2022 GMC Canyon

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

Of the Canyon’s trio of engines, we’d steer you away from base 2.5-liter four-cylinder. Higher models feature a standard 308-hp 3.6-liter V-6 mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. Not only does the V-6 have cylinder deactivation in an attempt to preserve fuel, but it’s also one of the quickest mid-size pickups we’ve tested.

The diesel four-cylinder sacrifices speed in favor of fuel efficiency and towing proficiency. Indeed, the 2022 GMC Canyon’s diesel engine is surprisingly polished, however, it’ll cost buyers a chunk of change. The Canyon’s ride quality doesn’t transcend its class, but it manages to successfully strike a balance between soft and firm damping.

On bumpy and unpaved roads, it’s very capable and will soak up most imperfections while muting harshness. The AT4 model should elevate the pickup’s off-road capability even more with its upgraded suspension. At highway speeds, the 2022 GMC Canyon is stable and relaxed.

Around town, its smaller dimensions and agility require less driver attention in traffic and in tight confines. A firm brake pedal provided responsive feedback in the 2022 GMC Canyon we tested.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

The 2022 GMC Canyon with the gas-powered four-cylinder is rated up to 19 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway. The V-6 powertrain is expected to earn up to 18 mpg city and 25 highway, and the diesel version has estimates of up to 20 mpg city and 30 highway.

On our 75-mph fuel-economy route, which is part of our extensive testing regimen, all-wheel-drive examples of the diesel earned 28 mpg and the V-6 earned 22 mpg. For more information about the Canyon’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

The 2022 GMC Canyon‘s interior design is high on function and low on flash. It features an upright instrument panel layout and controls that are easy to reach and read. Unfortunately, the center console is burdened by a jumbo shifter.

Plastic toggle switches for accessory equipment on the center stack are handy and accessible, but they look cheap in pricier trim levels as with the Denali we tested. Therein lies our biggest complaint about the 2022 GMC Canyon‘s interior: even in Denali trim, it never feels like a premium environment.

Its front seat is wonderfully spacious. However, the back seat has limited legroom. The elevated rear-seating position improves comfort, but three adults will be squished on long trips. The 2022 GMC Canyon may not have as much room for carrying suitcases inside the cab, but it has the most cargo-bed volume and significantly more space for smaller items than its rivals.

Its deep center console bin, multiple door pockets, and other miscellaneous storage spots throughout the cabin provide refuge for an assortment of loose items. For items that take up a lot of space, there’s a giant plastic bin under the rear seat (only on the crew cab).

Infotainment and Connectivity

The 2022 GMC Canyon‘s touchscreen infotainment system is attractive and intuitive, with standard features such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The screen is easy to use, with rubberized knobs for volume and tuning and redundant hard buttons for quick operation.

The SLE model and up have an 8.0-inch touchscreen with a 4G LTE mobile hotspot. The Denali has an exclusive wireless charging pad, and the Bose premium audio system is also standard.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

The Canyon offers little in the way of driver-assistance technology, leaving it far behind the Honda Ridgeline, the Toyota Tacoma, and now even the Nissan Frontier. If you’re a customer who wants every piece of safety tech there is, you’ll have to look elsewhere.

For more information about the Canyon’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites.

Photos

Full Specifications