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The midsize Canyon is one of GMC’s most popular vehicles and the 2019 model is part of the Canyon’s second generation. But even at a competitive starting price, is it worth the money? We’re here with everything that makes 2019 GMC Canyon one of the best smaller pickup trucks you can find today.

A GMC Canyon being debuted at an auto show
GMC Canyon | Bill Pugliano/Getty Images

The 2019 GMC Canyon comes with impressive options

According to GMC’s website, you can find the 2019 GMC Canyon in four base variants. The Canyon SLE, SLT, All-Terrain, and Denali are available in a variety of configurations and available options.

Unlike other small-midsize pickup trucks, the Canyon isn’t just offered in four impressive trim levels, but can be tailor-made to your lifestyle with a variety of configurations and options to choose from, including the following:

  • Two-wheel (rear) or four-wheel drivetrains
  • Extended or crew cab body styles
  • Short or long cargo/bed-lengths
  • Six- or eight-speed automatic transmissions (six-speed comes standard)
  • Three available engines: a 2.5-liter four-cylinder (200 hp), 3.6-liter six-cylinder (308 hp), or a 2.8-liter four-cylinder turbo-diesel (186 hp)

What you get in every trim

According to Cars.com, all base-model Canyons come with the 2.5-liter engine that puts out an impressive-for-its-class 200 hp, but the available six-cylinder is not only impressive for the Canyon’s size but also the most powerful in its class.

In fact, the six-cylinder Canyon can go from 0 to 60 mph in a class-leading 6.8 seconds. New buyers can upgrade the All-Terrain variant with the All-Terrain X package and even find the 2019 Canyon in a special, Elevation edition.

The lowest base model available is more suitable for work because of its two-seat configuration, but the next available trim (that most consumers would consider the “base” model), comes with everything you’d expect and some things you wouldn’t.

The Canyon SLE features a locking rear differential, EZ-Lift and Lower tailgate, and upgraded tech features. One trim above this is the Canyon SLT and according to U.S. News, features include standard leather interior and active safety features. 

The GMC Canyon All-Terrain is specifically designed for off-roading and comes with hill-descent control, off-road suspension, transfer case shield, and more. The highest trim is the Denali, which follows the true GMC tradition of offering exceptional luxury features. The Denali comes with unique styling elements, navigation, upgraded audio system, and more.

A ride unlike any other

Consumers are turning to smaller pickup trucks more and more because of the fuel-efficiency and adaptability to lifestyle these trucks offer. But creating a truck that rides as smoothly as a car is hard to do.

According to MotorTrend, the 2019 GMC Canyon’s “supple ride and exceptional steering feel make for carlike behavior on the road.” Not only is it comfortable to ride in, but its handling, steering, and response are exceptional. Even at highway speeds, the cabin remains quiet and smooth.

The Canyon is specifically designed to provide easy access and exit, with ideal ground clearance and General Motor’s CornerStep rear bumper that helps you climb up into the bed of the truck.

The 2019 GMC Canyon isn’t just built to tow and ride smoothly, receiving the highest possible rating from the IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) in multiple safety categories and receiving a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration).

GMC Canyon: setting the bar with interior luxury

The 2019 GMC Canyon is unlike other trucks in the segment when it comes to interior luxury. Not only is it comfortable to ride in, but according to Edmunds, it “has more creature comforts inside than most other midsize pickups.”

The 2019 Canyon comes with automatic climate control and easy-to-use interfaces and controls. New for 2019 is an improved infotainment system and rear-camera. Base trims receive a 7-inch display screen, but on higher trims, you’ll get an 8-inch screen, compatibility with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and speech recognition with interior microphones.

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