The GMC Canyon Denali receives a light update for the 2021 model year, consisting of updates to exterior, interior, technology and powertrain, representing the seventh model year of the second-generation Canyon.
“Denali represents GMC’s bold design philosophy and these changes further elevate the Canyon from the mainstream competition, while delivering a modern look for the customer,” said Holt Ware, director of GMC exterior design. “It features a more distinctive and sophisticated design that has become synonymous with Denali.”

2021 GMC Canyon Denali interior
Changes, Updates, New Features
Exterior
- Addition of two exterior colors
- Deletion of four exterior colors
Interior
- Addition of one interior color combination
See detailed 2021 GMC Canyon Denali changes, updates and new features here: 2021 Canyon Denali change log.
The updates and changes described here are specific to the U.S. market and may be different for other markets.
Body Styles
The 2021 GMC Canyon Denali continues to be offered as a midsize pickup truck with the following cab and bed configurations:
- Crew Cab, Short Box
- Crew Cab, Long Box
Color Options
The 2021 Canyon Denali color availability includes five exterior colors and two interior colors.
- 5 Exterior Colors
- Satin Steel Metallic
- Summit White
- Onyx Black
- Hunter Metallic
- Cayenne Red Tintcoat
- 2 Interior Color
- Jet Black
- Cocoa with Dark Atmosphere
Powertrain
The 2021 GMC Canyon Denali is offered with the following three engine and transmission choices:
Engine | Transmission | Horsepower @ RPM | Torque @ RPM | Rear Axle |
---|---|---|---|---|
3.6L V-6 LGZ gasoline | 8-speed automatic M5T | 308 @ 6800 | 275 @ 4000 | 3.42 |
2.8L I-4 LWN diesel | 6-speed automatic MYB | 181 @ 3400 | 369 @ 2000 | 3.42 |
Platform
Like all second-generation units of the GMC Canyon, the 2021 Canyon Denali continues to ride on the GMT 31XX platform directly shared with the 2015 and newer Chevrolet Colorado.
A modified variant of the same architecture is used by the following vehicles:
- 2013 and newer Chevrolet and Holden Colorado for international markets (also known as Isuzu D-MAX or Chevrolet D-MAX)
- 2014 and newer Chevrolet Trailblazer, also known as the Holden Colorado 7 and Holden Trailblazer
Production
The 2021 GMC Canyon Denali is assembled by GM USA at the GM Wentzville factory in Missouri.
Availability
At this time, we expect the 2021 GMC Canyon Denali to follow the regular GM model year rollover sequence, and launch on or before the third quarter of calendar year 2020. However, complications caused by COVID-19 may cause a delay.
Beyond 2021
We expect that the current, second-generation GMC Canyon Denali will remain in production for the 2020, 2021, and 2022 model years, and that an all-new, future GMC Canyon will launch on or after the 2023 model year.
Discussion
Discuss the 2021 GMC Canyon Denali in our GMC forum.
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