The 2025 GMC Canyon may seem like a strong contender in the midsize pickup market with its premium features and rugged appeal, but upon closer inspection, several notable drawbacks surface. Here’s a detailed look at why you might want to reconsider this pickup truck.
1. Incredibly Firm Ride
For a vehicle with a starting price well into the $40,000 range, you would expect a comfortable ride. However, the GMC Canyon falls short in this department. Despite its premium branding and upscale interior, the suspension setup delivers a notably firm and jarring ride.
This stiffness is attributed to GMC’s decision to raise the ground clearance, aiming to boost off-road capability. While this makes the Canyon a decent off-road performer, it results in a bone-shattering experience on city roads or highways.
Other trucks, like the Toyota Tacoma and Ford Ranger, manage a more balanced approach, providing comfort without sacrificing ruggedness.
2. Tight Interior Space
The GMC Canyon also struggles with rear-seat legroom, offering just 34.7 inches. This is less than its competitors like the Ford Maverick, which is a foot shorter but offers 37 inches of rear legroom. This lack of space, combined with a nearly vertical seating position, results in an uncomfortable ride for rear passengers. In comparison, the Honda Ridgeline and even the Nissan Frontier provide better rear space and comfort.
3. Short Truck Bed
One of the main selling points of a pickup is bed space, yet the GMC Canyon falls short here too. The truck offers just a 5-foot bed, while competitors like the Ford Ranger and Toyota Tacoma provide longer beds as options. Even the smaller Ford Maverick manages a comparable bed length.
This shortcoming impacts the Canyon’s practicality, especially for those looking for a work truck with more storage space.
4. Underwhelming Powertrain
The Canyon’s 2.7L turbocharged engine delivers a respectable 310 horsepower and 430 lb-ft of torque, which sounds great on paper. However, there are concerns about its long-term reliability, especially when consistently used for heavy towing.
Furthermore, the engine’s fuel efficiency is underwhelming, with a maximum of 23 miles per gallon on the highway. This puts it on par with competitors like the Nissan Frontier, which uses a larger and more reliable 3.8L V6.
5. Competitors Offer Better Value
While the Canyon brings premium features to the table, its competitors provide better value for less money. The Ford Ranger and Toyota Tacoma offer similar or better capabilities at a lower price, with the Ranger excelling in comfort and the Tacoma outperforming the Canyon in off-road settings.
Even GMC’s own Chevrolet Colorado offers the same performance as the Canyon but at a lower price, making the Canyon feel like an overpriced alternative.
Final Thoughts
While the GMC Canyon offers an upscale experience with solid off-road capabilities, these perks come at the cost of ride comfort, interior space, and value for money. With several competitors providing better all-around packages, it’s hard to recommend the Canyon over other options in the midsize truck segment. If you’re looking for a comfortable ride or better practicality, there are more well-rounded choices available.
