2006 GMC Canyon: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

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.