Expending the appeal of GMC’s popular midsize pickup, the 2017 Canyon receives a significant drivetrain enhancement and also introduces a new range-topping Canyon Denali trim grade previewed last fall at the Los Angeles Auto Show as well as an “off-road inspired” All Terrain X package. Other changes for coming year include a new IntelliLink radio with 7.0-inch color touchscreen, standard Teen Driver Mode monitoring system, an optional heated steering wheel and three new exterior colors: Dark Slate Metallic, Mineral Metallic and Red Quartz Metallic.
New V6
Like its 2017 Chevy Colorado cousin, the 2017 GMC Canyon will offer a new GM 3.6-liter gasoline V6 engine to complement the standard 2.5-liter/200-horsepower 4-cylinder and optional high-torque 181-horse/2.8-liter 4-cylinder turbodiesel. While maintaining the same displacement, this more efficient V6 features improved direct injection and variable valve timing while also introducing Active Fuel Management that allows it to run on four cylinders during light-throttle operation. Making 308 horsepower and 275 lb-ft of torque – gains of two and five more output units, respectively, than the V6 it replaces – this new engine is backed by an equally new and class-leading 8-speed Hydra-Matic automatic transmission instead of the current 6-speed. With its wider-overall ratio spread, lower first gear and smoother operation, this combo promises to make the 2017 Canyon a bit quicker off the line, quieter and more fuel efficient.
Canyon Denali bows
The new GMC Canyon Denali matches premium features with bespoke cosmetic touches. Key exterior tweaks include a bold chrome grille, tubular chrome assist steps, unique 20-inch bright-polished/painted alloy wheels and a spray-in bedliner along with bright exhaust tips on V6-powered models. Inside, the leather-trimmed cabin boasts heated/ventilated power front buckets, heated steering wheel, autonatic climate control, 7-speaker Bose premium audio, GMC IntelliLink with nav and an 8.0-inch color touchscreen. Also included are a 4G Wi-Fi hotspot, multiple USB ports, Forward Collision Alert and Lane Departure Warning as well as Remote Start.
Canyon All Terrain X born to play dirty
At the other end of the spectrum, the new Canyon All Terrain X focuses its appeal among those with active lifestyles and will be available on both V6 and turbodiesel-powered models. Based on a Canyon SLE with All Terrain package, this new X-spec upgrade adds 255/65 Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac all-terrain rubber on unique 17-inch alloys as well as all-weather floor liners. The existing All Terrain mix also includes bespoke cosmetics, a full off-road suspension. Hill Descent Control, transfer case shield, auto climate control, sliding rear window, tubular side-step bars and more.
Also: Class of 2017 – New Cars Ready to Roll
The 2017 GMC Canyon lineup – Base, SLE, SLT and Denali in extended and crew cab as well as rear-drive/4-wheel drive configurations will be head to dealers in the fourth quarter. Pricing and full EPA specs to be released closer to the actual on-sale date.
More Pickup Trucks…
Check out our Pickup Truck Buyer’s Guide for a look at what’s new and what’s next.
