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2018 GMC Canyon

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Make
GMC
Model
Canyon
Year
2018
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GMC Canyon OEM Exterior Primary Photo
OEM Interior Primary
OEM Exterior
OEM Exterior
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Expert Rating
Unavailable

Our expert ratings are based on seven comprehensive criteria: quality, safety, comfort, performance, fuel economy, reliability history and value.

You can interpret our ratings in the following way:

: Outstanding vehicle. Only the most exceptional vehicles achieve this rating.

: Very Good vehicle. Very good and close to being the best vehicle in its class.

: Good vehicle. Decent, but not quite the best. Often affordable, but lacking key features found in vehicles of the same class.

: Below average vehicle. Not recommended, and lacking attributes a car buyer would come to expect for the price.

: Poor vehicle. Simply does not deserve to be on the road.

Select a Trim
Select a Trim
2018 SL 4x2 Extended Cab 6 ft. box 128.3 in. WB
most popular
Price:   -  From $21,100
2018 Base 4x2 Extended Cab 6 ft. box 128.3 in. WB Price:   -  From $24,600
2018 Base 4x2 Crew Cab 5 ft. box 128.3 in. WB Price:   -  From $27,200
2018 SLE 4x2 Extended Cab 6 ft. box 128.3 in. WB Price:   -  From $28,500
2018 Base 4x2 Crew Cab 6 ft. box 140.5 in. WB Price:   -  From $28,800
2018 Base 4x4 Extended Cab 6 ft. box 128.3 in. WB Price:   -  From $29,500
2018 SLE 4x2 Crew Cab 5 ft. box 128.3 in. WB Price:   -  From $30,400
2018 SLE 4x2 Crew Cab 6 ft. box 140.5 in. WB Price:   -  From $32,100
2018 SLE 4x4 Extended Cab 6 ft. box 128.3 in. WB Price:   -  From $32,700
2018 All Terrain w/Cloth 4x4 Extended Cab 6 ft. box 128.3 in. WB Price:   -  From $34,800
2018 SLT 4x2 Crew Cab 5 ft. box 128.3 in. WB Price:   -  From $34,800
2018 SLT 4x2 Crew Cab 6 ft. box 140.5 in. WB Price:   -  From $35,300
2018 All Terrain w/Leather 4x4 Extended Cab 6 ft. box 128.3 in. WB Price:   -  From $35,700
2018 SLE 4x4 Crew Cab 5 ft. box 128.3 in. WB Price:   -  From $35,700
2018 SLE 4x4 Crew Cab 6 ft. box 140.5 in. WB Price:   -  From $36,000
2018 All Terrain w/Cloth 4x4 Crew Cab 5 ft. box 128.3 in. WB Price:   -  From $37,500
2018 All Terrain w/Cloth 4x4 Crew Cab 6 ft. box 140.5 in. WB Price:   -  From $37,800
2018 All Terrain w/Leather 4x4 Crew Cab 5 ft. box 128.3 in. WB Price:   -  From $38,400
2018 SLT 4x4 Crew Cab 5 ft. box 128.3 in. WB Price:   -  From $38,500
2018 All Terrain w/Leather 4x4 Crew Cab 6 ft. box 140.5 in. WB Price:   -  From $38,700
2018 SLT 4x4 Crew Cab 6 ft. box 140.5 in. WB Price:   -  From $38,800
2018 Denali 4x2 Crew Cab 5 ft. box 128.3 in. WB Price:   -  From $39,600
2018 Denali 4x2 Crew Cab 6 ft. box 140.5 in. WB Price:   -  From $40,100
2018 Denali 4x4 Crew Cab 5 ft. box 128.3 in. WB Price:   -  From $43,300
2018 Denali 4x4 Crew Cab 6 ft. box 140.5 in. WB Price:   -  From $43,600

Overview

The GMC Canyon was just what the market wanted when it debuted back in 2015: a smaller, reasonably efficient pickup that can still get the job done. Demand for the Canyon remains brisk, so it's safe to say the less-than-full-size American truck is back to stay.

What's New For 2018

The Canyon's rearview camera display gains trailer guidelines. A 7.0-inch infotainment touchscreen with voice controls is now standard.

GMC Canyon

Choosing Your GMC Canyon

As before, the Canyon comes in two configurations: an Extended Cab with narrow rear-hinged back doors and a six-foot bed, and a four-door Crew Cab with a standard five-foot or optional ($435) six-foot bed.

The standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine produces 200 horsepower and 191 pound-feet of torque. The 2.5-liter is available with a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission. With either transmission, it's EPA-rated at 22 miles per gallon in combined city and highway driving, or 21 mpg combined with four-wheel drive (which requires the automatic).

The optional 3.6-liter V6 offers 308 hp and 275 lb-ft of torque, enough for the Canyon to tow up to 7,000 pounds. An eight-speed automatic transmission does the shifting. V6 models are rated at 20 mpg combined, or 19 mpg will four-wheel drive.

For Crew Cab models, the top engine choice is the 2.8-liter Duramax turbodiesel four-cylinder, which puts out 181 hp and 369 pound-feet of torque. Duramax models are rated to tow 7,700 pounds and come standard with an integrated brake controller and an automatic locking rear differential. A six-speed automatic transmission is also part of the package. The Duramax excels in efficiency, delivery an EPA-estimated 25 mpg combined, or 23 mpg with four-wheel drive.

Like most pickups, the Canyon comes in a wide range of trims, from basic to luxurious:

GMC Canyon

SL

Priced at $22,080 (including $995 destination), the SL comes only in Extended Cab form with the 2.5-liter engine, two-wheel drive, and the six-speed manual transmission. The interior carries vinyl seats (front only) and rubber flooring. Otherwise, the SL is decently equipped with features like a power driver seat, power windows and locks, 16-inch aluminum wheels, and a six-speaker touchscreen infotainment system. There are no factory options for the SL.

GMC Canyon

Base

Positioned as the true base model, the Canyon (no trim designation) gives buyers access to an array of mechanical and convenience upgrades. Starting at $25,550, the Extended Cab comes standard with cloth upholstery, carpeting, and flip-down rear seats. The Crew Cab ($28,105) gets a full-width rear seat and standard six-speed automatic gearbox with the 2.5-liter engine (it's a $650 option on the Extended Cab). The optional 3.6-liter V6 adds $2,035 to the Extended Cab and $1,385 to the Crew Cab. Both engines can be paired with four-wheel drive for $4,295. The Canyon's available Convenience Package ($590) includes keyless entry, cruise control, a rear defogger, and GMC's EZ-Lift and Lower tailgate. The Exterior Convenience Package ($815) adds assist steps and splash guards.

GMC Canyon

SLE

Also available in Extended ($29,455) and Crew ($31,395) configurations, the SLE gets nicer interior trim, power side mirrors, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, 17-inch wheels, and a standard automatic with the 2.5-liter engine. The infotainment system grows to eight inches and includes satellite radio and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. The items in the Canyon's Convenience Package are also standard. The Duramax turbodiesel engine becomes available on the Crew Cab at this trim level for $6,510. The SLE can get a Convenience Package of its own with automatic climate control, remote start, and a sliding rear window for $575. For safety, there's the Driver Alert Package ($395) with lane departure warning and forward collision warning. Chrome door handles and mirror caps come in the $480 SLE Chrome Appearance Package. The Nightfall Edition ($2,900) adds 18-inch graphite wheels and a body-color grille and rear bumper.

GMC Canyon

All Terrain

Starting at $35,715 (Extended) and $38,445 (Crew), the All Terrain comes standard with the V6 engine and four-wheel drive and is equipped with an off-road suspension, hill descent control, and a transfer case shield. The All Terrain gets special trim to go with its extra capability, including dark 17-inch wheels, body-color bumpers, and red interior stitching. The SLE Convenience Package features are included as well. The optional All Terrain X Package ($2,010) adds all-terrain tires, a protective floor liner, a spray-in black bedliner, and black step bars. Buyers can add navigation ($495) and a Bose seven-speaker sound system ($500).

GMC Canyon

SLT

The SLT builds on the SLE with standard features like leather upholstery, heated front seats with passenger power, polished 18-inch wheels, and the contents of the SLE Convenience Package. The Driver Alert Package, navigation, and the Bose system remain optional. Available in Crew Cab configuration only, the SLT starts at $35,700.

GMC Canyon

Denali

The range-topping Denali Crew Cab ($40,500) gets the SLT's options as standard, plus ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, bright 20-inch wheels, cargo lamps, wireless device charging, and a spray-in bedliner. Low-gloss black wheels are offered exclusively on the Denali for $2,395.

CarsDirect Tip

While not the cheapest Canyon, the SLE is highly customizable and carries a handsome amount of standard equipment for the price. In our view, it's the best choice for drivers who need a pickup that performs double duty – work and pleasure.

Get your price on a GMC Canyon »

author image
Automotive Editor
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Expert Review

Expert Rating
Unavailable

Our expert ratings are based on seven comprehensive criteria: quality, safety, comfort, performance, fuel economy, reliability history and value.

You can interpret our ratings in the following way:

: Outstanding vehicle. Only the most exceptional vehicles achieve this rating.

: Very Good vehicle. Very good and close to being the best vehicle in its class.

: Good vehicle. Decent, but not quite the best. Often affordable, but lacking key features found in vehicles of the same class.

: Below average vehicle. Not recommended, and lacking attributes a car buyer would come to expect for the price.

: Poor vehicle. Simply does not deserve to be on the road.

author image
Contributing Editor

The midsize truck market has a new life, thanks in part to the GMC Canyon. The twin to the Chevrolet Colorado, the Canyon offers a compelling alternative to full-size pickup trucks, along with many of the same features customers demand.

Best Value

The 2018 GMC Canyon comes in Extended Cab and Crew Cab body configurations and in the latter's case, the choice of a 5.1- or 6.1-foot bed (the extended cab is stuck with the longer setup). There are seven trim levels to choose from, although we recommend ignoring the first, as it's a dedicated work truck designed for fleet duty and won't be a common sight on dealer lots. So really, there's the Canyon base trim, the SLE, cloth and leather-upholstered versions of the All-Terrain, SLT, and Denali. As we covered in the Overview above, the Canyon is available with three engines – a 2.5-liter four-cylinder gas engine that's limited to the Extended Cab, a 3.6-liter V6 gas engine that's standard on Crew Cab models, and a 2.8-liter turbodiesel.

Our recommendation is to take the Canyon SLT in the Crew Cab body, with the short bed, the standard 3.6-liter V6, and four-wheel drive. It's the right blend of size, attractiveness (the long bed throws off the Canyon's proportions), content, and price. We'd pass on any optional goodies, as the SLT is one step down from the Denali and comes suitably equipped with leather upholstery, heated front seats, remote start, 18-inch wheels, automatic climate control, a locking rear differential, and an eight-inch infotainment screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. Take our advice, and you'll escape the dealership with a nicely contented truck for just under $40,000.

  • Model: 2018 GMC Canyon SLT 4x4 Crew Cab
  • Engine: 3.6-liter V6 engine
  • Output: 308 hp/275 lb-ft
  • Transmission: Eight-speed automatic transmission
  • Drivetrain: Four-wheel drive
  • MPG: 18 City/25 Hwy
  • Options: Four-wheel drive ($3,800)
  • Base Price: $35,795 (plus $995 destination charge)
  • Best Value Price: $39,495

Performance

GMC Canyon

With three engine choices available, GMC shoppers have much to consider.

The most popular of the three engines is a 3.6-liter V6 generating 308 horsepower and paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. This engine has the best step-off acceleration and passing power of the trio. For these reasons, you’ll find more Canyons on dealer lots equipped with this engine than the other two combined.

But the available diesel is an intriguing choice. It's efficient, netting up to 30 mpg on the freeway, and with 369 pound-feet of torque, it has more pulling power than the V6. This is evident on the road, where it scoots off the line with aplomb. But unlike most diesels, GMC's 2.8-liter is an unpleasant highway companion – it's noisy and clattery and maintains an unusually high engine speed despite the eight-speed automatic it works alongside. Be sure to test drive this one thoroughly before signing on the dotted line.

The steering and handling are not abnormal for a pickup truck – the former is light and effortless and the latter is ineffectual. The Canyon is more agile than its full-size sibling, the Sierra 1500, but not significantly so. There's still a lot of roll, squat, and dive. The tradeoff is a comfortable ride, particularly when the bed is loaded down with gear.

Style

We like how GMC applied big Sierra styling to this truck’s smaller frame. It works, although the Canyon isn’t a small-scale Sierra. This truck shares some of the styling brashness, especially with its grille. But the rising beltline and pronounced fender flares offer its own take on GMC styling.

Inside, there’s room for four or five, although if you want maximum passenger room, only the crew cab will do. The interior has a more premium look, especially as you move away from the base model. The leather seats are comfortable and handsome, and certainly not too delicate for this truck.

The Best and Worst Things

The available diesel engine is a peach for performance and fuel economy. Also, it's just very, very cool to have something in the baby Canyon that the big GMC Sierra doesn't (yet).

The GMC doesn’t offer the top-end off-road capabilities of the Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 – there's no Canyon-based analog to that brute. The Colorado is the brawnier of the two, while the GMC pushes style and elegance, but at a premium price.

Right For? Wrong For?

GMC Canyon

Individuals who want the ruggedness of a pickup truck, but not the girth of a full-size model, such as the GMC Sierra 1500. While the Sierra may struggle to fit in most garages, the Canyon should make it without complaint.

Truck fans that prize passenger-carrying space, payload, or towing above all else. Or maybe all three. The Canyon is a segment leader in towing, but it doesn’t have quite the reach of the big guys.

The Bottom Line

Credit the GMC Canyon and the similar Chevrolet Colorado with rejuvenating a moribund segment. They’re currently the most modern midsize trucks you can purchase, although the top price can approach $50,000.

Read Less

Specs & Features

Highlights
Overall Crash Safety Rating
Engine - Cylinders/Horsepower/Torque
2.5L I-4 / 200 HP / 191 ft.lbs.
Transmission
6-spd man w/OD
Drive Type
Rear-wheel
Fuel Economy - City/Highway/Combined
20 / 26 / 23 Mpg
Passenger Capacity
2
Bumper to Bumper Warranty
36 Months / 36,000 Miles
Mechanical Specs
Engine - Cylinders/Horsepower/Torque
2.5L I-4 / 200 HP / 191 ft.lbs.
Drive Type
Rear-wheel
Fuel Economy - City/Hwy/Combined
20 / 26 / 23 Mpg
Brakes
4-wheel Disc
Front Suspension
Short And Long Arm
Rear Suspension
Rigid Axle Leaf
Spare Tire And Wheel
Compact Aluminum
Fuel Tank
21.0 Gal.
Recommended Fuel Type
Regular Unleaded
Average Cost To Fill Tank
$80
Dimensions & Capabilities
Maximum Cargo Volume
Passenger Volume
Exterior Length
212.4 "
Exterior Width
74.3 "
Exterior Height
70.4 "
Front Headroom
41.4 "
Rear Headroom
Front Legroom
45.0 "
Rear Legroom
Front Shoulder Room
57.5 "
Rear Shoulder Room
Front Hip Room
Rear Hip Room
Curb Weight
3,945 Lbs.
Wheel Base
128 "
Turning Radius
20.6 '
Exterior Features
Door Count
4 Doors
Wheels
16.0 " Silver Aluminum
Paint
Clearcoat Monotone / Metallic Monotone
Exterior Mirrors
Dual Manual
Bumpers
Front Body-colored
Grille Moldings
Chrome
Rear Spoiler
Exhaust
Stainless Steel
Interior Features
Seating
Passenger Capacity
2
Seat Trim
Vinyl
Front Seat Type
Bucket
Heated Front Seats
Front Driver Seat Direction Controls
6-way (4-way Power)
Front Passenger Seat Direction Controls
4-way
Front Armrests
6-way (4-way Power)
Rear Armrests
Rear Seats
Radio & Infotainment
Radio
Gmc Infotainment System Am/fm, Clock, Seek-scan
Speakers
6
Radio Steering Wheel Controls
Apple Car Play
Android Auto
Bluetooth w/ Hands-Free Connectivity
Convenience Features
Steering Wheel Type
Tilt
Climate Control
Cruise Control
Sun Roof
Rearview Mirror
Day-night
One Touch Open Window
Driver
Tinted Windows
Light
Vanity Mirrors
Passenger
Remote Keyless Entry
Power Outlets
2
Safety Features
Overall Crash Safety Rating
Overall Front Crash Safety Rating
Overall Side Crash Safety Rating
Rollover Crash Safety Rating
Front Impact Airbags
Driver And Passenger
Driver Side Impact Airbags
Seat Mounted
Knee Airbag
Passenger Side Impact Airbag
Seat Mounted
Rear Side Airbag
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Front
Anti-Lock Brakes
4-wheel Anti-lock Brakes (abs)
Forward Collision Warning
Blind Spot Sensor
Lane Departure Warning
Autonomous Cruise Control
Pedestrian Detection
Driver Attention Alert
Daytime Running Lights
Auto High Beams
Adaptive Headlights
Parking Sensors
Security Systems
Panic Alarm
Ignition Disable
Pass-key Iii+
Warranty
Bumper To Bumper Months Miles
36 Months / 36,000 Miles
Major Components Months
60 Months / 60,000 Miles
Included Maintenance Months
24 Months / 24,000 Miles
Roadside Assistance Months
60 Months / 60,000 Miles
Corrosion Perforation
72 Months / 100,000 Miles
Accessories Months

Used 2018 GMC Canyon for Sale

3 vehicles found within 100 miles of your area
GMC
SLT
Color: Onyx Black
Price

$25,525

Mileage

63,431 mi

Map location icon

STG Auto Group Bellflower (16 mi)

Phone: (909) 552-7433
GMC
SLT
Color: Black
Price

$29,995

Mileage

58,474 mi

Map location icon

Jim's Auto Sales (11 mi)

Phone: (310) 830-0033
GMC
Denali
Color: White
Price

$30,295

Mileage

44,564 mi

Map location icon

Culver City Chevrolet (5 mi)

Phone: (424) 500-8310

Other GMC Canyon Listings

We have expanded the search to include other GMC Canyon years that you might be interested in.

GMC
2WD SLE
Color: Blue Emerald Metallic
Price

$24,453

Mileage

66,268 mi

Map location icon

Hunter Dodge Chrysler Jeep RAM (54 mi)

Phone: (661) 622-4951
See All Used Car Listings

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