2009 GMC Canyon: Road Test
2009 GMC Canyon ▼
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- MSRP: $16,705 - $27,075
- Invoice: $15,953 - $25,586
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Our road test for the 2009 GMC Canyon includes a full evaluation of the 2009 GMC Canyon from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2009 GMC Canyon, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2009 GMC Canyon help you decide if a 2009 GMC Canyon is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| 2WD SLE Z71 ext. cab 4-cylinder, automatic | 4WD SLE Crew Cab 5-cylinder | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 |
With either transmission, the 4-cylinder engine has adequate power for around town driving, but lacks reserve for passing or hauling heavy loads. Five-cylinder versions are sprightly with 2WD, adequate with 4WD. That engine is particularly well-matched to the quick-shifting automatic transmission. No V8 models have been made available for testing.
FUEL ECONOMY
| 2WD SLE Z71 ext. cab 4-cylinder, automatic | 4WD SLE Crew Cab 5-cylinder | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 4 | 3.5 |
In Consumer Guide testing, a 2WD 4-cylinder extended cab with automatic transmission averaged 21.1 mpg in mostly highway driving. All models use regular-grade gas.
RIDE QUALITY
| 2WD SLE Z71 ext. cab 4-cylinder, automatic | 4WD SLE Crew Cab 5-cylinder | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 4 | 4.6 |
Better than most compact pickups, provided you stick with the base suspension. Still evident, however, are abrupt vertical motions over bumps and dips, with some jittery feel on badly broken surfaces. The base suspension furnishes the best ride. Canyon's available off-road suspension grows tiresome on long trips.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| 2WD SLE Z71 ext. cab 4-cylinder, automatic | 4WD SLE Crew Cab 5-cylinder | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 3.8 |
Canyons corner with reasonable poise, though some testers find these trucks slow to react to steering inputs. Good straightline stability. 4WD models have a noticeably larger turning radius than 2WD versions. The brakes provide quick stops with good pedal feel.
QUIETNESS
| 2WD SLE Z71 ext. cab 4-cylinder, automatic | 4WD SLE Crew Cab 5-cylinder | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4.5 |
Less wind and road noise than most competitors, though highway wind rush is prominent around the doors. Most of these trucks' rivals offer V6 engines that are smoother and more refined than the 5-cylinder engine.
CONTROLS
| 2WD SLE Z71 ext. cab 4-cylinder, automatic | 4WD SLE Crew Cab 5-cylinder | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 5.9 |
Canyon shares the same basic dashboard design with Colorado. The audio and climate controls are simple to use and clearly marked. Gauges are easy to read, but some digital readouts wash out in direct sunlight.
DETAILS
| 2WD SLE Z71 ext. cab 4-cylinder, automatic | 4WD SLE Crew Cab 5-cylinder | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 4.5 |
Interior materials and fit-and-finish are 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 Z71 ext. cab 4-cylinder, automatic | 4WD SLE Crew Cab 5-cylinder | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5.7 |
Lots of headroom and legroom. The seats are adequately comfortable for long drives, though some testers complain of hard, flat seatbacks in entry-level versions. The middle position on the bench seat is for occasional use only.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| 2WD SLE Z71 ext. cab 4-cylinder, automatic | 4WD SLE Crew Cab 5-cylinder | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 4 | 2.7 |
Extended cab's rear seat best suits preteens; adults lack leg room even if the front seats are pushed well forward. Crew Cabs are more spacious, but leg room is still no better than a subcompact sedan's. On both, the rear seats are hard and undersized, and entry and exit are difficult due to small door openings.
CARGO ROOM
| 2WD SLE Z71 ext. cab 4-cylinder, automatic | 4WD SLE Crew Cab 5-cylinder | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | 4 | 3.9 |
Interior storage is limited on regular cabs, but is good on extended and Crew Cabs with the rear seats folded. A unique dual-position support cable allows the tailgate to be secured partially open, permitting 4x8 sheets to be carried atop the wheel wells with support from the tailgate.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| 2WD SLE Z71 ext. cab 4-cylinder, automatic | 4WD SLE Crew Cab 5-cylinder | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 5 | 6 |
GMC's Canyon, like the similar Chevrolet Colorado, focuses on the light-duty noncommercial user--assuming heavy haulers will move up to the large Sierra. Given that mission, these are useful, well-balanced small trucks.
Total Score
| 2WD SLE Z71 ext. cab 4-cylinder, automatic | 4WD SLE Crew Cab 5-cylinder | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 49 | 50 | 50.1 |
Total Score: 50
Scores for all Compact Pickup Trucks
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