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2006 GMC Canyon

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$14,730

starting MSRP

Key specs

Base trim shown

Truck

Body style

3

Seating capacity

192.4” x 67.6”

Dimensions

Rear-wheel drive

Drivetrain

Overview

(16 reviews)

The good:

  • Manageable dimensions
  • Fuel economy
  • Front-seat passenger space
  • Automatic-transmission operation

The bad:

  • Ride comfort in city
  • Rear-seat passenger space
  • Resale value of regular-cab 2WD models

4 trims

Starting msrp listed lowest to highest price

Wondering which trim is right for you?

Our 2006 GMC Canyon trim comparison will help you decide.

See also: Find the best Trucks for 2024

Notable features

  • 175- or 220-hp engine
  • Three cab configurations
  • Available sport-tuned suspension
  • Optional side-curtain airbags
  • Available High-Stance Off-Road model

2006 GMC Canyon review: Our expert's take

Vehicle Overview
GMC introduced the Canyon pickup truck for the 2004 model year. Designed from the ground up, the Canyon is similar to Chevrolet’s Colorado pickup. Both were larger than the previous compact models they replaced — the GMC Sonoma and Chevrolet S-10.

GMC’s intent with the Canyon was to provide greater power, space and functionality than the Sonoma offered. Two inline engines are based on the Vortec 4.2-liter six-cylinder that was introduced in the company’s Envoy sport utility vehicle. “Inline technology produces an engine with exceptional power, smoothness and world-class fuel efficiency,” said product manager Jerome Thiebaud.

For 2006, a new optional sport suspension features 17-inch wheels. The CD player also gains MP3 capability, and box side steps are available on regular- and extended-cab models. A sunroof is optional, and a leather package is offered on extended-cab trucks. General Motors’ Passenger Sensing System airbag technology is now standard.

Available with rear- or four-wheel drive, Canyons come in regular-cab, extended-cab and Crew Cab body styles. Two additional suspension packages are available: heavy-duty and off-road.

Exterior
A distinctive front end that features a prominent red GMC logo on the grille gives the Canyon a strong family resemblance to other GMC products. The grille has a chrome surround and dark smoke-gray crossbars. Overhangs are short, and GMC promotes the body’s “chiseled” appearance.

Built on a ladder-type frame, the Canyon uses rack-and-pinion steering. Rear-drive models have an independent front suspension and a live rear axle, while four-wheel-drive and High-Stance Off-Road models use a torsion bar front suspension. All Canyons have front stabilizer bars. An optional ZQ8 sport suspension features a rear stabilizer bar, sport-tuned shocks and quick-ratio power steering. Canyons with the ZQ8 package also have 17-inch aluminum wheels and a 2-inch-lower ride height. A 6-foot cargo box is standard, but Crew Cab models get a 5-foot box. Fifteen-inch aluminum wheels are standard, and fog lamps are optional.

Interior
Regular-cab pickups contain a standard 60/40-split bench seat upholstered in cloth or vinyl, but reclining bucket seats are available. Four-door extended-cab trucks have two forward-facing rear seats with under-seat storage. Crew Cab models contain front bucket seats upholstered in cloth or leather and a 60/40-split flat-folding backseat that holds three adults.

Options include heated leather front bucket seats, an in-dash six-CD changer, and an electrochromatic inside mirror with a compass and an outside temperature gauge. GM’s OnStar communication system and XM Satellite Radio are available.

Under the Hood
The Canyon can be equipped with a 2.8-liter Vortec four-cylinder that produces 175 horsepower and 185 pounds-feet of torque or a 3.5-liter inline-five-cylinder that generates 220 hp and 225 pounds-feet of torque. A five-speed-manual gearbox or a four-speed-automatic transmission is available. Both engines operate with electronic throttle control, variable valve timing and coil-on-plug ignition.

Canyons equipped with four-wheel drive offer electronic shift-on-the-fly capability via a dashboard-mounted switch. On two-wheel-drive models, a standard traction control system includes a locking differential; this feature is optional on four-wheel-drive versions. Canyons come with a choice of three rear axle ratios.

Safety
Four-wheel antilock brakes and dual-stage front airbags with a passenger-side occupancy sensor are standard. Side curtain-type airbags are optional. All seating positions have three-point safety belts.

Consumer reviews

(16 reviews)
Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.2
  • Interior 3.9
  • Performance 4.5
  • Value 4.2
  • Exterior 4.6
  • Reliability 4.4
Write a review

Most recent consumer reviews

Great truck

It’s a good truck very comfortable interior smaller than it looks in pictures smooth driving and great four wheel drive capability’s lots of power and reliability

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Transporting family
  • Does recommend this car
6 people out of 7 found this review helpful. Did you?
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I love this truck

Great truck bought so our dog could have her own window she loves it great truck fun to drive love that it is a manual trans

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Having fun
  • Does recommend this car
4 people out of 4 found this review helpful. Did you?
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Best balance with engine and transmission

Only only fault is long turning radius. The 5 cylinder engine has lots of torque and mileage around 20 mpg in around town. Wish new trucks were this size. 200000 miles without any major issues.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.0
  • Interior 4.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Transporting family
  • Does recommend this car
7 people out of 8 found this review helpful. Did you?
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See all 16 consumer reviews

Safety

Based on the 2006 GMC Canyon base trim.
Frontal driver
4
Frontal passenger
4
Nhtsa rollover rating
4
Side driver
4

Warranty

New car and Certified Pre-Owned programs by GMC
New car program benefits
Bumper-to-bumper
36 months/36,000 miles
Corrosion
72 months/100,000 miles
Powertrain
60 months/100,000 miles
Roadside assistance
36 months/36,000 miles
Certified Pre-Owned program benefits
Maximum age/mileage
5 model years or newer/up to 75,000 miles
Basic warranty terms
12 months/12,000 miles bumper-to-bumper original warranty, then may continue to 6 years/100,000 miles limited (depending on variables)
Powertrain
6 years/100,000 miles
Dealer certification required
172-point inspection
Roadside assistance
Yes
View all cpo program details

Have questions about warranties or CPO programs?

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