The world needs more small trucks. They're easier to park and maneuver and cost less to feed than full-sized behemoths. For years though, the problem had been that there are only moribund and dated compact models available. While this version of the GMC Canyon was the first redesign in this category in 11 years when it debuted, the fact that it topped the class was due more to its newness, than it being inherently groundbreaking.
How to put this nicely? We really wanted to like this truck. We just can't.
The pint-sized dimensions make parking a snap. It's clearly the most maneuverable truck in the segment, and handling is quite responsive as well. Fuel economy, at 18 mpg overall, is tops. The cabin is quiet and easy to climb into.
As for carrying out normal truck duties, the Canyon boasts a 1,555-pound payload and can tow up to 7,000 pounds.
But this is where things start to go badly. Despite its 305 hp, the V6 is rather short on the low-end torque that's so important for truck owners who actually haul stuff. The ride can be brutal at times, with choppiness and jostling on any road rougher than a velvet Elvis painting.
To fulfill its trucklike duties, the Canyon offers a damped rear tailgate that opens without sounding like you dropped a box of nails on a metal floor and closes without leaving you feeling like you just spent hours at CrossFit. A standard corner step in the rear bumper and a low loading height also help make getting stuff into the bed that much easier.
Expectations for interior quality in this segment are predictably low. The interior plastics are nicely grained and the knobs are rubber-ringed, but everything else is hard to the touch.
The real deal-breakers here are the seats and driving position. Our testers dinged the accommodations heavily for being too stiffly padded and lacking lumbar adjustment. The bottom seat cushion didn't adjust for tilt, so even shorter drivers ran out of headroom. Additionally, the steering wheel didn't telescope far enough for many.
From a safety standpoint, we lauded the Canyon for being equipped with a standard rearview camera. We were also impressed that it was the only small truck with forward-collision and lane-departure warning.
The Chevrolet Colorado is a twin to the GMC Canyon.