GMC Canyon pickup premieres

GM has revealed the new GMC Canyon at the 2014 Detroit motor show, having unveiled the Chevrolet Colorado sister truck at the Los Angeles motor show late last year.

The midsize truck market is small in the USA. Players like the Ford Ranger departed years ago, leaving only the Nissan Frontier and the Toyota Tacoma. GM’s two new trucks double number of pickups doing battle in this limited segment in the States.

The powertrain options on the GMC mirror the Colorado. The base Canyon features a petrol 2.5-litre inline-4 with 193bhp and 184lb ft of torque. It’s hitched to a six-speed manual (rear-wheel drive only) or an optional six-speed automatic.

The 3.6-litre V6 bumps power to 302bhp and 270lb ft of torque. It’s only available with the automatic. Next year, a 2.8-litre inline-four turbodiesel joins the engine lineup. The available four-wheel drive system lacks a centre differential (it’s a part-time system) but does offer an ‘AutoTrac’ mode that will automatically engage the front axle when rear-wheel slip is detected.

Like the Colorado, the Canyon is available in three configurations. The base truck features an extended cab setup with a six-foot bed. The crew cab (a proper four-door setup) offers either a five-foot or six-foot bed. GMC notes that with the tailgate down, the Canyon can haul an eight-foot load. All three setups can tow up to 2039kg and the curb weight of the trucks ranges from 1789 to 1935kg.

The GMC features bolder styling compared to the Colorado. Traditionally, GMC models have been a small step up the ladder compared to the sister vehicles at Chevy. As a result, GMC also tends to demand a slightly higher price. The grille on the Canyon is aggressive and GMC highlights the truck’s projector headlights and C-shaped LED daytime running lights. An All-Terrain package is optional on the mid-level SLE model, adding 17-inch off-road tires, unique suspension tuning, and more aggressive exterior styling.

Inside, standard features include a power driver’s seat, stability control, and a rear camera. Options include heated leather seats, 4G LTE connectivity with a Wi-Fi hotspot, and an eight-inch touchscreen navigation system.

While the market in the States isn’t huge for smaller trucks, there are certain regions where they are popular. The competition from both Toyota and Nissan are dated, leaving an opportunity for GM. Still, full-size trucks aren’t very expensive in the USA, so pricing will be key for both the Canyon and Colorado. Production begins this autumn in Wentzville, Missouri and GM will release pricing closer to that time.