“So far it is extremely dependable, great highway mileage 35.9 mpg. Quiet ride, sporty track like suspension, handling like a sports car. Have not tried off roading in the mountains. Only around my farm in 2wd. Dry no mud yet.”
2020 GMC Canyon: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2020 GMC Canyon gets light trim and equipment changes rather than a redesign. The biggest change is a simplified off-road lineup, with the separate SLE All Terrain and SLT All Terrain trims dropped.
About the 2020 GMC Canyon
2nd generation Canyon (2015-2022), late-cycle pre-refresh year before the 2021 front-end update and trim renaming.
The 2020 Canyon is GMC’s more premium take on the midsize pickup. GMC markets it as a truck that blends real hauling and towing ability with easier city maneuverability, a quieter cabin, and more upscale trim choices than many rivals. That makes its core appeal straightforward: buyers who want a truck that can work like a pickup, fit daily life more easily than a full-size truck, and offer trims ranging from basic utility to Denali-level comfort.
The 2020 Canyon lineup ranges from basic work-focused trucks to the comfort-oriented SLE and SLT, the off-road All Terrain, and the upscale Denali. All Terrain combines 4WD, an off-road suspension, a locking rear differential, and heated front seats, while Denali adds heated and ventilated leather-appointed seats, navigation, and Bose audio.
What changed, by category
Trim lineup
The separate SLE All Terrain and SLT All Terrain trims are dropped. The 2020 lineup has a single All Terrain trim as its off-road-focused model.
Powertrain
The manual transmission is dropped from the base Canyon and SL. The SL's 2.5-liter four-cylinder is paired with a standard six-speed automatic, while the broader engine range remains largely unchanged.
Tech
A remote-locking tailgate joins the feature list, and Denali gains standard premium infotainment with built-in navigation.
2020 GMC Canyon specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, VVT, 2.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo Diesel, 2.8 Liter / V6, VVT, 3.6 Liter / 4-Cyl, VVT, 2.5 Liter | V6, VVT, 3.6 Liter / 4-Cyl, Turbo Diesel, 2.8 Liter | V6, VVT, 3.6 Liter / 4-Cyl, VVT, 2.5 Liter | V6, VVT, 3.6 Liter / 4-Cyl, Turbo Diesel, 2.8 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo Diesel, 2.8 Liter / V6, VVT, 3.6 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 6-Spd | Automatic, 6-Spd / Automatic, 8-Spd | Automatic, 8-Spd / Automatic, 6-Spd | Automatic, 8-Spd / Automatic, 6-Spd | Automatic, 8-Spd / Automatic, 6-Spd | Automatic, 6-Spd / Automatic, 8-Spd |
| Drivetrain | 2WD | 4WD / 2WD | 4WD / 2WD | 2WD | 4WD / 2WD | 4WD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Diesel / Gas | Gas / Diesel | Gas | Gas / Diesel | Diesel / Gas |
| MPG City | 20 mpg | 17–20 mpg | 17–20 mpg | 18–20 mpg | 17–20 mpg | 17–19 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 26 mpg | 24–30 mpg | 24–30 mpg | 25–26 mpg | 24–30 mpg | 24–28 mpg |
| Horsepower | 200 hp | 181–308 hp | 181–308 hp | 200–308 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 |
| Max Towing | 3500 lb | 7000 lb | 7000 lb | 3500–7000 lb | 7000 lb | 7000 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 |
| Seats | 4 | 4–5 | 5 | 4–5 | 5 | 4–5 |
| Doors | 2 | 2–4 | 4 | 2–4 | 4 | 2–4 |
| Alarm System | ||||||
| Cruise Control | ||||||
| Hill Descent Control | ||||||
| Lane Departure Warning | ||||||
| Park Assist | ||||||
| Rear View Camera | ||||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||||
| Fog Lights | ||||||
| Heated Mirrors | ||||||
| LED Headlights | ||||||
| Power Mirrors | ||||||
| Remote Control Liftgate/Trunk Release | ||||||
| Side Steps | ||||||
| Tow Hooks | ||||||
| Trailer Hitch Receiver | ||||||
| Navigation System | ||||||
| SD Card Slot | ||||||
| Satellite Radio | ||||||
| Smartphone Interface | ||||||
| Touch Screen Monitor | ||||||
| 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
Was the 2020 GMC Canyon redesigned?
No. The 2020 GMC Canyon remains part of the second generation introduced for 2015 and receives only light trim and equipment updates. A front-end update follows for 2021.
What happened to the Canyon SLE All Terrain and SLT All Terrain for 2020?
The SLE All Terrain and SLT All Terrain trims were dropped for 2020. The off-road role is handled by a single All Terrain trim with 4WD, an off-road suspension, Hill Descent Control, and a locking rear differential.
Does the 2020 GMC Canyon have a manual transmission?
No. The manual transmission was dropped from the base Canyon and SL for 2020, leaving those trucks with automatic transmissions. The SL uses a six-speed automatic with its 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine.
What changed on the 2020 GMC Canyon Denali?
The 2020 Canyon Denali gains standard premium infotainment with built-in navigation. It also has an 8-inch touchscreen, Bose audio, and heated and ventilated leather-appointed front seats.
Did the 2020 GMC Canyon engine lineup change significantly?
No. The core 2.5-liter gas four-cylinder, 3.6-liter gas V6, and 2.8-liter turbo-diesel remain in the 2020 lineup, depending on the trim and truck configuration. The meaningful powertrain change is the loss of the manual transmission on entry-level models.
2020 GMC Canyon Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2020 GMC Canyon.
4.0
2020 GMC Canyon
(83 reviews)
“Having purchased the Denali trim level for this GMC truck it definitely is not the top of the line trim. In fact it seems to be a basic trim level. VERY DISAPPOINTED”
“Thoroughly enjoy my purchase. It was exactly what I was looking which was something to be able to haul things around in. The drive is incredibly comfortable and easily movable. The size of the vehicle is fitting to what I am used to. Glad I made this purchase.”