2023 GMC Canyon Performance

With a single 310-hp engine option, the GMC Canyon's 0-60 sprint should take between six and 6.5 seconds, so performance is one of its strong points and the old V6 engine won't be missed. In fact, the mighty 430 lb-ft of torque makes short work of trailering and the Canyon is rated to tow up to 7,700 lbs. The engine also easily overwhelms the grip of the rear tires, so we recommend going for the selectable 4WD, especially if you live in the Snow Belt. The truck's top speed is limited to 100 mph. All trims have a two-inch factory suspension lift and the AT4X is another inch higher again, with 10.7 inches of ground clearance. This makes it nearly unstoppable off-road, and with its DSSV dampers, exhilarating high-speed desert running is on the cards.

The engine in the GMC Canyon is the same turbocharged 2.7L inline four-cylinder found in the Chevy Colorado and the Cadillac CT4-V, no less. But unlike the Colorado, just one version of the engine is offered in the Canyon - the Turbo High-Output with 310 hp and 430 lb-ft of torque. It is coupled to an eight-speed automatic transmission in all trims. The Elevation is rear-wheel drive by default, but four-wheel drive with a two-speed transfer case, rear limited-slip differential, and selectable modes is optionally available. The 4WD system in the AT4X is further upgraded with manually lockable front and rear differentials and additional driving modes, most notably a Baja mode that enables high-speed off-road running.

The GMC Canyon's gas mileage is worse than that of the old one, but the weight gain of around 600-700 pounds and the high-riding suspension on all trims are probably to blame. The most efficient 2WD's EPA estimates are 18/23/20 mpg on the city/highway/combined cycles, 1 mpg worse combined than last year's 2WD V6. The engine is certainly modern and efficient and we believe the new Canyon would have matched or beaten the old one easily, had it been as light. The 4WD Elevation, AT4, and Denali return 17/21/19 mpg, and the AT4X with its mud-terrain tires is the worst, with 17/20/18 mpg. The GMC Canyon's gas mileage is beaten by the outgoing Ford Ranger with its smaller engine. With a fuel capacity of 21.4 gallons, the Canyon should provide a range of between 385 and 428 miles on the combined cycle, depending on the trim.