The 2021 GMC Canyon shows up in last place of all the compact pickup trucks tested by Consumer Reports for the 2021 model year. That means out of six tested compact pickup trucks, the new Canyon is listed dead last. But this truck offers a diesel engine –– a feature that most others in its class do not. Why oh why is it scored so low?

The 2021 GMC Canyon is a compact pickup truck that earned a score of 44. In fact, its score mirrors that of its corporate cousin the 2021 Chevy Colorado. Across the board, Consumer Reports rated these trucks the same. However, the new Canyon sits there at the bottom of the barrel. Is it really that bad?

Is the 2021 GMC Canyon a good truck?

It’s not the best truck in its class, going by its standing among competitors. However, according to Consumer Reports, there are some high points for the new Canyon. In the review, the 2021 GMC Canyon receives praise for its potent diesel engine.

In addition, this diesel engine is the most fuel-efficient pickup truck engine. It gets a combined 24 mpg, which is great for a truck. It’s also been designed with an easily maneuvered size and shape for city driving. But if you opt for the quieter gasoline V6 you’ll be disappointed by both its lack of power and efficiency.

Overall, it’s still the right truck for some due to its styling and diesel engine. Still, there are better compact pickup trucks that offer more in terms of power and reliability. Furthermore, (in spite of its being marketed as a premium truck) critics say the 2021 GMC Canyon falls short of standards in terms of luxury appointments.

Consumer Reports didn’t have a lot of good things to say and this compact pickup

First off, the review was not kind to the gas engine. It has a high horsepower output of 305, but Consumer Reports commented that it’s low on torque. Unless you opt for the much louder Diesel engine you may have issues when you try to put your 2021 GMC Canyon to work.

“The ride can be rough at times, with choppiness and jostling on any road rougher than a velvet Elvis painting.”

Consumer Reports

Not much was praise was given in terms of ride quality either. The new Canyon may be called a ‘premium truck’ by GM, but it’s not exactly offering a cushy ride or top-notch materials. In spite of rubber-ringed nobs and a user-friendly infotainment system, the 2021 GMC Canyon interior is riddled with plastics and hard surfaces. While this isn’t really a dealbreaker for most truck buyers, it’s still a bit off considering how this compact pickup is marketed.

Seats are stiff and prices are steep

The Consumer Reports review goes on to say that the seats are utterly uncomfortable. Neither seats nor the steering wheel adjust enough to provide maximum comfort. In addition, the review states that pricing is high for the GMC Canyon.

A 2021 GMC Canyon can easily option out around $40 grand before you know it––especially with the $4,000 diesel engine upgrade. In the end, Consumer Reports wraps up the review by saying it’s almost just a smaller full-size truck alternative. But that you may actually get more bang for your buck spending your dollars on a larger truck instead. While it’s not a bad truck, might be better options.