“Very dependable and economical to operate; however, the radio and phone volumes don't work.”
2021 GMC Canyon: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2021 GMC Canyon gets a mid-cycle refresh, led by revised front-end styling and the first Canyon AT4 off-road trim. GMC also reorganized the range into four trims, while the underlying truck and engine choices carried over.
About the 2021 GMC Canyon
2nd generation (2015-2022), 2021 refresh year.
GMC positions the Canyon as a midsize pickup for people who want real truck utility without moving up to a full-size model. The messaging centers on adventure, maneuverability, towing strength, and a more upscale feel than mainstream midsize rivals. Across the range, the Canyon blends everyday drivability with work and weekend capability, while trims like Elevation, AT4, and Denali let buyers lean more toward style, trail use, or premium comfort.
The 2021 Canyon lineup runs from the blacked-out Elevation Standard and better-equipped Elevation to two specialized versions. AT4 pairs standard four-wheel drive with an off-road suspension, hill descent control, and red recovery hooks, while Denali emphasizes comfort with heated and ventilated leather-appointed front seats, navigation, Bose audio, and wireless charging.
What changed, by category
Styling
GMC revised the front end across the lineup and gave each trim a more distinct grille treatment. Denali received a bolder grille and refreshed upscale details, while the new Elevation models adopted black grilles and black 18-inch wheels.
Trim lineup
The range was reorganized as Elevation Standard, Elevation, AT4, and Denali. Elevation Standard and Elevation replaced the previous lower and middle grades, while AT4 took over the off-road role from All Terrain with standard four-wheel drive, an off-road suspension, hill descent control, underbody protection, and red recovery hooks.
2021 GMC Canyon specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, Turbo Diesel, 2.8 Liter / V6, VVT, 3.6 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 / 4-Cyl, VVT, 2.5 Liter | V6, VVT, 3.6 Liter / 4-Cyl, VVT, 2.5 Liter |
| Transmission | 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 | 4WD | 4WD / 2WD | 4WD / 2WD | 2WD |
| Fuel Type | Diesel / Gas | Gas / Diesel | Diesel / Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 17–19 mpg | 17–20 mpg | 17–20 mpg | 18–19 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 24–28 mpg | 24–30 mpg | 24–30 mpg | 25 mpg |
| Horsepower | 181–308 hp | 181–308 hp | 181–308 hp | 200–308 hp |
| Torque | 275–369 lb-ft | 275–369 lb-ft | 191–369 lb-ft | 191–275 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 7550 lb | 7550 lb | 7000–7550 lb | 7000 lb |
| Rear Legroom | 35.8 in | 35.8 in | 28.6–35.8 in | 28.6–35.8 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 4–5 | 4–5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 2–4 | 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 | ||||
| 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
What is the biggest change to the 2021 GMC Canyon?
The biggest change is a mid-cycle refresh that brings revised front-end styling, a simplified four-trim range, and the first Canyon AT4 off-road model. It is an update to the existing second-generation truck, not a full redesign.
Is the 2021 GMC Canyon AT4 new for this year?
Yes, the Canyon AT4 is new for 2021 and takes over the off-road role previously held by the All Terrain grade. It has standard four-wheel drive, an off-road suspension, hill descent control, a transfer-case shield, red recovery hooks, and a 3.6-liter V6.
Did the 2021 GMC Canyon get new engines?
No, the 2021 Canyon carries over its engine range. The lineup retains the 2.5-liter four-cylinder, 3.6-liter V6, and 2.8-liter diesel, depending on trim.
Was the 2021 GMC Canyon fully redesigned?
No, the 2021 Canyon was not fully redesigned. It remains part of the second generation introduced for 2015, with refreshed styling and a reorganized trim lineup rather than a new structure or chassis.
How is the 2021 GMC Canyon Denali different from the 2020 version?
The 2021 Canyon Denali has a more distinctive front end with a new Denali grille, refreshed upscale trim details, and a standard heated steering wheel. Its comfort-focused equipment also includes heated and ventilated leather-appointed front seats, navigation, Bose audio, and wireless charging.
2021 GMC Canyon Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2021 GMC Canyon.
4.1
2021 GMC Canyon
(155 reviews)
“If you want no frills, but a truck with a reasonable price and quality, this is the one.”
“If you want capability, comfort and performance in a mid-size pickup, the GMC Canyon AT4 is the truck to buy.”