General Motors Company announced its pickup truck offerings are coming out for the new year, and the 2021 GMC Canyon truck has people talking. With some tweaks here and there and all trims, this truck promises to refine and sophisticate the line. 

Edmunds reviewed the 2021 pickup and found some things they liked, and a few they didn’t. Let’s look at what’s coming up for the Canyon and see what will be new to the model.

What’s new for the 2021 GMC Canyon?

The new year has very few changes coming for the Canyon. Some levels are getting a new name, and one is disappearing from the lineup. The previous SL, SLE, and SLT are gone.

The Elevation Standard and Elevation trim levels will replace the SL and the SLE. The SLT trim will not have a replacement, according to GM Authority‘s Blog. The names are the only changes that you’ll see with these trims. 

The All-Terrain got a new name this year as well. This off-roading trim is now called the AT4. With the 17-inch wheels, off-road tires, hill descent control, and a rugged suspension, the AT4 promises to be a game-changer, but it won’t hold a candle to the last Canyon trim, the Denali. 

The top of the line trim, the Denali, got the most changes for the upcoming year. 

What’s new with the 2021 GMC Canyon Denali trim?

There’s plenty of exterior and interior changes coming for this trim. As far as the exterior goes, you’ll notice a new grille style. The new design, with its layered pattern, will be reminiscent of the GMC Sierra 1500. 

Along with the grille, you’ll find chrome step accessories and some chrome styling trim. The Denali model also comes with unique 20-inch diamond-cut wheels, which are made out of aluminum, and you can only find them on this trim level. 

The interior has some impressive changes as well. Starting with the front seats, you will find a 6-way power seat for the driver and a 4-way seat. Both are heated and ventilated with leather upholstery. 

You’ll also find an 8-inch infotainment display that comes with useful apps, like navigation for one. With a Bose sound system and a wireless charging pad, it’s no wonder why it’s at the top of the line. 

To add to their standard features, GMC offers rear parking sensors, a lane departure alert system, and a front collision alert. The 3.6-liter V6 engine will also be standard, but you can upgrade to the 2.8-liter Inline four-cylinder turbodiesel if you’re looking for a little more fuel economy. 

The Pros and Cons of the GMC Canyon 

Edmunds liked the towing capacity of the Canyon for both the V6 and the diesel four-cylinder. They thought the truck’s size was just right for maneuvering challenging areas with ease. The pickup’s handling and steering were very responsive and behaved well on the road. The suspension system makes the ride smooth and comfortable over all types of terrain. 

They felt the front seats were decent, but they seemed to be on the small side just a little bit. Larger people might find them to be tight and possibly uncomfortable to ride in. Another area that disappointed them was with the cargo space. 

The Canyon doesn’t have much storage area to speak on here. When you compare it to its rivals, you find that other pickups offer more space to store your items, especially if you fold down the rear seats. 

The Canyon is a good truck, but if you want more value for your money, consider buying the Denali trim. They haven’t announced a price yet, but reviewers expect that it will be worth it, no matter what cost it brings because of all the standard features you’ll get.