“Good ride, handling and acceration. Better than average gas mileage for a truck. Easier to drive and park than a full size pick up.”
2018 GMC Canyon: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The biggest change for the 2018 GMC Canyon is that All Terrain became a distinct off-road trim instead of an SLE package, with cloth and newly offered leather-appointed versions. Otherwise, this is a light-update year with no redesign or broad powertrain overhaul.
About the 2018 GMC Canyon
2nd generation (2015-2022), fourth model year; light-update year
GMC positioned the Canyon as a midsize pickup that combines useful towing and hauling ability with easier maneuvering and a quieter, more comfortable cabin than a full-size truck. Its core distinction was offering work-ready pickup hardware, three engine families including a diesel, and more upscale cabin treatments than its closely related Chevrolet Colorado, capped by the Denali model.
The 2018 Canyon ranges from straightforward work trucks to more comfortable and off-road-focused versions. All Terrain models pair standard four-wheel drive with an off-road suspension, a locking rear differential and hill-descent control, while SLT adds heated leather-appointed seats and Denali brings ventilated front seats, navigation, Bose audio and wireless phone charging.
What changed, by category
Structural
All Terrain moved from an SLE-based package to a distinct place in the trim lineup between SLE and SLT. The lineup included a cloth-seat configuration and a newly offered leather-appointed configuration.
Tech
The base Canyon gained a standard touchscreen, Bluetooth and smartphone integration. SLE gained standard heated power-adjustable mirrors, while SLT and Denali gained standard Active Tow trailer-alignment guidance.
2018 GMC Canyon specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, VVT, 2.5 Liter | V6, VVT, 3.6 Liter / 4-Cyl, VVT, 2.5 Liter / 4-Cyl, Trbo Dsl, 2.8L | V6, VVT, 3.6 Liter / 4-Cyl, Trbo Dsl, 2.8 | V6, VVT, 3.6 Liter / 4-Cyl, VVT, 2.5 Liter | V6, VVT, 3.6 Liter / 4-Cyl, Trbo Dsl, 2.8 / 4-Cyl, Trbo Dsl, 2.8L | V6, VVT, 3.6 Liter / 4-Cyl, Trbo Dsl, 2.8L / 4-Cyl, Turbo Diesel, 2.8 Liter | V6, VVT, 3.6 Liter / 4-Cyl, Turbo Diesel, 2.8 Liter / 4-Cyl, Trbo Dsl, 2.8L |
| Transmission | Manual, 6-Spd | Automatic, 8-Spd / Automatic, 6-Spd | Automatic, 8-Spd / Automatic, 6-Spd | Automatic, 8-Spd / Automatic, 6-Spd | Automatic, 8-Spd / Automatic, 6-Spd | Automatic, 8-Spd / Automatic, 6-Spd | Automatic, 8-Spd / Automatic, 6-Spd |
| Drivetrain | 2WD | 4WD / 2WD | 4WD / 2WD | 2WD | 4WD / 2WD | 4WD | 4WD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas / Diesel | Gas / Diesel | Gas | Gas / Diesel | Gas / Diesel | Gas / Diesel |
| MPG City | 20 mpg | 17–22 mpg | 17–22 mpg | 18–20 mpg | 17–22 mpg | 17–20 mpg | 17–20 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 26 mpg | 24–30 mpg | 24–30 mpg | 25–26 mpg | 24–30 mpg | 24–28 mpg | 24–28 mpg |
| Horsepower | 200 hp | 181–308 hp | 181–308 hp | 200–308 hp | 181–308 hp | 181–308 hp | 181–308 hp |
| Torque | 191 lb-ft | 191–369 lb-ft | 275–369 lb-ft | 191–275 lb-ft | 275–369 lb-ft | 275–369 lb-ft | 275–369 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 3500 lb | 3500–7600 lb | 7550–7600 lb | 3500–7000 lb | 7550–7600 lb | 7000–7600 lb | 7000–7600 lb |
| Rear Legroom | 28.6 in | 28.6–35.8 in | 35.8 in | 28.6–35.8 in | 35.8 in | 28.6–35.8 in | 28.6–35.8 in |
| Seats | 4 | 4–5 | 5 | 4–5 | 5 | 4–5 | 4–5 |
| Doors | 2 | 2–4 | 4 | 2–4 | 4 | 2–4 | 2–4 |
| Alarm System | |||||||
| Cruise Control | |||||||
| Hill Descent Control | |||||||
| Lane Departure Warning | |||||||
| Rear View Camera | |||||||
| Alloy Wheels | |||||||
| Fog Lights | |||||||
| Heated Mirrors | |||||||
| Power Mirrors | |||||||
| Side Steps | |||||||
| Tow Hooks | |||||||
| Trailer Hitch Receiver | |||||||
| Navigation System | |||||||
| Satellite Radio | |||||||
| Smartphone Interface | |||||||
| Touch Screen Monitor | |||||||
| 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 2018 GMC Canyon?
The biggest change is the standalone All Terrain trim. It replaced the previous SLE-based All Terrain package in the lineup and came in cloth-seat and leather-appointed configurations.
Was the 2018 GMC Canyon redesigned?
No, the 2018 GMC Canyon was not redesigned. It was the fourth model year of the second generation and received a light update centered on the All Terrain lineup and a few standard-equipment changes.
What does the 2018 Canyon All Terrain add?
The 2018 Canyon All Terrain adds standard four-wheel drive, an off-road-tuned suspension, an automatic locking rear differential, hill-descent control and a shield for the four-wheel-drive transfer case. Cloth and leather-appointed cabin configurations were offered.
Which 2018 Canyon trims gained standard equipment?
Several trims gained standard equipment for 2018. The base truck gained a touchscreen, Bluetooth and smartphone integration; SLE gained heated power-adjustable mirrors; and SLT and Denali gained Active Tow trailer-alignment guidance.
Is the 2018 GMC Canyon a major upgrade over the 2017 model?
No, the 2018 Canyon is not a major upgrade over the 2017 model. Its main appeal is the reorganized All Terrain lineup and a small set of standard-equipment additions; the truck’s overall design and powertrain range did not receive a broad overhaul.
2018 GMC Canyon Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2018 GMC Canyon.
4.1
2018 GMC Canyon
(254 reviews)
“The transmission needs some work not to happy with the way it works. Needs better design.”
“General Motors quality is better than all the rest of the automotive and truck manufacturers. I've experienced their quality get better”