beebs

2021 GMC Canyon review

Research, photos, specs, and expertise
6 photos

GMC Canyon highlights

Customer rating

Pros

  • Available diesel engine
  • Comfortable ride
  • Great handling

Cons

  • Small front seats
  • Limited in-cab storage
  • Rear seats are cramped

Mileage (EPA estimate)

17 city, 24 highway, 19 combined

Pricing for current inventory

(no current inventory)

6 photos
Price
Year

A rugged truck that's ready for anything

In need of a rugged vehicle that can go wherever life takes you? The 2021 GMC Canyon is a go-anywhere pickup truck that can be found in multiple configurations to suit your lifestyle. Whether you need to head off the beaten track for work or want to run errands while in the lap of luxury, there's a GMC Canyon out there for you.

All GMC Canyon years

What is new for the 2021 GMC Canyon?

  • The Canyon is available in a variety of new trims, including the AT4, Elevation, and Elevation Standard.
  • The All Terrain, Base, SL, SLE, and SLT trims have been discontinued for 2021.
  • Canyon trims have been upgraded with Bed Cover as standard equipment this year.
  • Long Bed and Full Roof Rack features are now available as options on select trims.

2021 GMC Canyon trims

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

Elevation Standard: 

  • Four-way power driver seat, stability control system, tire pressure monitoring system, rearview camera, Bluetooth connectivity, seven-inch touch screen, and more. Additional convenience package available.

Elevation: 

  • Adds six-way power driver seat, LED fog lamps, eight-inch touch screen, and unlocks available driver assistance features and additional packages.

AT4: 

  • Adds automatic locking rear differential, off-road suspension package, power driver lumbar control, advance hill descent control, trim-exclusive leather seats, and more.

Denali: 

  • Adds trailering package, leather-appointed front and rear seats, heated and ventilated front seats, driver-assist features, eight-inch screen with navigation, trim-specific exterior design features, and more.

View all GMC Canyons in stock

GMC Canyon photos

5 reasons to buy the 2021 GMC Canyon

1. Capable work truck

2021 GMC Canyon Review: Trunk | CarMax

The base Elevation Standard trim of the 2021 GMC Canyon comes without any unnecessary bells and whistles. This means it's a great option for the worksite when you don't need all the little luxuries of a daily driver. As standard, it comes with two-wheel-drive and the 2.5L four-cylinder engine but there's the option of the powerful V6 engine and four-wheel-drive if you need a bit more grunt. Seating either four or five people, depending on the cab size, you can take your crew along with you, too.

2. Luxury awaits

2021 GMC Canyon Review: Exterior | CarMax

If you're going to be using your pickup for longer journeys or just like the finer things in life, the Denali trim has you covered. It has everything you need for off-road adventures, as well as luxury touches such as driver lumbar control, heated and ventilated front seats, a Bose premium sound system, and wireless charging. Alongside the premium cabin and advanced technologies, you get a stand-out truck that's ready to turn heads thanks to the redesigned Denali grille and trim-specific exterior accents.

3. Great towing capacity

2021 GMC Canyon Review: Engine | CarMax

With the available diesel engine, the 2021 GMC Canyon lets you tow your favorite toys or work gear behind you, too. The 2.8L Duramax engine can tow an estimated 7,700 lbs, when properly equipped, allowing you to haul a trailer or camper behind you.

 The low-end torque of the diesel engine also makes it fantastic for heading off-road. You know what this means – the 2021 GMC Canyon would make a great companion for wilderness camping trips. Look out for the Trailering Package if you'd like to add extra capability to the base, Elevation or AT4 trims; it comes standard on Denali models.

4. Ready for adventure

2021 GMC Canyon Review: Cell | CarMax

The 2021 Canyon's AT4 trim is designed for those who love to go off the beaten path. It has presence and style as well as the ability to keep going once the pavement ends. You have two engine options: either the 2.8L diesel or the mighty 3.5L V6, and four-wheel-drive comes standard on this trim. The off-road suspension package is fantastic for those times when the terrain gets a little rough, plus you'll also get hill descent control and an automatic locking rear differential. This makes the AT4 trim a great choice if you love the challenge of off-road driving, or want a go-anywhere vehicle that's ready for the adventures you and your crew will throw at it.

5. Driving made simple

2021 GMC Canyon Review: Dashboard | CarMax

The available driver assistance tech makes everyday driving easy. You already get the high ride height of a pickup truck, which gives you great visibility over the road ahead, and added features such as forward collision alert and lane-departure warning (available from Elevation trim) give you that extra peace of mind. There's also a Convenience Package available for the base model if you want cruise control, keyless entry, and an EZ-Lift and Lower tailgate.

Similar vehicles

If you're interested in the 2021 GMC Canyon, you should also check out these similar vehicles from Previous generation years.

Image of Ford Ranger

Reintroduced after a hiatus, the 2019-2021 Ford Ranger is a midsize pickup available in SuperCab and SuperCrew body styles and three trims (XL, XLT, Lariat). 2019-2021 models use a 270-hp turbocharged 2.3L four-cylinder engine with 310 lb-ft of torque that can tow an estimated 7,500 lbs., when properly equipped.

Standard features on the 2019-2021 Ford Ranger XL include:

  • 16-inch silver steel wheels

  • Cloth upholstery

  • Rearview monitor with hitch assist

Shop with your budget in mind

Getting pre-qualified lets you shop with personalized monthly payments, and it doesn't impact your credit score.Get Pre-qualified

Ratings & reliability

Customer ratings

4.8 out of 5

4 customer reviews
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

Denali 2WD 4D Crew Cab

Standard Features

  • 20 Inch Plus Wheels
  • A/C Seat(s)
  • ABS Brakes
  • Air Conditioning
  • Alloy Wheels
  • AM/FM Stereo
  • Android Auto
  • Apple CarPlay
  • Automatic Transmission
  • Auxiliary Audio Input
  • Bed Liner
  • Bluetooth Technology
  • BOSE Sound System
  • Cruise Control
  • Front Seat Heaters
  • Heated Steering Wheel
  • Lane Departure Warning
  • Leather Seats
  • Navigation System
  • Overhead Airbags
  • Parking Sensors
  • Power Locks
  • Power Mirrors
  • Power Seat(s)
  • Power Windows
  • Rear Defroster
  • Rear View Camera
  • Remote Start
  • Running Boards
  • Satellite Radio Ready
  • Side Airbags
  • Traction Control
  • Bed Cover
  • Bed Liner
  • Full Roof Rack
  • Leather Seats
  • Long Bed
  • Running Boards
  • Smart Key
  • Tow Hitch

Drive Wheels

Rear Wheel Drive (2WD)

Engine size

2.5L

Horsepower

200

Torque (ft-lbs)

191

Engine type

Gas

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

255/55R20

Rear tires

255/55R20

Seating capacity

5

Max towing capacity

700/7000 lbs.

Transmission

Automatic

2021 GMC Canyon FAQ

More about the 2021 GMC Canyon

Color options

Exterior colors:

  • Cayenne Red Tintcoat (not available on base model)

  • Desert Sand Metallic (Elevation and AT4 only)

  • Dynamic Blue Metallic (base model and Elevation only)

  • Hunter Metallic (Denali only)

  • Onyx Black

  • Satin Steel Metallic

  • Summit White

Interior details

  • Standard four-way power driver seat

  • Available Bose® seven-speaker premium audio system (from elevation trim upward)

  • Seven-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity

  • Choice of four or five seats depending on cab style

Research other vehicles



* 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.

Unless otherwise noted, information related to featured vehicles comes from third-party sources, including manufacturer information. Product and company names may be trademarks or registered trademarks of third-party entities. Use of them does not imply any affiliation with or endorsement by these entities.​ By clicking on any video links, you will be taken to a third-party site maintained by YouTube, Inc.

We make every effort to provide accurate information, but please verify before purchasing.