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2017 GMC Canyon review

Research, photos, specs, and expertise
6 photos

GMC Canyon highlights

Customer rating

RepairPal reliability rating

Pros

  • Great towing capacity
  • Strong diesel engine
  • Many configurations

Cons

  • Small back seats
  • Few driver assist features
  • Low ground clearance

Mileage (EPA estimate)

17 city, 24 highway, 19 combined

Pricing for current inventory

From $20,998*

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Many options, with strong performance

The 2017 GMC Canyon is a midsize pickup that has lots of available options. For starters, choose between three available engines: a four-cylinder, a V6, and a four-cylinder turbo-diesel. Next, choose between standard rear-wheel or available four-wheel drive. The 2017 Canyon also comes with three seating configurations, two bed sizes, and five trim levels. Whether you need a work truck, a daily driver that can handle school pickups, or a capable towing machine, the 2017 GMC Canyon offers something for you.

All GMC Canyon years

Not sure what year to select? Learn about each GMC Canyon generation from 2012 to 2026

What is new for the 2017 GMC Canyon?

  • Trim Added: New Sport trim introduced for enhanced performance.
  • Standard Equipment on all: Now includes advanced safety features like automatic emergency braking.
  • New Equipment: All models now come with a larger infotainment touchscreen and updated software.
  • Significant Removal: Previous base model's manual transmission option has been discontinued.

GMC Canyon photos

5 reasons to buy the 2017 GMC Canyon

1. Towing potential 

Whether you need to move gear around your farm or bring your ATVs to the trail, the 2017 GMC Canyon is up for the challenge. With the available 305-hp 3.6L V6, the 2017 GMC Canyon can tow up to 7,000 pounds when properly equipped.

For more towing power, choose a Canyon with the available 181-hp 2.8L turbo diesel four-cylinder, which can tow up to 7,700 pounds when properly equipped.
 

2. Ready for adventure 

The 2017 GMC Canyon is ready for your next camping trip or trail ride, especially when equipped with the available four-wheel drive. For the best performance, choose the available All-Terrain package, which includes off-road suspension, automatic locking rear-differential, and hill-descent control. The package also adds heated seats and distinct interior styling.  

3. Upscale Denali trim 

If you always take advantage of an available upgrade, you’ll like that the 2017 GMC Canyon is available in the luxurious Denali trim for the first time. The Denali adds leather upholstery, heated seats and steering wheel, and a wireless charging pad to keep you comfortable inside. Cargo lamps and spray-in bedliner make even the bed seem luxurious.  

4. Smartphone connectivity 

The 2017 GMC Canyon makes it easy to stay connected to your favorite podcasts and playlists. The SLE trim and higher come with standard Apple Carplay® and Android Auto™ connectivity, which are available options on the base trim too. Music will sound best on the Denali trim, which comes with a seven-speaker Bose® audio system.   

5. Work ready 

Maybe you need a truck that’s ready to work, without too many frills. If so, choose the entry-level SL trim (the true base trim–not to be confused with the “base Canyon,” which is actually the second trim). The SL comes with vinyl seating and floor covers, making it easy to wipe clean after even the messiest work days.

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Ratings & reliability

Customer ratings

4 out of 5

6 customer reviews
The 2017 GMC Canyon scores points for stylish design, robust power, and spacious interiors, but faces criticism over costly maintenance, fuel economy, and transmission issues. It's suitable for light work and everyday driving if potential reliability concerns are understood.

RepairPal reliability rating

4
Excellent

RepairPal gave the GMC Canyon an overall reliability rating of 4 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Excellent. This rating ranks GMC Canyon 3rd out of 8 among Midsize Trucks.

View RepairPal's full rating of the GMC Canyon

GMC Canyon features and specs

Curious how GMC Canyon trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities

SLT 4D Crew Cab 2WD

Standard Features

  • Overhead Airbags
  • Power Mirrors
  • Cruise Control
  • Remote Start
  • ABS Brakes
  • Power Seat(s)
  • Side Airbags
  • Front Seat Heaters
  • Rear View Camera
  • Power Locks
  • Traction Control
  • Power Windows
  • Leather Seats
  • Air Conditioning
  • Rear Defroster
  • Heated Mirrors
  • Alloy Wheels
  • Automatic Transmission
  • Turbo Diesel Engine
  • Auxiliary Audio Input
  • Bluetooth Technology
  • Satellite Radio Ready
  • AM/FM Stereo

Optional Features

  • Leather Seats
  • Lane Departure Warning
  • Bed Liner
  • Long Bed
  • Tow Hitch
  • Bed Cover
  • Running Boards
  • Apple CarPlay
  • BOSE Sound System

Drive Wheels

Rear Wheel Drive (2WD)

Engine size

2.8L

Horsepower

181

Torque (ft-lbs)

369

Engine type

Turbo Diesel

Fuel capacity

21

Wheelbase

128.3"

Overall length

212.4"

Width

74.3"

Height

70.7"

Leg room

F 45"/R 35.8"

Head room

F 41.4"/R 38.3"

Front tires

P265/60R18

Rear tires

P265/60R18

Seating capacity

5

Max towing capacity

700/7700 lbs.

Transmission

Automatic

2017 GMC Canyon FAQ

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* Price excludes taxes, title, registration, and fees. Applicable transfer fees are due in advance of vehicle delivery and are separate from sales transactions.

We hope you found this information helpful. This content is intended to inform and is not meant to indicate that a particular vehicle is currently available or recommended for you.​

Statements of fuel economy or EV range are based on EPA and other third-party estimates for vehicles when new. Fuel economy and EV range will degrade with time and vary based on age, driving conditions, vehicle history, and other conditions. See fueleconomy.gov for more info.

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