Skip to main content
2020 GMC Canyon Denali

Upgrading To The GMC Canyon Denali Is A Terrible Idea

The GMC Canyon isn’t wooing truck drivers by any means, but what about the GMC Canyon Denali? Does it provide enough power and luxury to attract drivers? Let’s take a look at the GMC Canyon Denali to see if it’s a worthy upgrade or not.  Is The GMC Canyon Denali Worth It?  The GMC Canyon …

The GMC Canyon isn’t wooing truck drivers by any means, but what about the GMC Canyon Denali?

Does it provide enough power and luxury to attract drivers? Let’s take a look at the GMC Canyon Denali to see if it’s a worthy upgrade or not. 

Is The GMC Canyon Denali Worth It? 

The GMC Canyon base model begins around $22k, which is a competitive price against the Ford Ranger and Chevy Colorado. 

2020 GMC Canyon Denali
2020 GMC Canyon Denali | GMC

However, to upgrade to the GMC Canyon Denali, prepare your wallet. It starts around $40k.

So, this trim option better have some significant upgrades to make spending nearly an extra 20 grand worth it.

It does have a slightly improved fuel economy. It gets up to 19 mpg in the city and up to 28 mpg on the highway. 

GMC Canyon Denali Performance 

The GMC Canyon Denali has two engine options. The 2.8-liter four-cylinder diesel engine produces 181 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. 

There is also the 3.6-liter V6 engine with an output of 308 horsepower and 275 lb-ft of torque. This GMC Denali can tow up to 7,600 lb, which is impressive. 

Also, the GMC Canyon Denali packs a fair amount of pep. It can go from 0 to 60 mph in 6.9 seconds, which is speedy for a truck. 

For off-roading, the Denali has an automatic locking rear differential and 4-wheel lock anti disc brakes. 

However, as this is a luxury model, and not an off-roading version, the skid plates, high air intake, and unibody shield are optional add-ons. 

The suspension is lacking. There is an independent coil suspension in the front and a 2-link multi-leaf suspension in the rear with no mention of sway bars or the struts. 

Luxurious features like the tailgate step, heated mirrors, a chrome grille, and more chrome accents are included, though. 

The Luxury Included With The GMC Canyon Denali 

Since this truck is supposed to be the luxurious option, let’s see what features you get to enjoy for spending $20k more. 

With the Denali, you get an EZ-lift power tailgate, which makes using the tailgate easier. However, the rear window is manual. 

A GMC Canyon Denali on display at an auto show.
A GMC Canyon Denali on display at an auto show | Raymond Boyd/Getty Images

We don’t want to sound like snobs, but what type of luxury vehicle has a manual window? But at least while you manually open your window, you’ll have a quiet ride. 

The GMC Canyon Denali is equipped with triple door seals, liquid applied sound deadeners, and more to reduce outside noise. 

Plus, the interior is full of soft-touch material and leather. The dash may not have the best look, but it has an enhanced feel. 

The spacious leather seats are heated and ventilated in the front. Those in the rear will face the leather with whatever temperature it has. There is also a leather-wrapped, heated steering wheel to enjoy. 

View this post on Instagram

Ready for a road trip ✔️ #GMCCanyon

A post shared by Cardinale GMC (@cardinalegmc_) on

In the rear, there is a storage unit under the bench seat. Other options have storage bins in the floor. 

Technology-wise there is an 8” infotainment center that can connect to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but that’s about it. 

The wireless charging feature is cool, but the built-in Wi-fi hotspot is optional. 

So, this upgrade isn’t worth it. All you get is extra padded seats and chrome accents. Unless you want a quiet ride, there is no reason to upgrade to the GMC Canyon Denali. 

Plus, a quiet interior can probably be found elsewhere alone with better amenities. 

Related

Ford or Chevy: Which Truck Should You Buy?