2021 GMC Canyon review
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)
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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
Not sure what year to select? Learn about each GMC Canyon generation from 2012 to 2026
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 similaritiesElevation 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.
GMC Canyon photos
5 reasons to buy the 2021 GMC Canyon
1. Capable work truck

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

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

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

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

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.

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

The Toyota Tacoma is a compact pickup with seating for four to five people, depending on the configuration. The Tacoma comes with lots of standard features. The 2017 base model has a standard touchscreen, Bluetooth connectivity, and more. In 2018, more driver aids became standard, and in 2020, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa integration were added to the list of features on every Tacoma. The 2017-2020 Tacoma comes standard with a four-cylinder engine, but there's a V6 engine available.
Here's what you'll find on the 2017-2020 Toyota Tacoma:
Driver-assistance features (standard from 2018)
Integrated backup camera
Bluetooth connectivity and USB port

The 2017-2021 Chevrolet Colorado is an easy-to-maneuver midsize truck that's ideal for driving in the city or around job sites. A 2.5L four-cylinder engine comes standard on 2017-2021 models, but if you need maximum trailering, consider the available 2.8L turbocharged four-cylinder diesel engine, which boasts an estimated towing capacity of 7,700 lbs. when properly equipped.
Standard features on the 2017-2021 Chevrolet Colorado LT include:
17-inch aluminum wheels
Power-adjustable manual-folding side-view mirrors
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Ratings & reliability
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 CanyonGMC Canyon features and specs
Curious how GMC Canyon trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities
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
The 2021 GMC Canyon is available in multiple trims, each with its own estimated fuel economy, here are the EPA estimates for each trim:
- Denali: 19 MPG City and 28 MPG Highway
- AT4: 19 MPG City and 28 MPG Highway
- Elevation: 19 MPG City and 25 MPG Highway
- Elevation: 20 MPG City and 30 MPG Highway
- Elevation Standard: 19 MPG City and 25 MPG Highway
- Elevation Standard: 20 MPG City and 30 MPG Highway
The GMC Canyon received a rating of 4 out of 5 stars from RepairPal, which RepairPal describes as Excellent. This rating ranks the GMC Canyon as 2 out of 8 among Midsize Truck
The 2021 GMC Canyon has received an average 4.9 out of 5 stars from our customers. If you're in the market for a 2021 GMC Canyon, check out reviews from customers just like you. 2021 GMC Canyon Reviews.
The 2021 GMC Canyon has a maximum towing capacity of between 7000 and 7700 pounds, when properly equipped. Various factors may impact towing capacity, including weight of passengers, cargo, and options/accessories.
Here is what's new for the 2021 GMC Canyon:
- AT4
- Elevation
- Elevation Standard
- Bed Cover
- Full Roof Rack
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
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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.
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