The Canyon splits the difference between compact maneuverability and real truck capability, but its transmission has been a recurring weak point across two generations. The 2015-2022 models earned a reputation for torque converter failures and valve body replacements between 50k-90k miles, expensive fixes that owners either absorbed or fled from. The redesigned 2023+ trucks look sharp and tow well, but early buyers report a new crop of frustrations: infotainment glitches, electronic gremlins, and a transmission that still hunts for gears at city speeds. If you need midsize dimensions and can tolerate some quirks, it's comfortable and capable. If you want a truck that disappears into the background and just works, spend the extra money on a Tacoma.
If you're shopping used Rams from 2019-2024, listen for the Hemi tick, that cold-start ticking noise signals lifter failure brewing, a repair that costs thousands and craters resale the moment it starts. Owners report oil pans corroding through at 55k miles, transmissions shuddering, and catastrophic engine failures on brand-new 2024s that didn't survive to their first oil change. One buyer found the parking brake held together with Vise-Grips. The 2025 redesign ditches the Hemi entirely for a Hurricane inline-six, and early expert reviews praise the smooth ride, strong power, and luxury-grade cabin in top trims. But it's too new to prove Stellantis fixed the underlying quality control issues or just swapped problems. Used Hemi-era trucks are a gamble unless you verify low idle hours and no tick. New buyers are beta-testing a clean-sheet powertrain from a company whose recent track record offers little reassurance. If you need a full-size truck now, the F-150 and Silverado have more predictable long-term costs.