The 2021 GMC Canyon diesel model receives a light update for the seventh model year of the second-generation pickup truck, including updates to exterior, interior, and technology.
While this light update is as close to a mid-cycle refresh/MCE as it gets, it is technically not an official refresh/MCE, but a light update of sorts that’s as close to an MCE as it gets. We initially expected the Canyon refresh to arrive for the 2019 and 2020 model years, neither of which took place.
Changes, Updates, New Features
Model-Line Changes
- Deletion of (2LT) and (4LT) SLT models
- SLE Trim is replaced by Elevation
- All Terrain Trim is replaced by AT4
Exterior
- Addition of off-road lights (LPO-level item)
- Addition of four exterior colors
- Deletion of eight exterior colors
- Deletion of three wheel options
- Deletion of Chrome Rear Bumper
- Deletion of several single, LPO-level external options
- Rear body-color bumper is standard on Elevation Standard and Elevation models
- Black beltline moldings are standard on Elevation and AT4 models
Interior
- Addition of two interior color combination
- Deletion of Jet Black with Cobalt Red interior color combination
- Deletion of ‘fasten seat belts’ label
Mechanical
- Recovery hooks are now standard on 2WD models
- New tire availability
Packages
- Addition of High Elevation Package, which is available on Elevation models
- Deletion of SLE Convenience Package, which was available on SLE models
- Deletion of Elevation Edition Package, which was available on SLE models
- Deletion of All Terrain X Package, which was available on All Terrain models
- Deletion of SLE Chrome Appearance Package (LPO-level item)
See detailed 2021 GMC Canyon Diesel changes, updates and new features here: 2021 Canyon Diesel 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 Diesel is offered as a midsize pickup truck with the following cab and bed configurations:
- Crew Cab, Short Box
- Crew Cab, Long Box
Powertrain
The 2021 GMC Canyon Diesel is equipped with the following engine and transmission:
| Engine | Fuel | Aspiration | Transmission | Horsepower (HP) / Kilowatts (kW) @ Revolutions Per Minute (RPM) | Torque (lb-ft) / Newton-Meters (N-m) @ RPM | Axle |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.8L I-4 LWN | Diesel | Turbocharged | 6-Speed Automatic (MYB) | 181 / 135 @ 3400 | 369 / 498.15 @ 2000 | 3.42 |
The Canyon continues to be available in either two-wheel or four-wheel drive configurations. It’s also worth noting that the max towing capacity is 7,700 pounds, though GMC says this now requires the Elevation 2WD Crew Cab configuration along with both the four-cylinder Duramax diesel engine and Trailering Package.
Platform
Like all second-generation units of the GMC Canyon, the 2021 Canyon Diesel 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 Diesel is assembled by GM USA at the GM Wentzville factory in Missouri.
Availability
The 2021 GMC Canyon Diesel follows the regular GM model year rollover sequence, and launched around the third quarter of the 2019 calendar year.
Beyond 2021
We expect that the current, second-generation GMC Canyon and Canyon Diesel models will remain in production for the 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 Diesel in our GMC forum.
With a free fix offered. Customers can still order a gasoline engine. Canyon Diesel News
Some 2021 GMC Canyon Duramax Diesel Units To Get Throttle Body Replacement
GMC Canyon Diesel Duramax Engine Built Out For 2022 Model Year
