- 2010
2009 GMC Canyon
- Used GMC Canyon
GMC Canyon - What the Auto Press Says
The Canyon delivers a nice ride and exterior, and with a new V8 engine, finally offers as much power as its competitors.
The 2009 GMC Canyon is easy to overlook -- competitors offer nicer interiors and it's a virtual twin of the Chevrolet Colorado. However, the Canyon is a comfortable compact truck and, on the whole, the automotive press likes the Canyon for work or play. Consumer Guide says, "GMC's Canyon, like the similar Chevrolet Colorado, focuses on the light-duty noncommercial user--assuming heavy haulers will move up to the large Sierra. Given that mission, these are useful, well-balanced small trucks."
But despite the overall praise, the Canyon is also seen as an also-ran when compared to Japanese rivals. This is due in large part to its underwhelming interior and high price. In fact, at higher trim levels, the Canyon costs about as much as larger GMC trucks. The Detroit News notes the base GMC Sierra and the Canyon are virtually the same price. "Against that backdrop, the two-wheel-drive Canyon Crew Cab SLE doesn't look like a great value." Adding to this sentiment, Car and Driver calls the sticker price "a shocker," saying, "I'd be more forgiving if there were some neat touches," but "I'd need something more than just increased agility to keep me out of a full-size truck." If you're shopping for a compact pickup, also check out the Nissan Frontier or Toyota Tacoma.
The Canyon is available as a regular cab model, an extended cab, or as a crew cab. Buyers can chose between a four- five- or eight-cylinder engine. The V8 is new for 2009, as is standard satellite radio, StabiliTrak and a bedliner.
General Motors, GMC's parent company, has recently declared bankruptcy. While the company says that business should continue as usual, the bankruptcy could add a layer of uncertainty for GM buyers. However, those who are able to stomach the uncertainty may be able to get a great deal on a new GMC. Check out What GM's Bankruptcy Means for You to answer any questions you have before buying.
- "If you like the clean yet bold look of GMC pickup design, but want it in a smaller package that gets better fuel economy, check out the 2009 GMC Canyon." -- Kelley Blue Book
- "While a new V8 engine option addresses past performance deficiencies, the 2009 GMC Canyon's passenger comfort and overall fit and finish still don't measure up to those of Japanese rivals." -- Edmunds
- "The Canyon was fun to drive and it felt zippier than a large pickup. ... It also manages to look rugged -- though not quite ready for the lumberyard parking lot." -- Wall Street Journal
- "The GMC Canyon is ideal for people who need a real pickup but don't need or want the size and cost of a full-size truck." -- New Car Test Drive
Canyon Performance - 7.5 (Good)
The 2009 GMC Canyon has pretty good performance, especially since GMC added a V8 engine to the lineup for 2009. The trucks ride and handling also get positive reviews, but some reviewers lodge complaints about the four- and five-cylinder engines. Read More
Canyon Exterior - 7.7 (Good)
The 2009 Canyon has a rugged look that most appreciate, but it doesn't fare well when compared to the menacing stances of the class leaders. Still Car and Driver calls the Canyon "brawny but lovable," and says, "If you want a modern pickup that isn't scaled like the dump trucks of yesteryear, here's one that's worth a serious look." Read More
Canyon Interior - 7.1 (Good)
Substandard materials detract from the GMC Canyon's interior, as do the cramped rear seats. However, reviewers like the straightforward and simple dash design. Read More
Canyon Safety - 6.5 (Mediocre)
The GMC Canyon performs well in government crash tests and is equipped with safety features commensurate to those of its competitors. Read More
Canyon Reliability - 4.0 (Mediocre)
The 2009 GMC Canyon reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). The GMC Canyon comes with a three-year/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper limited warranty. Read More
