General Motors currently offers two different pickup truck models. The GMC Sierra 1500 is a powerful full-size truck that’s also available in heavy-duty versions. For lighter towing jobs or just daily driving, the midsize GMC Canyon may be the better option. Despite its smaller size, Consumer Reports still gave it a favorable review.

It’s also one of the cheapest trucks on the used market. A model from 2012 could only cost you between $8,000-$15,000. According to Car Complaints, this is one of the model years with the fewest problems. If you want to buy a used GMC Canyon soon, take a look at some of your best options.

The best model years for the GMC Canyon

Car Complaints gave the model years 2007-2012 a ‘Seal of Awesome’ for having a minuscule amount of reported issues. Even in its first model year, the truck was praised for its comfortable ride and powerful engine. However, it wasn’t very reliable compared to its rivals, which led to a two-year discontinuation. 

There’s still a small chance of running into problems from these model years. The 2007 model was reported to have some engine issues, like excessive oil consumption and stalling. During its 2008 model year, the GMC Canyon was also prone to electrical issues. One driver reported that their truck had a battery that couldn’t keep a full charge.

Better than the competition

When compared to its rivals, the GMC Canyon has vastly fewer problems. The Canyon only has 25 reported issues from 2007-2012. Toyota’s popular midsize truck, the Tacoma, has over 400 complaints in the same timeframe. Peeling paint and a faulty radio were the two most common problems for that truck, especially in the 2007 and 2009 models.

The Chevy Colorado also has a relatively high volume of complaints at 108 – mostly related to the truck’s engine. Still, this is definitely better compared to the Tacoma. It also totes the same ‘Seal of Awesome‘ as the Canyon. 

Which model years are the worst for the GMC Canyon?

Car Complaints recommends that you avoid GMC Canyon pickups from 2015. Although this was the first year of a redesign, the truck turned out to be a certified clunker. Transmission issues were very common, with many reporting that the truck consistently shifted into the wrong gear. Fortunately, this was a cheap fix of only $150.

The 2015 Canyon also had multiple steering issues. These problems were as minor as a left-pulling wheel to a major loss of power steering. One unlucky driver reported that they had to pay $1,700 to fix this issue.

Perks of the redesign

The GMC Canyon was pulled from the market in 2012 and brought back for the 2015 model year. With this redesign, the truck got a better interior and a higher towing capacity. The first model year had a rocky start, but 2016-2020 have much better consumer reviews. 

The Canyon will get even more updates in the 2021 model year. It has a new grille design as well as a new available AT4 package. This bundle comes with many off-roading essentials, like large tires and an enhanced suspension.

How it performs today

The base GMC Canyon is a powerful and affordable vehicle, equipped with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. It can produce 200 hp and 191 lb-ft of torque. In higher trims, you can get either a 3.6-liter V6 or a highly fuel-efficient 2.8-liter turbodiesel engine.

With the GMC Canyon’s rear-wheel drive and turbodiesel engine, it can tow up to 7,700 pounds. The truck’s safety and reliability scores are still subpar compared to its rivals. It also doesn’t have as many standard tech features. However, as the GMC Canyon continues to evolve each year, there’s still hope for improvement.