2024 GMC Canyon Denali: Impressions – Road Test

Competition is at its peak in the mid-sized picture segment. The Nissan Frontier has been updated for the 2022 model year, while the Ford Ranger and Toyota Tacoma have been completely redesigned for 2024. The two oldest are now the Honda Ridgeline and Jeep Gladiator, two trucks that are unique, each in their own way. .

In the midst of all this, GMC Canyon and his twin Chevrolet Colorado appeared in 2023 with the third generation. Although the chassis of the ladder remains almost the same, everything else has been completely revised. Will this be enough to sustain the success of the older generation, while being able to face the competition? Testing the GMC Canyon, unfortunately, left me cold.

Homer

It’s certainly not in terms of style that the GMC Canyon misses its mark. First, the front wheels have been moved forward by 3 inches compared to the outgoing model, which adds to the luxury side of the model. We also get a front bumper with cut ends, improving the style, but also the ability to cross. It’s also hard to miss the curved front and rear fascias, which feature larger 20-inch wheels and oversized tires, exclusive to the Denali version, as well as the chrome front grille, chrome mirror caps and running boards. All of these features contribute to giving the Canyon a truly successful mini-Sierra look.

All cranes are configured the same, in that they come with a crew cab and a 5-foot bed. The model tested was the Denali equipment level, the highest of the entire lineup. Other versions, such as AT4X or Altitude are also offered, with their own charm. Also, for all versions, we get performance-enhancing features, such as rear corner steps that compensate for the extremely high position of the car and trunk on the body panel.

Unfortunately, the car’s exterior finish quality didn’t live up to its nearly $66,500 price tag. The grille is loose and the window sill is too short, leaving a cheap impression.

First class interior

Despite the existence of operating boards that should facilitate access to the vehicle, especially in the case of a vehicle with high ground clearance, access to the vehicle is special. This is mainly due to the door opening being so small that you have to bend in half to get on board.

You will find hope again in the Canyon by taking a seat on the board. The dashboard layout is the most successful in the whole category, mainly because of the excellent digital instruments whose image quality is excellent. There are also a number of configurable tables, all of which can be adjusted according to driving conditions. The appearance remains modest unlike other models of its kind, a good move.

The same goes for the central 11.3-inch screen, placed neatly in a horizontal position above the center block. The interface is clear and easy to use, even if some response delays were experienced during the test week. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are the best connectivity standards. The climate controls are a little lower, easy to reach, as are the controls mounted on the center console, as is the transmission lever.

Leather seats are covered in fine leather in the Denali version. There are also leather inserts on the dashboard, in front of the passenger. Accents of real wood, laser engraving, also placed everywhere, and the whole thing is really successful in terms of style. Unlike the exterior, the quality of the interior finish is good, as is the choice of materials.

For a mid-sized pickup truck, the rear seats are adequate. Legroom is good, as is headroom and shoulder room, especially for two side seats. Add a third man in the middle on the bench and it will definitely be more intense. Unfortunately, a backrest that is too upright will disturb other passengers.

One procedure

While some competitors still use V6 engine services (Jeep, Honda and Nissan), others have already switched to 4-cylinder turbos for a long time. This is now the case of the GMC Canyon which uses a turbocharged 4-cylinder engine with a displacement of 2.7 liters, which is already known from the Sierra.

This engine, available here only in the high performance configuration, produces 310 horsepower at 5600 rpm, but above all 430 lb-ft of torque at 3000 rpm. Such figures seem to be perfectly in line with the mission of a mid-sized truck, one of whose goals is to provide good towing capacity, moreover an estimated 3500 kg (7700 lb) for this version, is certainly an asset.

The only transmission offered is an eight-speed automatic, which has caused many problems for GM over the years, mainly due to software and reliability problems in the Sierra and Corvette. The manufacturer claims to have fixed the situation. Power is transmitted to all 4 wheels through a four-wheel drive system with automatic mode, easily controlled via a dial located on the console.

Disappointing performance

It’s true that the 4-cylinder turbo-charged lacks heart, mainly because of its generous torque. It has the ability to accelerate and does not need to lift again to move a small truck on the road, or even with a load in the back.

However, it’s the overall feel that really disappointed me. When idling, the engine vibrates so much that it seems like there is an ignition problem in one of the cylinders. These vibrations are transmitted to the cabin when driving, especially since the automatic transmission struggles with constant hesitation that makes power delivery rough, especially when lifting. When it comes to smoothness and refinement, I miss the previous generation’s 3.6-liter V6.

Furthermore, the consumption of 13.1 liters per 100 km recorded during my week of winter testing will not convince anyone of this 4 cylinder.

It is focused on the ability to cross

Did I mention the high ground clearance and the oversized tires make it look awesome. These features, along with the suspension, have a negative impact on handling. Unfortunately, the car goes easily on the bumpy roads we have in Quebec. A very high center of gravity gives the feeling of sitting on top of the mast, swinging from side to side. Fortunately, accurate steering with well-balanced assist allows you to maintain control of the car, but you don’t feel anchored to the ground.

Fortunately, the situation is corrected by the load in the body or with the trailer, when the car becomes more stable. The added weight keeps the car stable and allows the suspension to work under pressure, which improves its performance. In addition, the torque of the mechanics compensates well for the added weight. So we feel that the Canyon is well designed for the job.

Disappointed

What disappointed me the most GMC Canyon 2024 it is the fact that its mechanics and behavior on the road can not match the improvement of the design and interior. So we have the feeling that everything is focused on the appearance and the choice of equipment, without any importance given to the mechanical improvement.

In addition, the historical failure in the attempt to avoid limitations in the RPM’s output, and the stopping distance that is too long, means that RPM does not recommend the purchase of the GMC Canyon.