GMC Canyon
The 2008 GMC Canyon is available in a regular cab, extended cab or crew cab. Two- and four-wheel drive, a powerful 2.9L inline four-cylinder and 3.7L inline five-cylinder engine, three different suspensions, and two pickup bed lengths allow for maximum customization. A number of different trims enable consumers to pick both the price and level of equipment they desire.
Rack-and-pinion steering, intermittent wipers, air conditioning, tilt steering wheel, cruise control, and folding outside mirrors are all standard on the 2008 Canyon. In addition, Insta-Trac is standard on the 4WD models. The Z71 Off-Road Package provides distinguishing visual indicators to supplement its suspension differentiation.
The Canyon is available in many different trims, from the basic work truck to the mid-level SL and SLE, to the high-end SLT, which can range from well equipped to downright luxurious. The SL adds popular equipment like upgraded tires, aluminum wheels, and cloth seats, while the SLT adds the 3.7L engine, a rear sliding window, deep tinted glass, heated power leather seats, and an auto-dimming interior mirror with compass and exterior temperature display. In addition, chrome accents including front door sill inlays, interior door handles, air outlet knobs, small speaker bezels, instrument cluster trim rings are added to the SLE and SLT trims. Anti-lock brakes are standard on all models.
Options are plentiful, and include luxury items (such as enhanced audio systems and a sunroof) as well as working grade equipment (like recovery hooks and a bed extender).
Editors' Review
A multitool combines the functions and features of a variety of hand tools into one compact package. No, that package may not contain the sharpest knife that you'll ever own, the strongest pair of pliers in your toolbox or the most user-friendly screwdriver that money can buy, but the best tool is always the one you have with you. A multitool makes up for a few small compromises with huge, pocket-friendly convenience. Short of carrying a full toolbox in your backpack, there's nothing better.
When I think of the 2015 GMC Canyon, I think that our crew-cab, short-box model is a multitool on wheels; a vehicle that serves as a commuter, a hauler, a family car, a puller and more. There are a few compromises here and there -- particularly for city drivers who may not have the space for such a large "small truck" -- but this is a solid choice for those who need one vehicle to do it all.
Flexible, configurable
The pickup truck is one of the most customizable vehicle classes on the road, so it's no surprise that the Canyon is available in a variety of configurations. There's the extended cab with a long 6-foot bed, a crew cab with a long 6-foot bed and our example's configuration: a crew cab with a short 5-foot bed. Your needs in a truck will no doubt be different from mine, but I think the short crew is the best balance of flexibility and compactness.
The Good The 2015 GMC Canyon's crew cab configuration offers space and comfort rivaling any sedan in its price range. The truck's steering and handling are very carlike and easy to live with from day to day. Towing, hauling, and all-terrain options add capability and flexibility to this "small pickup truck." Voice command and IntelliLink shortcuts work wonderfully and enhance convenience.
The Bad Manual destination input is sluggish and laggy. Blind-spot monitoring and cross-traffic alert would be much more useful driver aid options.
The Bottom Line Though not without a few small compromises, the 2015 GMC Canyon Crew Cab is a do-it-all vehicle for those who need the comfort of a sedan and the flexibility of a truck.
Other Models
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