I think GM made a great move bringing back the Colorado and canyon. When it comes time for another car for me I am putting this truck on my list. Great review Steve!
Steve you mentioned the lazy gas pedal which is good. Tacoma is so much more responsive. However, Tacoma keeps a low step in and low bed height for easy load/unloading of cargo while maintaining industry leading approach angles. Even beats the raptors approach angle of 30, the GM twins a measly 17, 24 for a Ford and a Tacoma 35. And its the family vehicle with 4 true doors. This means you can have fun off roading, you don't have that constant threat of "is my bumper going to get wrecked". Even pulling out of a steep driveway on blacktop would wreck this bumper or when pulling up to a curb; my god forget off roading or the thought of a dirt road to go camping, only to come back with 5000 dollars of bumper damage. No wonder Tacoma outsold them in November of this year, I actually bought two Tacoma's. I wanted that AWD system in the Canyon but the clearance is just horrendous. I can see the bumper in the video at 1:47 has snow stuck to it from dragging what little snow is on the ground. With my Tacoma, I don't have to get up at 5am to shovel the lump at the end of my driveway that the snowplow left. Canyon would just leave me stranded in my driveway like my Denali did until a snowblower comes to its rescue You don't even address the low bumper??? GM is terrible for that. I realize people would buy minivans with two seats in them and yes some will buy trucks with low clearance, but the month of November proved the majority of us will buy a Tacoma with gobs of clearance. I realize the Tacoma has traditional higher resale, proven reliability, better suspension, but I still would rather have the AWD system in the Canyon but its just too low for a truck. The only real truck GM ever made was a ZR2 S10, but was too small, and didn't have 4 true doors to fit a family. If Tacoma comes out with AWD it wont matter how much candy fluff the GM gets, or if they fix their traditional handicapped front bumper; now that I know how responsive a Tacoma is and how good the TRD suspension is, ill just keep buying Tacoma.
You realize that black part of the bumper that sticks down so low on the Canyon can be easily removed right? This greatly improves the approach angle. That black piece is just a plastic air dam put there to improve aerodynamics. If you're one of the minority of people who actually takes their truck off road, you can just take it off by undoing a few screws.
For now, GM lacks a true off-road variant of this truck BUT it is coming in the Colorado ZR2. We'll see what Toyota's plans are for the next Tacoma in Detroit in January, but right now that truck is as old as the dirt it tackles - just look at the powertrain and 4WD system. And I own a 2001 Tacoma PreRunner Double Cab V6 - full disclosure. I think the product mix on these GM midsize trucks is excellent right now and with a diesel and off-road variants on their way these trucks will be hugely successful. They're targeting a specific, new type of truck buyer who is looking for an ownership experience more akin to the other car they have. Toyota's recent redesigns have been very underwhelming of late but this is one they'd better not mess up because GM and Nissan are ready to pounce if they do.
splewy With the air dam removed you wont be buying the truck with the posted MPG on the white sticker in the window. You will lose fuel mileage, not that I care but it is no longer fair for GM to compare MPG at that point. The air dam is not easy to remove unless you plan to leave it off. Remember these trucks are tested in harsh environments to find problems before releasing the vehicle to the public. These conditions include ice, snow and slush build up below the vehicle and with the air dam off you are opening the truck up so that more snow and ice can build up into parts untested. So after paying 40Gs good luck being the guinea pig Even with the air dam removed the clearance is still pretty bad, the air dam just makes it that much more idiotic for a truck
TestDriveNow.com featuring Drive Time with Steve Hammes Well I have been shopping for a truck for two years now because I had a hard time giving up my Sierra Denali because it had quadrasteer. In those two years I tested many trucks and I like the Tacoma the best for its ride quality due to the harsh roads up North. All other brands felt like the truck was being ripped apart over potholes except the raptor and money wasn't an issue for me, the raptor is just too big I don't see what is so outdated on a Tacoma after driving new trucks in all of the major brands. I have no issues with the interior or exterior, just wish it had AWD They still are outselling GM so why change, if they turn it into a Colorado they will sell less. If they go too wild with the ZR2 they will lose the market, any dune buggy can smoke the Tacoma off road, dune buggies don't sell to the majority, so if they don't make the ZR2 family orientated by keeping the truck low with gobs of clearance and an awesome suspension like a Tacoma then they will miss the market again.
budcargeorge Yeah sure the mileage would drop if you removed the air dam. Probably to about the same level as the Tacoma's, but that's the tradeoff you have to make. If you want a vehicle with great ground clearance, you can't expect great gas mileage and vice versa. I think GM made the right call on this one though. A huge portion of the projected sales of these trucks is supposed to be to people living south of the snow belt who will rarely, if ever take their truck off road. For those people, fuel economy is far more important than approach angles.
I bet the diesel engine option will be popular, if GM doesn't make it hugely expensive. Steve, it looked like you didn't have much leg room in the back seats. Would someone less than 6 feet be OK to ride back there?
Billy Sou Normally, I'd say yes but here's why I think the diesel may be a small seller; gas prices are VERY low, diesel is running almost $.75 more per gallon, the engine going to jack up the price of this truck even more AND this truck is not intended for the contractor. This is more of a weekend warrior machine and that dude doesn't want the hassles/added costs of diesel.
TestDriveNow.com featuring Drive Time with Steve Hammes Once you said it -- I think you're right. Think with the Diesel being a "hybrid" version of a pickup. However, GM placed a hybrid in the Tahoe and Silverado, but it barely improved any fuel economy. I think GM will have about 10-15% of sales of the 2016 GMC Canyon/Chevy Colorado will be the diesel. Chrysler is having a whale of a time putting the diesels in the Ram 1500.
Diesels typically hold onto much more of their value. When you go to sell in some years you, in my opinion, will gain any extra price you paid for the option back. Don't forget that the diesel *SHOULD* get MUCH better fuel economy making up for more than the price difference in fuel. The i4 in the Holden Colorado is rated at 7.5l/100km.
39k for a Canyon? Saw a brand-new 2015 Tacoma at the dealer today. 6" lift, performance tires, improved suspension, leather seats, etc. for only 30k. The 21/25 MPG for the Tacoma also beats the 17/24 Canyon. Toyota Tacoma is also produced right here in the great state of Texas. In fact Gov. Rick Perry actually made August 6 the official "Toyota Tacoma Day." The next-gen Tacoma's being unveiled in January anyways. Better to wait than to go with the Canyon. Just my opinion.
21/25 mpg? There is no Tacoma that comes close to that especially with a 6" lift. You're looking at around 13-15 mpg. A top of the line Tacoma also costs 39k. If that dealership told you 21/25, I advise you to never shop there. As of right now there is NO mid-size truck for 2015 in America that gets better gas mileage than the Canyon/Colorado. That will hopefully change next year when Toyota does release the new Tacoma.l, but the mules I've seen floating around look identical to the current Tacoma body style, so don't expect much exterior change. I went to the GMC dealership today and looked at a Canyon All-Terrain and the interior is a million times nicer than a Tacoma. I'm a huge Toyota fan and own two, which are parked next to Wrangler right now. I wish Toyota would do something amazing with this upcoming Tacoma otherwise I might be picking up the GMC.
I totally disagree with the manufacturers who say that one size fits all. Not everyone needs or wants a full-sized truck like a GMC Sierra 2500 truck. There are buyers who want something smaller and easier to drive than that. For people like that, I would think that the Chevy Colorado/GMC Canyon would be perfect in size. Not too large, not too small.
Think I would like to take the tail lights off the Colorado and put on this canyon. Never did like all that reflective glass/silver look that has come along from that young generation appeal.
I would love to get a Canyon and get back to a smaller truck. I use to have a ridgeline and loved that truck. I now have a 2013 F150 5.0L xlt 300A supercrew 4x4 with 6.5 ft box and the purchase price was $27 999 for it$179/month lease for 24mths @0%. I am now looking again because I took the lease option and my new 2015 F150 4x4 supercrew 4x4 XLT is $29000 and 199/month @0% and no money down. I don't need a truck that big but why would someone buy one of these? I can see if you can't fit a full size into a parking lot or you just can't drive a big vehicle but besides that it doesn't make sense. The gas mileage on the full size isn't that bad and if you actual figure out the extra mileage the difference is only a couple dollars every 100km. With the full size you have 9000lbs towing, you have full seating for six adults (the rear is like a couch in the F150) and the XLT comes with most power options A/C, pm, pw, traction control, anti sway, satellite radio, Bluetooth, sync. etc etc. I guess what I am trying to say is there is more potential value in a full size as you get more for your money. This also applies to the Ram 1500 SXT 4x4 quad cab you can buy these for $24999. Btw these are Canadian prices.
I think GMC should put the Denali nameplate on this edition of the Canyon. In another video found here on TH-cam, a GMC rep told the journalist the SLE edition is nicknamed the "Grand" Canyon.
+Sadpants McGee SLE trim not fully loaded. The top is SLT. Plus, add on a few options such as navigation and your pushing 42K. Want the diesel then pay even more. It also doesn't come with popular options such as a sunroof and xenon headlights at any price. I for one think it's about 3-4K overpriced and it's a cash cow for GM. They are just being greedy.
Yippie Still well equipped, and if you're actually paying MSRP , then you *are* getting ripped. I'm not a big fan of the GM twins, and plan on getting a Tacoma, but for what they actually *sell* them for, you're actually getting a lot.
even the GM CEO said that only advantage of these trucks is the SLIGHT smaller size......other then that they cost the same as a full size and let me tell you from experience all that horse power and torque come at a price! they are PIGS on gas. so just save yourself the regret and get a full-sized truck for the same price. easier to work on when they get older and wont cost an arm and a leg for those who aren't mechanically inclined.
I think GM made a great move bringing back the Colorado and canyon. When it comes time for another car for me I am putting this truck on my list. Great review Steve!
My 1st truck was a 2005 Canyon. Oh, the nostalgia........
Perhaps the nicest looking mid size IMO. Still like my Frontier, 8 years, going strong!
That color is gorgeous!
Excellent review sir. Much appreciated.
Thanks, Jesto!
Considering diesel model will cost more and the diesel gas has not fluctuate in price even gas is now at all time low, is it worth buy a diesel model?
Needs a 5.3 option
Steve you mentioned the lazy gas pedal which is good. Tacoma is so much more responsive. However, Tacoma keeps a low step in and low bed height for easy load/unloading of cargo while maintaining industry leading approach angles. Even beats the raptors approach angle of 30, the GM twins a measly 17, 24 for a Ford and a Tacoma 35. And its the family vehicle with 4 true doors. This means you can have fun off roading, you don't have that constant threat of "is my bumper going to get wrecked". Even pulling out of a steep driveway on blacktop would wreck this bumper or when pulling up to a curb; my god forget off roading or the thought of a dirt road to go camping, only to come back with 5000 dollars of bumper damage.
No wonder Tacoma outsold them in November of this year, I actually bought two Tacoma's. I wanted that AWD system in the Canyon but the clearance is just horrendous. I can see the bumper in the video at 1:47 has snow stuck to it from dragging what little snow is on the ground. With my Tacoma, I don't have to get up at 5am to shovel the lump at the end of my driveway that the snowplow left. Canyon would just leave me stranded in my driveway like my Denali did until a snowblower comes to its rescue
You don't even address the low bumper??? GM is terrible for that. I realize people would buy minivans with two seats in them and yes some will buy trucks with low clearance, but the month of November proved the majority of us will buy a Tacoma with gobs of clearance.
I realize the Tacoma has traditional higher resale, proven reliability, better suspension, but I still would rather have the AWD system in the Canyon but its just too low for a truck. The only real truck GM ever made was a ZR2 S10, but was too small, and didn't have 4 true doors to fit a family.
If Tacoma comes out with AWD it wont matter how much candy fluff the GM gets, or if they fix their traditional handicapped front bumper; now that I know how responsive a Tacoma is and how good the TRD suspension is, ill just keep buying Tacoma.
You realize that black part of the bumper that sticks down so low on the Canyon can be easily removed right? This greatly improves the approach angle. That black piece is just a plastic air dam put there to improve aerodynamics. If you're one of the minority of people who actually takes their truck off road, you can just take it off by undoing a few screws.
For now, GM lacks a true off-road variant of this truck BUT it is coming in the Colorado ZR2. We'll see what Toyota's plans are for the next Tacoma in Detroit in January, but right now that truck is as old as the dirt it tackles - just look at the powertrain and 4WD system. And I own a 2001 Tacoma PreRunner Double Cab V6 - full disclosure. I think the product mix on these GM midsize trucks is excellent right now and with a diesel and off-road variants on their way these trucks will be hugely successful. They're targeting a specific, new type of truck buyer who is looking for an ownership experience more akin to the other car they have. Toyota's recent redesigns have been very underwhelming of late but this is one they'd better not mess up because GM and Nissan are ready to pounce if they do.
splewy With the air dam removed you wont be buying the truck with the posted MPG on the white sticker in the window. You will lose fuel mileage, not that I care but it is no longer fair for GM to compare MPG at that point.
The air dam is not easy to remove unless you plan to leave it off. Remember these trucks are tested in harsh environments to find problems before releasing the vehicle to the public. These conditions include ice, snow and slush build up below the vehicle and with the air dam off you are opening the truck up so that more snow and ice can build up into parts untested. So after paying 40Gs good luck being the guinea pig
Even with the air dam removed the clearance is still pretty bad, the air dam just makes it that much more idiotic for a truck
TestDriveNow.com featuring Drive Time with Steve Hammes Well I have been shopping for a truck for two years now because I had a hard time giving up my Sierra Denali because it had quadrasteer. In those two years I tested many trucks and I like the Tacoma the best for its ride quality due to the harsh roads up North. All other brands felt like the truck was being ripped apart over potholes except the raptor and money wasn't an issue for me, the raptor is just too big
I don't see what is so outdated on a Tacoma after driving new trucks in all of the major brands. I have no issues with the interior or exterior, just wish it had AWD
They still are outselling GM so why change, if they turn it into a Colorado they will sell less. If they go too wild with the ZR2 they will lose the market, any dune buggy can smoke the Tacoma off road, dune buggies don't sell to the majority, so if they don't make the ZR2 family orientated by keeping the truck low with gobs of clearance and an awesome suspension like a Tacoma then they will miss the market again.
budcargeorge Yeah sure the mileage would drop if you removed the air dam. Probably to about the same level as the Tacoma's, but that's the tradeoff you have to make. If you want a vehicle with great ground clearance, you can't expect great gas mileage and vice versa.
I think GM made the right call on this one though. A huge portion of the projected sales of these trucks is supposed to be to people living south of the snow belt who will rarely, if ever take their truck off road. For those people, fuel economy is far more important than approach angles.
Excellent review Steve. Would you say it drives better than a comparable full size truck? Those trucks drive very well this days...
It does drive better in the sense that it handles more like a car. Thanks!
I bet the diesel engine option will be popular, if GM doesn't make it hugely expensive.
Steve, it looked like you didn't have much leg room in the back seats. Would someone less than 6 feet be OK to ride back there?
It's short on legroom but bearable. Less than 6' would certainly be preferable.
I think the diesel will be a huge winner for GM on this one; the same way that the Ram 1500 EcoDiesel is currently for Chrysler.
Billy Sou Normally, I'd say yes but here's why I think the diesel may be a small seller; gas prices are VERY low, diesel is running almost $.75 more per gallon, the engine going to jack up the price of this truck even more AND this truck is not intended for the contractor. This is more of a weekend warrior machine and that dude doesn't want the hassles/added costs of diesel.
TestDriveNow.com featuring Drive Time with Steve Hammes
Once you said it -- I think you're right. Think with the Diesel being a "hybrid" version of a pickup. However, GM placed a hybrid in the Tahoe and Silverado, but it barely improved any fuel economy. I think GM will have about 10-15% of sales of the 2016 GMC Canyon/Chevy Colorado will be the diesel.
Chrysler is having a whale of a time putting the diesels in the Ram 1500.
Diesels typically hold onto much more of their value. When you go to sell in some years you, in my opinion, will gain any extra price you paid for the option back. Don't forget that the diesel *SHOULD* get MUCH better fuel economy making up for more than the price difference in fuel. The i4 in the Holden Colorado is rated at 7.5l/100km.
39k for a Canyon? Saw a brand-new 2015 Tacoma at the dealer today. 6" lift, performance tires, improved suspension, leather seats, etc. for only 30k. The 21/25 MPG for the Tacoma also beats the 17/24 Canyon. Toyota Tacoma is also produced right here in the great state of Texas. In fact Gov. Rick Perry actually made August 6 the official "Toyota Tacoma Day." The next-gen Tacoma's being unveiled in January anyways. Better to wait than to go with the Canyon. Just my opinion.
21/25 mpg? There is no Tacoma that comes close to that especially with a 6" lift. You're looking at around 13-15 mpg. A top of the line Tacoma also costs 39k. If that dealership told you 21/25, I advise you to never shop there. As of right now there is NO mid-size truck for 2015 in America that gets better gas mileage than the Canyon/Colorado. That will hopefully change next year when Toyota does release the new Tacoma.l, but the mules I've seen floating around look identical to the current Tacoma body style, so don't expect much exterior change. I went to the GMC dealership today and looked at a Canyon All-Terrain and the interior is a million times nicer than a Tacoma. I'm a huge Toyota fan and own two, which are parked next to Wrangler right now. I wish Toyota would do something amazing with this upcoming Tacoma otherwise I might be picking up the GMC.
+William Miller
Did you pick up a Canyon? How's the quality? I really like the Canyon, Colorado and Tacoma. I just can't make up my mind.
Nope I picked up a 2016 Tacoma TRD Sport 4x4....love it more than the Canyon/Coloados I drove
Maybe Ram should consider reviving the Dakota. Perhaps, Ram can call it the 1000 or any lower number under the full-sized 1500.
I totally disagree with the manufacturers who say that one size fits all. Not everyone needs or wants a full-sized truck like a GMC Sierra 2500 truck. There are buyers who want something smaller and easier to drive than that. For people like that, I would think that the Chevy Colorado/GMC Canyon would be perfect in size. Not too large, not too small.
Can't wait for the durmax
Think I would like to take the tail lights off the Colorado and put on this canyon. Never did like all that reflective glass/silver look that has come along from that young generation appeal.
I would love to get a Canyon and get back to a smaller truck. I use to have a ridgeline and loved that truck. I now have a 2013 F150 5.0L xlt 300A supercrew 4x4 with 6.5 ft box and the purchase price was $27 999 for it$179/month lease for 24mths @0%. I am now looking again because I took the lease option and my new 2015 F150 4x4 supercrew 4x4 XLT is $29000 and 199/month @0% and no money down.
I don't need a truck that big but why would someone buy one of these? I can see if you can't fit a full size into a parking lot or you just can't drive a big vehicle but besides that it doesn't make sense. The gas mileage on the full size isn't that bad and if you actual figure out the extra mileage the difference is only a couple dollars every 100km. With the full size you have 9000lbs towing, you have full seating for six adults (the rear is like a couch in the F150) and the XLT comes with most power options A/C, pm, pw, traction control, anti sway, satellite radio, Bluetooth, sync. etc etc.
I guess what I am trying to say is there is more potential value in a full size as you get more for your money. This also applies to the Ram 1500 SXT 4x4 quad cab you can buy these for $24999.
Btw these are Canadian prices.
Wow 39k that's crazy u can get a F150 now for under 27k GM is nuts
~$27K is going to get you a base regular cab 2015 F150. GMC Canyon starts at $20,955. We're looking at a fully loaded model.
I think GMC should put the Denali nameplate on this edition of the Canyon. In another video found here on TH-cam, a GMC rep told the journalist the SLE edition is nicknamed the "Grand" Canyon.
Let's be fair; you can get a 2-door, 2WD base F-150 XL with zero options for $27k. This Canyon is A LOT more truck than that.
well yeah but who would want to cheap out on a ford? just get a full sized GMC. its the same price basically.
Yeah you could get a 150 but who wants a truck that large!!!
Like most GM models of late, I'm sure this one will be recalled within the first year! I'd rather drive a full size F-150.
No one can really play the recall card anymore; just last month Ford recalled over 200,000 vehicles in 5 separate models including the F-150.
Seriously, you can't compare the numbers between the two. We're talking millions for GM.
Darren O'Riley That was just last month. Ford has recalled over 16 million vehicles during the past decade. No OEM is immune at this point.
TestDriveNow.com featuring Drive Time with Steve Hammes and GM has recalled over 32 million in 2014 alone lol
That's to much. I love it but I wouldn't pay 39k specially without the duramax.
That's fully loaded, dude. All the bells and whistles. They start around 23k.
+Sadpants McGee SLE trim not fully loaded. The top is SLT. Plus, add on a few options such as navigation and your pushing 42K. Want the diesel then pay even more. It also doesn't come with popular options such as a sunroof and xenon headlights at any price. I for one think it's about 3-4K overpriced and it's a cash cow for GM. They are just being greedy.
Yippie Still well equipped, and if you're actually paying MSRP , then you *are* getting ripped. I'm not a big fan of the GM twins, and plan on getting a Tacoma, but for what they actually *sell* them for, you're actually getting a lot.
even the GM CEO said that only advantage of these trucks is the SLIGHT smaller size......other then that they cost the same as a full size and let me tell you from experience all that horse power and torque come at a price! they are PIGS on gas. so just save yourself the regret and get a full-sized truck for the same price. easier to work on when they get older and wont cost an arm and a leg for those who aren't mechanically inclined.
Waste of money until the Diesel shows up. That 3.6L you have to wring it out to get power out of it.
I think the diesel is the one to wait for
That shift knob belongs in the mid 90's! Disgusting!
GM, when are you going to stop cutting corners?
Why not make the diesel engine available right away? Makes no sense.