2022 GMC CANYON | 1GTG6CENXN1304361

Body Styles

The GMC Canyon is a midsize pickup truck with a traditional body-on-frame construction. It is offered in extended cab and crew cab configurations, with short or long cargo beds depending on the trim. The 2015–2022 design language features a bold, upright front fascia, flared wheel arches, and high beltlines. The cabin is proportionally forward, emphasizing a strong nose and prominent hood line. The AT4 and Denali trims showcase premium styling cues like LED signature lighting, unique grilles, and optional blacked-out or chrome exterior packages. Despite its rugged frame, the Canyon maintains relatively compact overall dimensions that make it suitable for urban and trail use alike.

Model Name Meaning (Manufacturer)

“Canyon” is a geographical term chosen to reflect the vehicle’s capability and rugged utility. GMC uses nature-based names to signal terrain-conquering performance, and “Canyon” evokes a sense of exploration, rock-solid structure, and adaptability to harsh environments, aligning with its off-road-ready persona.

Model Name Meaning (Languages)

“Canyon” originates from the Spanish cañón, meaning “tube” or “deep gorge,” and has been widely adopted in English to describe steep, narrow valleys carved by rivers. The name suggests depth, strength, and adventure. Its simple pronunciation and strong consonants lend the model a bold, outdoorsy character that resonates across English-speaking markets.

Body & Interior Colors and Rims

The Canyon offered a practical yet premium-oriented color range, including Onyx Black, Summit White, Cardinal Red, Dark Sky Metallic, Satin Steel Metallic, and Desert Sand. The AT4 trim introduced unique tones such as Cayenne Red Tintcoat and Dynamic Blue Metallic, with select paints offering deeper metallic flake and pearlescent finishes. Denali models featured exclusive colors with richer gloss levels and chrome-accented mirror caps and door handles.

Inside, the Canyon ranged from work-truck simplicity to near-luxury appointments in Denali trim. Lower trims offered durable cloth in Jet Black or Cocoa/Dune color schemes, while upper variants introduced perforated leather in Jet Black with contrast stitching, real aluminum accents, and soft-touch dash materials. AT4 models featured embroidered logos on the seatbacks and dark trim textures, while Denali variants added woodgrain inserts and ambient lighting. Cabin layout remained driver-focused, with upright controls, physical dials, and an intuitive infotainment interface.

Wheel choices spanned from 17-inch silver aluminum to 20-inch multi-spoke chrome wheels. Off-road-focused variants included 17-inch dark graphite alloys with all-terrain tires, while Denali received polished multi-fin wheels with machined faces. The designs were generally bold and angular, matching the Canyon’s squared-off fender flares and wide front stance.

Top Expensive Options

• AT4 Off-Road Suspension Package: $2,500
• Denali Premium Leather Package with Ventilated Front Seats: $1,600
• 20" Polished Aluminum Wheels with All-Season Tires: $1,400
• Bose Premium Audio with Subwoofer: $1,000
• Trailering Package with Integrated Brake Controller: $800
• Spray-On Bedliner with GMC Logo: $600
• Heated Steering Wheel and Rear Seats: $700
• Chrome Assist Steps (Crew Cab): $800
• Navigation with 8" Infotainment System: $900
• Wireless Phone Charging Pad: $450

vs Competitors

The GMC Canyon competed directly with the Toyota Tacoma, Ford Ranger, Nissan Frontier, and Honda Ridgeline. While the Tacoma led in off-road reputation and the Ridgeline in comfort, the Canyon balanced capability, tech, and refinement better than most. With available V6 power, diesel torque (in select trims), and a Denali luxury package, the Canyon could be both workhorse and weekend cruiser. Compared to the Ranger, it offered more upscale materials and smoother ride quality, while holding its own off-pavement in AT4 spec. Though less popular than the Tacoma, it earned praise for interior quietness, towing capacity, and real-truck feel without full-size excess.

Fun Fact

The GMC Canyon helped revive the midsize pickup segment in North America — a segment that had been largely abandoned by major automakers in the early 2010s. When it returned alongside its corporate cousin, the Chevy Colorado, the Canyon stood out as the more premium and refined alternative, positioning itself as a “professional-grade” truck for buyers who wanted capability without sacrificing comfort or tech.

But here’s the fun twist: the Canyon became the first midsize pickup in the U.S. to offer a diesel engine, with the introduction of the 2.8L Duramax turbo-diesel I4 in 2016. This made it the best-in-class truck for towing and fuel efficiency, with up to 7,700 lbs of towing capacity and highway fuel economy exceeding 30 mpg — figures typically associated with full-size trucks. It also delivered 369 lb-ft of torque, giving it serious off-road and hauling credentials, all while maintaining a smaller footprint.

And while the Canyon could play the role of a workhorse, trims like the Denali added chrome detailing, leather upholstery, and polished wheels, making it the first midsize truck to offer a true luxury-grade variant, years before competitors followed suit. It wasn’t just a return — it was a quiet redefinition of what a midsize truck could be.