GMC Canyon

How it looks when you see on the street: In big GMC capital letters, the compact pickup makes a statement starting with its front end. The GMC Canyon was redesigned for the 2023 model year. It comes only in crew cab formation – four doors, two rows of seating.

How it makes you feel when you get in: It’s a bit of hoist to climb into the Canyon, which gives the pickup an athletic personality. It lacks some of the tonier appointments found on more luxurious pickup option in favor of plastics, but has a get-the-job-done interior. It’s equipped with wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and OnStar, GM’s longtime supplier of connectivity for service plans. It’s got an 11.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system and Google services built in.

How it drives: Pickup trucks are built to drive in virtually any condition, including rock roads found on crumbling freeway infrastructure. I tested out the Canyon in New York City, where it would seem out of place, but at times was better equipped to handle driving conditions. As a midsize truck its proportion can be tricky to navigate in tight spaces, but far more manageable than full size trucks feel in cities. The AT4 model includes Normal, Terrain, Off-Road, and Tow/Haul. It earns 18 miles per gallon. It’s list of safety features includes forward collision warning, auto emergency braking, and blind zone steering assist.

Space for people and things:  The small pickup truck is plenty for most customers who don’t have specific use cases that require more cargo space or towing capacity.

How much does it cost: Pickup trucks offer a long list of choices, trim and feature packages. On a high level, GMC comes in several trim and pricing packages starting at $41,695 for the Elevation with 2WD to $56,995 for the AT4X. The Canyone Denali starts at $50k.

What to compare it to: The Chevy Colorado, another GM model that shares much with Canyon, Ford Ranger, Toyota Tacoma, and the Jeep Gladiator.