2021 GMC Canyon Crew Cab AT4 4WD: The Brand's Midsize Truck

Highlight:  This is the brand’s first true off-road adventure midsize truck.

Test Vehicle's MSRP: $43,430 (Base SL Crew Cab Model: $29,895)

Seating Capacity: 5

Standard Safety Features: airbags; ABS; a stability control system; rear camera; a tire pressure system; and OnStar

Standard Equipment (Base): 16-inch tires; a 6-speed automatic transmission; locking tailgate; a corner step rear bumper design; two-tier loading cargo bed; cloth seats; manual adjusted front seats; single zone a/c; a 7-inch infotainment;and a manual tilt/telescopic steering wheel  

Standard Equipment (AT4): 17-inch Goodyear Wrangler Tires; an off-road tuned suspension package; an advanced Hill Descent control system; a 4WD system; rear locking automatic differential; a remote start system; heated front seats; heated steering wheels; wireless charging; power front seats; leather front seats; automatic ventilation system; soft touch instrument panels; a heated steering wheel; a leather wrapped steering wheel; a manual operated tilt/telescopic steering wheel; an automatic dimming rearview mirror; rear folding bench seat;  power and heated exterior mirrors; and a rear parking assist system

Options: an 8-inch navigation system and a Bose premium audio system; special exterior paint color; and a driver’s alert package, which includes a lane departure warning system and a forward collision alert system; and rear axle 3:42 ratio

Other Trim Levels:

Canyon

SLE

All Terrain

SLT

Denali

Standard Audio On Test Vehicle: a 19-speaker audio system with AM/FM/HD with SiriusXM

Bluetooth Connectivity: Standard

USB Connectivity: Standard

Apple/Android Connectivity: Standard

Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty: 3 years or 36,000 miles

Powertrain Warranty: 5 years or 60,000 miles

Standard Engine/Horsepower: 3.6-liter, 6-cylinder engine/308-hp

Recommended Fuel: Regular

Towing: 7,000 lbs 

Standard Fuel Mileage: 17-city/24-hwy

What’s New:  While the Denali trim receives enhanced styling cues both inside and out, an all-new AT4 trim, which is designed for those seeking outdoor adventures, joins the brand’s portfolio.

Why:

 

·        An alternative to fullsize trucks

·        Advanced safety features such as lane keep assist system

·        Duramex Diesel availability with 181-hp

·        3.6-liter horsepower with 308-hp on select trims

·        Easy-to-use availability

·        Offers underpinnings for rugged off-road driving

·        Wi-Fi availability

·        The truck is available with an extended cab and a crew cab

·        The Canyon is available in a short box and a long box

·        The longer bed can haul up to 8-feet w/tailgate down

·        Cargo bed with two-tier loading

·        Heated steering wheel on select trims

·        An upscale optional Denali trim

·        Locking tailgate

·        Maximum trailering of 7,700 lbs with diesel engine

·        Maximum payload of 1,580 lbs with extended cab with V-6

·        Easier to maneuver over fullsize trucks

·        An availability easy-lift and lower tailgate

·        20-inch wheel available

·        Perforated leather seats on Denali trim

·        2WD or 4WD availability on select trims

 

 

But:

·        Interior cabin space is relatively limited for front occupants

·        Legroom is somewhat sparse for rear occupants

·        Toyoto Tacoma offers an autonomous-like system for off-roading

         Denali trim could push over $50k with options

   

Verdict: After literally being on life support just a few years ago, with only Toyota and Nissan being the lonely pair in the midsize truck segment, both Chevy and GMC has rejoined with their pair of trucks. Since that time, Ford reentered the segment too with the Ranger. And Nissan is making plans to finally upgrade their dated Frontier too.

With the popularity of fullsize trucks, and the average transaction price around the mid forties, this has caused automakers to fill the low end of the pricing structure with midsize trucks.

Today’s midsize trucks, like the Canyon, offers a variety of powertrains, including a diesel engine. There are a variety of beds and a crew cab too albeit the interior space is severely limited in comparison to fullsize trucks. Moreover, for the 2021 model year, the Canyon has even added an off-road AT4 performance model, which is literally designed for those with an active outdoors lifestyle.

In fact, automakers are working on bringing in another round of trucks that are based off a car platform, while offering the utility of the truck, while riding more like a car. Ford, Hyundai and Kia are working to drive into this space with their lifestyle trucks.

While tiny, in our minds, the midsize trucks are a great alternative for those who don’t need or can’t afford today’s pricey fullsize trucks.