2022 GMC Canyon

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2022 GMC Canyon Review: More Capable Than Ever

Within the competitive midsize truck segment, the GMC Canyon has the job of luring buyers away from rivals that all have a unique selling proposition. There's theJeep Gladiatorfor hardcore outdoor enthusiasts, theHonda Ridgelinefor those who prioritize on-road comfort, and theFord Ranger, the all-rounder with the right badge on its nose. The Canyon is a more luxurious version of its corporate cousin, the Chevrolet Silverado, with a number of upscale features on offer and a smoother ride than most others in the segment. For 2021, an off-road-focused AT4 variant was introduced, adding to the Canyon's capabilities with features like 31-inch tires. Although the base engine isn't particularly strong and GMC has been stingy with safety equipment, the Canyon has plenty to offer in its segment.

GMC loaned us a 2022 GMC Canyon 4WD AT4 Crew Cab for a week-long test drive and, despite its age, continues to impress with its sharp exterior styling, pleasant ride, and off-road suspension. Our tester came equipped with the 3.6-liter V6 gasoline engine, good for 308 horsepower and 275 lb-ft of torque. The torquey turbo-diesel would be our first choice, especially with the AT4 model. Regardless of what's under the hood, the Canyon retains its status as a smaller, less expensive alternative to the larger Sierra 1500. Its smaller size makes it easier to maneuver, especially in parking lots and the like. The Canyon AT4, in particular, presents an affordable off-roader that's ready to go straight out of the box. We should point out that the Canyon AT4 is not the same as the more capable Colorado ZR2. However, the AT4 costs less, a potentially make or break deal for some buyers.

Read in this review:

  • Exterior Design8/10
  • Performance8/10
  • Fuel Economy9/10
  • Interior & Cargo8/10
  • Infotainment & Features9/10
  • Reliability9/10
  • Safety8/10
  • Value For Money9/10
8.5
What is BuzzScore?

2022 GMC Canyon truck Changes:What’s the Difference vs the 2021 GMC Canyon?

Besides the usual detail changes to the standard equipment and packages, nothing else changes on the 2022 Canyon. Talking about those packages, there is a new Denali Black Edition based on the Denali trim that has a blacked-out exterior, including the 20-inch wheels, exhaust tips, and assist steps. Inside, it has all-weather floor liners. Last year's High Elevation package stays the same but gets a new name - the Elevation Premium package.

Pros and Cons

  • Good handling and decent ride
  • Strong V6 and turbo-diesel engines
  • Capable AT4 trim
  • Competitive towing capacity
  • Intuitive infotainment system
  • 只是average interior quality
  • Lack of driver-assist technologies
  • Not the most affordable truck in its class
  • Lackluster base engine

What's the Price of the 2022 GMC Canyon?

最便宜的GMC峡谷海拔2 wd站ard with the 2.5-liter engine at an MSRP of $26,800. It's followed by the Elevation at $30,300, the AT4 with cloth and the V6 engine at $38,400, and the AT4 with leather at $40,200. Finally, the Denali carries the heftiest price in the 2022 GMC Canyon range at $42,395 in its cheapest short-box 2WD V6 configuration and $50,145 in Crew Cab long-box with 4WD and the diesel engine. These prices represent each trim in their least expensive form and exclude tax, licensing, registration, and a destination freight charge of $1,195.

On the entry-level Extended Cab, upgrading from the 2.5L four-cylinder to the 3.6L V6 will add $1,485 to the price, while 4WD (with the V6 added by default) adds $5,400. The cheapest Extended Cab's price will rise by $1,900 if upgrading to the Crew Cab with the short box. A fully loaded Denali can cost well in excess of $50,000 when equipped with all the available accessories.

The 2022 Canyon AT4 Crew Cab came to a grand total of $46,700, including destination. Bear in mind that figure bundles together $5,305 worth of options, like the $3,195 AT4 off-road package. A Chevy Colorado ZR2 Crew Cab, to compare, begins at $45,395 for the V6 and $49,115 for the turbo-diesel. If you're not willing to pay that, the Colorado AT4 is definitely the best alternative.

Best Deals on 2022 GMC Canyon

2022 GMC Canyon Trims

See trim levels and configurations:

Trim Engine Transmission Drivetrain Price (MSRP)
Elevation Standard
3.6L V6 Gas
6-Speed Automatic
8-Speed Automatic
Rear-Wheel Drive
Four-Wheel Drive
$27,500
Elevation
3.6L V6 Gas
6-Speed Automatic
8-Speed Automatic
Rear-Wheel Drive
Four-Wheel Drive
$32,500
AT4 Cloth
3.6L V6 Gas
8-Speed Automatic
Four-Wheel Drive
$40,600
AT4 Leather
3.6L V6 Gas
8-Speed Automatic
Four-Wheel Drive
$42,400
Denali
3.6L V6 Gas
8-Speed Automatic
Rear-Wheel Drive
Four-Wheel Drive
$43,400
See All 2022 GMC Canyon Trims and Specs

Handling and Driving Impressions

The GMC Canyon impresses with its driving dynamics, and although it doesn't ride quite as smoothly as the Honda Ridgeline, it's more comfortable than most trucks in this segment. Bumps are soaked up easily and the Canyon pickup feels refined, with some bumpiness only creeping in when the bed is completely empty, but this characteristic is typical of trucks. Good noise suppression makes long road trips less of a chore. The steering itself is direct and precise, too, making the Canyon quite fun to hustle, especially when it is equipped with the V6 engine. For off-roading, the Canyon is better than ever thanks to the AT4. With its beefy tires, two-speed transfer case, and automatic locking differential, it's confident getting its boots dirty and articulation is good. So, while some rivals are even more capable off-road and some are even more serene on smooth surfaces, the Canyon pickup strikes an admirable balance.

Driving the V6-powered AT4 around town was generally an enjoyable experience. The ride quality isn't amazing, but we didn't expect it to be. The upgraded suspension was especially great to have in the limited off-roading we did (essentially an unpaved road). Not only is it capable, but it absorbed most, if not all, bumps and other road blemishes. The standard 31-inch all-terrain and mud tires are ideal for off-roading, obviously, but the downside is increased cabin noise when on-pavement.

Verdict:Is the 2022 GMC Canyon A Good Truck?

The GMC Canyon is a solid offering in its segment and, although it falls short of the class leaders, it ticks enough boxes to merit consideration. It's comfortable and pleasant to drive, especially if you skip the underpowered base engine, yet also performs well as a hard-working truck with its favorable towing capacity. The turbo-diesel engine option is a rarity in this segment, further setting apart the Canyon, while the AT4 trim enhances the Canyon's off-roading capability, too. On the downside, the cabin feels like it has aged and GMC could have done more to improve the Canyon's range of standard and available safety equipment. If you've committed to the GMC brand, then the Canyon is a more affordable alternative to the Sierra 1500 if you don't require the added capability of that truck. In its segment, though, the Canyon can't quite elevate above the likes of the Chevrolet Colorado and Ford Ranger.

If you're looking for a tough, diesel-sipping off-road midsize pickup truck, then the Canyon AT4 is calling you. It's not as capable as the Chevy Colorado ZR2, but it's cheaper (even more so with the V6 engine) and more comfortable to live with on a daily basis.

What GMC Canyon Model Should I Buy?

As usual when it comes to trucks with their multiple configurations, your specific needs will determine whether you really need 4WD, a bigger box, or the added cabin space of the Crew Cab. The AT4 is the easy choice for off-road enthusiasts who want the peace of mind that their truck can handle the rough stuff, but if yours will be spending more time on asphalt, consider the Elevation with the upgraded V6 engine, which isn't much heavier on gas but is a far more spirited performer. The one box we would tick is for the Driver Alert Package, as the Canyon has precious few driver aids fitted as standard.

2022 GMC Canyon Comparisons

Chevrolet Colorado Chevrolet
Ford Ranger Ford

2022 GMC Canyon vs Chevrolet Colorado

The GMC Canyon and Chevrolet Colorado are corporate cousins, which explains why they share the same range of engines and, consequently, are similarly capable when it comes to hauling. Although the Canyon was the truck that looked more luxurious previously, the Colorado's latest facelift works well and, on the aggressive ZR2 off-road trim with its lift kit, it easily matches the Canyon AT4 for visual appeal. The ZR2 is perhaps the more extreme off-roader though, as Chevy specs it with both front/rear locking differentials, position-sensitive dampers, and a suspension lifted by two inches. However, as before, the Canyon Denali offers a superior alternative for buyers wanting a more luxurious midsize truck. With a starting MSRP of $25,200, the Colorado once again undercuts the Canyon. If capability and bed size rate highly, then the Colorado does exactly what the Canyon does, but at a more wallet-friendly price.

See Chevrolet Colorado Review

2022 GMC Canyon vs Ford Ranger

The Ford Ranger may live in the shadow, quite literally, of the all-conquering F-150, but it's a solid, if outdated, choice. Although the Ranger comes with just a single engine option in the form of its 2.3-liter turbo, it comprehensively outperforms the Canyon's base engine. Towing capacity comes within 200 pounds of the Canyon's maximum, and there is a similar amount of space in the beds of these two trucks. Although the Canyon feels a touch more luxurious inside, it's the Ranger that benefits from a superior suite of safety equipment such as forward-collision warning and available adaptive cruise control. There isn't much in it, but the Ranger's better safety spec, strong turbocharged engine, and similar capability see it edge the Canyon, if only just.

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