Which year to buy
Best bet2021Fewest serious problems: 0.2× usual
Newest we'd buy2025The latest year rated a good buy
Avoid2015, 2023Far more serious problems than usual
Be careful2016, 2024More problems; check the recalls were done
Too new to judge: 2026. Give a new year a year or two of owner reports.
Bar height: serious owner complaints to NHTSA for that year per car on the road, against this model's usual year.
2011GOOD BUYSerious complaints 0.9× usual Extended coverage
15 serious complaints of 23, the most about air bags (8) and engine (3); per car on the road, 0.9× this model's usual year. 5 recalls.
What owners report
“Takata recall airbag light is on . Truck will shut down when the truck is going down the road at 60 miles an hour less or more. When you start the truck it shuts off again. Or will start right up and wash it right back down. The safety belt light comes on or is the car locked I should say.”
An owner's complaint to NHTSA about the air bags, Mar 2019
Fixes and extended coverage
- Extended coverage On some 2008 model year (MY) Saturn Outlook; 2008-2009 MY Buick Allure, Chevrolet Equinox, Chevrolet Uplander, Pontiac G8, Pontiac Montana SV6, Pontiac Torrent, and Saturn VUE; 2008-2010 MY Hummer H3 and Pontiac G6; 2008-2011 MY Cadillac CTS, Cadillac SRX, and Chevrolet Impala; 2008, 2011-2012 MY… (GCUS-9-939, Sep 2015)
- Extended coverage On some various model year vehicles, the throttle-position sensor may cause the engine to run rough, cause the malfunction-indicator lamp and/or an engine reduced power message to illuminate, and reduce the engine's power. 14582A - Special Coverage (2012 model year Buick Enclave, Lacrosse, Regal;… (GCUS-9-1009, Oct 2015)
- Extended coverage The throttle position sensor may cause the engine to run rough and cause the malfunction indicator lamp and/or and Engine Reduced Power message to illuminate. 11273A - Special Coverage (additional population added). (G-169310, Jun 2013)
From the manufacturer's bulletins filed with NHTSA. A dealer can look up whether a car has had the work done or is still covered.
23 owner complaints · 5 recalls (check a car's VIN for open recalls) · EPA combined: 16–21 mpg · NHTSA: Not rated · 2011 trims and features
Verdicts computed from NHTSA owner complaints, defect investigations and recalls. Cars on the road from New York State registrations. (How we judge.) Data checked 2026-10-06.
Trims and features
Engines: 2.9L 4-cyl; 3.7L 5-cyl; 5.3L 8-cyl · Drive: 4WD, RWD
2011 Canyon trims
| SLE | SLT | Work Truck |
|---|
base price, seating and driver-assistance equipment from NHTSA's vehicle database (vPIC), as GMC reports it. Tech and comfort features (CarPlay, heated seats, sunroof) for GMC aren't in our data yet. "—": not verified in our sources. "Varies": standard on some versions of the trim.
Year by year
| Year | Engines | Drive | Fuel economy | Crash rating | Recalls | Owner complaints | Most-reported problem | CarPlay |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 2.7L 4-cyl turbo | 4WD, RWD | 16–20 mpg | 4 of 5 | 2 | 8 | Power train (3) | — |
| 2025 | 2.7L 4-cyl turbo | 4WD, RWD | 16–20 mpg | 4 of 5 | 2 | 8 | Service brakes (3) | Yes |
| 2024 | 2.7L 4-cyl turbo | 4WD, RWD | 16–20 mpg | 4 of 5 | 3 | 206 | Exterior lighting (159) | Yes |
| 2023 | 2.7L 4-cyl turbo | 4WD, RWD | 16–20 mpg | 4 of 5 | 3 | 62 | Electrical system (20) | Yes |
| 2022 | 2.5L 4-cyl 2.8L 4-cyl turbo diesel 3.6L 6-cyl | 4WD, RWD | 19–23 mpg | 4 of 5 | 1 | 26 | Electrical system (12) | Yes |
| 2021 | 2.5L 4-cyl 2.8L 4-cyl turbo diesel 3.6L 6-cyl | 4WD, RWD | 18–23 mpg | 4 of 5 | 2 | 11 | Steering (2) | Yes |
| 2020 | 2.5L 4-cyl 2.8L 4-cyl turbo diesel 3.6L 6-cyl | 4WD, RWD | 19–23 mpg | 4 of 5 | 0 | 14 | Power train (6) | Yes |
| 2019 | 2.5L 4-cyl 2.8L 4-cyl turbo diesel 3.6L 6-cyl manual available | 4WD, RWD | 15–23 mpg | 4 of 5 | 0 | 17 | Power train (7) | Yes |
| 2018 | 2.5L 4-cyl 2.8L 4-cyl turbo diesel 3.6L 6-cyl manual available | 4WD, RWD | 15–25 mpg | 4 of 5 | 1 | 52 | Power train (27) | Yes |
| 2017 | 2.5L 4-cyl 2.8L 4-cyl turbo diesel 3.6L 6-cyl manual available | 4WD, RWD | 15–25 mpg | 4 of 5 | 1 | 66 | Power train (18) | Yes |
| 2016 | 2.5L 4-cyl 2.8L 4-cyl turbo diesel 3.6L 6-cyl manual available | 4WD, RWD | 16–25 mpg | 4 of 5 | 4 | 270 | Steering (180) | Yes |
| 2015 | 2.5L 4-cyl 3.6L 6-cyl manual available | 4WD, RWD | 16–22 mpg | 4 of 5 | 8 | 321 | Steering (228) | No |
| 2012 | 2.9L 4-cyl 3.7L 5-cyl 5.3L 8-cyl manual available | 4WD, RWD | 16–21 mpg | Not rated | 2 | 29 | Electrical system (10) | No |
| 2011 | 2.9L 4-cyl 3.7L 5-cyl 5.3L 8-cyl manual available | 4WD, RWD | 16–21 mpg | Not rated | 5 | 23 | Unknown or other (9) | No |
| 2010 | 2.9L 4-cyl 3.7L 5-cyl 5.3L 8-cyl manual available | 4WD, RWD | 16–21 mpg | Not rated | 2 | 13 | Unknown or other (4) | No |
Owner complaints are unverified reports to NHTSA, counted as filed: older years have had longer to collect them and sales aren't adjusted for, so see Which year to buy for a fair comparison. Most-reported problem: the component named in the most complaints that year. Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Apple.
Which years have…
Apple lists CarPlay for: Canyon 2016–2025 (Apple).
Every NHTSA-rated version: crash ratings, safety tech, recalls, complaints
| Year | Version | Stars | Forward collision warning | Lane departure warning | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | GMC CANYON - AT4X AEV PU/CC N/A 4WD | Not Rated | Standard | Standard | 2 | 8 |
| 2026 | GMC CANYON PU/CC N/A 4WD | 4 | Standard | Standard | 2 | 8 |
| 2026 | GMC CANYON PU/CC N/A RWD | 4 | Standard | Standard | 2 | 8 |
| 2025 | GMC Canyon PU/CC 4WD | 4 | Standard & Optional | Standard & Optional | 2 | 8 |
| 2025 | GMC Canyon PU/CC RWD | 4 | Standard & Optional | Standard & Optional | 2 | 8 |
| 2025 | GMC Canyon AT4X AEV PU/CC 4WD | Not Rated | Standard | Standard | 0 | 0 |
| 2024 | GMC Canyon PU/CC 4WD | 4 | Standard & Optional | Standard & Optional | 3 | 206 |
| 2024 | GMC Canyon PU/CC RWD | 4 | Standard & Optional | Standard & Optional | 3 | 206 |
| 2024 | GMC Canyon AT4X AEV PU/CC 4WD | Not Rated | Standard | Standard | 0 | 4 |
| 2024 | GMC Canyon AT4X AEV PU/CC RWD | Not Rated | Standard | Standard | 0 | 4 |
| 2023 | GMC Canyon PU/CC 4WD | 4 | Standard & Optional | Standard | 3 | 62 |
| 2023 | GMC Canyon PU/CC RWD | 4 | Standard & Optional | Standard | 3 | 62 |
| 2022 | GMC Canyon PU/CC 4WD | 4 | Optional | Optional | 1 | 26 |
| 2022 | GMC Canyon PU/EC 4WD | 4 | Optional | Optional | 1 | 26 |
| 2022 | GMC Canyon PU/CC 2WD | 4 | Optional | Optional | 1 | 26 |
| 2022 | GMC Canyon PU/EC 2WD | 4 | Optional | Optional | 1 | 26 |
| 2021 | GMC Canyon PU/CC 2WD | 4 | Optional | Optional | 2 | 11 |
| 2021 | GMC Canyon PU/EC 2WD | 4 | Optional | Optional | 2 | 11 |
| 2021 | GMC Canyon PU/CC 4WD | 4 | Optional | Optional | 2 | 11 |
| 2021 | GMC Canyon PU/EC 4WD | 4 | Optional | Optional | 2 | 11 |
| 2020 | GMC Canyon PU/CC 4WD | 4 | Optional | Optional | 0 | 14 |
| 2020 | GMC Canyon PU/EC 4WD | 4 | Optional | Optional | 0 | 14 |
| 2020 | GMC Canyon PU/CC 2WD | 4 | Optional | Optional | 0 | 14 |
| 2020 | GMC Canyon PU/EC 2WD | 4 | Optional | Optional | 0 | 14 |
| 2019 | GMC Canyon PU/CC RWD | 4 | Optional | Optional | 0 | 17 |
| 2019 | GMC Canyon PU/CC 4WD | 4 | Optional | Optional | 0 | 17 |
| 2019 | GMC Canyon PU/EC 4WD | 4 | Optional | Optional | 0 | 17 |
| 2019 | GMC Canyon PU/EC RWD | 4 | Optional | Optional | 0 | 17 |
| 2018 | GMC Canyon PU/CC RWD | 4 | Optional | Optional | 1 | 52 |
| 2018 | GMC Canyon PU/CC 4WD | 4 | Optional | Optional | 1 | 52 |
| 2018 | GMC Canyon PU/EC RWD | 4 | Optional | Optional | 1 | 52 |
| 2018 | GMC Canyon PU/EC 4WD | 4 | Optional | Optional | 1 | 52 |
| 2017 | GMC Canyon PU/CC 4WD | 4 | Optional | Optional | 1 | 66 |
| 2017 | GMC Canyon PU/CC RWD | 4 | Optional | Optional | 1 | 66 |
| 2017 | GMC Canyon PU/EC RWD | 4 | Optional | Optional | 1 | 66 |
| 2017 | GMC Canyon PU/EC 4WD | 4 | Optional | Optional | 1 | 66 |
| 2016 | GMC Canyon PU/CC 4WD | 4 | Optional | Optional | 4 | 270 |
| 2016 | GMC Canyon PU/CC RWD | 4 | Optional | Optional | 4 | 270 |
| 2016 | GMC Canyon PU/EC RWD | 4 | Optional | Optional | 4 | 270 |
| 2016 | GMC Canyon PU/EC 4WD | 4 | Optional | Optional | 4 | 270 |
| 2015 | GMC Canyon PU/EC RWD | 4 | Optional | Optional | 8 | 321 |
| 2015 | GMC Canyon PU/CC RWD | Not Rated | Optional | Optional | 8 | 321 |
| 2015 | GMC Canyon PU/EC 4WD | 4 | Optional | Optional | 8 | 321 |
| 2015 | GMC Canyon PU/CC 4WD | Not Rated | Optional | Optional | 8 | 321 |
| 2012 | GMC Canyon PU/CC AWD | Not Rated | No | No | 2 | 29 |
| 2012 | GMC Canyon PU/EC AWD | Not Rated | No | No | 2 | 29 |
| 2012 | GMC Canyon PU/RC AWD | Not Rated | No | No | 2 | 29 |
| 2012 | GMC Canyon PU/CC RWD | Not Rated | No | No | 2 | 29 |
| 2012 | GMC Canyon PU/EC RWD | Not Rated | No | No | 2 | 29 |
| 2012 | GMC Canyon PU/RC RWD | Not Rated | No | No | 2 | 29 |
| 2011 | GMC Canyon PU/RC AWD | Not Rated | No | No | 5 | 23 |
| 2011 | GMC Canyon PU/EC AWD | Not Rated | No | No | 5 | 23 |
| 2011 | GMC Canyon PU/CC AWD | Not Rated | No | No | 5 | 23 |
| 2011 | GMC Canyon PU/RC RWD | Not Rated | No | No | 5 | 23 |
| 2011 | GMC Canyon PU/EC RWD | Not Rated | No | No | 5 | 23 |
| 2011 | GMC Canyon PU/CC RWD | Not Rated | No | No | 5 | 23 |
| 2010 | GMC Canyon Crew Cab 4-DR. w/SAB | Not Rated | No | No | 2 | 13 |
| 2010 | GMC Canyon Extended Cab w/SAB (Later release) | Not Rated | No | No | 2 | 13 |
| 2010 | GMC Canyon Extended Cab w/SAB (Early Release) | Not Rated | No | No | 2 | 13 |
| 2010 | GMC Canyon Regular Cab w/SAB (Later release) | Not Rated | No | No | 2 | 13 |
| 2010 | GMC Canyon Regular Cab w/SAB (Early Release) | Not Rated | No | No | 2 | 13 |
Source: NHTSA.
Every EPA-rated version: engines and combined mpg
| Year | EPA model | Engines | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Canyon 2WD | Auto 8-spd, 4 cyl, 2.7 L, Turbo | 20 |
| 2026 | Canyon 4WD | Auto 8-spd, 4 cyl, 2.7 L, Turbo | 19 |
| 2026 | Canyon AT4X 4WD | Auto 8-spd, 4 cyl, 2.7 L, Turbo | 17 |
| 2026 | Canyon AT4X AEV 4WD | Auto 8-spd, 4 cyl, 2.7 L, Turbo | 16 |
| 2026 | Canyon Mud Terrain Tires 4WD | Auto 8-spd, 4 cyl, 2.7 L, Turbo | 18 |
| 2025 | Canyon 2WD | Auto 8-spd, 4 cyl, 2.7 L, Turbo | 20 |
| 2025 | Canyon 4WD | Auto 8-spd, 4 cyl, 2.7 L, Turbo | 19 |
| 2025 | Canyon AT4X 4WD | Auto 8-spd, 4 cyl, 2.7 L, Turbo | 17 |
| 2025 | Canyon AT4X AEV 4WD | Auto 8-spd, 4 cyl, 2.7 L, Turbo | 16 |
| 2024 | Canyon 2WD | Auto 8-spd, 4 cyl, 2.7 L, Turbo | 20 |
| 2024 | Canyon 4WD | Auto 8-spd, 4 cyl, 2.7 L, Turbo | 19 |
| 2024 | Canyon AT4X 4WD | Auto 8-spd, 4 cyl, 2.7 L, Turbo | 17 |
| 2024 | Canyon AT4X AEV 4WD | Auto 8-spd, 4 cyl, 2.7 L, Turbo | 16 |
| 2024 | Canyon Mud Terrain Tires 4WD | Auto 8-spd, 4 cyl, 2.7 L, Turbo | 18 |
| 2023 | Canyon 2WD | Auto 8-spd, 4 cyl, 2.7 L, Turbo | 20 |
| 2023 | Canyon 4WD | Auto 8-spd, 4 cyl, 2.7 L, Turbo | 19 |
| 2023 | Canyon AT4X 4WD | Auto 8-spd, 4 cyl, 2.7 L, Turbo | 16 |
| 2023 | Canyon Mud Terrain Tires 4WD | Auto 8-spd, 4 cyl, 2.7 L, Turbo | 18 |
| 2022 | Canyon 2WD | Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.8 L, Diesel, Turbo Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.5 L Auto 8-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L |
21–23 |
| 2022 | Canyon 4WD | Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.8 L, Diesel, Turbo Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.5 L Auto 8-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L |
19–22 |
| 2021 | Canyon 2WD | Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.8 L, Diesel, Turbo Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.5 L Auto 8-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L |
21–23 |
| 2021 | Canyon 4WD | Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.8 L, Diesel, Turbo Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.5 L Auto 8-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L |
18–22 |
| 2020 | Canyon 2WD | Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.8 L, Diesel, Turbo Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.5 L Auto 8-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L |
20–23 |
| 2020 | Canyon 4WD | Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.8 L, Diesel, Turbo Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.5 L Auto 8-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L |
19–22 |
| 2019 | Canyon 2WD | Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.8 L, Diesel, Turbo Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.5 L Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.5 L Auto 8-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L |
20–23 |
| 2019 | Canyon 4WD | Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.8 L, Diesel, Turbo Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.5 L Auto 8-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L |
19–22 |
| 2019 | Canyon Cab Chassis 2WD | Auto 8-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L | 15 |
| 2018 | Canyon 2WD | Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.8 L, Diesel, Turbo Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.5 L Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.5 L Auto 8-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L |
20–25 |
| 2018 | Canyon 4WD | Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.8 L, Diesel, Turbo Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.5 L Auto 8-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L |
19–23 |
| 2018 | Canyon Cab Chassis 2WD | Auto 8-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L | 15 |
| 2017 | Canyon 2WD | Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.8 L, Diesel, Turbo Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.5 L Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.5 L Auto 8-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L |
20–25 |
| 2017 | Canyon 4WD | Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.8 L, Diesel, Turbo Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.5 L Auto 8-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L |
19–23 |
| 2017 | Canyon Cab Chassis 2WD | Auto 8-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L | 15 |
| 2016 | Canyon 2WD | Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.8 L, Diesel, Turbo Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.5 L Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.5 L Auto 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L |
21–25 |
| 2016 | Canyon 4WD | Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.8 L, Diesel, Turbo Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.5 L Auto 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L |
20–23 |
| 2016 | Canyon Cab Chassis 2WD | Auto 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L | 16 |
| 2015 | Canyon 2WD | Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.5 L Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.5 L Auto 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L |
21–22 |
| 2015 | Canyon 4WD | Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.5 L Auto 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L |
20–21 |
| 2015 | Canyon Cab Chassis 2WD | Auto 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L | 16 |
| 2012 | Canyon 2WD | Auto 4-spd, 4 cyl, 2.9 L Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.9 L Auto 4-spd, 5 cyl, 3.7 L Auto 4-spd, 8 cyl, 5.3 L |
16–21 |
| 2012 | Canyon 4WD | Auto 4-spd, 4 cyl, 2.9 L Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.9 L Auto 4-spd, 5 cyl, 3.7 L Auto 4-spd, 8 cyl, 5.3 L |
16–20 |
| 2012 | Canyon Cab Chassis Inc 2WD | Auto 4-spd, 5 cyl, 3.7 L | 17 |
| 2012 | Canyon Cab Chassis Inc 4WD | Auto 4-spd, 5 cyl, 3.7 L | 18 |
| 2012 | Canyon Crew Cab 2WD | Auto 4-spd, 4 cyl, 2.9 L Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.9 L Auto 4-spd, 5 cyl, 3.7 L Auto 4-spd, 8 cyl, 5.3 L |
16–21 |
| 2012 | Canyon Crew Cab 4WD | Auto 4-spd, 5 cyl, 3.7 L Auto 4-spd, 8 cyl, 5.3 L |
16–18 |
| 2011 | Canyon 2WD | Auto 4-spd, 4 cyl, 2.9 L Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.9 L Auto 4-spd, 5 cyl, 3.7 L Auto 4-spd, 8 cyl, 5.3 L |
16–21 |
| 2011 | Canyon 4WD | Auto 4-spd, 4 cyl, 2.9 L Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.9 L Auto 4-spd, 5 cyl, 3.7 L Auto 4-spd, 8 cyl, 5.3 L |
16–20 |
| 2011 | Canyon Cab Chassis Inc 2WD | Auto 4-spd, 5 cyl, 3.7 L | 17 |
| 2011 | Canyon Cab Chassis Inc 4WD | Auto 4-spd, 5 cyl, 3.7 L | 18 |
| 2011 | Canyon Crew Cab 2WD | Auto 4-spd, 4 cyl, 2.9 L Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.9 L Auto 4-spd, 5 cyl, 3.7 L Auto 4-spd, 8 cyl, 5.3 L |
16–21 |
| 2011 | Canyon Crew Cab 4WD | Auto 4-spd, 5 cyl, 3.7 L Auto 4-spd, 8 cyl, 5.3 L |
16–18 |
| 2010 | Canyon 2WD | Auto 4-spd, 4 cyl, 2.9 L Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.9 L Auto 4-spd, 5 cyl, 3.7 L Auto 4-spd, 8 cyl, 5.3 L |
17–21 |
| 2010 | Canyon 4WD | Auto 4-spd, 4 cyl, 2.9 L Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.9 L Auto 4-spd, 5 cyl, 3.7 L Auto 4-spd, 8 cyl, 5.3 L |
16–20 |
| 2010 | Canyon Cab Chassis Inc 2WD | Auto 4-spd, 5 cyl, 3.7 L | 17 |
| 2010 | Canyon Cab Chassis Inc 4WD | Auto 4-spd, 5 cyl, 3.7 L | 18 |
| 2010 | Canyon Crew Cab 2WD | Auto 4-spd, 4 cyl, 2.9 L Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.9 L Auto 4-spd, 5 cyl, 3.7 L Auto 4-spd, 8 cyl, 5.3 L |
17–21 |
| 2010 | Canyon Crew Cab 4WD | Auto 4-spd, 5 cyl, 3.7 L Auto 4-spd, 8 cyl, 5.3 L |
16–18 |
Source: fueleconomy.gov.