The 2021 GMC Canyon is poised to usher in a light update for the second-generation pickup, including a few small changes to the exterior, interior, powertrain, and tech offerings. We’ve previously seen the 2021 Canyon in the off-road-ready AT4 trim, and the range-topping Denali trim. Now, we’re getting our first look at the 2021 GMC Canyon Elevation Standard.
2021 GMC Canyon Elevation Standard
As we covered previously, the 2021 Canyon brings with it a revamped trim level structure, forgoing the previous SL-SLE-SLT-Denali cadence. Listed from base to range-topping, the new trim level cadence is Elevation Standard-Elevation-AT4-Denali. As such, the Elevation Standard is considered the base model of the base Elevation trims, with the Elevation Standard slotting in below the Elevation.
| Trim level: | Elevation Standard 2WD | Elevation Standard 4WD | Elevation 2WD | Elevation 4WD | AT4 4WD | Denali 2WD | Denali 4WD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Equipment group: | 2VL | 4VL | 2LE | 4LE | 4SB | 2SD | 4SD |
This is our first time seeing the new 2021 GMC Canyon Elevation Standard. It wears 18-inch black painted aluminum wheels (RPO code RCW), which are standard on all 2021 Elevation models.
2021 GMC Canyon Elevation Standard
2019 GMC Canyon SLE Elevation
The new 2021 GMC Canyon Elevation Standard also gets a revised front fascia. Compared to the previous GMC Canyon Elevation, which was offered as a package, the grille treatment is larger and more angled, with indents added along the top and bottom of the surround. The lower fascia treatment is also different, with more black color added to the newer model. We also don’t see fog lamps with the newer model.
2021 GMC Canyon Elevation Standard
2020 GMC Canyon SL
We can also compare the 2021 GMC Canyon Elevation Standard to the previous 2020 GMC Canyon SL, given the Elevation Standard replaces the SL as the new base model in the trim level cadence. Here, we once again notice the new grille treatment, as well as the new lower bumper treatment.
The 2021 GMC Canyon is the seventh model year for the second-gen Canyon, and although it is not an official refresh/mid-cycle enhancement, it’s as close to one as it gets. GM is planning on shipping the new Canyon (as well as its corporate cousin, the 2021 Chevrolet Colorado) to dealers on time despite the COVID-19 pandemic, with units arriving in dealers late this year.
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Comments
Someone should tell GMC that the mail slot isn’t a good look.
Meh. I like it well enough.
Take that giant front air dam off, and you have yourself a good looking upgrade over the previous MY
andddddddddd 98% of the general public couldn’t separate the 2019 from the 2021 in a parking lot. Business 101 GM you need new flashy trim changes on aging models so the “Jones” can show their truck is newer than yours.
Looks much better than the older face. In all these new pictures it seems they have raised the front end up. Maybe that will be how it will be going forward.
Can we all hope GM will add a keyless ignition this year. They are so slow on some upgrades.
Push button start is a standard for most entry level cars from Japan/Korea. Why should it be an upgrade?
The only change the canyon needed was the horrible taillights and yet they leave them still
Still no sunroof, no dual-climate controls, no front parking sensors, the ‘old’ style steering wheel…hey GM, why even bother? The ENTIRE GM design team should be FIRED!!!