2010 GMC Canyon: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The biggest change for the 2010 GMC Canyon is that front and rear head-curtain side airbags are standard on every trim. It is otherwise a light update, with variable valve timing added to the optional 5.3-liter V8 but no redesign or broad interior or technology overhaul.
About the 2010 GMC Canyon
1st generation (2004-2012), late-cycle update year.
GMC positioned the Canyon as a mid-size pickup for buyers who wanted truck usefulness without moving up to a full-size Sierra. The core pitch was flexibility: multiple cab styles, several engine choices, 2WD or 4WD, and trims ranging from job-site basic to comfort-focused SLT. In plain terms, the Canyon’s identity was a smaller truck that could handle work, light towing, and daily driving while offering a more polished look than its Chevrolet twin.
The 2010 Canyon spans a basic Work Truck, the more everyday-friendly SLE, and the comfort-focused SLT. Work Truck models have a heavy-duty suspension and lined bed, the SLE adds fog lamps and a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and the SLT brings leather seating, heated front seats, and power seat adjustments.
What changed, by category
2010 GMC Canyon specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, 2.9 Liter / 5-Cyl, 3.7 Liter / V8, 5.3 Liter | 5-Cyl, 3.7 Liter / V8, 5.3 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.9 Liter / 5-Cyl, 3.7 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 4-Spd w/Overdrive | Automatic, 4-Spd w/Overdrive | Automatic, 4-Spd w/Overdrive |
| Drivetrain | 2WD / 4WD | 2WD / 4WD | 2WD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 15–18 mpg | 15–17 mpg | 17–18 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 20–25 mpg | 20–23 mpg | 23–25 mpg |
| Horsepower | 185–300 hp | 242–300 hp | 185–242 hp |
| Torque | 190–320 lb-ft | 242–320 lb-ft | 190–242 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 4000–6000 lb | 6000 lb | 4000–5500 lb |
| Rear Legroom | 23.1–34.8 in | 23.1–34.8 in | 23.1 in |
| Seats | 3–6 | 4–5 | 3–5 |
| Doors | 2–4 | 4 | 2–4 |
| Alloy Wheels | |||
| Fog Lights | |||
| Power Mirrors | |||
| Privacy Glass | |||
| Side Steps | |||
| Tow Hooks | |||
| Satellite Radio | |||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | |||
| Dual Power Front Seats | |||
| Heated Front Seats | |||
| Leather Seats | |||
| Power Locks | |||
| Power Windows | |||
| Remote Keyless Entry | |||
| Tilt Wheel | |||
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest change to the 2010 GMC Canyon?
The biggest change is standard front and rear head-curtain side airbags on every 2010 Canyon trim.
Was the 2010 GMC Canyon redesigned?
No. The 2010 Canyon is a lightly updated late-cycle model from the first generation, with no major styling, structural, interior, or technology overhaul.
Did every 2010 GMC Canyon trim get side-curtain airbags?
Yes. Front and rear head-curtain side airbags became standard on the Work Truck, SLE, and SLT for 2010.
Did the 2010 GMC Canyon receive an engine update?
Yes, but only the optional 5.3-liter V8 gained variable valve timing. The 2.9-liter four-cylinder and 3.7-liter five-cylinder carried over without a broad update.
How different is the 2010 GMC Canyon from the 2009 model?
The 2010 Canyon is only modestly different from the 2009 model. Its main improvement is standard head-curtain side airbags across the lineup, while the optional V8 also gains variable valve timing.