GMC Canyon

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?

We suggest stepping up to the top Denali trim if your budget can handle it. For the rather sizable price, you get a very long list of standard features plus the more powerful V6 engine. Speaking of engines, if you're planning to do any towing you might want to spring for the diesel option for its added torque. Otherwise, we recommend sticking with the gasoline engines since the diesel doesn't offer significant fuel savings.

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.