The next, mid-size 2021 GMC Canyon comes with multiple upgrades both inside and out. The GMC Canyon needed to get various upgrades to stay relevant in the growing mid-size class. The current, second-generation Canyon debuted for the 2015 model year and it has been without significant upgrade since then.
The 2021 Canyon gets a new off-road-ready AT4 trim replacing the All Terrain version. The new, off-road-focused Canyon sports unique styling including also various hardware upgrades for the improved off-roading.
The top-range Denali trim comes also with the tweaked exterior and upgraded in-cab materials.
Unfortunately, there are no mechanical upgrades and the model returns with the same engine options. The turbocharged four-cylinder engine won’t join the range as reports claimed.
2021 GMC Canyon: Design
The 2021 GMC Canyon returns in the same shape and size but the new AT4 and Denali trims arrive with unique styling cues.
The new Canyon AT4 comes with enhanced off-road capabilities but gets also specific exterior treatment. The AT4 carries a new grille version inspired by design from the larger GMC Sierra models. The model gets also attention with the massive 31-inch Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac tires mixed with the unique 17-inch rims. A part of a model’s visual identity is also skid plates, red tow hooks, lifted ride height, etc.
The Canyon Denali gets also some visual enhancements inspired by the recently redesigned, full-size versions. The model wears more curvaceous grille and additional chrome details. The Canyon Denali stands out will the large 20-inch wheels as well.
Interior, Equipment:
The 2021 GMC Canyon returns with the same interior arrangement but the AT4 and Denali trim feature specific trim inserts.
The AT4 is available with premium leather upholstery with Kalahari inserts. The interior includes also dark-finish technical aluminum pieces.
The range-topping Denali comes with the upgraded materials mixed with the open-pore wood, aluminum inserts and stitching. The new standard features are heated seats and steering wheel.
Every GMC Canyon comes with the modern infotainment system with Apple Car Play and Android Auto and at least a 7-inch touchscreen display. The upper grades use a larger 8-inch center display and more premium features. The model will be available with the heated and ventilated seats, heated steering wheel, navigation, premium sound system, wireless charging, etc.
The GMC Canyon will also equip some of the active safety systems including forward collision and lane departure warning. The availability of automatic emergency braking is not confirmed yet.
2021 GMC Canyon: Performance, Towing
Powering the updated 2021 GMC Canyon is the same engine range available in the current version. Unfortunately, the turbocharged four-cylinder petrol unlit mentioned in some reports won’t be part of the equipment list.
Buyers will again choose between two petrol units including the base 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 200 hp and torque of 191 lb-ft. This engine should again be combined with the six-speed automatic transmission. The next-grade petrol option is a 3.6-liter V-6 engine mixed with the 8-speed automatic transmission. This unit makes 308 ho and 275 lb-ft of torque. The best torque, towing and efficiency will provide a pricey 2.8-liter Duramax turbodiesel engine. The four-cylinder turbodiesel produces 181 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque.
The V-6 powered Canyon can tow up to 7, 000 pounds. The diesel-equipped model allows up to 7, 700 pounds.
At the efficiency level, the turbodiesel engine mages up to 30 mpg highway with the rear-wheel drive. The four-wheel-drive version promises 28 mpg highway. The V-6 models will manage up to 25 highways while the base four-cylinder petrol should score up to 26 mpg highway.
As for the new AT4 version, it comes with various off-road enhancements. Aside from the knobby tires, the Canyon AT4 gets off-road suspension setup, underbody protection, and a rear electronic locking limited-slip differential. There is also an advanced hill descent control system and four-wheel drive with a 2-speed AutoTrac transfer case.
2021 GMC Canyon: Release, Price
The updated 2021 GMC Canyon goes on sale this fall. GMC hasn’t talked yet about the price but the new model year version should start at around $23, 500. The AT4 version should be priced in high 30, 000s. The range-topping Denali version should demand about $45, 000.
The refreshed GMC Canyon challenges the recently returned Ford Ranger, corporate-twin Chevy Colorado, Toyota Tacoma and Nissan Frontier.
