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2022 GMC Canyon review

Research, photos, specs, and expertise
6 photos

GMC Canyon highlights

Customer rating

RepairPal reliability rating

Pros

  • Class-leading towing capacity
  • AT4 off-roading capability
  • Useful infotainment tech

Cons

  • Few safety features
  • Lacks in-cab storage space
  • Older design and engineering

Mileage (EPA estimate)

17 city, 24 highway, 19 combined

Pricing for current inventory

From $25,998*

View our GMC Canyon inventory
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Despite looming retirement, the 2022 GMC Canyon remains the towing champ

A midsize pickup truck available in extended-cab or crew-cab format with a standard or short cargo bed, the 2022 GMC Canyon enters its final year before a complete redesign. It comes in Elevation Standard, Elevation, AT4, and Denali trim levels with a choice between a gas or diesel four-cylinder and a V6 engine. Four-wheel drive is optional, and when properly configured the 2022 Canyon can tow 7,700 pounds and carry 1,570 pounds of payload. Various factors may impact towing capacity, including weight of passengers, cargo, and options/accessories.

A Denali Black Edition debuted for 2022, pairing the upscale trim with a blacked-out exterior look. The previous year’s High Elevation trim became the Elevation Premium package for 2022.

Canyons have a 7-inch or 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™. Satellite radio, connected services, and a Wi-Fi hotspot are available, along with a navigation system, wireless smartphone charging, and a Bose premium sound system. Safety features include forward collision warning and lane departure warning, but they’re standard only on the Denali. 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. A Hitch Guidance system helps line the truck up with a trailer.

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 2022 GMC Canyon?

  • The Canyon is available in a variety of new trims, including the AT4 with Cloth and AT4 with Leather.
  • The AT4 trim has been discontinued for 2022.
  • Canyon trims have been upgraded with Tow Hitch as standard equipment this year.
  • The Elevation Standard trim now comes with Parking Sensors as standard equipment.
  • The Elevation trim now comes with Parking Sensors as standard equipment.

2022 GMC Canyon trims

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

Elevation Standard:

  • 200-hp, 191-lb-ft of torque 2.5L
  • 308-hp, 275-lb-ft of torque 3.6L
  • 181-hp, 369-lb-ft of torque 2.8L
  • Cloth Seats
  • Power Seats
  • Traction Control
  • Side Airbags
  • Overhead Airbags
  • Rear View Camera
  • Cruise Control
  • Power Mirrors
  • View our GMC Canyon Elevation Standard inventory

Elevation:

AT4 with Cloth:

  • Includes all features available on the Elevation
  • Front Seat Heaters
  • Leather Seats

AT4 with Leather:

Denali:

  • Includes all features available on the AT4 with Leather
  • A/C Seats
  • Lane Departure Warning
  • Bed Liner
  • 20 Inch Plus Wheels
  • Tow Hitch
  • BOSE Sound System
  • Navigation System
  • View our GMC Canyon Denali inventory

GMC Canyon photos

What We Like

Turbodiesel towing: Buyers have numerous midsize pickup trucks from which to choose, but none can tow as much weight as a GMC Canyon equipped with its optional 2.8-liter turbodiesel four-cylinder engine. When properly configured, the maximum tow rating is 7,700 pounds, which is 200 more pounds than a Ford Ranger.

In addition, the Canyon’s turbodiesel returns an EPA-estimated 30 mpg on the highway, beating the Ford by 4 mpg.

AT4 off-roading: If you’re planning to go off-road, you’ll want the Canyon AT4. Introduced last year, the AT4 comes with 31-inch off-road tires, an off-road suspension, a locking rear differential, rocker panel protection, and skid plates. In addition, the Canyon’s pesky front air dam is removed from the bottom of the front bumper on this version of the truck, ensuring a proper approach angle.

Infotainment system: Depending on the trim level, the 2022 Canyon comes with a 7-inch or 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Highlights include fast response, a simple user interface, and a capable voice recognition system. The Canyon offers Apple CarPlay®, Android Auto™, satellite radio, connected services (including access to a Wi-Fi hotspot), and Amazon Alexa.

A navigation system is available, along with a Bose premium sound system.

What Needs Improvement

Driver-assist tech: As impressive as the Canyon’s infotainment system is, the driver-assistance and collision avoidance technologies are woefully behind the times. They include nothing more than forward collision warning and lane departure warning systems, and they’re standard only with the top Denali trim level. At a minimum, you would expect automatic emergency braking and a blind-spot warning system, but those features are unavailable on this aged truck.

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Ratings & reliability

Customer ratings

4.3 out of 5

6 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

Elevation 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
  • Cloth Seats
  • Cruise Control
  • Heated Mirrors
  • Overhead Airbags
  • Parking Sensors
  • Power Locks
  • Power Mirrors
  • Power Seat(s)
  • Power Windows
  • Rear Defroster
  • Rear View Camera
  • Remote Start
  • Satellite Radio Ready
  • Side Airbags
  • Smart Key
  • Traction Control

Optional Features

  • Bed Cover
  • Bed Liner
  • BOSE Sound System
  • Cloth Seats
  • Front Seat Heaters
  • Heated Steering Wheel
  • Lane Departure Warning
  • Leather Seats
  • Navigation System
  • 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

265/60R18

Rear tires

265/60R18

Seating capacity

5

Max towing capacity

350/7700 lbs.

Transmission

Automatic

2022 GMC Canyon FAQ

GMC Canyon articles

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