2015 GMC Canyon: The Oppo Review

"Andrew T. Maness" (theroadlessdriven) 04/23/2015 at 12:30 • Filed to: Car Buying, Trucks, The Road Less Driven, GMC, GMC Canyon, Chevrolet Colorado, Save The Manuals

8

21

Here in America we like affordable things. Even the deepest pocketed people among us would be lying if they said they didn’t enjoy a good ‘ol red tag sale. I think this is partially due to the fact a large number of Americans live well beyond their means and if they can get a premium product for a bargain basement price, then by gum they’re gonna find a way to make it happen because for them, it’s all about that name.

However there is a catch, the item in question must be good enough to warrant the fiscal irresponsibility, otherwise you’re not getting something affordable, you’re just getting something cheap. With all the available information (and credit) out there, I don’t think there’s any excuse for getting something cheap these days. From toasters to trucks the golden rule holds true, buy the best you can afford. Why anyone would go spend $109 on a stainless steel 4 slot toaster with LED readouts, when a Black & Decker Toaster Oven will set you back $29.99 is beyond me. I guess it’s just the way I’m wired. I like nice things, but I don’t want to pay for a product that doesn’t get a job done any better than a more affordable version, especially if the more expensive item doesn’t offer any sort of extra long term value.

Full Disclosure: GMC wanted me to drive the Canyon so badly that they rung up the folks at Bugatti, threatened to have them sacked if they approved my idea to send me on a month long trip around Europe with the Veyron, thus freeing me up to spend a week with the base model truck.

Apply this line of thinking to the truck market and I’m continually faced with the same question, why is GMC still a thing? I mean besides all the folks out there who turn their noses up at Chevy but hold GMC is high regard, is there anyone who buys into the whole “professional grade” schtick? The re-designed Colorado and Canyon are targeted at the youth market, the goal is to create a new generation of truck-buyers; convert the masses from their wicked crossover ways. Well I’d say the Colorado is doing a pretty damn good job what with its awards and rather cheeky ad-campaign, but the Canyon, ain’t nobody talking about the Canyon.

Maybe that’s why I was given the keys to the spartan (but not ultimate base model) equipped with the 6-speed manual that all of us enthusiasts were clamoring for. If GMC wants to change the Canyon conversation (they’ll have to get one going first) they’re going to need to do a whole hell of a lot better than this because this isn’t the affordable small truck Americans want. It’s just cheap.

Exterior- 5/10

Though the Canyon is essentially the same truck as the Colorado with a different front end, that change up front makes the entire package appear bland. Not even the very pretty Bronze Alloy Metallic paint could save this thing from a face that I doubt even its designers love. I know they had to make it different from the Colorado but they didn’t have to attempt squashing the Sierra fascia down to fit the body. The uber macho, “coming at you like a freight train” front end kinda works on a full size pickup, but it comes up short when stuck on the sprightly frame of the Canyon.

There are a number of ways one could make this truck’s proportions better, adding beefier tires and removing that stupid “eco” front air dam would do a lot for its curb appeal but I don’t know if that would totally fix whatever it is that bugs me about the overall look. Whereas I would gaze longingly at the Colorado I had; I would just glance at the Canyon and think to myself, how do I fix you?!

Interior- 4/10

Chevrolet and GMC want to pull crossover buyers over to the small truck market and they also want to take a nice fat chunk out of Tacoma sales. I’ve not been in the base model Colorado (only the Z71 trim quad cab that I was loaned), so I cannot say for sure whether the following statement applies to that truck as well, but as they are basically the same it probably does.

The interior of the Canyon is a major letdown.

Everything feels cheap from the shift knob to the seats to the doors and dash. For the duration of my time with truck the poorly installed plastic around the steering column provided a creaking soundtrack somewhere between an early 2000s Subaru and a haunted mansion basement door opening. Letting the clutch in and out provided a nice backup squeak whenever I felt the plastic wasn’t enough. Shame I couldn’t drown it out with a halfway decent stereo but more on that later, let’s talk about seats or what GM calls seats.

Growing up in Vermont I spent more time crammed into the back of extended cab Tacomas than anyone should. Luckily I’m not the biggest of humans so I suppose it could have been worse but isn’t that an awful way to set the bar for something? Of course it could be worse, you could be stuck in the back of a dung-filled mule cart bound for Tikrit. The “it could be worse” argument is the hallmark of someone trying to spin the situation or flaw in a product and I refuse to acknowledge it as anything but that.

I am, however, glad the saying exists because it will help me make my point. When people get in the back of a previous generation extended cab Toyota Tacoma and complain about their comfort I’ll tell them, “ It could be worse, you could be the back of a new Canyon”.

These “seats” are bad even by extended cab pickup standard; I’d go so far as to say it’s kind of insulting that they thought they could stick these in here and not get called out. If GM wants to lure the faithful away from their beloved basic Tacos, they’re going to have to do a whole lot better than this. The People’s Express approach doesn’t cut it when it comes to the automotive industry, not anymore anyway. Those days are over; GM should know better and they probably do. Maybe they thought nobody would notice or care, but clearly they were wrong. Sure they might be pulling in new customers with loaded quad-cab short bed Canyorados but it’s this style of truck that will really make or break this whole quest to topple Toyota.

Acceleration- 4/10

It is often said that a slow, boring vehicle is made more exciting by a manual transmission. This saying does not apply to the 2015 Canyon 2wd Ext Cab. The 2.5L I-4 eeks out 200hp @6300 RPMs, manages 191 lb-ft @4400 rpm and boy does it feel like it.

Around town it’s lurchy and unconfident, on the highway it feels like you’re going to send the damn thing into automotive cardiogenic shock. When I say it felt no different than driving my buddy’s 2004 Tacoma extended cab, I mean it felt no different. Not worse, certainly not better, just not different at all. If a brand new $24k truck doesn’t drive better than an 11-year old version of the competition then damn, you’ve got issues.

Braking- 7/10

At least they didn’t skimp on the brakes, can’t be cutting corners when it comes to safety. Behind all four wheels you’ll find discs with Duralife rotors and ABS is standard. I’d imagine they’re great brakes that will easily slow down you and the dirt bike or jetski you’re towing

Ride- 6/10

You know what I didn’t do with the Canyon? I didn’t take it off-road, no trails, no desert-driving, not even a grassy lane. I drove it around the streets of Los Angeles for a week and at the end of that week I went to see a chiropractor who upon adjusting my back said, Whoa, you must have been driving a small truck with crappy seats my friend, you’re all out of whack!” What can I say, my guy is gifted.

Honestly the ride isn’t that bad, it’s about what you would expect from a small pickup at this price point but again, it’s not better than the last gen Tacoma. I was constantly surprised by how much I liked the seats in my 2008 Tacoma, especially on longer drives. While I didn’t take the Canyon on a roadtrip, I spent enough time behind the wheel to realize that these seats will not hold up to the kind of abuse they’re going to take from owners. I think GMC trucks should have seats covered in ripstop fabric, that would be truly professional grade.

Handling- 7/10

When it comes to handling, I don’t expect much from a truck. Don’t flip if I happen to change directions quickly, don’t boot the back end out unless I ask for it and have a halfway decent turning radius. The Canyon checked all those boxes so I was happy with it. The turning radius was above average and it was certainly easier to parallel park than I remember my Tacoma being.

Steering is light and electrically-assisted, and feels just like all the other GM trucks I’ve drive;, suppose that’s a compliment considering I’ve wheeled the Sierra Denali. The 16 x 7 wheels are wrapped in Goodyear Wranglers that were surprisingly quiet at highway speed so points are awarded there. Yay points!

Gearbox- 5/10

I didn’t care for the 6-speed automatic in the Colorado and I don’t care for the 6-speed in the Canyon either.

The shift throws are long as Kim K’s butt is wide.

Clutch engagement is more vague than the policies of a politician seeking re-election.

Have I accurately represented my disdain for this gearbox through the use of hyperbole? I think so, lets move on.

Toys- 5/10

These days a 4-inch touchscreen is a pretty sad sight in any new vehicle, but in a vehicle that has a wonderful available 8-inch touchscreen, it’s just downright depressing. I would much rather have a traditional head unit staring back at me every time I get in the truck, but I guess GMC was too lazy to put the backup camera up in the mirror. If they had gone ahead and done that they could have put in a good ‘ol CD player or at least something that didn’t serve as a daily reminder that you can’t afford the excellent MyLink unit.

I gave the Canyon 4 points because it has 5 toys. A backup camera, Bluetooth, spray-in bedliner and an EZ Lift/Lower Tailgate. All the other stuff included in the $590.00 convenience package doesn’t count because it’s all stuff one expects a truck to have in 2015. Rear window defroster, cruise control, theft deterrent system, remote keyless entry. Sorry GMC but if you’re going to justify your existence as a “premium” brand,then you’ve got to stop patting yourself on the back for offering options you’ll find on just about every compact car.

Audio- 5/10

I heard many things inside the Canyon, but a pleasant exhaust note, engine hum or favorite song through excellent speakers were not among them. Instead I was treated to groans, creaks, whines and whirrs that didn’t strike me as being unique to this truck. It was the kind of auditory experience you would be familiar with if you had spent time in any GM compact vehicle made in the last 30 years.

I gave the Colorado a high score in the audio department because it had a BOSE stereo system; this base model Canyon does not have a BOSE audio system.

Value- 5/10

My tester had a sticker price of $24,915.00 which isn’t bad for a new vehicle; it’s just not good for a new vehicle that offers so few reasons to consider buying it. I think having a barebones extended cab pickup with a 6’ bed and a manual transmission is a great thing. If I was going to get a new truck, it’s the style I’d be after. It just wouldn’t be a GMC Canyon.

There are so many clean pre-owned Tacomas out there that offer the same options as this truck that I just don’t see the incentive to go out and get one of these instead. In my eyes the point of a GMC is the optional stuff, the “premium” gadgets that they tout in all the commercials. At the SLE or SLT trim levels I think you can certainly make the argument for a GMC over Toyota, certainly over Nissan. The problem is that its stablemate looks better and costs less so if you’re going to spend more, might as well get a Colorado Z71.

Now don’t get me wrong, I like a basic pickup with 3 pedals just as much as the next guy. I understand why it makes sense to offer a truck like this; I just don’t see why GMC has to offer a truck like this. Let Chevrolet handle the entry level market with the Colorado WT trim level, have the Canyon start at the SLE trim. It’s so frickin’ simple ya’ll!

Seriously, GM needs to sort this whole mess out because the savvy consumer of today isn’t going to buy into the whole premium shtick like past generations did. GMC doesn’t have badge appeal. I’m sure there are people out there who will disagree with me and that’s fine but it’s the truth. Nobody is excited to rush out and get a GMC because it’s soooooo much nicer than a Chevy. I don’t know why people buy GMC. I have a couple theories but those are probably best kept to myself in the interest of not getting verbally stoned in the digital public square known as the comments section.

Not even that pretty Bronze Alloy Metallic exterior can sway me from my verdict; there is no reason to get the GMC Canyon instead of the Chevy Colorado, especially since they offer the same paint, just under the name Brownstone Metallic. The same colors, the same options, the same damn truck. Sorry GMC Canyon, there is just no place for you in the conversation.

Total- 53/100

Engine: 2.5L I-4 DOHC VVT with direct injection

Power: 200 @6300 RPM/ 191 lb-ft @4400 RPM

Transmission: N8D 6-speed manual

Drivetrain: 2WD

Curb Weight: 3880 lbs.

Payload: 1490 lbs.

Trailering: 3500 lbs.

Headroom: 41.4” front 36.7” rear

Legroom: 45” front /28.6” rear

Seating: 2 people/4 purse dogs

MPG: 19/26, 21 mpg average observed

MSRP: $22,650 base, $24,915 as tested

area man > Andrew T. Maness 04/23/2015 at 12:41

1

A pickup truck has to have a long-throw box and unfeeling clutch, it’s like a rule.

Nibbles > Andrew T. Maness 04/23/2015 at 12:47

3

Remarkably good looking spare?

Smallbear wants a modern Syclone, local Maple Leafs spammer > Andrew T. Maness 04/23/2015 at 12:50

3

I kind of like the fact that GMC is around. True, the only REAL difference they have is that they go a little higher on the luxury scale, but look at it this way. It costs wery little more for GM to reskin a vehicle and call it something else. In this way, not only do they get the people who can't seem to see that Chevy/GMC are the same thing, they also get those who like the vehicle as a package but don't like it's styling. EG the Sierra/Silvy when the 2014's came out, I liked the truck. I couldn't, however, have dealt with with the Silverado's face (though it's grown on me now). The Sierra looked much better to me, and when you consider that at the same price point the trucks are identical, you get the one that looks good.

If I was in the market for that type of vehicle, I would get a Terrain even though I would burn an Equinox. And so on.

I just wish they would but the Colorado taillightts on the Canyon; to me that would complete the package.

Nibbles > area man 04/23/2015 at 12:50

2

Long throw, yes. I like to reach across counties when switching gears. The clutch definitely should have feedback though. It can be way too easy to go from don’t mind me, just inching my trailer backward up this winding steep driveway to WHOOOPS I just blued my flywheel

area man > Nibbles 04/23/2015 at 13:00

0

That’s a good point

Blake Noble > Andrew T. Maness 04/23/2015 at 13:04

0

So that’s two “meh” reviews for these trucks so far then.

Calling it now: The manual option gets dropped either next year at the earlier, or with its first mid-cycle enhancement at the latest.

Anyway, I’m going to be nosy for a second and ask how you convinced GM to let you borrow a press vehicle for review? Did you use your authorship status here as leverage or what?

puppyknuckles > Andrew T. Maness 04/23/2015 at 14:09

0

I’m glad you addressed the real possibility of it being used to tow a jet ski.

bobkustofawitshz > Andrew T. Maness 04/23/2015 at 15:06

1

I think a lot of the issues you raised are due to the fact you were driving a base model 4-cylinder extended cab truck. Personally, I’d go for the V6 4x4 crew cab SLT, but with a few options that’s $40,000 and yeah, that’s fucking expensive. Why both Chevy and GMC need to be building stripper 2wd models of the same truck is a great question and I have no idea.

I am thrilled GM saw fit to offer a manual transmission in this truck, but disappointed as hell it’s only available with the 4-cylinder and on the lowest trims. Who buys 2wd base model pickups? Fleets. And fleets buy automatics. Whereas the truck enthusiast, who really wants that manual and is probably willing to drop some coin on the truck, probably also wants 4x4, four doors, a nicer interior and the bigger engine. The packaging is all wrong.

As for GMC: there’s a damn good reason they’re still around, and it has everything to do with profit. There are apparently a lot of people who buy into “professional grade” (whatever that means) and are willing to pay considerably more money for something a bit nicer. Not to mention I usually find the GMC variants to be more attractive, and the new Canyon is no exception. I love the baby Sierra looks. It looks like a truck. That may be one of the things I like most about it.

Andrew T. Maness > bobkustofawitshz 04/23/2015 at 20:49

0

Many valid points you’ve made my friend.

I am absolutely a fan of the truck you have pictured aside form the chrome grille. I’ve seen one with it painted black to match the body and it looked excellent, same with that lower chrome piece.

Andrew T. Maness > puppyknuckles 04/23/2015 at 20:50

1

Yeah, like a 1980s Yamaha with neon paint.

Andrew T. Maness > Nibbles 04/23/2015 at 20:51

0

THIS.

Andrew T. Maness > Smallbear wants a modern Syclone, local Maple Leafs spammer 04/23/2015 at 20:52

1

If I was in the market for that type of vehicle, I would get a Terrain even though I would burn an Equinox. And so on.

I have to agree with you there, the Equinox does nothing for me but the I’m a Terrain apologist, no idea why but I am.

I’d also rather have a Yukon Denali than an Escalade.

Andrew T. Maness > Blake Noble 04/23/2015 at 20:55

0

I’ve been reviewing vehicles for GM for over a year now, prior to my use of Oppo.

I was working in the industry elsewhere before starting my own outlet, so that helped to reassure them that I wasn’t just some jackass who was going to hoon their cars.

puppyknuckles > Andrew T. Maness 04/23/2015 at 21:28

0

Andrew T. Maness > puppyknuckles 04/24/2015 at 11:49

0

Nailed it. Kenny Powers would drive this truck but he’d lift it and put swampers on there.

JR1 > Andrew T. Maness 04/24/2015 at 22:59

0

Seriously it needs a column shifter

Mike Reynolds > Andrew T. Maness 05/12/2015 at 19:24

0

In 2003, 2005 and 2008 I purchased brand new GMC Sierras, Got all 3 by scouring the Saturday ads for a few weeks and scored prices the same as Silverado's. I'm a die hard Chevy man but I've always liked the GMC grill better than the Silverado, at the same time scoring a little better trim level for little or no extra money.

UnknownPerson2 > Smallbear wants a modern Syclone, local Maple Leafs spammer 05/13/2015 at 09:19

0

Why even have 2 brands of the same exact vehicle, instead of offering the “little higher” package on the Chevy verson? I though Caddy was the “little higher” version?

Smallbear wants a modern Syclone, local Maple Leafs spammer > UnknownPerson2 05/13/2015 at 12:47

0

Because of the brand image, mainly. Look at the issues Caddy is having now, and imagine what it would be like to try to brand a chevy as a luxury vehicle, which is what you'd be doing if you replaced GMC or Caddilac.

The lineups seem to go:

SUV: Chev

Truck: Chevy

Car: Chev

Besides, like I said, it also means you have a choice of styling.

UnknownPerson2 > Smallbear wants a modern Syclone, local Maple Leafs spammer 05/13/2015 at 14:35

1

I think your diagram is a little off.

SUV: Chev = GMC with a different badge

Truck: Chev = GMC with a different badge

Car: Chev

Smallbear wants a modern Syclone, local Maple Leafs spammer > UnknownPerson2 05/13/2015 at 16:39

0

There is a lot of overlap between Chev/GMC, I'll agree. In most cases though you can spec a Chevy for less $ and a GMC for more.