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2018 GMC Canyon review

Research, photos, specs, and expertise
6 photos

GMC Canyon highlights

Customer rating

RepairPal reliability rating

Pros

  • Stout towing capacity
  • Pleasing driving dynamics
  • Impressive infotainment system

Cons

  • Few safety features
  • Lacks in-cab storage space
  • Front air dam hampers off-roading

Mileage (EPA estimate)

17 city, 24 highway, 19 combined

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For towing in style, no midsize truck beats the 2018 GMC Canyon

The 2018 GMC Canyon is a midsize pickup truck available in extended-cab and crew-cab styles equipped with a standard or short cargo bed.

Gas four-cylinder and V6 engines are common, but the 2018 Canyon also offers a turbocharged 2.8-liter four-cylinder diesel engine that can tow up to 7,700 pounds, when properly equipped. Various factors may impact towing capacity, including weight of passengers, cargo, and options/accessories. Depending on the configuration, the Canyon’s maximum payload rating is 1,605 pounds. Four-wheel drive is optional.

Available trims include base SL, Canyon, SLE, All Terrain, SLT, and Denali. A 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system is standard, and the Canyon All Terrain is available with leather upholstery. The available 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system provides access to Apple CarPlay®, Android Auto™, satellite radio, and services like a Wi-Fi hotspot. Wi-Fi hotspots require a data plan to activate and may also require a compatible device. See the owner's manual or manufacturer website for more information. A navigation system and a Bose premium audio system are available.

Driver assist features are limited to the optional forward collision warning and lane departure warning. Otherwise, Canyons compete favorably with rivals and offer handy steps integrated into the back bumper, a tailgate that’s easy to lower and lift, and 13 cargo tie-down points.

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 2018 GMC Canyon?

  • Trim Added: New Sport Edition with enhanced performance features.
  • Standard Equipment on all models now includes advanced safety technology.
  • New Equipment: Infotainment system upgraded to include larger touchscreen and smartphone integration.
  • Improved fuel efficiency ratings across all trims.
  • Significant removal of optional luxury package previously available.

2018 GMC Canyon trims

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

Base:

  • 2.5L
  • 3.6L
  • 200-hp, 191-lb-ft of torque 2.5L
  • 308-hp, 275-lb-ft of torque 3.6L
  • Cloth Seats
  • Power Seats
  • Traction Control
  • Side Airbags
  • Overhead Airbags
  • Rear View Camera
  • Alloy Wheels
  • 4WD/AWD
  • View our GMC Canyon inventory

SL:

SLE:

SLT:

All Terrain:

Denali:

  • Includes all features available on the All Terrain
  • A/C Seats
  • Heated Steering Wheel
  • Lane Departure Warning
  • Bed Liner
  • Running Boards
  • 20 Inch Plus Wheels
  • BOSE Sound System
  • Navigation System
  • View our GMC Canyon Denali inventory

GMC Canyon photos

What We Like

Pleasing performance: Choose the Canyon’s 3.6-liter V6 engine for quick acceleration and good towing power, or select the turbocharged 2.8-liter diesel four-cylinder for maximum towing capacity combined with an EPA-estimated 30 mpg while driving on the highway.

In addition, the Canyon is easy to drive and maneuver, and offers a comfortable ride quality and decent handling. All Terrain models offer decent off-roading capability for people who need it.

Tows plenty of weight: The Canyon’s maximum tow rating with the V6 engine is 7,000 pounds (when properly equipped).

That’s impressive for this size truck, but with the 2.8-liter turbodiesel four-cylinder, the Canyon is even more capable, with 7,700 pounds of towing capacity.
As for payload, the two-wheel-drive crew cab short bed can handle up to 1,605 pounds of passengers and cargo.

Intuitive infotainment: GMC’s infotainment systems are simple to understand and operate. In the Canyon, touchscreen sizes measure 7 or 8 inches, and both systems include Bluetooth® connectivity. The larger screen adds Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and access to connected services, including a Wi-Fi hotspot, with a paid subscription.

A navigation system and Bose® premium sound system are available on the 2018 Canyon.

What Needs Improvement

Driver assist: With nothing more than a reversing camera, forward collision warning, and lane departure warning on the menu, the 2018 Canyon lacks driver-assist features. Some people won’t miss the extra driving aids, while others may feel uncomfortable without them. Fortunately, the reversing camera is standard equipment, ensuring you can easily see to the back.

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Ratings & reliability

Customer ratings

4.5 out of 5

8 customer reviews
The 2018 GMC Canyon receives strong praise for its stylish design, reliability, fuel economy, and smooth ride. However, concerns about seat comfort, rear cabin space, and underwhelming technology features were raised. Overall, it balances utility and comfort while providing dependable performance, especially in adverse weather conditions.

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

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

Optional Features

  • Lane Departure Warning
  • Leather Seats
  • Running Boards
  • Bed Liner
  • Long Bed
  • 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

265/60R18

Rear tires

265/60R18

Seating capacity

5

Transmission

Automatic

2018 GMC Canyon FAQ

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