We’ve just captured some of the first images of the 2021 GMC Canyon Elevation on the road. Though the 2021 Canyon Elevation can already be found on dealer lots, these photos show how the midsize pickup looks on public roads, giving us a real-world understanding of the minor styling enhancements to the front end, as well as a first look at the new-for-2021 Elevation trim.
The vehicle shown here is the Crew Cab, Short Box body configuration and is painted in Onyx Black. Badging behind the rear wheel arches shows that it has four-wheel drive. The 18-inch black aluminum wheels are standard on Elevation models.
The 2021 Canyon delivers a few noteworthy updates, including a new trim level structure that replaces the SLE trim with Elevation. However, Elevation should not be confused with Elevation Standard, which becomes the new entry-level trim. The off-road specific AT4, offered only with 4WD, is one step higher than Elevation. Following typical GMC practice, Denali remains the range-topper.
| Base | Mid | Mid-High | High | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Canyon | Elevation Standard | Elevation | AT4 | Denali |
| 2015-2020 Canyon | SL & Canyon | SLE & All Terrain | SLT | Denali |
In addition to the Crew Cab, Short Box shown here, the 2021 GMC Canyon range is also available in Extended Cab, Long Box as well as Crew Cab, Long Box configurations. Engine choices consists of the naturally aspirated 2.5L I4 LCV gasoline Ecotec motor rated at 200 horsepower and 191 pound-feet of torque, the 2.8 I4 LWN turbodiesel Duramax, rated at 181 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque, and the gasoline 3.6L V6 LGZ rated at 308 horsepower and 275 pound-feet of torque. The 2.5L gasoline engine and the diesel are mated to GM’s six-speed automatic transmission, while the 3.6L V6 is paired with the eight-speed gearbox.
The 2021 GMC Canyon starts at $27,595, including $1,195 destination freight charge, for the Elevation Standard trim and Extended Cab configuration. Base MSRP for the equivalent Crew Cab, Short Box model is $29,495 and $38,795 for the Crew Cab, Long Box model (the price is notably higher since this config is not available in the Elevation Standard trim).
The model shown here – the 2021 GMC Canyon Elevation Crew Cab, Short Box with 4WD and the optional Power Package – is $40,240 before any potential rebates or incentives.
The 2021 GMC Canyon is as close to a refresh as we’ll get for this generation. An overhaul is expected for the 2023 model year.
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Comments
Judging by how well the Canyon did in the latest Consumer Reports reliability survey, I am surprised they were able to keep one running long enough to take action photos like this.
You actually go by consumer reports ? Didn’t know anyone believed that garbage.
Where is the “Optional Power Package” for the 3.6L V6 explained or discussed? Ron…
Beautiful truck with plenty of power.
Good looking but horribly bad truck. Real world gas mileage is under specs, super noisy in the cab. Not enough room in the extended cab version. Trany skips, electric issues. Uncomfortable ride and seats. Information sys is meh, ok. How do i know? I have one and i hate it. Worse leased vehicle ever. Do not get one.
My 2018 Canyon V6 8 speed has been in shop 3 times with tranny issues. 2 trans fluid changes, 1 torque converter change and just took it in again for sloppy shifting(banging) when slowing down to about 5 mph then try to go again bad hesitation then slams into gear. Dealer says they cant find anything wrong!!:(.
Until they get rid of( or call a complete recall) this 8 speed piece of s#$@ , for which there are thousands of complaints on the internet I will NEVER purchase another one!. A Toyota is getting closer & closer to being in my driveway!!
FIrst, stop with the black wheels they are hideous. Make them an option for those who like that dated style, a clean aluminum wheel is what it should come with and those that want to ruin the look by adding black wheels every other truck has can add it on their own, Fuel, Method and Rockstar has tons of black . Second, the 8 speed is fantastic for those that it works for which is most. Some have had issues, it was a supplier fluid issue and and some went so long as to have torque converter issues after, Replacing them both if need be fixed 95% of those having issues. After the fact it is well received by people and reviews as a great transmission.
Haven’t hear much about many electrical issues, those are pretty rare. The truck is fantastic and there are reasons why it constantly since comparison test. It drives nice if not a touch rough though with nearly 8k towing and 1600+ lbs payload on a regular leaf set up it won’t ride like a cadillac, too many car guys buying trucks expecting the same then complain about the ride, just stick with your cars/cuvs… Reliability has been great unlike the Tacoma or Ranger, those forums are littered with issues. Toyota especially, people act like it is the same truck and reliability built in the 80’s, they are in for a rude awakening.
Seats are a little hard but break in nicely, not the most comfortable I have been in but plenty good enough for hours behind the wheel for most, though comfort is different to each person. Most seats these days are harder and need to break in than back in the day when they had plush soft lazy boy seats. Either way our Canyon has zero issues, just averaged 24 mpg to Houston and Back this weekend and the Crew Cab long bed is fantastic and was comfortable for myself and the misses along with her brother and niece and I am not a small guy (6’5 280) and have been happy with the comfort of this truck. Would highly recommend, it is no doubt the best mid size choice out there all around (can town and haul, good features, power, options, room, ride and handling). Seems some of these complaining would be better suited to a Ridgeline if they actually might use a bed.