“It would be great to have an access handle on the driver's A pillar for entry and exit as the seat height is a little too high.”
2015 GMC Canyon: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The biggest change for 2015 is the Canyon itself: it returned after a two-year break as an all-new, second-generation midsize pickup. The redesign brought a new platform, body, cabin, engine lineup, and more modern truck and technology features.
About the 2015 GMC Canyon
2nd generation, first year of the redesign and U.S. relaunch after the 2013-2014 hiatus.
GMC positions the Canyon as the right-size truck for buyers who want real pickup capability without moving up to a full-size model. The pitch centers on easier maneuvering, garage-friendly size, useful towing and hauling, and a quieter, more polished cabin than the older midsize-truck class had offered. In GMC's lineup, it is the smaller truck choice for people who still want a traditional body-on-frame pickup with a more premium look and feel than a basic work truck.
The 2015 Canyon ranged from the basic, work-focused SL to the everyday-friendly SLE and comfort-oriented SLT. The SLE featured an 8-inch touchscreen, while the SLT added leather seating, heated front seats, automatic climate control, and remote start. Every trim had projector headlamps with GMC signature lighting and a rearview camera, and the bed included practical touches such as bumper corner steps and two-tier loading.
What changed, by category
Structural
The Canyon returned after a two-year break on an all-new platform with a new frame and updated midsize-pickup packaging.
Powertrain
The new engine lineup paired a standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder with a 3.6-liter V6 option. The work-focused SL used the four-cylinder with a six-speed manual transmission.
Styling
The redesign brought an all-new body, plus standard projector headlamps with GMC signature lighting across the lineup.
Safety
A rearview camera became standard on every 2015 Canyon trim.
Tech
The new cabin included a 4.2-inch color audio display with USB on entry trims and an 8-inch touchscreen on the SLE.
2015 GMC Canyon specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, VVT, 2.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, VVT, 2.5 Liter / V6, VVT, 3.6 Liter | V6, VVT, 3.6 Liter / 4-Cyl, VVT, 2.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, VVT, 2.5 Liter / V6, VVT, 3.6 Liter |
| Transmission | Manual, 6-Spd | Automatic, 6-Spd | Automatic, 6-Spd | Automatic, 6-Spd |
| Drivetrain | 2WD | 2WD / 4WD | 4WD / 2WD | 2WD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 19 mpg | 17–20 mpg | 17–20 mpg | 18–20 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 26 mpg | 24–27 mpg | 24–27 mpg | 26–27 mpg |
| Horsepower | 200 hp | 200–305 hp | 200–305 hp | 200–305 hp |
| Torque | 191 lb-ft | 191–269 lb-ft | 191–269 lb-ft | 191–269 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 3500 lb | 7000 lb | 7000 lb | 7000 lb |
| Rear Legroom | 28.6 in | 28.6–35.8 in | 28.6–35.8 in | 28.6–35.8 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 2 | 2–4 | 2–4 | 2–4 |
| Alarm System | ||||
| Cruise Control | ||||
| Hill Descent Control | ||||
| Lane Departure Warning | ||||
| Rear View Camera | ||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||
| Fog Lights | ||||
| Heated Mirrors | ||||
| LED Headlights | ||||
| Power Mirrors | ||||
| Side Steps | ||||
| Tow Hooks | ||||
| Trailer Hitch Receiver | ||||
| Navigation System | ||||
| Smartphone Interface | ||||
| USB Ports | ||||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | ||||
| Automatic Air Conditioning | ||||
| Dual Power Front Seats | ||||
| Folding Rear Seat | ||||
| Heated Front Seats | ||||
| Leather Seats | ||||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | ||||
| Power Driver Seat | ||||
| Remote Start | ||||
| Remote Keyless Entry | ||||
| Tilt Wheel | ||||
| Tilt/Telescoping Steering Wheel | ||||
Frequently asked questions
Was the 2015 GMC Canyon redesigned or carried over?
The 2015 GMC Canyon was fully redesigned. It began the second generation and returned the Canyon to the U.S. lineup after the model was absent for 2013 and 2014.
What engines did the 2015 GMC Canyon have?
The 2015 GMC Canyon had a standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and a 3.6-liter V6 option. The SL work-truck trim paired the four-cylinder with a six-speed manual transmission.
Did every 2015 GMC Canyon have a rearview camera?
Yes. A rearview camera was standard across the full 2015 GMC Canyon lineup.
Which 2015 GMC Canyon trim had leather and heated seats?
The 2015 GMC Canyon SLT had leather-appointed seating and heated front seats. It also included automatic climate control, remote start, and a power-adjustable front passenger seat.
Was a manual transmission offered in the 2015 GMC Canyon?
Yes. The 2015 Canyon SL used a six-speed manual transmission with its 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, rear-wheel drive, extended cab, and two-seat layout.
2015 GMC Canyon Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2015 GMC Canyon.
4.2
2015 GMC Canyon
(237 reviews)
“Don''t like the transmission shift points. I believe they are set up for maximum fuel efficiency, however it does not shift down quick enough which causes the truck to stumble.”
“Heater core had to be replaced the first month. Glove compartment does not fit properly. The Canyon is a piece of crap! The heater core failed the first week and I have been driving a cheap rental after paying $40K for a new truck. I should have bought a Ford!!!”