Midsize Thinking: 2017 GMC Canyon pickup truck
GMC introduced the all new midsize Canyon pickup truck in 2015. Riding on an all-new platform, the pickup truck has redefined the segment, raising the bar for everything from horsepower and efficiency to quietness and refinement. Based on a proven global architecture and engineered for the unique demands and driving conditions of North American drivers, the Canyon delivers three body configurations: an extended cab model with a 6' 2” bed, a crew cab with a 5' 2” bed and a crew cab with a 6' 2” bed. With the tailgate down, the 6' 2” bed allows eight-foot-long items to be hauled within the vehicle.
Standard two-tier loading allows the cargo bed to be effectively split into upper and lower sections, making it easier to haul, store and conceal items such as tools. The cargo bed also features thirteen reconfigurable and four stationary tie-down locations for use with available, removable cargo tie-down rings.
Offered in base, SLE and SLT trim levels, the automaker has announced a broader 2017 GMC Canyon lineup led by the new, range-topping Canyon Denali. Like all GMC Denali models, the new Canyon Denali is distinguished by chrome exterior details and unique wheels, along with exclusive interior trim and content. In addition to its Denali-signature chrome grille, the 2017 Canyon Denali features specific wheels — 20-inch ultra-bright machined aluminum with painted accents — along with tubular chrome assist steps, polished exhaust tip and spray-on bedliner.
Also for 2017, Canyon has added several new equipment and trim packages: the All Terrain X – available on SLE – which includes body-color grille surround and rear step bumper, unique interior with red stitching and heated front seats, three-inch-diameter round step bars, spray-on bedliner, remote engine start, automatic climate control, sliding rear window, Goodyear Wrangler DuraTac P255/65R17 all-terrain tires, all-weather floor lines, a Z71 off-road suspension, automatic locking rear differential, standard transfer case skid plate and Hill Descent Control; and the Nightfall Edition featuring a body-color grille, spray-on bedliner, polished exhaust tip and 18-inch multi-spoke aluminum wheels.
Base power for the Canyon pickup truck is provided by a 2.5L four-cylinder engine mated to a Eaton N8D six-speed manual gearbox. Optional engines include a new 3.6L V6 joined to a Hydra-Matic 8L45 eight-speed automatic and a Duramax 2.8L four-cylinder turbo-diesel bolted to a Hydra-Matic 6L50 six-speed automatic transmission (optional on the 2.5L four-cylinder). All-wheel drive is an available option.
Inside the passenger cabin, the interior of the Canyon is designed to be comfortable, heavily equipped and well connected. A bold, upright instrument panel with large instruments and a central driver information center is similar to Sierra. A center console-mounted shifter is similar to those found in midsize cars and crossovers. The Canyon’s cabin boasts exceptional attention to detail and premium appointments, including a sculpted headliner that enhances headroom, halo lighting on key controls for easier viewing and an open area at the front of the center console for easier phone charging.
Additional interior details include: sculpted door panels that make it easier to enter and exit the vehicle, standard center console with room to store a tablet, and rear under-seat storage.
Canyon’s seats are designed for long-haul comfort and wear, too. They use dual-firmness foam for greater comfort on long drives and high-wear, stain-resistant cloth seating trim. Comfort is enhanced with technologies, connectivity and other features that support owners’ daily and recreational lives including a standard 4.2-inch-diagonal color driver information screen in the instrument cluster.
Dimensions & specifications
Extended Cab/long cargo box
Wheelbase: 128.3; overall length: 212.4; width: 74.3; height: 70.4, 70.3 (4WD)
Crew Cab/short cargo box
Wheelbase: 128.3; overall length: 212.4; width: 74.3; height: 70.7, 70.6 (4WD)
Crew Cab/long cargo box
Wheelbase: 140.5; overall length: 224.6; width: 74.3; height: 70.6, 70.5 (4WD)
Engine: 2.5L four-cylinder – 200 hp at 6,300 rpm and 191 lbs-ft of torque at 4,400 rpm; 3.6L V6 – 308 hp at 6,800 rpm and 275 lbs-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm; 2.8L four-cylinder turbo-diesel – 181 hp at 3,400 rpm and 369 lbs-ft of torque at 2,000 rpm.
Transmission: six-speed manual, six-speed automatic, eight-speed automatic
EPA Fuel Economy: 2.5L four-cylinder – 19 city/26 hwy. (2WD manual), 20 city/27 hwy. (2WD automatic), 19 city/25 hwy. (4WD); 3.6L V6 – 18 city/25 hwy. (2WD), 17 city/24 hwy. (4WD); 2.8L four-cylinder turbo-diesel – 22 city/31 hwy. (2WD), 20 city/29 hwy. (4WD)
Payload capacity: 1,620 lbs.
Towing capacity: 7,700 lbs.
Safety features
Dual front airbags, front seat mounted side-impact airbags, dual head curtain side-impact airbags, four-wheel disc brakes with anti-lock brake assist, StabiliTrak electronic stability control, hill start assist, rear vision camera, daytime running lamps, Teen Driver feature, engine immobilizer, and tire pressure monitoring system.
SLE adds Bluetooth hands free phone system, OnStar communications system, fog lamps, remote keyless entry, and alarm system. SLT adds remote vehicle starter system, rear automatic locking differential, hill decent control, and full-size spare tire. Denali adds navigation system, remote engine start, forward collision alert and lane departure warning.
Warranty
Basic: 3-year/36,000 mile
Powertrain: 5-year/100,000 mile
Corrosion: 6-year/100,000 mile
Roadside Assistance: 5-year/100,000 mile 24-hour
Pricing
The base Manufacturers Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the 2017 GMC Canyon starts from $20,885 for the base 2WD manual upto $39,055 for the Denali. Destination charges add $995.
