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2019 GMC Canyon review

Research, photos, specs, and expertise
6 photos

GMC Canyon highlights

Customer rating

RepairPal reliability rating

Pros

  • Satisfying driving dynamics
  • Plenty of towing capacity
  • Intuitive infotainment system

Cons

  • Few driver-assist systems offered
  • Not much in-cab storage space
  • Low front air dam is a problem when off-roading

Mileage (EPA estimate)

17 city, 24 highway, 19 combined

Pricing for current inventory

(no current inventory)

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Technology updates headline improvements to the 2019 GMC Canyon

Shop for a 2019 GMC Canyon, and you’ll find SL, Canyon, SLE, All Terrain, SLT, and Denali versions of this midsize pickup truck. Depending on the trim, the 2019 Canyon offers an extended or crew cab and a standard or short cargo bed.

Four-cylinder, turbocharged diesel four-cylinder, and V6 engines are available, powering the rear wheels or all four of them through the available four-wheel-drive system. Depending on the configuration, the Canyon can tow up to 7,700 pounds and carry up to 1,605 pounds of payload. Various factors may impact towing capacity, including weight of passengers, cargo, and options/accessories. Integrated rear bumper steps, a lightweight tailgate, and numerous cargo tie-down points enhance utility.

The infotainment systems that debuted for 2019 include a 7-inch or 8-inch touchscreen, along with an enhanced voice recognition system, Apple CarPlay®, Android Auto™, satellite radio, connected services, an available Wi-Fi hotspot, a navigation system, and a Bose premium audio system. 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. GMC also added a high-definition reversing camera to the 2019 Canyon, while expanding the availability of wireless smartphone charging and a heated steering wheel. A rear parking assistance system is new, too.

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 2019 GMC Canyon?

  • Enhanced safety features now include automatic emergency braking and lane-keeping assist.
  • New infotainment system with larger touchscreen and improved connectivity options.
  • Standard all-wheel drive available on select trims for better handling in adverse conditions.
  • Updated engine options providing increased fuel efficiency and reduced emissions.

2019 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
  • Manual Transmission
  • View our GMC Canyon inventory

SL:

SLE:

  • Includes all features available on the SL
  • 181-hp, 369-lb-ft of torque 2.8L
  • Rear Defroster
  • Cruise Control
  • Power Mirrors
  • Satellite Radio Ready
  • CD Audio
  • View our GMC Canyon SLE inventory

SLT:

All Terrain:

Denali:

  • Includes all features available on the All Terrain
  • A/C Seats
  • 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

Good to drive: Thanks to its 3.6-liter V6 engine, the Canyon is quick in a straight line and offers respectable towing capacity. Opt for the 2.8-liter turbodiesel four-cylinder engine, and you’ll enjoy fuel economy that can reach an EPA-estimated 30 mpg on the highway.

In addition, the Canyon’s comfortable ride and athletic handling make the truck enjoyable to drive. Upgrades to the All Terrain trim level make the Canyon more capable off-road.

Class-leading tow capacity: While the 2019 Ford Ranger and its turbocharged four-cylinder engine gave the 2019 Canyon fresh competition in the towing department, it still can’t match the 7,700-pound rating of the GMC’s optional 2.8-liter turbodiesel four-cylinder engine (when properly equipped).

Simple and easy infotainment: The 2019 Canyon’s infotainment system improves on technology that we already liked. The next-generation technology responds faster to inputs, and the available high-resolution screen with new graphics improves readability and overall sophistication. In addition, the voice recognition system better recognizes commands and executes functions. All the features we liked from the old system carry over, including Apple CarPlay®, Android Auto™, and access to a Wi-Fi hotspot with a paid subscription.

What Needs Improvement

Not many driver assist features: GMC improves visibility this year thanks to a new high-definition reversing camera and a rear parking assist system. However, the only other driver-assistance and collision avoidance features are a forward collision warning system and a lane departure warning system. Critical features such as automatic emergency braking and blind-spot warning are unavailable on the Canyon.

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Ratings & reliability

Customer ratings

4.4 out of 5

12 customer reviews

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

Optional Features

  • Leather Seats
  • Lane Departure Warning
  • Bed Cover
  • Bed Liner
  • Tow Hitch
  • Running Boards
  • Navigation System
  • 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

140.5"

Overall length

224.6"

Width

74.3"

Height

70.6"

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

Max towing capacity

700/7700 lbs.

Transmission

Automatic

2019 GMC Canyon FAQ

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