GMC Canyon 2022 Review

Not everybody needs the size or capabilities of a full-size pickup truck. Thankfully, there's a half-size smaller in the form of the midsize truck class where the 2022 GMC Canyon resides. It's essentially the same as the Chevrolet Colorado, with the differences mostly coming down to styling and the Canyon's unique, luxury-oriented Denali trim level. As with the Colorado, the Canyon offers a diesel engine that offers a robust 7,700-pound towing capacity. So if you want a plush midsize truck and often hook up a trailer, this could be your truck.

For 2022, there are no significant changes to the GMC Canyon since it seems possible that a full redesign is in the works for 2023. Armed with this information, it might make sense to wait and see what the next generation has to offer. You could also investigate other midsize pickups such as the Honda Ridgeline, Jeep Gladiator and Toyota Tacoma. But overall this is a likable truck. Check out our Expert Rating below to get our test team's full take on its comfort, utility and more.

Which Canyon does MatoCar recommend?

The 2022 Canyon is offered in extended-cab and crew-cab body styles. There are four trim levels: the Elevation Standard, Elevation, AT4 and Denali. You also have your choice of one of three engines.

The standard engine on the rear-wheel-drive Elevation Standard and Elevation is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder (200 horsepower, 191 lb-ft of torque). It's mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. Next up is a 3.6-liter V6 (308 hp, 275 lb-ft) with an eight-speed automatic. It's standard on the AT4 and Denali trims levels and optional on the Elevation Standard and Elevation trims. Finally, there's an optional turbocharged 2.8-liter diesel four-cylinder (181 hp, 369 lb-ft) with a six-speed automatic. But it's only available on select Canyon configurations.

Most Canyon trim levels come standard with rear-wheel drive and offer four-wheel drive (with low-range gearing) as an option. The exception is the AT4, which gets 4WD standard.

Elevation Standard Starts you off with:

• 18-inch wheels
• Tilt-only steering wheel
• 7-inch infotainment touchscreen
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone compatibility
• Four-way adjustable power driver's seat (manual recline)
• Six-speaker sound system

Elevation Adds more features with:

• Sliding rear window
• Cruise control
• Power-adjustable driver's seat
• Leather-wrapped tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel
• Body-colored exterior door handles
• LED foglights
• Remote-locking tailgate

AT4 Includes added off-road capability with:

• Special 17-inch wheels with off-road tires
• Hill descent control
• Unique off-road suspension
• Transfer case shield
• Heated front seats

Denali Adds significantly more features such as:

• 20-inch wheels
• 8-inch infotainment touchscreen with navigation
• Power-adjustable front passenger seat
• Wireless charging pad
• Leather upholstery
• Bose audio system
• Special interior and exterior trim
• Ventilated front seats
• Heated steering wheel
• Spray-in bedliner

The Denali also comes standard with:

• Forward collision warning (alerts you of a possible collision with the car in front)
• Lane departure warning (alerts you if the vehicle begins to drift out of its lane)
• Rear parking sensors (alert you to obstacles that may not be visible behind the vehicle when parking)

Many of the standard features on the Denali trim level are available on lower trim levels. The new Denali Black Edition package adds black-painted 20-inch wheels and blacked-out exterior trim.