“was told it had cruise control, but I did not look and bought it anyway also it should have had it along with remote control..”
GMC Canyon: Trims, Generations & Buyer's Guide
Last updated August 13, 2026
The GMC Canyon is a midsize pickup known for combining everyday truck usefulness with an upscale cabin, strong towing ability, and a growing emphasis on off-road driving. Recent versions lean more toward premium and adventure-ready than bare-bones work truck.
The Canyon began as a practical midsize truck with a wide mix of engines, cabs, and work-focused configurations. Over time, it developed a more upscale identity through Denali luxury models and increasingly capable trail trims. Since the 2023 redesign, that premium, adventure-ready character has shaped the whole lineup rather than just a few versions.
Strengths
- The cabin has a more upscale look and feel than a basic work truck.
- Recent Canyons pair a strong turbo engine with useful low-speed pulling power; the 2026 model is rated at 310 horsepower.
- Properly equipped 2026 models can tow up to 7,700 pounds.
- AT4 and AT4X give trail-focused shoppers clear steps beyond the road-oriented trims.
- The latest generation includes large dashboard screens and built-in tools that make towing and trailering easier to manage.
- Its midsize footprint and polished interior help it work well as both a useful pickup and an everyday vehicle.
Who it's for
The Canyon suits someone who wants useful towing and pickup-bed capability without moving up to a full-size truck. It is especially appealing as a daily driver for shoppers who value a polished cabin, bold styling, and real trail ability more than a basic work-truck setup.
GMC Canyon lineup
In recent years, Elevation has served as the straightforward starting point, so pick it if you want the Canyon’s strong turbo power and modern cabin without the more specialized personality of the upper trims. AT4 is the trail-focused middle ground, aimed at drivers who want meaningful off-road ability while keeping the truck comfortable for everyday use. Denali takes the luxury route with a more comfort- and technology-focused identity. Since 2023, AT4X has been the serious off-road flagship; choose it over AT4 when tougher trail hardware matters more than value or luxury.
GMC Canyon generations
From 2009 to 2026, the Canyon spans three generations. The current 3rd Generation arrived for 2023, following the 2nd Generation (2015–2022).
3rd Generation (2023–Present)
The Canyon was fully redesigned with a wider, factory-lifted stance and a crew-cab, short-bed body only. Every version uses a 310-hp 2.7-liter turbo four-cylinder, and the cabin centers on an 11.3-inch touchscreen.
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2026Trim changes
AT4X returns as a standalone trim after being treated as an AT4 package for 2025.
2025Trim changes
The lineup drops to Elevation, AT4, and Denali, with AT4X hardware folded into AT4 packages. More driver-assistance and towing features become standard.
2024
Every trim gets the larger 11-inch driver display. Software updates and launch control for the AT4X's Baja mode also arrive.
2023New generation
A full redesign brings a crew-cab, short-bed layout, a standard lifted stance, one turbo four-cylinder engine, and an 11.3-inch touchscreen. AT4X joins as a new off-road trim.
2nd Generation (2015–2022)
The Canyon returned after a two-year break with a new frame, body, and cabin. This generation offered several cab and bed layouts, four-cylinder and V6 gas engines, and later a diesel, with refreshed front styling and a simpler trim lineup arriving for 2021.
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2022
The final year of this generation is mostly unchanged. A Denali Black Edition appearance package and renamed Elevation Premium package are the main updates.
2021Mid-cycle update
Refreshed front styling arrives with a simplified four-trim lineup. AT4 debuts as the off-road trim, and Denali gets a more distinctive look.
2020Trim changes
Equipment and safety packages are shuffled, and a remote-locking tailgate is added.
2019Trim changes
The touchscreen system gets a refreshed interface and broader smartphone support.
2018Trim changes
All Terrain becomes a standalone off-road trim instead of an SLE package, with cloth and leather-appointed versions.
2017Trim changes
Denali joins for the first time as the top luxury trim. V6 models also get an updated engine and an eight-speed automatic transmission.
2016
A new SL entry trim joins the lineup, and a 2.8-liter turbo-diesel engine arrives later in the model year.
2015New generation
The Canyon returns after skipping 2013 and 2014 with a new platform, body, cabin, and gas four-cylinder and V6 engines.
1st Generation (2004–2012)
The original Canyon was a midsize pickup offered in regular, extended, and crew cab styles with rear- or four-wheel drive. Its later years brought stronger engine choices and gradual safety and equipment upgrades rather than a full redesign.
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2012
Upper SLE models get standard front bucket seats, while an automatic locking rear differential becomes standard on four-wheel-drive and crew-cab models.
2011
Bluetooth phone connectivity becomes standard, and the front-seat head restraints are redesigned.
2010
Front and rear head-curtain side airbags become standard. The V8 also gets updated valve controls.
2009
A 5.3-liter V8 joins the engine range for extended- and crew-cab trucks. Brakes are upgraded, and electronic stability control becomes standard.
What's new by year
See what changed in a specific model year of the GMC Canyon.
Frequently asked questions
Is the GMC Canyon a full-size or midsize truck?
The GMC Canyon is a midsize pickup. Since the 2023 redesign, it has come only as a four-door crew cab with a short bed. Older Canyons used a wider mix of regular, extended, and crew cabs with different bed lengths.
What is the GMC Canyon known for?
The Canyon is known for mixing useful truck capability with a more upscale feel. Newer models combine strong turbo power, large dashboard screens, towing tools, and a lifted stance, while AT4 and AT4X emphasize trails and Denali emphasizes comfort.
Who is the GMC Canyon a good fit for?
The Canyon fits shoppers who need a pickup bed and useful towing ability but do not want a full-size truck. Elevation suits everyday use, AT4 and AT4X suit drivers who regularly leave pavement, and Denali suits those who want a more polished cabin.
How many generations of the GMC Canyon are there?
There are three U.S. generations. The first ran from 2004 through 2012, followed by a two-year break. The second arrived for 2015 and ran through 2022. The current third generation began with the 2023 redesign.
Does the GMC Canyon come as a hybrid?
No. The Canyon has used gasoline engines and, in some second-generation trucks, a diesel rather than a hybrid system. Since the 2023 redesign, every Canyon has used a 310-hp 2.7-liter turbocharged four-cylinder gas engine.
Does the GMC Canyon come with a diesel engine?
Only some older used Canyons have a diesel. The 2.8-liter turbo-diesel joined the second generation for 2016 and remained through its 2022 finale. The redesigned Canyon from 2023 onward uses one turbocharged gasoline engine instead.
Is the GMC Canyon good for towing?
Yes, when properly equipped. In the latest lineup, maximum towing ranges from 6,000 to 7,700 pounds depending on the version. Some second-generation diesel Canyons also reached a 7,700-pound maximum, so the exact engine, drivetrain, and equipment matter when shopping used.
GMC Canyon Reviews
What owners are saying about the GMC Canyon.
4.1
GMC Canyon
(2,071 reviews)
“Does what I need. Comfort on long drives. Ergonomic space for me at 5'9" and 200 lbs. Options I wanted and low mileage for the year made.”
“Has good power, shifts nicely, has a good ride for a 4 wh. drive mid size Truck. Good body design, nice rims on the AT4”
“If you are ok with it missing lots of high end amenities, although it's a Denali trim, the truck is fairly nice looking and drives well.”
“It's a real looker. It rides sweet. But it's very "busy" inside. Talk about driver distraction, but it has a lot of conveniences.”
“Rear seat legroom in this vehicle is severely lacking and even smaller than the 2007 Colorado I had previously! If I'd known how little room there was in this vehicle I'd have kept the Colorado! I'd also not have ordered this Canyon if I'd seen beforehand how much bigger it is than my 2007 Colorado. The headlights in the dim position are severely lacking.”
Sources
- gmc.com — Download Brochures / 2024 Models / GMTC23CT100 2024 CANYON FO 010424 FINAL
- news.gmc.com — 2023 / Jul / 0706 Canyon
- gmc.com — 2023 Models / 02 Pdf / GMTC23CT000FO MY23 GMC CANYON 062323
- news.gmc.com — 2022 / Aug / 0811 Canyon
- gmc.com — Trucks / My24 Canyon / Elevation
- gmc.com — Trucks / My24 Canyon / At4
- gmc.com — Trucks / My24 Canyon / Denali
- gmc.com — 2022 Models / 02 Pdf / GMTC22CT000FO MY22 GMC CANYON 3 28
- gmc.com — 2023 Models / 02 Pdf / GMTC23CT000 MY23 GMC CANYON MOBILE 103023 INTERACTIVE
- gmc.com — 2023 Models / 02 Pdf / GMTC23CT000 MY23 GMC CANYON DESKTOP 111323 INTERACTIVE
- gmc.com — 2022 Models / 02 Pdf / GMTC22CT000 MY22 GMC CANYON DESKTOP INTERACTIVE 6 21
- gmc.com — 2022 Models / 02 Pdf / GMTC22CT000FO MY22 GMC CANYON 062122