beebs
Skip to main content

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)

View our GMC Canyon inventory
Lighting bolt logo
Can an EV fit my lifestyle? Image of woman on smartphone while charging an EV

Does an EV fit my lifestyle?

On this page

6 photos

Find your Canyon
then buy online or in-store

Learn more about getting pre-qualified with no impact to your credit score
Price
Year
Search our Canyon inventorySearch for a different car

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

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?

  • Canyon trims have been upgraded with Parking Sensors, Long Bed, and Turbo Diesel Engine as standard equipment this year.
  • Smart Key features are now available as options on select trims.
  • The All Terrain trim now comes with Heated Steering Wheel and CD Audio as standard equipment.
  • The SLE trim now comes with CD Audio as standard equipment.
  • The SLT trim now comes with Heated Steering Wheel and CD Audio as standard equipment.
  • The SL trim now comes with Front Seat Heaters, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay as standard equipment.

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.

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

4.4 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

SLE 2WD 4D Crew Cab

Standard Features

  • ABS Brakes
  • Air Conditioning
  • Alloy Wheels
  • AM/FM Stereo
  • Android Auto
  • Apple CarPlay
  • Automatic Transmission
  • Auxiliary Audio Input
  • Bluetooth Technology
  • CD Audio
  • Cloth Seats
  • Cruise Control
  • Heated Mirrors
  • Overhead Airbags
  • Power Locks
  • Power Mirrors
  • Power Seat(s)
  • Power Windows
  • Rear Defroster
  • Rear View Camera
  • Satellite Radio Ready
  • Side Airbags
  • Traction Control

Optional Features

  • Air Conditioning
  • Bed Cover
  • Bed Liner
  • Cloth Seats
  • Front Seat Heaters
  • Heated Steering Wheel
  • Lane Departure Warning
  • Parking Sensors
  • Remote Start
  • Running Boards
  • 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

255/65R17

Rear tires

255/65R17

Seating capacity

5

Max towing capacity

350/7700 lbs.

Transmission

Automatic

2019 GMC Canyon FAQ

GMC Canyon articles

Best High-MPG Used Trucks for 2023: Abstract

Best High-MPG Used Trucks for 2023

Explore the top choices for high-mpg used trucks for 2023 shoppers, where power meets efficiency. From diesel-powered performers to mighty V8 engines, we've compiled a list of trucks that redefine the balance between robust capabilities and gas mileage.
Best Used Small Trucks: Abstract | CarMax

Best Used Small Trucks

For work tasks and family fun, why not choose a small truck? It's got the right dimensions for hefty hauling, and the versatility to ace busy life tasks. Identify the right small truck for your needs from this list of the best used small trucks for shoppers.
Most Reliable Trucks: Abstract | CarMax

Most Reliable Trucks

To help out in your search for your next pickup, we've compiled this list of the most reliable used trucks for 2024 shoppers. This list includes trucks with the highest reliability ratings from our partners at RepairPal.

Want to view more trending articles?

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.