“Love my GMC truck. Rides more like a car than a truck. Very smooth on any kind of road compared to other brand trucks. The canyon is great for women. A little smaller truck but can do almost anything that a bigger truck can do. Has great power when you need it.”
2017 GMC Canyon: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The biggest change for the 2017 GMC Canyon is the arrival of the luxury-focused Denali trim. V6-powered models also get an updated 3.6-liter engine paired with a new 8-speed automatic transmission.
About the 2017 GMC Canyon
2nd generation (2015-2022), third model year before the later styling refresh.
GMC positions the Canyon as a midsize pickup that gives buyers real truck capability without the size penalty of a full-size truck. The pitch centers on a quieter cabin, more polished materials, and easier day-to-day drivability than many traditional pickups, while still offering useful towing, multiple cab/bed layouts, and upscale trims that push the class closer to premium-truck territory.
The 2017 Canyon ranges from the basic, manual-transmission SL work truck to the upscale new Denali. SLE brings an 8-inch touchscreen and an easier-to-handle tailgate, while SLT adds leather and heated front seats. Denali tops the range with ventilated leather front seats, navigation, Bose audio, and distinctive chrome trim.
What changed, by category
Powertrain
V6-powered Canyon models move to an updated 3.6-liter V6 and a new 8-speed automatic transmission. The four-cylinder gas engine and 2.8-liter diesel continue.
Styling
The new Denali trim adds a distinctive chrome grille, 20-inch machined aluminum wheels, and other upscale exterior details. New special-edition appearance packages also broaden the lineup.
Safety
The new Denali includes Forward Collision Alert and Lane Departure Warning as standard equipment, but these features do not become standard across the full Canyon lineup.
Tech
The new Denali adds built-in navigation and a seven-speaker Bose audio system as standard equipment. There is no lineup-wide infotainment overhaul.
2017 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 / 4-Cyl, Trbo Dsl, 2.8L | V6, VVT, 3.6 Liter / 4-Cyl, Trbo Dsl, 2.8L | 4-Cyl, VVT, 2.5 Liter / V6, VVT, 3.6 Liter | V6, VVT, 3.6 Liter / 4-Cyl, Trbo Dsl, 2.8L |
| Transmission | Manual, 6-Spd | Automatic, 6-Spd / Automatic, 8-Spd | Automatic, 8-Spd / Automatic, 6-Spd | Automatic, 6-Spd / Automatic, 8-Spd | Automatic, 8-Spd / Automatic, 6-Spd |
| Drivetrain | 2WD | 2WD / 4WD | 2WD / 4WD | 2WD | 4WD / 2WD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas / Diesel | Gas / Diesel | Gas | Gas / Diesel |
| MPG City | 19 mpg | 17–22 mpg | 17–22 mpg | 18–20 mpg | 17–22 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 26 mpg | 24–30 mpg | 24–30 mpg | 25–26 mpg | 24–30 mpg |
| Horsepower | 200 hp | 181–308 hp | 181–308 hp | 200–308 hp | 181–305 hp |
| Torque | 191 lb-ft | 191–369 lb-ft | 269–369 lb-ft | 191–275 lb-ft | 269–369 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 3500 lb | 3500–7600 lb | 7000–7600 lb | 3500–7000 lb | 7600 lb |
| Rear Legroom | 28.6 in | 28.6–35.8 in | 28.6–35.8 in | 28.6–35.8 in | 35.8 in |
| Seats | 4 | 4–5 | 4–5 | 4–5 | 5 |
| Doors | 2 | 2–4 | 2–4 | 2–4 | 4 |
| Alarm System | |||||
| Cruise Control | |||||
| Hill Descent Control | |||||
| Lane Departure Warning | |||||
| Rear View Camera | |||||
| Alloy Wheels | |||||
| Fog Lights | |||||
| Heated Mirrors | |||||
| LED Daytime Running Lights | |||||
| LED Headlights | |||||
| Power Mirrors | |||||
| Side Steps | |||||
| Tow Hooks | |||||
| Trailer Hitch Receiver | |||||
| Navigation System | |||||
| Smartphone Interface | |||||
| USB Ports | |||||
| Aluminum Interior Trim | |||||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | |||||
| Automatic Air Conditioning | |||||
| Dual Power Front Seats | |||||
| Folding Rear Seat | |||||
| Heated Front Seats | |||||
| Heated Steering Wheel | |||||
| Leather Seats | |||||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | |||||
| Power Driver Seat | |||||
| Remote Start | |||||
| Remote Keyless Entry | |||||
| Tilt Wheel | |||||
| Tilt/Telescoping Steering Wheel | |||||
| Ventilated Front Seats | |||||
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest change to the 2017 GMC Canyon?
The biggest change is the addition of the Denali trim. It becomes the most upscale Canyon, with unique chrome styling, 20-inch wheels, ventilated leather front seats, navigation, Bose audio, and added driver-alert features.
Did the 2017 GMC Canyon get a new engine or transmission?
Yes. V6-powered 2017 Canyon models use an updated 3.6-liter V6 paired with a new 8-speed automatic transmission. The four-cylinder gas engine and 2.8-liter diesel remain in the lineup.
Was the 2017 GMC Canyon fully redesigned?
No. The 2017 Canyon remains part of the second generation introduced for 2015. Its main updates are the new Denali trim, the revised V6 powertrain, and additional appearance packages rather than a new body or chassis.
What does the 2017 GMC Canyon Denali add?
The 2017 Canyon Denali adds a chrome grille, 20-inch wheels, heated and ventilated leather front seats, a heated steering wheel, navigation, Bose audio, Forward Collision Alert, and Lane Departure Warning.
Does the 2017 GMC Canyon still have four-cylinder and diesel versions?
Yes. The 2017 lineup continues with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder gas engine and a 2.8-liter diesel alongside the updated 3.6-liter V6.
2017 GMC Canyon Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2017 GMC Canyon.
4.3
2017 GMC Canyon
(307 reviews)
“They should look around and compare both chevy and GMC and definitely test drive both vehicles. I definitely liked the GMC over the chevy although they are the same vehicle. I was concerned about the looks and the way the vehicle was equipped ..”
“It's a great small truck, but I wouldn't recommend it for anything too heavy-duty. The driver and passenger seats are comfortable and roomy, but the 2nd row of seats can't comfortably fit an adult. The bed is a great size, however. The 4WD works really well too.”