GMC Canyon Wins Cars.com Midsize Pickup Challenge

New premium midsize truck tops competitors’ capability, performance and materials

DETROIT – The all-new GMC Canyon was the top pick by the editors of Cars.com in a midsize pickup comparison test posted today.

The editors praised the Canyon SLT – the segment’s only premium entry – for its road manners and performance with a full load in the bed, as well as its design and “high-end materials,” in a side-by-side challenge with Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro and Nissan Frontier PRO-4X. The Chevrolet Colorado was also tested.

“The GMC Canyon scored well throughout our tests, and offered a capable and luxurious ride and feel that clearly separated the GMC from the rest of the pack,” said Cars.com Pickup Truck Editor Mark Williams.

The trucks were tested for a range of capabilities, including performance, seating and ergonomics, tech and entertainment, ride quality, visibility, value and off-road capability. The trucks were track-tested for braking and acceleration performance, subjected to a true off-road course, and took part in a 200-mile fuel-economy evaluation. Additionally, a pickup truck shopper unaffiliated with Cars.com tested each of the trucks for overall ride, comfort and features.

“Establishing a benchmark for a premium mid-size pickup was our goal with the Canyon and PickupTruck.com’s insights affirm our instincts,” said Duncan Aldred, vice president of GMC Sales and Marketing. “The Canyon’s quiet cabin, premium design and materials make it a maneuverable solution for customers who want the capability of a pickup with the modern amenities customers expect from GMC.”

In addition to Cars.com’s recognition, Canyon was named Autoweek’s Best of the Best Truck for 2015.

Canyon starts at $20,955 and is available in four-door extended- or crew-cab models. It offers the segment’s best horsepower and EPA-estimated fuel economy: 200 horsepower (149 kW) and 27 mpg highway (2WD) from a standard 2.5L I-4; and 305 horsepower (227 kW) and 26 mpg (2WD) from an available 3.6L V-6.

Canyon V-6 models offer a segment-leading maximum trailering rating of 7,000 pounds, as well as the G80 locking rear differential, for sure-footed traction in slippery conditions and when trailering.

Editors’ note: Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price excludes tax, title, license, dealer fees and optional equipment. Includes dealer freight charges and option package discounts. Excludes other General Motors vehicles.

GMC has manufactured trucks since 1902, with innovation and engineering excellence built into all GMC vehicles. The brand is evolving to offer more fuel-efficient trucks and crossovers, including the Terrain small SUV and Acadia crossover. GMC’s highest-volume vehicle, the Sierra pickup, is the most powerful light-duty pickup on the market, and the first full-size pickup to receive the highest-possible five-star Overall Vehicle Score for safety since the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration changed its New Car Assessment Program for the 2011 model year. Details on all GMC models are available at http://www.gmc.com/, on Twitter at @thisisgmc or at http://www.facebook.com/gmc.