With the recent revitalization of Ford’s Ranger, General Motors is strictly focused on maintaining its truck game. With GM and truck brand GMC always producing work-grade type trucks, I have looked forward to testing the Canyon.
My 2022 Canyon tester, an optioned up AT4, was really a do-it-all vehicle with tons of pep in its step. Including two motor options, it came with the popular 3.6-liter Direct Injection Dual Overhead Cam V-6 engine, offering 308 horsepower and 275 lb.-ft. of torque. Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, the Canyon AT4 was ready for just about anything.
As the base price just notched over $40K, I realize that the Crew Cab short box model was really a looker, but one that certainly needed to be used and abused. As a daily driver, with runs to the hardware store, it’s obvious that the Canyon AT4 looks good, works hard and is multipurpose.
The AT4 package came with Black Exhaust tips, suspension leveling kit, Off-Road Rocker Protection, front skid plate, spray-on bed liner, an all-weather floor liner and 17-inch black gloss wheels riding on Goodyear Duratrac tires, for an additional $3,195.
The interior offered GMC-type traditions with jet black leather seats that were ultra comfortable, a $995 optioned-up 8-inch color touchscreen infotainment system with navigation and Bluetooth audio, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and in-vehicle personalization capability.
The ride and low-noise quality was really what stood out in my test. Historically in this category, it’s all about that typical “bounce around,” and in this truck I did not notice that or for that matter any loud road noise.
I really enjoyed my Canyon tester and am happy with GMC and the additions that they have made to make the Canyon a do-it-all type vehicle. Not only is it a pickup, but one that rides like an SUV and has multiple personalities, if you catch my drift. I don’t understand why they still use a key instead of a push-button start, but some still like the idea of a turn-key start up. Nice job, GMC, as always!
GMC Canyon
MSRP: $40,200
As tested: $46,700
MPG: 17 city, 24 highway, 21.1 as tested
