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2006 GMC Canyon Full Review
Date Published: 7/08/08
Also in the 2006 GMC Canyon Review:
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GMC Canyon Full Review

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2006 GMC Canyon Review
GMC's compact pickup line adds an available sport suspension package for 2006. Canyon shares its basic design and powertrain with Chevrolet Colorado. Canyon offers regular-, extended-, and Crew Cab body styles. A 175-hp 4-cyl engine is standard; a 220-hp inline 5-cyl is optional. A 5-speed manual and a 4-speed automatic are available. Canyons are available with rear-wheel drive or 4WD that has low-range gearing but must be disengaged on dry pavement. Regular cabs seat up to three. Extendeds have rear-hinged back doors and seat up to five with two rear jump seats. Crew Cabs have four conventional doors and seat up to six with a folding rear bench. Regular and extended cabs have a 6-ft bed, Crew Cabs a 5-ft bed. All models include ABS and offer optional curtain side airbags that cover all seating rows. Traction control is available on 2WDs and includes a limited-slip differential that is also optional on 4WDs. A high-riding Z71 off-road setup is available linewide. Added for '06, the available ZQ8 Suspension Package includes sport suspension. The newly available SLT package for extendeds and Crew Cabs bundles the 5-cyl engine with leather upholstery and heated bucket front seats. Also available are OnStar assistance and sunroof. Canyon's performance and accommodations mirror those of similarly equipped Colorados. Note that for 2006, Isuzu sells versions of the Colorado and Canyon as the i-280 and i-350 (see separate report).
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 Toyota Tacoma. Our Recommended picks include Dodge Dakota and Honda Ridgeline.

New or significantly redesigned models include Isuzu i-280/i-350 and Mitsubishi Raider.
News
We hear Canyon and sibling Chevrolet Colorado will be "restyled and re-engineered" for 2009. That's probably spy code for a major midcycle freshening, not a top-to-bottom redesign. Nothing further yet, but keep checking back with us.
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

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
38 44 44 44.8
Scores for all Compact Pickup Trucks

Low Score
32
Average Score
44
High Score
60
2006 GMC Canyon Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 06/16/2006
Trim Name Retail Price Dealer Invoice Destination Charge
2WD Work regular cab $14,730 $13,920 $660
4WD Work regular cab $18,330 $17,322 $660
2WD Work extended cab $17,330 $16,377 $660
4WD Work extended cab $20,530 $19,401 $660
2WD SL regular cab $15,330 $14,487 $660
4WD SL regular cab $18,740 $17,709 $660
2WD SL extended cab $17,660 $16,689 $660
4WD SL extended cab $20,940 $19,788 $660
2WD SLE regular cab $16,010 $14,969 $660
4WD SLE regular cab $19,460 $18,195 $660
2WD SLE extended cab $18,610 $17,400 $660
4WD SLE extended cab $21,660 $20,252 $660
2WD SLE Crew Cab $20,655 $19,312 $660
4WD SLE Crew Cab $23,205 $21,697 $660
Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker. Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options. The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.
NA = price note available, NC = no charge.
Rebates and Incentives
There are no rebates or incentives at this time.
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
Work
Powertrain
2.8-liter 4-cylinder engine, 5-speed manual transmission.
Safety
Dual front airbags, antilock brakes, daytime running lights.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning, power steering, tilt steering wheel, cruise control, vinyl upholstery, front split bench seat, cupholders, rear-hinged rear doors (extended cab), AM/FM radio, digital clock, tachometer, intermittent wipers, passenger-side visor mirror, automatic headlights, vinyl floor covering.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, chrome bumpers.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
205/75R15 tires, alloy wheels, 4WD adds: 4-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case, skid plates, 235/75R15 tires.
SL adds to Work:
Comfort and Convenience Features
Cloth upholstery.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
225/75R15 tires, 4WD adds: 4-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case, skid plates 235/75R15 tires.
SLE adds to SL:
Comfort and Convenience Features
Leather-wrapped steering wheel, front bucket seats (Crew Cab), center console (Crew Cab), rear jump seats (extended cab), folding rear seat (Crew Cab), front-hinged rear doors (Crew Cab), AM/FM/CD/MP3 player, carpeting, vinyl floormats.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
4WD adds: 4-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case, skid plates, 235/75R15 tires.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages
Retail Price
Invoice Price
Z71 Off-Road Suspension Pkg.
2WD SL regular cab
$2,520
$2,092
4WD SL
$1,430
$1,187
2WD SL extended cab
$2,550
$2,117
SLE regular/extended cab
$1,375
$1,141
Limited-slip differential, leather-wrapped steering wheel, wheel flares, front tow hooks, off-road suspension, full-size spare tire, 265/75R15 on/off-road tires. NA w/side steps.
ZQ8 Suspension Pkg.
2WD SLE
$0
$0
Lowered sport suspension, 235/50R17 tires, alloy wheels. Available and included only with SLE2, SLE3, SLT Preferred Equipment Group.
SLE1 Preferred Equipment Group. 3SA
SLE
$0
$0
Standard equipment.
SLE1 Preferred Equipment Group 3SA w/Z71 Off-Road Suspension Pkg.
SLE Crew Cab
$3,205
$2,660
SLE regular/extended cab
$1,375
$1,141
SLE1 Preferred Equipment Group 3SA w/ZQ8 Suspension Pkg.
SLE regular/extended cab
$1,705
$1,415
SLE2 Preferred Equipment Group 3SB
SLE Crew Cab
$2,235
$1,855
3.5-liter 5-cylinder engine, 4-speed automatic transmission, map lights, rear privacy glass.
SLE2 Preferred Equipment Group 3SB w/Z71 Off-Road Suspension Pkg.
SLE Crew Cab
$3,685
$3,059
SLE2 Preferred Equipment Group 3SB w/ZQ8 Suspension Pkg.
2WD SLE Crew Cab
$3,675
$3,050
SLE3 Preferred Equipment Group 3SC
2WD SLE regular cab
$3,440
$2,855
4WD SLE regular cab
$3,540
$2,938
3.5-liter 5-cylinder engine, 4-speed automatic transmission, front bucket seats, center console, power mirrors and windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, map lights, rear privacy glass, fog lights, front tow hooks (4WD).
SLE3 Preferred Equipment Group 3SC w/automatic day/night rearview mirror
2WD SLE regular cab
$3,590
$2,980
4WD SLE regular cab
$3,640
$3,021
Includes compass, outside-temperature indicator. NA w/OnStar assistance system.
SLE3 Preferred Equipment Group 3SC w/Z71 Off-Road Suspension Pkg.
SLE regular cab
$4,750
$3,943
SLE3 Preferred Equipment Group 3SC w/Z71 Off-Road Suspension Pkg. and automatic day/night rearview mirror
SLE regular cab
$4,900
$4,061
Includes compass, outside-temperature indicator. NA w/OnStar assistance system.
SLE3 Preferred Equipment Group 3SC w/Z08 Off-Road Suspension Pkg.
SLE regular cab
$4,690
$3,893
SLE3 Preferred Equipment Group 3SC w/Z08 Off-Road Suspension Pkg. and automatic day/night rearview mirror
SLE regular cab
$4,840
$4,017
Includes compass, outside-temperature indicator. NA w/OnStar assistance system.
SLT Preferred Equipment Group 4SA
2WD SLE extended cab
$4,890
$4,059
4WD SLE extended cab
$4,940
$4,100
2WD SLE Crew Cab
$4,250
$3,528
4WD SLE Crew Cab
$4,300
$3,569
3.5-liter 5-cylinder engine, 4-speed automatic transmission, leather upholstery, heated front bucket seats w/lumbar adjustment, 8-way power driver seat, 6-way power passenger seat, center console, power mirrors and windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, map lights, carpeted floormats, rear privacy glass, sliding rear window, side steps, front tow hooks (4WD).
SLT Preferred Equipment Group 4SA w/automatic day/night rearview mirror
2WD SLE extended cab
$5,040
$4,183
4WD SLE extended cab
$5,090
$4,225
2WD SLE Crew Cab
$4,400
$3,652
4WD SLE Crew Cab
$4,450
$3,694
Includes compass, outside-temperature indicator. NA w/OnStar assistance system.
SLT Preferred Equipment Group 4SA w/Z71 Off-Road Suspension Pkg.
SLE extended cab
$6,725
$5,582
SLE Crew Cab
$6,160
$5,113
SLT Preferred Equipment Group 4SA w/Z71 Off-Road Suspension Pkg. and automatic day/night rearview mirror
SLE extended cab
$6,875
$5,706
SLE Crew Cab
$6,310
$5,237
Includes compass, outside-temperature indicator. NA w/OnStar assistance system.
SLT Preferred Equipment Group 4SA w/Z08 Off-Road Suspension Pkg.
2WD SLE extended cab
$6,140
$5,096
2WD SLE Crew Cab
$5,620
$4,665
SLT Preferred Equipment Group 4SA w/Z08 Off-Road Suspension Pkg. and automatic day/night rearview mirror
2WD SLE extended cab
$6,290
$5,221
2WD SLE Crew Cab
$5,770
$4,789
Includes compass, outside-temperature indicator. NA w/OnStar assistance system.
Power Convenience Pkg.
SLE
$500
$415
Power mirrors and windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry.
Value Leader Pkg.
2WD SL regular cab
$70
$58
2WD SL extended cab
$115
$95
Leather-wrapped steering wheel, carpeting, fog lights. NA w/Z71 Off-Road Suspension Pkg.
Sun and Sound Pkg.
SLE
$795
$660
AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer, power sunroof.
Powertrain
3.5-liter 5-cylinder engine
Work, SLE
$1,000
$830
2WD regular cab w/manual transmission requires trailer hitch.
4-speed automatic transmission
SL, SLE, Work
$1,095
$909
Traction control
2WD
$395
$328
2WD w/Z71 Off-Road Suspension Pkg.
$100
$83
Includes limited-slip differential. Requires 4-speed automatic transmission.
Limited-slip differential
SL, SLE, Work
$295
$245
Special axle ratio
SL, SLE, Work
$0
$0
Safety
Curtain side airbags
SL, SLE, Work
$395
$328
Comfort and Convenience Features
OnStar assistance system
SLE
$695
$577
Includes one year service. Requires Power Convenience Group and manual day/night rearview mirror or SLE3/SLT Preferred Equipment Group.
Power sunroof
SL, SLE
$695
$577
AM/FM/CD/MP3 player
Work, SL
$435
$361
AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer
SLE
$395
$328
Satellite radio
SL, SLE
$325
$270
Requires monthly fee after 3rd month. SL requires AM/FM/CD/MP3 player.
Manual day/night rearview mirror
SLE
$25
$21
Includes map lights.
Front split bench seat
SLE
$0
$0
SLE regular and extended cab require SLE2 Preferred Equipment Group. NA Crew Cab w/SLT Preferred Equipment Group.
Cloth upholstery
Work
$0
$0
Rear jump seats
Work/SL extended cab
$115
$95
Includes carpeting. Requires floormats.
Carpeting
SL regular cab
$70
$58
Vinyl floormats
Work/SL regular cab
$25
$21
Work/SL extended cab
$45
$37
Requires carpeting.
Carpeted floormats
SL/SLE regular cab
$95
$79
SL/SLE extended cab
$160
$133
SL requires carpeting or rear jump seats.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Bed extender
SL, SLE, Work
$205
$170
Hard tonneau cover
regular/extended cab
$725
$602
Crew Cab
$665
$592
Soft tonneau cover
SL, SLE, Work
$255
$212
Bed rail protectors
SL, SLE, Work
$135
$112
NA w/tonneau cover.
Tailgate edge protectors
SL, SLE, Work
$100
$83
NA w/tonneau cover.
Running boards
SL, SLE
$375
$311
NA w/Z71 Off-Road Suspension Pkg.
Side steps
SL, SLE
$525
$436
Requires Z71 suspension.
Fog lights
SL, SLE
$115
$95
Rear privacy glass
regular cab
$75
$62
extended cab, Crew Cab
$115
$95
Std. SLE Z71 regular cab, SLE extended cab.
Bodyside molding
SL, SLE, Work
$100
$83
Mud guards
SL, SLE, Work
$80
$66
Std. w/Z71 suspension.
Special paint
SL, SLE, Work
$165
$137
Engine-block heater
SL, SLE, Work
$35
$29
Sliding rear window
SL, SLE, Work
$175
$145
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Trailer hitch
SL, SLE, Work
$270
$224
Includes wiring harness.
Front tow hooks
4WD
$50
$42
Full-size spare tire
4WD, 2WD SL/SLE
$115
$95
2WD Work
$95
$79
2006 GMC Canyon Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
Specification GMC Canyon regular cab GMC Canyon extended cab GMC Canyon crew cab
Wheelbase, in. 111.3 126.0 126.0
Overall Length, in. 192.4 207.1 207.1
Overall Width, in. 67.6 67.6 67.6
Overall Height, in. 64.8 64.8 64.8
Curb Weight, lbs. 3375 3461 3677
Cargo Volume, cu. ft. -- -- --
Standard Payload, lbs. 1539 1539 1343
Fuel Capacity, gals. 19.6 19.6 19.6
Seating Capacity 3 5 6
Front Head Room, in. 39.6 39.6 39.3
Max. Front Leg Room, in. 44.0 44.0 44.0
Rear Head Room, in. -- 37.9 38.3
Max. Rear Leg Room, in. -- 23.1 34.8
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.