For the next few days, we’ll be driving the 2021 GMC Canyon decked out the new AT4 trim level that replaces last year’s All Terrain edition. Built on the GMT 31XX platform it shares with the Chevy Colorado, the GMC Canyon received a mild update for the 2021 model year, which includes a subtle update of the front fascia, new paint colors and interior trim combinations as well as some option package reshuffling.
In addition to the new AT4 trim, the Canyon also loses its base SL trim level, replaced by the Elevation Standard, while the SLE and SLT morph into Elevation. The range-topping Canyon Denali remains.
Expected to be a big seller in the truck’s trim level lineup, the 2021 GMC Canyon AT4 stands out with unique styling touches, including a new grille, red tow hooks, dark chrome accenting, black door handles and mirror caps as well as 17-inch Argent Metallic aluminum wheels wrapped in 31-inch, 265/65R17 Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac all-terrain rubber.
In addition, the Canyon AT4 is available in Crew Cab configuration with either a short bed or a long bed. It’s equipped as standard with the atmospheric 3.6L LGZ V6 gasoline engine that develops 308 horsepower and 275 pound-feet of torque. GM’s eight-speed automatic transmission feeds that power to all four wheels (switchable to 2WD, when needed) through a shielded two-speed Autotrac transfer case. Buyers can also choose the Duramax turbo-diesel 2.8L LWN I4 that generates 181 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque, matched to a six-speed automatic.
Our 2021 GMC Canyon AT4 Short Bed tester is fairly basic, painted Summit White – the only no-charge hue in the AT4’s five-color palette – and features cloth seat upholstery. The truck retails from $39,395 including the $1,195 destination freight charge. In fact, the only options equipped on this pickup are the $475 Spray-on Bedliner (RPO code CGN) and the $275 Trailering Package (RPO Z82). The latter includes a trailer hitch and a 7-pin connector. That brings the total to $40,120.
The Canyon AT4 is one of several off-road-ready midsize pickups from General Motors. More recently, GMC announced a new Canyon AT4 Performance Edition Package that rounds up a front leveling kit, off-road rocker panel protectors, additional skid plates, 17-inch Gloss Black wheels and a Gloss Black exhaust tip, among other things. It also involves the removal of the AT4’s front air dam in order to increase the trucks’ approach angle. As mentioned above, our tester does not include this new package.
If you want to know more about the 2021 GMC Canyon beyond the spec sheet, ask your questions in the comments section below, and we’ll start replying promptly as part of this GM Authority interactive review.
Ready… set… go!
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Comments
Sorry, but if that’s what 40 grand buys in a truck any more, it’s a sad day in America. I’d take a more base Ram over this any day.
You never pay MSRP at the dealer. They took 6k off when I got my Colorado. So probably more like 34-35k. Trucks are expensive these day no matter the dealer.
@Dan: Understand that fully. But that same thing applies to the larger trucks as well if not even more. All the more reason why I’d put my money on the Ram any day over this. I have two buddies and two brothers back in Illinois that have all switched from Chevy/GMC to Ram and none plan to go back. But it doesn’t matter as I can’t see the value equation of any truck being worth more than $30,000.
And yet you sell Mazda’s and Volvo’s for amounts that far exceed $30k. Considering how they depreciate far more than a truck, how can you justify selling those vehicles for such ridiculous amounts?
@GMC Fan: I have no idea if you are able to read the other responses I tried to give as they both say “your comment is awaiting moderation”. I have no idea why.
Anyhow, I actually agree with you and you have valid points. A condensed version of what I was trying to post: I don’t think any Mazda is worth more than 30G and I like the Volvo’s, but they are just not reliable for now. But at least Volvo is a luxury brand with great features and content. But your strongest point is that trucks really do have tremendous resale value.
Hello Dan,
I think it all depends on what you’re looking for in a pickup truck. The midsize models are a few thousand dollars more affordable than similarly equipped full-size pickups, but bigger discounts are regularly offered on the Sierra 1500, which offsets the price difference between it and a Canyon.
You’re right, $40,000 is a lot of money for a truck, but many high-end trim levels are equipped like luxury vehicles, which justifies their price, despite not being more capable in terms of towing and payload capacities than the lower-end variants. That said, the Canyon AT4 is far from being a luxurious pickup truck.
Dan what many fail to grasp or realize if the mid size truck is a difficult line to build and price.
While many like you complain about the price they don’t understand that it cost nearly as much to build the mid size trucks. The second issue is that the profit margin is very slim on these.
There is a limit to what people will pay but a demand on what they want. It is a tough balance.
There are enough people like me that choose smaller size over the value size because we want a smaller truck.
In the past smaller trucks were possible because they could share many parts and designs with mid size sedans. Today we have no RWD sedans to use.
Ford is using the C2 to not only build cars but the new maverick truck. This will be unibody and FWD based to try to lower the cost. Ford is working to offer more cab and bed combos vs like Honda. The question is will people embrace this as Honda has not been a runaway success nor has any other fwd truck.
Front end is boring plain jane, bland. Kinda ford looking.
I’m liking the look of the Ranger better than this, especially with black rim only selections unless you go AT4!
When will a blind zone alert be installed? almost every other small/midsize truck offers this safely feature.
Next-generation:
https://gmauthority.com/blog/gm/chevrolet/colorado/2023-chevrolet-colorado/
Looks great IMO. You can’t go wrong with the 3.6 V6 308 hp.
Don’t make the same mistake I made 3 months ago – if you buy one of these (I got the Colorado work truck) spend the extra money and get the upgrades – the dealership appealed to the freaking out I was doing over the prices and talked me into that one and now I miss just about every feature I didn’t get – hold your nose and be done with it!
Curious Shane, what are those “must haves” you regret not getting?
How is the transmission working in low speed pull outs? In the morning when I remote start my Colorado and put the key in to start the the transmission jerks forward. Not all the time just some times dealer says no code so can not fix.
Hello Tom,
Yeah, the eight-speed transmission isn’t great, especially before it warms up. We’re getting occasional jerky or delayed gear changes at low speeds.
I have an 18 Colorado and hate the seat angle, have they leveled the seats are they still laid back?
Also, don’t appreciate the 8 speed transmission that jumps and jerks, but GM won’t acknowledge it screwed up.
Hello BG,
The Canyon Elevation, AT4 and Denali are equipped as standard with a six-way power driver’s seat, which is height-adjustable in both the front and the rear of the seat cushion. That said, the cushion is firm, which might not be comfortable for everyone, and the front ridge is a little overstuffed, giving the impression that it is indeed angled rearwards. And yes, we’re also experiencing the occasional jerky gear change when the transmission isn’t warmed up.
Get the transmission fluid upgrade. Fixes the issues.
They’ve been using the new fluid since around April 2019 if I recall. So no, it doesn’t fix all of the issues.
I have 2021 colorado Z71 v6, when 50mi left in tank, the truck takes 5+gallons of gas still, I’m averaging @19 mi a gallon, which equals about 95 mi to go, the truck has 1600mi on it now. Is this normal?
Hello Richard,
The remaining range in the trip computer is only an estimate. In addition, it’s better for it to indicate a lower range than in real-world conditions just to make sure no one relies solely on it and runs out of fuel on the road. So yeah, we’d say this is normal.
Can they please up the interior game. These interiors are from 2014.
Have any new safety features been added to the Denali since 2019?
Hello TDR,
Rear park assist (sonar) and an HD rearview camera have been added for the 2019 model year, while Tire Fill Alert has been added for 2020. For new active safety features such as blind-spot monitoring and lane keep assist, we’re not expecting them before the Canyon’s 2023 model-year redesign.
That’s good to hear. In addition, the Denali needs more upscale features such as proximity key, push button start and an updated dashboard.
More leather seat color options. Deep saddle with the red tint coat would be fabulous.
I am a lover of red and this shade is perfection!
This truck is literally screaming for updated headlights and taillights. I know I’m beating a dead horse but it still baffles me why they chose not to make these simple updates given the increasing competitiveness of the mid-size class. I like the Canyon and Colorado but they definitely went soft with the refresh.
That’s because the 2021 MY wasn’t really a refresh, but a facelift. A full-fledged refresh was skipped in favor of pulling ahead the 2023 MY models:
https://gmauthority.com/blog/gm/chevrolet/colorado/2023-chevrolet-colorado/
I appreciate that they’re focusing on the new model but I still think a simple lighting update would have gone a long way towards keeping the current truck fresh. I like that the 23 will be using the 2.7T but bummed about the diesel. It’s a popular choice with the off-road crowd. It’s also gives the GM midsize a leg up over the others, hopefully they change their mind. Either way I’m looking forward to seeing the 23.
Last week, I test drove a Ranger Lariat, Toyota Tacoma Limited and a Nissan Frontier, all had better safety features, Adaptive Cruise, 360 cameras etc for less money Sierra’s have heads up displays, much less expensive Buicks and GMC vehicles have this when will it be available on the Canyons? I would rather drive my 2002 Avalanche which has basically the same technical features as a 2021 Canyon. I can’t justify the expense of a new Canyon without these features
when is GM changing the antenna like the toyota?
Hello William,
A shark-fin antenna like the one found on the GMC Sierra will probably be introduced for the 2023 model year, when the Canyon will benefit from a thorough redesign.
If you don’t like it don’t buy it. It’s that simple. Just stop whining!!
It seems like all we have on this site anymore are the whiners. Nothing is good enough.
When spending what trucks cost these days it’s normal to expect more. Most commentators are GM fans that simply want to see them stay competitive. GM would be wise to listen and make incremental improvements along the way. In the end it makes for a better product for everyone.
If GM made all the changes you request, the price would be even higher and then you’d complain about pricing.
It’s time you realize that the changes you want cost money. There’s nothing simple about a lighting change. The testing and certification it would require. Does the existing electrical system allow for upgrades for sensors and sunroof and lighting. It’s not so simple!
Content justifies price. I have always bought GM but I’m not afraid to point out areas they can improve. If we always settle then GM doesn’t see much need for improvement. I agree that you can’t justify changing or upgrading everything on an old platform but there are several things that can be justified and lighting is one of them. GM makes a lot of money on these trucks and can afford to make incremental improvements. The more important question is can they afford not to?
Why can we still not get a sunroof added after all these years?
Ditto. I’m still driving a 2006 GMC Canyon with the Sun and Sound package (sunroof and radio upgrade). Year after year I’ve been told “maybe next year” when I ask about a sunroof option. 200K+ miles so I’m ready to buy new, if anyone is listening at GM.
We’re assuming the current-generation Colorado and Canyon weren’t designed to offer a sunroof from the get-go. That should change when the pickups get a redesign for the 2023 model year.
I understand that the 2022 Canyons will offer blind side and cross traffic features is it true? It’s been said that that the 2022 models will offer a sunroof is this true? Only one boded of the Canyon (not the Denali) offers rear parking censors as I need for the Canyon Denali (all models) to offer front and rear parking censors same as offered by the Tacoma and Ram. When will a duel exhaust be available like the new 2021 top end Sierra’s. When will the Canyons offer 360 degree all around the car standard or a safety option? I note this comment as Toyota – Tacoma offers all of these as standard or options. GM needs to make a Canyon / Colorado that is an equal to the Toyota Tacoma as we know the Tacoma is the world leader Tacoma sales as I’d like for the Canyon / Colorado become a close second leader SOON.
Generally GM needs to STEP-UP of offer for all trucks all models an upgraded safety package. We see new paint colors, new grills these upgrades are just cosmetics we need safety to be the #1 issue to say up with the competition.
I’ve been holding off to buy a new Canyon Denali until I see that GM has a stepped up to offer an equal or better then a Tacoma. Appreciate a DEEP REVIEW and a reply to my above requirements.
Hello Mike,
The Canyon along with the Chevy Colorado will receive a thorough redesign for the 2023 model year. It’s too early to determine if the pickups will get both front and rear park assist, but we’re pretty confident a sunroof and a 360-degree camera system will become available on higher-end trim levels, while blind-spot monitoring and rear cross traffic alert should be offered as well. As for a dual exhaust or at least dual exhaust outlets, that’s also unknown at the moment, but we’re expecting GM’s turbo 2.7L four-cylinder L3B engine to be standard on the next-generation trucks.
Will you be doing any towing with it? I wish you were testing a diesel and pulling 6000#’s. I’d love some feedback
Hello Rob,
Unfortunately, we won’t be towing anything during our test. We do think both the 3.6L V6 and the Duramax 2.8L four will handle 6,000 pounds without breaking a sweat, but we’d prefer moving up to a full-size pickup to tow that weight on a regular basis. Just to be more comfortable and have a little extra stability. We’ll note here that a trailer brake controller is optional on all trim levels, and comes standard when the Duramax engine is selected.
That’s a big price tag for a really average looking truck. Chevy has dropped the ball on style as well. The ext. and interior color options are absolutely lame. basically 50 shades of gray and red, oh and tan now too. Lame. And the new seats are like sitting on a park bench, terrible. Too much dough for too little truck. One more thing, because GM insists on putting that crappy rubberized coating on the frame, instead of priming and painting it, the frame will rot out in 10 years if you live in a snow area. The body panels will outlast the frame. quality has really slipped.
These trucks are almost exactly 20% less than a full size package for package and about 85% the size, they are priced accordingly. You will pay more for an AT4 Sierra (a base AT4 starts at $56k), so complain about price somewhere else.
Seats are fine, not the most comfortable but far from park bench. I have driven 9 hours in it just fine with only gas and food/bathroom breaks.
There is nearly zero evidence of GM trucks rusting at the frame (you have them confused with Toyota) which shows your lack of knowledge on GM and your trolling ways. Nice try…
Show me a mid-midsized truck that offers more interior color options than the Canyon!
You think the Canyon is average? Look at the Tacoma! Ranger! Hell, the Frontier is more than a decade old. The gladiator is unique but you pay for it and it’s far less refined then then the Canyon.
Never satisfied!
News flash, these blogs are here for discussion related to the auto Industry. With discussion comes opinions. Rather you agree or not doesn’t matter. Everyone has a right to their opinions but some folks feel the need to make everything political. What ruins the blogs is some folks feel the need to share their personal political options here on a auto blog. Sad when you can’t even enjoy a auto blog without that BS. My opinion!
I really want one but so far it’s not worth getting rid of my 2002 Trailblazer LTZ for it. No dual zone climate control and no sunroof option? Surprising. And if they really drop the diesel for ’23, that will put me out of the Colorado/Canyon market completely. I guess there’s always the new Ranger, especially if they drop the 2.7 V-6 in it in 2023.
Should it be bigger?
Nope. We think it’s fine as it is.
My comments were regarding safety issues as the new Tacoma’s offer all safety options plus a sunroof and the Canyon Denali does not offer packing censors, cross traffic or blind side warning until you will need to wait for the 2023 for some or all those features. Yes, the Canyon is more comfortable vs Tacoma and Ranger
Mike
I was at my dealer on wednesday to get one of these. There were oy 2 in Ontario. 1 in winnipeg and 1 in nova scotia. They cant be factory ordered right now. These wont be really available until fall 2021 on canada. The texas snow crap messed GM up for computer chips. So there is no inventory at all for these. I want one..i cant get one at all. Its annoying. The reviews keep coming out for the canyon AT4, but consumers cant buy. They also list for 45k with half way decent options. A base model canyon AT4 would be an absolute unicorn at the dealer. They dont order them base.
Hello Dan,
Are you probably have already read on GM Authority, GM dealers are running at low inventories right now, and it will likely stay that way for a while. However, if you do an inventory search on gmccanada.ca, you’ll find plenty of in-stock Canyon AT4s in Ontario, several of them equipped with the Duramax turbo-diesel engine.
Does Gm plan to change the body style in the near future. The Canyon and Colorado look like you are driving down hill. Also is there any plans to put a body side molding, like the old S-10″s. Is three any chance that GM will start selling the new resigned S-10’s here in the states, it looks really nice. I have a 2003 S-10 with 98 thousand miles, I know it getting time to think about replacing, But the write up from CR was not good. What is in the future?
Hello Frank,
We’re expecting the GMC Canyon and the Chevy Colorado to be redesigned and re-engineered for the 2023 model year. It’s highly unlikely GM will bring the S10 to the North American market.
What gets lost in many forums and on many models like this class of trucks. Economics.
Many fail to understand the cost of building a vehicle with a volume less than 400,000 units and shares little with other models.
Add to that there is a price segment it has to fit in as people will only pay so much for this size of truck.
It is a fine balance of items to offer but off set by cost of the vehicle. Often things we would like would add more cost that would remove things we take for granted like a full box frame like Toyota lacks, rear disc brakes Toyota lacks, the 4 piston front brakes Toyota lacks. The better suspension Toyota lacks vs the better engineered GM suspension.
The cost of adding all these safety features is not cheap and is much better done when the new model comes out. Most of these items will be forgotten as while cool when you get it they fade with time if you drive paying attention as you should be.
Anyways these makers have a box of $29k to just over $40k to build and sell this truck in. This is a challenge and takes a lot of serious thought and work to make a good vehicle.
The new truck will solve most of the present wants and complaints as this model has a very short time left. Smart money is putting it into the next model not the present.
In the mean time Toyota still has an old truck. The Jeep is over priced and has a death wobble they can’t fix. The Ford will be here just before the GM truck and should make for a prime time fight once they both are here.
Why is the AT4 off road performance pkg not available with the Duramax diesel?
Why is the AT4 off road performance pkg not available in Canada?
Hello Gerald,
Those are both excellent questions. We’ll try to get answers for those.
how can the Canyon tow 6,000 pound with a V-6 or Diesel when the maximum tow is rated at 5,000 Pounds
Hello Mike,
The 2021 Canyon Crew Cab’s maximum towing capacity is rated at 7,000 pounds with the 3.6L V6 and 7,700 pounds with the 2.8L diesel engine.
Mke
Thanks for your comments about the 360 degree and other safety issues or the 2023. Will the Denali trip or SLT option offer a sunroof?
Then with the sunroof it will match up with the same offered by Toyota in their high end trim level
I’m spoiled with my SRX and X5 sunroofs and also on my wife’d 300C so I’m really interested in the sunroof option.
Appreciate your researching this if available in 2022 or for sure the redesigned 2023.
Thanks
Mike
Hi Mike,
We’re expecting a sunroof option for the next-generation Canyon and Colorado due for the 2023 model year, which would keep it competitive against other midsize pickups on the market. However, nothing has been confirmed from GM so far, and it’s also unclear which trim levels would offer one.
A few months ago I leased a GMC Canyon Denali and though overall I am happy with the vehicle there are a few features I wish would be changed/added.
One: The seats do not have power recline/tilt but instead are manual.
Two: The hard plastic on the majority of the door panel instead of soft touch material is a big negative as that is where I like to rest my elbow while driving.
Three: No push button start/proximity key.
Like I said overall I’m happy with the lease decision but for a top level trim package I feel it falls a little short.
Any idea if any of these items will be changed in the upcoming model year?
Hello Jay,
We’re expecting many comfort and convenience improvements in the next-generation Canyon. The front seats should add power-adjustable backsides, and a proximity key with pushbutton start should be integrated as well.
As for the interior materials, we’re also thinking GMC will step up its game, especially for the Denali trim level, as more and more pickup truck shoppers are looking at the high-end trim levels and more luxury content.