. cab, 5-cyl auto.	4WD SLE Z85 Crew Cab, 5-cyl auto.	Class Average
1	1	4	2.5

Extended-cab's rear seat best suits preteens; adults lack leg room even if front seats pushed well forward. Crew cab somewhat more spacious, but leg room still no better than a subcompact sedan's. On both, rear seats hard and undersized, and entry/exit difficult through small door openings.

Cargo Room

2WD SLE Z85 ext. cab, 4-cyl auto.	2WD SLE Z71 ext. cab, 5-cyl auto.	4WD SLE Z85 Crew Cab, 5-cyl auto.	Class Average
3	3	4	3.7

Interior storage limited on regular cabs, good on extended and crew cabs with seats folded. Unique two-way support cable allows securing tailgate in a part-open position, letting 4x8-ft sheets ride atop the wheelwells and tailgate.

Value within Class

2WD SLE Z85 ext. cab, 4-cyl auto.	2WD SLE Z71 ext. cab, 5-cyl auto.	4WD SLE Z85 Crew Cab, 5-cyl auto.	Class Average
4	6	5	6.2

Canyon and cousin Colorado focus on the light-duty non-commercial user--assuming heavy haulers will move up to a full-size GMC Sierra and Chevy Silverado. Given that mission, these are useful, well-balanced small trucks. List prices are fairly steep, however, so don't buy without a substantial discount.

Total Score