The Least Popular Midsize Truck Is the Most Luxurious Option
The latest numbers are in and show concerning figures for the luxurious GMC Canyon. This truck was recently redesigned, so it should be doing a little better. However, it’s not exactly flying off the shelves like hotcakes. Let’s see what’s up with the 2023 GMC Canyon.
Why is the 2023 GMC Canyon the least popular truck?
According to the latest sales figures, the 2023 GMC Canyon isn’t doing so hot. It only sold 7,501 units during the second quarter of 2022, which was reduced to 6,708 during the second quarter of 2023.
This represents a 793 decrease in sales. Also, year-to-date sales at this point in 2022 hovered around 13,661 but are down to 11,724 this year. That’s a 1,937 model decrease year over year.
To put things in perspective, the 2023 Toyota Tacoma has moved 116,845 models so far in 2023. The GMC Canyon has fallen behind the pack. Even the dated 2023 Ford Ranger beats it with 24,118 sales for the year.
The similar yet more affordable 2023 Chevy Colorado is at roughly 33,165 sales for the first and second quarters of the year.
So, what’s holding the GMC Canyon back? It was redesigned for 2023 to have a more confident exterior style, modern interior, advanced tech, and more capability. All of these things are good!
How much does the 2023 Canyon cost?
The 2023 GMC Canyon has an MSRP of $36,900. This price doesn’t include the $1,495 destination fee. The 2023 Chevy Colorado starts at $29,200, the Toyota Tacoma rings in at $28,600, and the Ford Ranger begins at $27,400.
Perhaps the 2023 Canyon is too expensive compared to rivals. The only other midsize trucks with similar prices are the Honda Ridgeline and Jeep Gladiator. The Ridgeline clocks in at $38,800, and the Gladiator starts at $38,990.
The higher price tag could be a deterrent, but the Jeep Gladiator is more expensive and still outsells the Canyon. But the Gladiator does feature a long list of standard goodies such as 4×4.
But the Canyon is also value packed. It features a standard turbocharged 2.7-liter inline-four engine with 310 hp and 430 lb-ft of torque. It has available 4×4 with low-range gearing and rides on 18-inch wheels wrapped in all-terrain tires.
A standard 4×4 would be nice since it also has an off-road-tuned suspension. Other goodies include LED headlights, a remote locking tailgate, keyless entry with pushbutton start, an 8.0-inch digital guage cluster, an 11.3-inch infotainment system, and wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto.
How reliable is the 2023 Canyon?
The 2023 GMC Canyon earned a reliability rating of 80 out of 100 from J.D.Power. That puts it in the average category. Scores between 70 to 80 are average, and anything between 81 and 91 is above average.
It’s a bit behind its rivals. For example, the Toyota Tacoma earned an 83, the Ford Ranger has an 86, and the Jeep Gladiator got a score of 85.
However, the Canyon is still a solid truck. The average model is expected to surpass 200,000 miles, and it’s not uncommon for some to reach over 300,000 miles. Meanwhile, the Tacoma could make it between 300,000 to 400,000 miles.
It’s possible that shipping delays and production issues put the Canyon behind, but it’s already available. Perhaps it’s too expensive compared to the Colorado, or it’s hurt because it doesn’t have the best reputation for reliability.
The year is still early, and things could change as more models reach the dealership. Stay tuned for updates on the GMC Canyon and its performance.
