2021 GMC Canyon

The 2021 GMC Canyon is up against some very stiff competition in the US midsize truck segment, which includes such paragons as the Ford Ranger, the Jeep Gladiator, and the Honda Ridgeline. Each brings something different to the table, and the Canyon struggles to stand out since it is simply a more premium rendition of the existent Chevrolet Colorado. This does have some advantages, though, such as a plusher ride, a cozier interior, and more standard features than other baseline rivals. The standard 4-cylinder engine is a bit lackluster, but you can upgrade to a turbo diesel or V6, as well as equip a four-wheel drivetrain to help customize outputs and capabilities to meet your needs. With the right setup, the GMC Canyon pickup boasts a very respectable towing capacity of 7,700 lbs.

The lower trims in the Canyon pickup range come equipped with a 2.5-liter four-pot as standard. Paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission, this powertrain sends 200 horsepower and 191 lb-ft of torque to the front-wheel drivetrain. While this is sufficient to move the large vehicle, it is a far cry from feeling lively. There's no option for an all-wheel drivetrain with the base engine. On the plus side, it is the most fuel efficient.

Next up is the 3.6-liter V6, which comes standard on the AT4 and Denali, or any trim utilizing 4WD. This power plant comes paired with a more advanced 8-speed automatic gearbox to develop and regulate up to 308 hp and 275 lb-ft. This setup is a far better match for the hefty pickup, allowing it to move with a certain degree of gusto. However, it isn't the heavy lifter in the range.

If you are willing to sacrifice some horsepower, you can get a lot more straight-up torque and max out the 2021 Canyon's towing capacity. The 2.8-liter turbo diesel is to thank for this. Paired with the 8-speed auto, it delivers 181 hp and a brawny 369 lb-ft to your choice of front- or four-wheel drivetrain. To reach the 7,700-pound tow rating, you'll need to stick with 2WD, th.

Though not a pack leader, the Canyon is a very solid offering. It's enjoyable to drive and supplies a fair degree of comfort, the interior feels decent for the price, and it has a rather high towing capacity. Of course, all of this is contingent on you skipping over the strained four-cylinder engine and opting for the V6 or turbo diesel, instead. The latter is relatively rare for the midsize pickup segment, which helps the otherwise unremarkable GMC stand out.

It is a bit of an old dog, though, having last received a complete overhaul a decade ago when it entered its second generation. The NHTSA review of the 2021 GMC Canyon shows that it isn't as sturdy as more competitors in the segment, with only a four-star overall safety rating. It's reliability is also in question, as ten years down the line, it is still being subjected to recalls. Nevertheless, the Canyon is still a capable pickup at a reasonable price, and diehard fans are more than willing to overlook its foibles. More discerning buyers, though, will be turning to the Ford Ranger as a more up-to-date alternative.

You're not strapped for choice when it comes to how you configure your Canyon. There are multiple cabins, cargo beds, and engines to choose from. We'd suggest skipping the base four-cylinder if you care even a tiny bit about performance. The V6 is ideal for city and highway cruising, while the turbo is the way to go if you plan to use your GMC pickup as a workhorse. In the latter case, a 2-door cab should be adequate. If you want it to double up as a family car, then the 4-door is a smarter choice. We'd also suggest throwing in the Driver Alert Package for those much-needed safety systems. You can expect the price of the 2021 GMC Canyon truck to be somewhere between $30,000 and $40,000 with these minimalist builds, though it rockets up to $50k if you want the best of everything.