Makes›GMC›Canyon›2008

2008 GMC Canyon

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2008 models.

GMC Canyon
Pictured: 2022 GMC Canyon Elevation, front 4.4.23. Photo: Kevauto, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Class
Small Pickup Trucks 2WD
Body styles
Crew Cab S/Box 2WD /Sl, Crew Cab S/Box 4X4 /Sl/Sle, Ext Cab S/Box 2WD /Sl/Sle, Ext Cab S/Box 4X4 /Sl/Sle
Engines
2.9L 4-cyl, 3.7L 5-cyl
Drivetrain
Rear-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
MPG (best)
20 combined · 18 city / 24 hwy
Length
191.7–207.1 in
Curb weight
3,358–4,001 lb
NHTSA rating
Not rated
Recalls
1 campaign

Pros & cons

What's good

  • AWD / 4WD available

Watch out for

No weak spots against similar models in the data.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 9 similar 2008 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2008 GMC Canyon is a small pickup truck offered with 2 engines (2.9L 4-cyl and 3.7L 5-cyl) and rear-wheel drive and 4-wheel or all-wheel drive.

It measures about 207 inches long and 69 inches wide on a 126-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,752 lb (Crew Cab S/Box 2WD /Sl).

EPA rates its most efficient version at 20 MPG combined (18 city / 24 highway), 6% better than the 2008 small pickup truck average of 18.9 MPG, for an estimated $3,350 a year in fuel.

It has 1 recall campaign on file and owners have filed 28 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the engine.

What changed for 2008

No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2007 Canyon — a carry-over year in the data.

Compared with 2007; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2007 Canyon →

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
Crew Cab S/Box 2WD /Sl207.1 in68.5 in65.4 in126 in59.8 / 60.2 in3,752 lb57/43
Crew Cab S/Box 4X4 /Sl/Sle207.1 in68.5 in68.1 in126 in59.8 / 60.2 in4,001 lb57/43
Ext Cab S/Box 2WD /Sl/Sle207.1 in67.7 in65 in126 in58.3 / 58.3 in3,607 lb57/43
Ext Cab S/Box 4X4 /Sl/Sle207.1 in67.7 in67.7 in126 in58.3 / 58.3 in3,803 lb57/43
Reg Cab S/Box 2WD /Sl/Sle191.7 in67.7 in65 in111 in58.7 / 59.1 in3,358 lb57/43
Reg Cab S/Box 4X4 /Sl/Sle191.7 in67.7 in67.7 in111 in58.7 / 59.1 in3,622 lb57/43

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Canyon 2WD2.9L 4-cylAutomatic 4-spdRear-Wheel Drive18 / 24 / 20+6%$3,350444
Canyon 2WD2.9L 4-cylManual 5-spdRear-Wheel Drive18 / 24 / 20+6%$3,350444
Canyon Crew Cab 2WD2.9L 4-cylAutomatic 4-spdRear-Wheel Drive18 / 24 / 20+6%$3,350444
Canyon Crew Cab 2WD2.9L 4-cylManual 5-spdRear-Wheel Drive18 / 24 / 20+6%$3,350444
Canyon 4WD2.9L 4-cylAutomatic 4-spd4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive17 / 22 / 19+12%$3,550468
Canyon 2WD3.7L 5-cylAutomatic 4-spdRear-Wheel Drive16 / 22 / 18-5%$3,700494
Canyon Crew Cab 2WD3.7L 5-cylAutomatic 4-spdRear-Wheel Drive16 / 22 / 18-5%$3,700494
Canyon 4WD2.9L 4-cylManual 5-spd4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive16 / 22 / 18+6%$3,700494
Canyon 4WD3.7L 5-cylAutomatic 4-spd4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive15 / 21 / 170%$3,950523
Canyon Cab Chassis Inc 4WD3.7L 5-cylAutomatic 4-spd4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive15 / 20 / 170%$3,950523
Canyon Crew Cab 4WD3.7L 5-cylAutomatic 4-spd4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive15 / 20 / 170%$3,950523
Canyon Cab Chassis Inc 2WD3.7L 5-cylAutomatic 4-spdRear-Wheel Drive14 / 18 / 15-21%$4,450592
Spend $4,750Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
18.9 MPG2008 Small Pickup Trucks 2WD average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2008 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2008 GMC Canyon under the current (2011+) test program.

Similar 2008 small pickup trucks

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2008 GMC Canyon (this car)20 MPGNot rated1
2008 Ford F-15016 MPGNot rated0
2008 Toyota Tacoma22 MPGNot rated9
2008 Chevrolet Colorado20 MPGNot rated1
2008 Nissan Frontier21 MPGNot rated3
2008 Honda Ridgeline17 MPGNot rated7
2008 Mazda B Pickup23 MPGNot rated0

Recalls (1)

Child Seat · Nov 18, 2010

NHTSA campaign 10V575000 · 192,676 vehicles

Problem
GM IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2004-2011, CHEVROLET COLORADO, GMC CANYON, MODEL YEAR 2006, ISUZU I-280/I-350, AND MODEL YEAR 2007-2008, I-290/I-370, REGULAR CAB VEHICLES AND EXTENDED CAB VEHICLES WITHOUT A REAR SEAT AND EQUIPPED WITH A FRONT 60/40 SPLIT BENCH SEAT. THESE VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 225, "CHILD RESTRAINT ANCHORAGE SYSTEMS." THE TOP TETHER ANCHOR FOR THE FRONT CENTER SEAT IS NOT ACCESSIBLE AND THE OWNER MANUAL DOES NOT INCLUDE INSTRUCTIONS REGARDING HOW TO USE THE TOP TETHER.
Risk
BOTH NHTSA AND GM DISCOURAGE PLACEMENT OF A CHILD IN A FRONT SEAT. NEVERTHELESS, THERE ARE INDIVIDUAL CIRCUMSTANCES THAT MAY REQUIRE PLACEMENT OF A CHILD IN A RESTRAINT IN THE FRONT CENTER SEATING POSITION OF THIS VEHICLE THAT DOES NOT OFFER A REAR SEAT. LACK OF ACCESS TO THE TOP TETHER ANCHOR AND A LACK OF INSTRUCTIONS AS TO HOW TO USE IT, MAY RESULT IN IMPROPER INSTALLATION OF A CHILD RESTRAINT. IMPROPER INSTALLATION OF A CHILD RESTRAINT CAN RESULT IN A REDUCTION IN THE RESTRAINT'S PERFORMANCE IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH AND AN INCREASED RISK OF INJURY OR DEATH TO THE CHILD SEATED IN THE RESTRAINT.
Fix
DEALERS WILL CUT A HOLE INTO THE BACK PANEL TRIM COVER TO ALLOW ACCESS TO THE TOP TETHER ANCHOR FOR THE FRONT CENTER SEAT POSITION AND WILL PROVIDE SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION AS TO USE IN THE OWNER'S MANUAL. THE MANUFACTURER HAS NOT YET PROVIDED AN OWNER NOTIFICATION SCHEDULE FOR THIS CAMPAIGN. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, GMC AT 1-866-996-9463, ISUZU AT 1-800-255-6727 OR VISIT GM'S WEBSITE AT WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2008 GMC Canyon is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

28Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
1Involved a crash
1Involved a fire
0Injuries reported
75,963 miTypical mileage at failure
Engine13
Electrical System10
Service Brakes6
Unknown Or Other5
Vehicle Speed Control3
Structure › Body3
Power Train2
Exterior Lighting2
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
15/02: 115/04: 115/05: 215/08: 115/11: 316/01: 116/03: 116/06: 116/07: 116/09: 117/11: 818/03: 119/07: 119/11: 221/01: 123/08: 126/06: 115/0215/0816/0316/0919/0723/08max 8

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2008 GMC Canyon buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 1 recall this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Engine — 13 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
  3. Electrical System — 10 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
  4. Service Brakes — 6 owner reports. Brake firmly from speed; check for pulling, pulsing pedal or ABS warning light.
  5. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 75,963 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  6. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2008 GMC Canyon. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other Canyon years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2026 Canyon20213 inNot rated28
2025 Canyon20213 in★★★★★28
2024 Canyon20213 in★★★★★3207
2023 Canyon20213 in★★★★★362
2022 Canyon23224.8 in★★★★★128
2021 Canyon23224.8 in★★★★★212
2020 Canyon23224.8 in★★★★★014
2019 Canyon23224.8 in★★★★★017
2018 Canyon25224.8 in★★★★★153
2017 Canyon25224.8 in★★★★★166
2016 Canyon25224.8 in★★★★★4271
2015 Canyon22224.8 in★★★★★8303

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or GMC. How we calculate this →