2011 GMC Canyon Check out the 2011 GMC Canyon GMC Canyon at CARandDRIVER.com today. Use our Car Buying Guide to research Canyon prices and much more
Extendeds and crews also offer a 300-horsepower 5.3-liter V8. A 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission is available with the 4-cylinder. The 5-cylinder and V8 versions use the 4-speed automatic. Maximum towing capacity is 6,000 pounds. Extendeds have rear-hinged back doors and seat up to 5 with two rear jump seats. Crew Cabs have 4 conventional doors and seat up to 6 with a folding rear bench.
The Canyon is equipment safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, and curtain-side airbags. Optional for some models is a ZQ8 Suspension Package, which includes the V8 engine, sport suspension, and 18-inch wheels. A Z71 Off-Road Suspension Package includes off-road-ready suspension and tires.
The 2011 GMC Canyon is Compact Pickups offer a true-truck design in a relatively modest package. They are best suited for personal or light-duty use rather than commercial use, heavy hauling, or towing.
The GMC Canyon offers regular- and extended-cab body styles with a 6-foot bed. Four-door Crew Cab models with a 5-foot bed are offered as well. All are available with rear-wheel drive or 4-wheel drive that should not be left engaged on dry pavement but includes a low-range gear for off-roading.
Trim levels of GMC Canyon depending on cab configuration, include Work, SLE-1, and SLT. Regular- and extended-cab Canyons come with a 185-horsepower 2.9-liter 4-cylinder engine. This engine is also standard on the rear-drive SLE-1 crew cab. Optional on those models and standard on all other crew cabs is a 242-horsepower 3.7-liter 5-cylinder.
Ford announcement will increase the maximum trailer tow rating on its 2011.5 F-350 and F-450 Super Duty models to 17,500 pounds. Not coincidentally, General Motors nabbed the maximum conventional trailer rating at the beginning of 2011 with the latest versions of its Chevrolet Silverado HD and GMC Sierra HD with ratings of up to 17,000 pounds.
Three body styles and four trim levels of the Canyon exist, and buyers get a choice of two engines. There is a 2.9 liter inline-four banger that makes 185 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 190 lb-ft at a low 2,800 rpm. It returns 18 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the open road with the five-speed manual transmission and 4WD. The same truck with 2WD is good for 20 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the EPA�s highway cycle. The 4WD / 2WD automatics, respectively, are rated at 16 / 23 mpg and 17 / 24 mpg, city and highway.
Then there is the 3.7 liter engine, with its cylinders arranged in an uncommon inline-five layout. Touted at its launch as offering the fuel economy of a four cylinder with the power of a V6, the 3.7 liter straight five manages to make decent power: 242 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 242 lb-ft of torque at 4,600 rpm. Fuel economy is rated at 17 mpg in the city cycle and 23 mpg on the highway for the rear-wheel drive model and 16 mpg / 22 mpg, respectively, for the four-wheel drive model. The only transmission on offer with the 3.7L is a four-speed automatic.
Buyers can opt for a regular cab with two full-size doors, an extended cab with two suicide-style rear half-doors or a four-door Crew Cab along with a choice of 2WD or 4WD with low-range.
Five trims exist on the extended cab body style, named curiously as WT 1SA, SL 2SA, SLE1 3SA, SLE2 3SB and SLT 4SA. The Regular cab loses the SLT 4SA trim, and the Crew Cab also removes the WT trim.
The WT sports single-zone manual air conditioning, AM/FM stereo, four wheel antilock brakes with front discs, rear drums, cruise control, front 60/40 split-bench with vinyl, integral outboard head restraints and dual cup holders, tire pressure monitor and 15-inch steel wheels.
The SL adds color-keyed carpeting on the floors, front 60/40 split-bench with Pewter SL Cloth, integral outboard head restraints and dual cup holders, and 15-inch aluminum alloy wheels.
SLE1 builds on top of the SL with some chrome accents on interior bits, a couple of grab handles, CD and MP3 capability to the audio system with speed compensating volume control, front 60/40 split-bench with SLE Deluxe Cloth, manual recliners, integral outboard head restraints, armrest with integral storage and dual cup holders.
The SLE2 goes one step further and begets the larger engine, and deep-tinted glass and rear sliding window.
The SLT takes it up another notch, with an auto-dimming rearview mirror that features an integrated compass and outside temperature display, front leather bucket seats, 8-way power driver seat adjuster, 6-way power front passenger seat adjuster, heated driver and front passenger seats with power lumbar control and adjustable outboard head restraints. Wheels are still 15s, but wider and finished in chrome.
Maximum towing capacities are 4,000 lbs for the Regular Cab, and 5,500 lbs for the Extended and Crew Cabs, while the beds of the Regular Cab 4WD, Extended Cab 2WD and Crew Cab 2WD models can carry the maximum payloads of 1,535, 1,532 and 1,316 lbs, respectively.
An automatic locking rear differential made by Eaton is optional, as is traction control, side inflatable airbags and towing hardware.
The 2011 GMC Canyon is a prime example of a vehicle that seemingly has all the attributes buyers would want, yet is not one that we would recommend. Consumers shopping the compact/midsize pickup truck segment typically want rugged styling, multiple engine and body style choices and the availability of an off-road package. Those who need to tow their small business' equipment or weekend toys would add plenty of power to that list of requirements. The GMC Canyon offers all this, but remains a truck that still can't compete with the few major-league players that dominate this class.
Two main flaws conspire to keep the current Canyon (and its Chevy Colorado cousin) down in the minor leagues. One is an aging cabin with subpar materials and so-so seating comfort. The other is the lackluster performance of its top volume engine, an inline-5 that pales in comparison to rivals' V6s that offer more power and refinement. The base inline-4 isn't bad for light-duty service and the available powerhouse V8 is a capable workhorse, but its thirst for fuel doesn't give this smaller truck any fuel economy benefit over roomier full-size pickups.
Like many lower-rated entries in the automotive marketplace, the 2011 GMC Canyon is still essentially a competent vehicle. However, the traditional segment leaders, the Nissan Frontier and Toyota Tacoma, are better trucks in almost every regard. If you must have a V8 in your smaller pickup, then the Canyon (and Colorado) is worth a look, as only the GM twins and the Dodge Dakota offer V8 power in this class. However, those seeking a thoroughly refined and up-to-date midsize pickup will likely be disappointed and should check the competition first.
The 2011 GMC Canyon is a compact truck available with two- or four-wheel drive in three body styles: regular cab, extended cab and crew cab. Crew cabs are equipped with a 5-foot cargo box, while other Canyons feature a 6-foot bed. There are three primary trim levels to choose from -- Work Truck, SLE and SLT -- with slightly different equipment allocations based on body style.
The regular-cab Work Truck comes standard with 16-inch steel wheels, a bedliner, a 60/40-split front bench seat, air-conditioning, cruise control, six months free of OnStar's Directions and Connections, Bluetooth connectivity and satellite radio. The regular-cab SLE model adds aluminum wheels, foglights, chrome interior accents and an upgraded radio with a CD player, but power accessories must be added at extra cost. The extended-cab SLE boasts full power accessories and remote keyless entry. The extended-cab SLT adds chrome wheels, a leather-trimmed interior and power heated front bucket seats, while the crew cab SLT comes with these features as well as a heavy-duty suspension.
Available on the SLE and SLT trims are the Z71 Off-Road Suspension package (including larger wheels and tires, skid plates and a locking rear differential on 4WD models) and the ZQ8 Sport Suspension package (including a lowered suspension, quicker steering and 18-inch wheels with performance tires). Other options on various models include 17- and 18-inch wheels, remote keyless entry, foglamps, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, running boards, front bucket seats and a six-CD changer.
No fewer than three different engines are offered for the 2011 GMC Canyon, including an inline-4, an inline-5 and a V8.
The standard 2.9-liter four-cylinder makes 185 horsepower and 190 pound-feet of torque, and an optional 3.7-liter inline-5 produces 242 hp and 242 lb-ft of torque. The 5.3-liter V8 (only offered on extended-cab and crew cab models) makes 300 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque. The Work Truck and SLE models come standard with the 2.9-liter engine but can be equipped with the 3.7-liter engine. The 3.7 is standard on SLT models, and SLE and SLT trims can be outfitted with the V8.
The 2.9-liter four is paired with a standard five-speed manual transmission except in the crew cabs, which only come with a four-speed automatic. All manual-shift Canyons are eligible for an upgrade to the automatic, and the two larger engines are automatic only. Rear-wheel drive is standard, while the available four-wheel drive features a shift-on-the-fly two-speed transfer case with push-button controls and an optional locking rear differential.
Fuel economy estimates start at an impressive 18 mpg city/24 mpg highway and 20 mpg combined for 2WD models with the 2.9-liter engine; by the time you get to the top-of-the-line V8-powered crew cab, however, those numbers have dropped to 14/19/16.
The 2011 GMC Canyon comes standard with the OnStar emergency communications system, antilock brakes, stability control, traction control and head curtain airbags.
The GMC Canyon has not been rated using the government's new, more strenuous 2011 crash testing procedures. Last year the crew cab scored a perfect five stars for the protection of the driver and front passenger in frontal impacts, three stars for front side impacts and five stars for rear side impacts. The extended- and regular-cab styles earned four stars for driver and front passenger in frontal impacts and four stars for front side impacts.
In Insurance Institute for Highway Safety frontal-offset crash testing, the Canyon extended cab earned a top rating of "Good," while the crew cab got an "Acceptable" rating (second highest of four). However, in that agency's side-impact tests, the crew cab received the lowest rating of "Poor."
While its competitors have evolved over the years with higher levels of luxury and refinement, the GMC Canyon is let down by subpar materials and mediocre seat design. However, the Canyon does deserve high marks for the simple and straightforward layout of its controls and gauges. Rear legroom is a bit pinched on extended-cab and crew-cab models, while ingress and egress for rear passengers can be a bit of a challenge due to the smallish rear door openings. Out back, the Canyon's cargo boxes feature two-tier loading, and the dual-position removable tailgate can be secured partly open to support the placement of 4-by-8 sheets of wood atop its wheelwells.
The 2011 GMC Canyon's cabin is relatively tranquil around town, though wind noise around the doors tends to increase at highway speeds. The four- and five-cylinder engines are smooth enough, but performance lags behind that of the larger V6s of the Canyon's competitors. The available four-speed automatic transmission doesn't offer as many gears as its rivals, though at least its shifts are smooth and well-timed.
Those looking for abundant power and towing capability will, of course, want to specify the available 5.3-liter V8, which places the Canyon in the same league as its brawny V8-powered Dodge Dakota rival. The Canyon's standard suspension is calibrated for a soft and comfortable ride on pavement, while the available Z71 Off-Road Suspension package improves off-road performance at the expense of on-road compliance. The ZQ8 sport suspension provides much crisper cornering response.
It's been seven years since the GMC Canyon and its Chevrolet Colorado sibling replaced the GMC Sonoma and the Chevy S-10. Time hasn't been a big ally for the trucks, which sidle into the 2011 model year with few changes.
The Canyon is a decent, inexpensive option for those seeking a basic work truck--the same reasons you'd choose the Ford Ranger or the Colorado. Larger mid-size trucks like the Nissan Frontier are much more advanced in comparison, with near-full-size capabilities.
With its own styling that might be a bit more appealing than the Colorado, the Canyon comes in the same body styles as its Chevy cohort. There's a regular cab Canyon, an extended-cab Canyon with small rear-hinged rear doors and a Crew Cab with four full-size, front-hinged doors. Most versions have a short five-foot, one-inch bed, but the Crew Cab's bed is stretched to six feet long. The cabins on all versions suffer from dated looks and wear lots of plastic trim that has been mostly banished even from economy cars costing less.
The powertrains line up with the Colorado, as well. The 185-horsepower four-cylinder is a disappointingly rough piece, as is the not much more powerful 242-hp, 3.7-liter five-cylinder. The engine you'd want in the Canyon is a 300-horsepower, 5.3-liter V-8--but it's only available on the most expensive models, and it consumes fuel at a much quicker rate. The best highway fuel economy you'll get on any Canyon, though, is 25 mpg--a good deal higher than on many mid-size pickups. Manual and automatic transmissions can be had, and full-time four-wheel drive is available. Handling is a weak spot: the Canyon doesn't like twisty roads, and wanders a bit on freeways.
The Canyon comes with standard anti-lock brakes and stability control, and crash-test scores are okay--mostly four-star ratings from the Federal tests.
Air conditioning comes as standard, as well as a tilt steering wheel, cruise control, and folding exterior mirrors. Options such as traction control, XM, fog lamps, leather seats, a sunroof, a six-CD changer, and a sliding rear window are available. For the 2011 model year, a new version of OnStar is standard, as are Bluetooth connectivity and new front seat headrests.
The 2011 Canyon lineup includes regular cab, extended cab and crew cab body styles; two pickup bed lengths; three available suspensions and three engines. Vehicles are offered in Work Truck, SLE and SLT trims. The popular Z71 Off Road package offers distinctive visual cues to augment its suspension differentiation; it is available on 2WD and 4WD models. The ZQ8 sport suspension, paired wîth the 5.3L V-8 and 18-inch wheels, is also available.
Canyon models can seat up to six (crew cab model), while offering much higher levels of ride comfort, handling, quietness and interior space than many other midsize trucks. Standard features include head curtain side air bags, StabiliTrak electronic stability control system, rack-and-pinion §teering, intermittent wipers, XM Satellite Radio, air conditioning, tilt §teering wheel, cruise control and folding outside mirrors. Available equipment includes remote keyless entry; fog lamps; self-dimming inside rearview mirror; running boards; power, heated leather seating; and high-back bucket seats.
Crew cab models offer a 60/40-split/folding rear seat capable of accommodating three adults. Extended cab versions have four doors, and its two folding rear seats face forward. Regular and extended cab models have a 6-foot 1-inch (1.85 m) pickup bed wîth taller sides than many competitors, providing best-in-class volume for deeper storage and higher overall payload. Crew cab bed lengths are 5-foot 1-inch (1.55 m).
Both beds offer two-tier cargo loading, and tailgates that are both lockable and easily removable. The tailgate opens to almost 90 degrees, but can be set at a 55-degree opening – putting the tailgate edge at the same height as the top of the rear wheel wells within the cargo box, creating a sturdy, flat platform to conveniently transport longer items or 4-foot by 8-foot (1.2-meter by 2.4-meter) panels.
Changes for 2011 include OnStar 9.0, wîth a six-month Directions and Connections plan; Bluetooth phone connectivity; a revised front headrest design and a new exterior color choice: Aqua Blue Metallic. A chrome package is also available and includes a chrome fuel door and exhaust tip.
 |
| 2011 GMC Canyon |
2011 GMC Canyon
 |
| 2011 GMC Canyon |
Research and compare the 2011 GMC Canyon and get MSRP, invoice price, used car book values, expert reviews, photos, features, pros and cons, equipmen 2011 GMC Canyon
 |
| 2011 GMC Canyon |
 |
| 2011 GMC Canyon |
 |
| 2011 GMC Canyon |
 |
| 2011 GMC Canyon |
 |
| 2011 GMC Canyon |
 |
| 2011 GMC Canyon |
 |
| 2011 GMC Canyon |
Extendeds and crews also offer a 300-horsepower 5.3-liter V8. A 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission is available with the 4-cylinder. The 5-cylinder and V8 versions use the 4-speed automatic. Maximum towing capacity is 6,000 pounds. Extendeds have rear-hinged back doors and seat up to 5 with two rear jump seats. Crew Cabs have 4 conventional doors and seat up to 6 with a folding rear bench.
The Canyon is equipment safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, and curtain-side airbags. Optional for some models is a ZQ8 Suspension Package, which includes the V8 engine, sport suspension, and 18-inch wheels. A Z71 Off-Road Suspension Package includes off-road-ready suspension and tires.
The 2011 GMC Canyon is Compact Pickups offer a true-truck design in a relatively modest package. They are best suited for personal or light-duty use rather than commercial use, heavy hauling, or towing.
The GMC Canyon offers regular- and extended-cab body styles with a 6-foot bed. Four-door Crew Cab models with a 5-foot bed are offered as well. All are available with rear-wheel drive or 4-wheel drive that should not be left engaged on dry pavement but includes a low-range gear for off-roading.
Trim levels of GMC Canyon depending on cab configuration, include Work, SLE-1, and SLT. Regular- and extended-cab Canyons come with a 185-horsepower 2.9-liter 4-cylinder engine. This engine is also standard on the rear-drive SLE-1 crew cab. Optional on those models and standard on all other crew cabs is a 242-horsepower 3.7-liter 5-cylinder.
Ford announcement will increase the maximum trailer tow rating on its 2011.5 F-350 and F-450 Super Duty models to 17,500 pounds. Not coincidentally, General Motors nabbed the maximum conventional trailer rating at the beginning of 2011 with the latest versions of its Chevrolet Silverado HD and GMC Sierra HD with ratings of up to 17,000 pounds.
Three body styles and four trim levels of the Canyon exist, and buyers get a choice of two engines. There is a 2.9 liter inline-four banger that makes 185 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 190 lb-ft at a low 2,800 rpm. It returns 18 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the open road with the five-speed manual transmission and 4WD. The same truck with 2WD is good for 20 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the EPA�s highway cycle. The 4WD / 2WD automatics, respectively, are rated at 16 / 23 mpg and 17 / 24 mpg, city and highway.
Then there is the 3.7 liter engine, with its cylinders arranged in an uncommon inline-five layout. Touted at its launch as offering the fuel economy of a four cylinder with the power of a V6, the 3.7 liter straight five manages to make decent power: 242 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 242 lb-ft of torque at 4,600 rpm. Fuel economy is rated at 17 mpg in the city cycle and 23 mpg on the highway for the rear-wheel drive model and 16 mpg / 22 mpg, respectively, for the four-wheel drive model. The only transmission on offer with the 3.7L is a four-speed automatic.
Buyers can opt for a regular cab with two full-size doors, an extended cab with two suicide-style rear half-doors or a four-door Crew Cab along with a choice of 2WD or 4WD with low-range.
Five trims exist on the extended cab body style, named curiously as WT 1SA, SL 2SA, SLE1 3SA, SLE2 3SB and SLT 4SA. The Regular cab loses the SLT 4SA trim, and the Crew Cab also removes the WT trim.
The WT sports single-zone manual air conditioning, AM/FM stereo, four wheel antilock brakes with front discs, rear drums, cruise control, front 60/40 split-bench with vinyl, integral outboard head restraints and dual cup holders, tire pressure monitor and 15-inch steel wheels.
The SL adds color-keyed carpeting on the floors, front 60/40 split-bench with Pewter SL Cloth, integral outboard head restraints and dual cup holders, and 15-inch aluminum alloy wheels.
SLE1 builds on top of the SL with some chrome accents on interior bits, a couple of grab handles, CD and MP3 capability to the audio system with speed compensating volume control, front 60/40 split-bench with SLE Deluxe Cloth, manual recliners, integral outboard head restraints, armrest with integral storage and dual cup holders.
The SLE2 goes one step further and begets the larger engine, and deep-tinted glass and rear sliding window.
The SLT takes it up another notch, with an auto-dimming rearview mirror that features an integrated compass and outside temperature display, front leather bucket seats, 8-way power driver seat adjuster, 6-way power front passenger seat adjuster, heated driver and front passenger seats with power lumbar control and adjustable outboard head restraints. Wheels are still 15s, but wider and finished in chrome.
Maximum towing capacities are 4,000 lbs for the Regular Cab, and 5,500 lbs for the Extended and Crew Cabs, while the beds of the Regular Cab 4WD, Extended Cab 2WD and Crew Cab 2WD models can carry the maximum payloads of 1,535, 1,532 and 1,316 lbs, respectively.
An automatic locking rear differential made by Eaton is optional, as is traction control, side inflatable airbags and towing hardware.
The 2011 GMC Canyon is a prime example of a vehicle that seemingly has all the attributes buyers would want, yet is not one that we would recommend. Consumers shopping the compact/midsize pickup truck segment typically want rugged styling, multiple engine and body style choices and the availability of an off-road package. Those who need to tow their small business' equipment or weekend toys would add plenty of power to that list of requirements. The GMC Canyon offers all this, but remains a truck that still can't compete with the few major-league players that dominate this class.
Two main flaws conspire to keep the current Canyon (and its Chevy Colorado cousin) down in the minor leagues. One is an aging cabin with subpar materials and so-so seating comfort. The other is the lackluster performance of its top volume engine, an inline-5 that pales in comparison to rivals' V6s that offer more power and refinement. The base inline-4 isn't bad for light-duty service and the available powerhouse V8 is a capable workhorse, but its thirst for fuel doesn't give this smaller truck any fuel economy benefit over roomier full-size pickups.
Like many lower-rated entries in the automotive marketplace, the 2011 GMC Canyon is still essentially a competent vehicle. However, the traditional segment leaders, the Nissan Frontier and Toyota Tacoma, are better trucks in almost every regard. If you must have a V8 in your smaller pickup, then the Canyon (and Colorado) is worth a look, as only the GM twins and the Dodge Dakota offer V8 power in this class. However, those seeking a thoroughly refined and up-to-date midsize pickup will likely be disappointed and should check the competition first.
The 2011 GMC Canyon is a compact truck available with two- or four-wheel drive in three body styles: regular cab, extended cab and crew cab. Crew cabs are equipped with a 5-foot cargo box, while other Canyons feature a 6-foot bed. There are three primary trim levels to choose from -- Work Truck, SLE and SLT -- with slightly different equipment allocations based on body style.
The regular-cab Work Truck comes standard with 16-inch steel wheels, a bedliner, a 60/40-split front bench seat, air-conditioning, cruise control, six months free of OnStar's Directions and Connections, Bluetooth connectivity and satellite radio. The regular-cab SLE model adds aluminum wheels, foglights, chrome interior accents and an upgraded radio with a CD player, but power accessories must be added at extra cost. The extended-cab SLE boasts full power accessories and remote keyless entry. The extended-cab SLT adds chrome wheels, a leather-trimmed interior and power heated front bucket seats, while the crew cab SLT comes with these features as well as a heavy-duty suspension.
Available on the SLE and SLT trims are the Z71 Off-Road Suspension package (including larger wheels and tires, skid plates and a locking rear differential on 4WD models) and the ZQ8 Sport Suspension package (including a lowered suspension, quicker steering and 18-inch wheels with performance tires). Other options on various models include 17- and 18-inch wheels, remote keyless entry, foglamps, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, running boards, front bucket seats and a six-CD changer.
No fewer than three different engines are offered for the 2011 GMC Canyon, including an inline-4, an inline-5 and a V8.
The standard 2.9-liter four-cylinder makes 185 horsepower and 190 pound-feet of torque, and an optional 3.7-liter inline-5 produces 242 hp and 242 lb-ft of torque. The 5.3-liter V8 (only offered on extended-cab and crew cab models) makes 300 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque. The Work Truck and SLE models come standard with the 2.9-liter engine but can be equipped with the 3.7-liter engine. The 3.7 is standard on SLT models, and SLE and SLT trims can be outfitted with the V8.
The 2.9-liter four is paired with a standard five-speed manual transmission except in the crew cabs, which only come with a four-speed automatic. All manual-shift Canyons are eligible for an upgrade to the automatic, and the two larger engines are automatic only. Rear-wheel drive is standard, while the available four-wheel drive features a shift-on-the-fly two-speed transfer case with push-button controls and an optional locking rear differential.
Fuel economy estimates start at an impressive 18 mpg city/24 mpg highway and 20 mpg combined for 2WD models with the 2.9-liter engine; by the time you get to the top-of-the-line V8-powered crew cab, however, those numbers have dropped to 14/19/16.
The 2011 GMC Canyon comes standard with the OnStar emergency communications system, antilock brakes, stability control, traction control and head curtain airbags.
The GMC Canyon has not been rated using the government's new, more strenuous 2011 crash testing procedures. Last year the crew cab scored a perfect five stars for the protection of the driver and front passenger in frontal impacts, three stars for front side impacts and five stars for rear side impacts. The extended- and regular-cab styles earned four stars for driver and front passenger in frontal impacts and four stars for front side impacts.
In Insurance Institute for Highway Safety frontal-offset crash testing, the Canyon extended cab earned a top rating of "Good," while the crew cab got an "Acceptable" rating (second highest of four). However, in that agency's side-impact tests, the crew cab received the lowest rating of "Poor."
While its competitors have evolved over the years with higher levels of luxury and refinement, the GMC Canyon is let down by subpar materials and mediocre seat design. However, the Canyon does deserve high marks for the simple and straightforward layout of its controls and gauges. Rear legroom is a bit pinched on extended-cab and crew-cab models, while ingress and egress for rear passengers can be a bit of a challenge due to the smallish rear door openings. Out back, the Canyon's cargo boxes feature two-tier loading, and the dual-position removable tailgate can be secured partly open to support the placement of 4-by-8 sheets of wood atop its wheelwells.
The 2011 GMC Canyon's cabin is relatively tranquil around town, though wind noise around the doors tends to increase at highway speeds. The four- and five-cylinder engines are smooth enough, but performance lags behind that of the larger V6s of the Canyon's competitors. The available four-speed automatic transmission doesn't offer as many gears as its rivals, though at least its shifts are smooth and well-timed.
Those looking for abundant power and towing capability will, of course, want to specify the available 5.3-liter V8, which places the Canyon in the same league as its brawny V8-powered Dodge Dakota rival. The Canyon's standard suspension is calibrated for a soft and comfortable ride on pavement, while the available Z71 Off-Road Suspension package improves off-road performance at the expense of on-road compliance. The ZQ8 sport suspension provides much crisper cornering response.
It's been seven years since the GMC Canyon and its Chevrolet Colorado sibling replaced the GMC Sonoma and the Chevy S-10. Time hasn't been a big ally for the trucks, which sidle into the 2011 model year with few changes.
The Canyon is a decent, inexpensive option for those seeking a basic work truck--the same reasons you'd choose the Ford Ranger or the Colorado. Larger mid-size trucks like the Nissan Frontier are much more advanced in comparison, with near-full-size capabilities.
With its own styling that might be a bit more appealing than the Colorado, the Canyon comes in the same body styles as its Chevy cohort. There's a regular cab Canyon, an extended-cab Canyon with small rear-hinged rear doors and a Crew Cab with four full-size, front-hinged doors. Most versions have a short five-foot, one-inch bed, but the Crew Cab's bed is stretched to six feet long. The cabins on all versions suffer from dated looks and wear lots of plastic trim that has been mostly banished even from economy cars costing less.
The powertrains line up with the Colorado, as well. The 185-horsepower four-cylinder is a disappointingly rough piece, as is the not much more powerful 242-hp, 3.7-liter five-cylinder. The engine you'd want in the Canyon is a 300-horsepower, 5.3-liter V-8--but it's only available on the most expensive models, and it consumes fuel at a much quicker rate. The best highway fuel economy you'll get on any Canyon, though, is 25 mpg--a good deal higher than on many mid-size pickups. Manual and automatic transmissions can be had, and full-time four-wheel drive is available. Handling is a weak spot: the Canyon doesn't like twisty roads, and wanders a bit on freeways.
The Canyon comes with standard anti-lock brakes and stability control, and crash-test scores are okay--mostly four-star ratings from the Federal tests.
Air conditioning comes as standard, as well as a tilt steering wheel, cruise control, and folding exterior mirrors. Options such as traction control, XM, fog lamps, leather seats, a sunroof, a six-CD changer, and a sliding rear window are available. For the 2011 model year, a new version of OnStar is standard, as are Bluetooth connectivity and new front seat headrests.
The 2011 Canyon lineup includes regular cab, extended cab and crew cab body styles; two pickup bed lengths; three available suspensions and three engines. Vehicles are offered in Work Truck, SLE and SLT trims. The popular Z71 Off Road package offers distinctive visual cues to augment its suspension differentiation; it is available on 2WD and 4WD models. The ZQ8 sport suspension, paired wîth the 5.3L V-8 and 18-inch wheels, is also available.
Canyon models can seat up to six (crew cab model), while offering much higher levels of ride comfort, handling, quietness and interior space than many other midsize trucks. Standard features include head curtain side air bags, StabiliTrak electronic stability control system, rack-and-pinion §teering, intermittent wipers, XM Satellite Radio, air conditioning, tilt §teering wheel, cruise control and folding outside mirrors. Available equipment includes remote keyless entry; fog lamps; self-dimming inside rearview mirror; running boards; power, heated leather seating; and high-back bucket seats.
Crew cab models offer a 60/40-split/folding rear seat capable of accommodating three adults. Extended cab versions have four doors, and its two folding rear seats face forward. Regular and extended cab models have a 6-foot 1-inch (1.85 m) pickup bed wîth taller sides than many competitors, providing best-in-class volume for deeper storage and higher overall payload. Crew cab bed lengths are 5-foot 1-inch (1.55 m).
Both beds offer two-tier cargo loading, and tailgates that are both lockable and easily removable. The tailgate opens to almost 90 degrees, but can be set at a 55-degree opening – putting the tailgate edge at the same height as the top of the rear wheel wells within the cargo box, creating a sturdy, flat platform to conveniently transport longer items or 4-foot by 8-foot (1.2-meter by 2.4-meter) panels.
Changes for 2011 include OnStar 9.0, wîth a six-month Directions and Connections plan; Bluetooth phone connectivity; a revised front headrest design and a new exterior color choice: Aqua Blue Metallic. A chrome package is also available and includes a chrome fuel door and exhaust tip.
2011 GMC Canyon
No comments:
Post a Comment