GMC has revamped its midsize pickup truck, the Canyon, alongside its sibling, the Chevrolet Colorado, for the 2023 model year. This redesign prioritizes modern features, expands off-road capabilities and trims, and streamlines powertrain options. While the increase in midsize pickup options is welcome, especially for those who don’t require the bulk of full-size trucks like the Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Ford F-150, or Ram 1500, GMC’s reduction in Canyon variations is somewhat surprising. The new Canyon is exclusively offered as a four-door crew cab with a short bed, eliminating single cab and long-bed configurations. Furthermore, V6 and diesel engines are no longer available, replaced by a turbocharged four-cylinder engine offered in two power outputs.
Overall, the redesigned Canyon presents several notable enhancements over its predecessor. It boasts improved acceleration, enhanced handling, increased comfort, and better fuel efficiency. The front seating and driving position are significantly improved, offering better posture and a wider range of adjustability compared to the previous generation.
However, some shortcomings persist. The four-cylinder engine exhibits noticeable vibrations at lower RPMs and an unrefined engine note. Rear passenger space remains limited, particularly for adult occupants.
To provide a hands-on assessment for these Gmc Canyon Reviews, we purchased a GMC Canyon Elevation 4WD from a local dealership, adhering to our standard anonymous vehicle testing procedure.
On the Road: Driving Performance
The 2023 Canyon is powered by a single engine choice: a 310-horsepower, 2.7-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine marketed as “TurboMax.” This engine delivers robust mid-range power, although accessing its full potential requires a deeper press of the accelerator pedal than one might expect. When pushed, it achieves a 0 to 60 mph acceleration in 6.9 seconds, a respectable figure for a midsize pickup. However, the engine’s sound becomes somewhat coarse and raspy at higher revolutions. The Canyon achieves 19 mpg overall in fuel economy testing, which is competitive within its class. However, when considering that the full-size Ford F-150, equipped with a 2.7-liter turbocharged V6, achieves the same fuel economy, the Canyon’s fuel efficiency advantage is less pronounced.
Alt text: Front view of the GMC Canyon Elevation 4WD model, showcasing its redesigned grille and headlights, relevant to GMC Canyon reviews.
The handling of the Canyon is commendable for a truck, characterized by responsive steering and minimal body roll. The suspension maintains predictable tracking through corners, even on uneven road surfaces. We were also pleasantly surprised by the Canyon’s performance in our emergency avoidance maneuver and track handling evaluations. A particularly appreciated feature in four-wheel-drive models is the Auto setting, which allows for on-demand 4WD engagement without driver intervention, a significant benefit on slippery roads. In contrast to many competitors, the Canyon effectively absorbs road imperfections, providing a ride quality that is compliant rather than excessively stiff or jarring.
For truck-specific tasks, the Canyon offers a generous maximum towing capacity of 7,700 pounds and a payload capacity of 1,620 pounds. A built-in step integrated into the rear bumper simplifies access to the truck bed. For those interested in off-road adventures, the AT4X model stands out, featuring a two-inch factory lift kit, low-range gearing, and robust all-terrain tires. These features are frequently highlighted positively in GMC Canyon reviews focusing on off-road capabilities.
Inside the Cabin: Comfort and Convenience
The front seating and driving position have been improved in the 2023 Canyon, offering a wider range of adjustments compared to the previous generation. However, overall comfort remains merely average. As is typical in smaller trucks, the rear seat is notably cramped, with limited headroom and legroom and a rather upright seatback. Noise levels, particularly from the unrefined turbocharged four-cylinder engine, received negative marks; the engine’s raspy sound quality contributes to a less pleasant in-cabin experience. The interior of our tested Elevation model prioritizes functionality over luxury, presenting a more utilitarian rather than opulent environment. Overall, the cabin leans towards functional practicality rather than lavish comfort, a point often mentioned in GMC Canyon reviews regarding interior appointments.
Alt text: Interior view of the GMC Canyon dashboard and infotainment system, highlighting the control layout and screen integration, important for GMC Canyon reviews focusing on interior features.
Most controls are user-friendly, but some operational quirks exist. For instance, resetting the trip computer necessitates interacting with the central infotainment screen. The placement of the wiper controls on a stalk to the left of the steering column, rather than the more conventional right side, is also unusual. This configuration makes it easy to inadvertently activate the windshield wiper mist or spray functions when using the turn signal. GMC’s decision to require users to navigate the infotainment screen to adjust automatic high beams or activate fog lamps is also a puzzling design choice from a usability perspective.
Safety Features
All Canyon models are equipped with “Canyon Pro Safety,” a suite of standard safety features including forward collision warning, city and highway speed automatic emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, lane keeping assistance, lane departure warning, and automatic high beams. This safety suite can be further enhanced on all trim levels with optional features such as blind spot warning, rear cross traffic warning, reverse automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, and adaptive cruise control. Regrettably, General Motors’ advanced Super Cruise hands-free driving assistance system is not offered on the Canyon. While standard safety features are comprehensive, the absence of Super Cruise might be a point of consideration for buyers seeking top-tier driver-assistance technology, a detail often noted in GMC Canyon reviews comparing safety tech offerings.
Conclusion
The 2023 GMC Canyon represents a significant update to the midsize pickup truck, bringing improvements in performance, handling, and technology. While the new turbocharged four-cylinder engine offers adequate power and fuel economy, its refinement and engine note could be improved. The updated interior provides enhanced front seat comfort, but rear passenger space remains limited. Overall, the redesigned GMC Canyon is a competitive offering in the midsize truck segment, balancing capability with modern features, but potential buyers should weigh its strengths and weaknesses based on their individual needs and priorities, as detailed in these GMC Canyon reviews.
