Midsize Pickup Truck

GMC Canyon

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Significant concerns from real users

Midsize Pickup Truck

325 sources · updated June 2026

⚠ Low risk

2nd generation (2015-2022): systematic 8-speed automatic transmission failures — torque converters and valve bodies commonly need replacement between 50k-90k miles. 3rd generation (2023+): early reports of electronic glitches, infotainment bugs, and transmission behavior issues (lurching, gear hunting), but insufficient data to confirm systematic pattern.

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.

The generation that matters

This product isn't one story — here's how each era is regarded.

2015–2021 (2nd generation)

2015–2021

Mixed

Diesel models (2016–2020) praised for capability but plagued by DEF system issues and early failures. Assembly quality concerns noted, including factory defects like missing oil pan bolts and loose parts. Generally reliable for gas models, but overshadowed by cheaper Colorado sibling.

2023–present (3rd generation)

2023–2026

Compromised

Redesign brought strong turbo-four and AT4X off-road capability, but marred by transmission issues (lurching, pulsing), build quality problems, cheap interior plastics despite premium pricing, and widespread reliability concerns driving buyers to competitors. Community sentiment notably negative compared to rival brands.

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Common complaints6 issues

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−8-speed automatic transmission issues, gear hunting, lurching at stops, low-speed shuddering reported across multiple 3rd gen owners

−2nd generation (2015-2022) transmission problems systematic, torque converter failures, valve body replacements common

−Build quality inconsistencies, electronic glitches, infotainment bugs, sensor failures reported on new 3rd gen trucks

−Small interior and back seat, tight for families, limited storage compared to full-size trucks

−Fuel economy disappointing, owners report 17-20 mpg, not much better than full-size trucks

−Missing expected features on Denali trim, no powered tailgate release, no HomeLink garage opener, manual rear slider

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What owners praise7 strengths

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Right-sized for parking and daily use, fits in garages where full-size trucks don't

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Strong towing capacity for the class (7,700 lbs on current AT4)

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Quiet, comfortable cabin with good sound insulation (multiple owners note this)

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Turbo four-cylinder delivers adequate power and torque (Car and Driver: 'hardworking turbo-four')

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Attractive exterior styling, particularly AT4 and Denali trims

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Bose sound system praised by owners

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2nd generation V6 and diesel engines regarded as reliable by long-term owners (100k+ miles)

📊 How this score was calculated — 6-dimension rubric

High confidence▼

325 sources analysed with long-term owner data present

325 sources analysed — strong data quality

Reliability & Durability(22%)6.0

12 positive vs 8 negative long-term reports

User Sentiment(22%)3.0

387 positive upvotes vs 892 negative upvotes

Complaint Severity(16%)7.3

Complaints: 18 cosmetic, 47 functional, 12 systematic, 0 safety

Consensus Strength(8%)2.2

Opinion is use-case dependent — product divides opinion by intended use

Value for Money(15%)2.3

8 'worth it', 14 'overpriced', 19 mention better-value alternatives

Owner Advocacy(17%)4.1

3 repurchased/gifted, 6 unprompted recommendations, 11 regrets

Scores are percentile ranks: 5.0 is the median product in existence. 8.5+ is reserved for genuinely exceptional products (top ~10%). The score reflects consensus quality, what owners say about the product. Risk is tracked separately and shown above the summary when present. Both are calculated deterministically, so the same signals always produce the same score.

How we score every product →

Specifications2025

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Pricing

Starting MSRP

$40,095

Range

$40,095 - $67,030

Capability

Towing capacity

7,700 lbs (Elevation, AT4, Denali); 6,000 lbs (AT4X); 5,500 lbs (AT4X Edition 1)

Fuel economy