The mid-size 2020 GMC Canyon enters the new model year with a limited number of upgrades and there are no styling and powertrain changes as some reports claimed. The new model doesn’t come with the refreshed Silverado-inspired styling or new turbocharged engine as some sources suggested. The changes include the addition of the remote-locking tailgate, standard tire-fill alert and some changes in the equipment organization. The new model year hasn’t also brought significant safety upgrades and there is no automatic emergency braking again. The Driver Alert package will, however, be offered in any trim. The powertrain range is also the same.
The new Canyon will again offer extended- and crew-cab body styles combined with two bed sizes. The trim range will include SL, base, SLE, SLT and opulent Denali version. The All Terrain package will add some styling tweaks and off-road goodies. The new Canyon will again repeat the same engine range without performance upgrades.
2020 GMC Canyon: Design
The 2020 GMC Canyon returns on the roads with the same styling theme introduced for the 2015 model year when the second-generation version arrived. Some sources suggested possible styling refresh for the 2020 version with the new grille style and headlights inspired by the new Silverado but that won’t be the case.
The model has kept the familiar boxy sheetmetal combined with a large grille and sculpted fender flares. The grille changes its style depending on the trim version and there is also unique black, body-color or chrome finish applied on each version. The SL comes in the extended-cab styled only on the 16-inch wheels. The SLE switches to the 17-inch wheels and provides various package upgrades including All Terrain which brings dark-themed grille and 17-inch wheels, all-terrain tires, skid plates, etc.
The SLT gets 18-inch wheels and more standard equipment while the posh Denali version uses more chrome, 20-inch wheels, a unique grille, etc.
Interior, Equipment:
The interior design is also the same story while GMC changes the availability of some equipment and added a few new features.
The GMC Canyon has well-executed and arranged controls and provides the class-best comfort in the high-value Denali trim.
The SL trim starts with vinyl seats, power driver’s seats and air conditioning but includes also a 7-inch touchscreen, Apple Car Play and Android Auto and six speakers. The base Canyon switches to the cloth upholstery and adds crew-cab and four-wheel drive options as well as a V-6 engine choice.
With the SLE version comes upgraded 8-inch touchscreen interface, navigation, leather treated steering wheel, upgraded materials and options like heated seats, heated steering wheel, unique upholstery and more.
The SLT lifts the stake with the leather upholstery, wireless charging, remote start, power front seats, etc. The Denali has unique, perforated leather upholstery, heated and ventilated seats, Bose sound system, spray-in bedliner, etc.
The Driver Alert Package with lane departure warning and forward collision alert will be accessible in any version.
2020 GMC Canyon: Powertrains, Towing
The 2020 GMC Canyon continues to rely on the same powertrain range, there are no performance or other upgrades for the new model year.
The base powering unit includes a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine capable of producing 200 horsepower and torque of 191 pound-feet. With this engine under the hood, buyers can choose either a 6-speed manual or automatic gearbox and pick rear- or four-wheel drive.
More power and torque will provide a 3.6-liter V-6 engine combined with the 8-speed automatic transmission. This engine makes 308 horsepower and peak torque of 275 pound-feet. Powered by this engine, the Canyon can tow up to 7, 000 pounds.
The best towing, fuel economy and torque will provide a smooth but costly 2.8-liter turbodiesel engine paired to the six-speed automatic transmission. This unit delivers 189 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. The Duramax diesel-powered Canyon can to up to 7, 700 pounds while returning 20 mpg city and 30 mpg highway with the two-wheel drive. The four-wheel drive is rated at 19/28 mpg city/highway.
2020 GMC Canyon: Release, Price
The 2020 GMC Canyon will be available later in the year. In the most basic form, the model will cost $22, 200. The top-of-the-range Denali trim will go over $40, 000 and reach mid-40,000s with more options onboard. The diesel-powered Canyon will cost from $38, 800.
