2021 GMC Canyon

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$26,800

starting MSRP

2021 GMC Canyon
2021 GMC Canyon

Key specs

Base trim shown

Pickup Truck

Body style

22

Combined MPG

2

Seating capacity

212.4” x 70.4”

Dimensions

Rear-wheel drive

Drivetrain

Overview

The good:

  • V-6 power
  • Quiet cabin at highway speeds
  • Multimedia system usability
  • Apple CarPlay, Android Auto standard
  • Steering feel

The bad:

  • Brake pedal feel
  • Ride quality
  • Dated interior
  • Seating comfort
  • Denali version doesn't feel luxurious

5 trims

Starting msrp listed lowest to highest price

Wondering which trim is right for you?

Our 2021 GMC Canyon trim comparison will help you decide.

See also: Find the best Pickup Trucks for 2023

Notable features

  • New off-road-oriented AT4 trim level
  • Mid-size pickup truck
  • Four-cylinder and V-6 gas engines
  • Turbo-diesel four-cylinder available
  • 7,700-pound maximum trailering capacity
  • Forward collision warning available

2021 GMC Canyon review: Our expert's take

What Is the 2021 GMC Canyon?

The GMC Canyon is a mid-size pickup truck that seats up to five and is available in extended- or crew-cab form. It comes standard with a 200-horsepower, 2.5-liter four-cylinder gas engine; a 308-hp, 3.6-liter V-6 and 181-hp, turbo-diesel 2.8-liter four-cylinder are also offered. The four-cylinder engines are paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, and the V-6 comes with an eight-speed automatic. The Canyon is available with rear- or four-wheel drive. 

Competitors include the Honda Ridgeline, Ford Ranger and Toyota Tacoma. The Canyon’s Chevrolet mechanical twin is the Colorado

What’s New on the 2021 GMC Canyon?

GMC has renamed the Canyon’s trim levels. They now consist of the Elevation Standard, Elevation, AT4 and Denali. The AT4 is a new addition to the lineup that’s designed for off-road driving and comes with hill descent control, off-road suspension tuning, 31-inch all-terrain tires on 17-inch aluminum wheels, a locking rear differential and a skid plate for the transfer case.   

What Features in the 2021 GMC Canyon Are Most Important?

Standard features include:

  • Cloth upholstery
  • Power-adjustable driver’s seat
  • Bluetooth streaming audio
  • 7-inch touchscreen multimedia system
  • Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity
  • Two front USB ports

Available features include:

  • Remote start
  • Cruise control
  • Automatic air conditioning
  • Leather-trimmed seats
  • Heated front seats
  • Ventilated front seats
  • Heated steering wheel
  • 8-inch touchscreen
  • Navigation
  • Bose premium stereo
  • Wireless device charging
  • Forward collision warning
  • Lane departure warning

Should I Buy the 2021 GMC Canyon?

The Canyon’s available V-6 engine is powerful, and the truck’s cabin is quiet on the highway. Unfortunately, a number of other aspects of the driving experience disappoint; brake pedal feel is poor and the ride is stiff. The seats aren’t all that comfortable, either. In a 2019 comparison of four mid-size trucks, the Canyon finished last, so it’s worth checking out the competition before making a final decision. 

Consumer reviews

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.1
  • Interior design 4.1
  • Performance 4.2
  • Value for the money 3.9
  • Exterior styling 4.6
  • Reliability 3.9

Most recent consumer reviews

2.0

Dealer has not replaced, repaired or bought back c

Makes rattling noise while running, camera for reverse has had to be replaced twice within one and half years, fuel sensor defective, and check engine light comes on all of of these issues have happened in less than 2 years. Dealership has not provided vehicle while at shop which has left me stranded.

3.0

GMC Canyon AT4 looks good but

I purchased my first GMC truck knowing that it is the top of the line of the General Motors truck line up. I own the 2021 Canyon AT4. After fifteen minutes of driving, I parked my truck at the parking lot to check out the truck. As soon as I went on reverse, the video on the radio turned into lines. I brought it back to the dealership where my sales lady tried to delay my trip back to the dealership by saying that I have to setup an appointment with their service department. A brand new 2021 GMC truck is broke. I dropped off the truck at the dealership and was given a loaner truck. After a week, I got my truck back and a new radio was installed. I immediately noticed that there was squeeking inside the cab which made me return the truck to the dealership again but I had to setup an appointment and had to take it back a week later. The technician found the rear cabin light assembly was loose from the factory. The technician pushed up on the light cover and it snapped into place and that specific squeaking went away. However, there was still squeaking on the rear seat. I had to take that back to the dealership on another appointment. The technician looked at it and said that it was a GMC known issue. If it was, why wouldn't GMC address that in the production of their future trucks? The technician fixed that squeak by relocating a part that holds the rear seat to the back wall of the cab. Fast forward one and a half years later and the video on the camera broke again. I brought it to back to a local GMC dealership and they replaced it again and only after making me feel that it might not be an issue. What I meant by that was, the service advisor said that if by the time the technician gets to look at the truck and the radio issue is not replicated then they won't do anything. Thankfully it stayed that way until the technician looked at it two days after I dropped it off. Two radios replaced on the same truck. Does that tell you the quality of a GMC truck? By the way, the squeak on my rear seat is back and I'm done bringing it back to the dealer for that. This is the last time I will purchase a GMC vehicle ever. I hoped that GMC addressed the quality issues with the 2022 models. Come to think of it, shouldn't my truck be considered a lemon and shouldn't I get my money back. That is the question.

5.0

Great but one issue

Love my new canyon. Have owned 2005 Sierra, 2007 Ram, 2010 f350 diesel. All had their pluses and a few minuses. 2022 Canyon my first new vehicle since 2012. Scaled down a little for MPG and kids are nearly grown. I have 95-99 percent satisfaction. However, I do have one interior styling major issue. The 4wd selection and light dials are very bad location. My left knee hits them when I get in and right knee hits them when getting out. I have put less than 1000 miles on so far and i have found I was in 4wd position at least 6 times so far. I literally have to check the position every stinking time.

See all 15 consumer reviews

Warranty

New car and Certified Pre-Owned programs by GMC
New car program benefits
Bumper-to-bumper
36 months/36,000 miles
Corrosion
36 months/36,000 miles
Powertrain
60 months/60,000 miles
Roadside assistance
60 months/60,000 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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