DecodedCars2016 GMC Canyon
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2016 models.
- Class
- Small Pickup Trucks 2WD
- Body styles
- Crew Cab L/Box 2WD, Crew Cab L/Box 4X4, Crew Cab S/Box 2WD, Crew Cab S/Box 4X4
- Engines
- 2.8L 4-cyl turbo, 2.5L 4-cyl, 3.6L 6-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Rear-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Diesel, Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 25 combined · 22 city / 30 hwy
- Length
- 212.6–224.8 in
- Curb weight
- 3,949–4,480 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 4 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 25 MPG combined — 17% better than the average 2016 small pickup truck (21.4 MPG).
- AWD / 4WD available
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2016 GMC Canyon is a small pickup truck offered with 3 engines (2.8L 4-cyl turbo, 2.5L 4-cyl and 3.6L 6-cyl) and rear-wheel drive and 4-wheel drive.
It measures about 225 inches long and 74 inches wide on a 141-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,259 lb (Crew Cab L/Box 2WD).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 25 MPG combined (22 city / 30 highway), 17% better than the 2016 small pickup truck average of 21.4 MPG, for an estimated $3,050 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 4 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 271 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the steering.
What changed for 2016
- New diesel version
- Engine added: 2.8L 4-cyl turbo
- Best combined MPG up from 22 to 25
Compared with 2015; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2015 Canyon →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crew Cab L/Box 2WD | 224.8 in | 74.4 in | 70.5 in | 140.6 in | 62.2 / 62.2 in | 4,259 lb | 57/43 |
| Crew Cab L/Box 4X4 | 224.8 in | 74.4 in | 70.5 in | 140.6 in | 62.2 / 62.2 in | 4,480 lb | 57/43 |
| Crew Cab S/Box 2WD | 212.6 in | 74.4 in | 70.5 in | 128.3 in | 62.2 / 62.2 in | 4,041 lb | 57/43 |
| Crew Cab S/Box 4X4 | 212.6 in | 74.4 in | 70.5 in | 128.3 in | 62.2 / 62.2 in | 4,411 lb | 57/43 |
| Extended Cab L/Box 2WD | 212.6 in | 74.4 in | 70.5 in | 128.3 in | 62.2 / 62.2 in | 3,949 lb | 57/43 |
| Extended Cab L/Box 4X4 | 212.6 in | 74.4 in | 70.5 in | 128.3 in | 62.2 / 62.2 in | 4,169 lb | 57/43 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canyon 2WD Diesel | 2.8L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 22 / 30 / 25 | +17% | $3,850 | 409 |
| Canyon 4WD Diesel | 2.8L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic 6-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 20 / 28 / 23 | +15% | $4,150 | 447 |
| Canyon 2WD | 2.5L 4-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 19 / 26 / 22 | +3% | $3,050 | 408 |
| Canyon 2WD | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 20 / 26 / 22 | +3% | $3,050 | 400 |
| Canyon 2WD | 3.6L 6-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 18 / 25 / 21 | -2% | $3,200 | 427 |
| Canyon 4WD | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 19 / 24 / 21 | +5% | $3,200 | 427 |
| Canyon 4WD | 3.6L 6-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 17 / 24 / 20 | 0% | $3,350 | 450 |
| Canyon Cab Chassis 2WD | 3.6L 6-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 / 17 / 16 | -24% | $4,200 | 555 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2016 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2016 GMC Canyon.
Similar 2016 small pickup trucks
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 GMC Canyon (this car) | 25 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2016 Toyota Tundra | 17 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2016 Chevrolet Colorado | 25 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
Recalls (4)
Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump · May 31, 2018
NHTSA campaign 18V358000 · 895 vehicles
- Problem
- General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2018 GMC Canyon, 2016-2017 Buick Envision, 2016-2018 Chevrolet Colorado and Malibu, 2017-2018 GMC Acadia, 2018 Buick LaCrosse, Cadillac ATS, Chevrolet Equinox, and GMC Terrain vehicles. The high pressure fuel pump may detach from its mounting flange, possibly resulting in the pump damaging the high pressure fuel line.
- Risk
- A damaged fuel line can create a fuel leak, increasing the risk of a fire.
- Fix
- GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the high pressure fuel pump, and high pressure fuel pipe, free of charge. The recall began July 2, 2018. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 18188.
Air Bags › Frontal · Oct 5, 2017
NHTSA campaign 17V621000 · 16 vehicles
- Problem
- General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2016 GMC Canyon and Chevrolet Colorado, and 2016 Chevrolet Volt vehicles. The driver's frontal air bag may improperly inflate during second-stage deployment in the event of a high speed crash.
- Risk
- An improperly inflated air bag increases the risk of injury in a crash.
- Fix
- GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag module, free of charge. The recall began November 8, 2017. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 17387.
Air Bags › Frontal · Mar 2, 2016
NHTSA campaign 16V125000 · 1,579 vehicles
- Problem
- General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016 Chevrolet Colorado vehicles manufactured January 19, 2016, to February 2, 2016, Chevrolet Malibu vehicles manufactured January 9, 2016, to January 26, 2016, and 2016 GMC Canyon vehicles manufactured January 21, 2016, to February 4, 2016. The driver frontal air bag may improperly inflate during second-stage deployment in the event of a high speed crash.
- Risk
- An improperly inflated air bag increases the risk of injury.
- Fix
- GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver side frontal air bag module, free of charge. The recall began on April 14, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, and GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 28030.
Latches/Locks/Linkages · Dec 1, 2015
NHTSA campaign 15V807000 · 8,763 vehicles
- Problem
- General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016 Chevrolet Colorado trucks manufactured August 25, 2015 to September 24, 2015, and GMC Canyon trucks manufactured August 28, 2015 to September 24, 2015. The affected vehicles have a console compartment lid latch assembly that may fail to keep the compartment door closed in the event of a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 201, "Occupant Protection in Interior Impact."
- Risk
- If the console compartment door does not remain closed in a crash, the contents stored in the console may strike the vehicle occupants, increasing their risk of injury.
- Fix
- GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the console compartment door latch assembly, free of charge. The recall began on January 5, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 16370.
Not every 2016 GMC Canyon is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2016 GMC Canyon buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 4 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Steering — 180 owner reports. Turn lock-to-lock while parked and on the road; listen for noises and feel for heavy or loose steering.
- Power Train — 39 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Electrical System — 35 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 47,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2016 GMC Canyon. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Canyon years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Canyon | 20 | 213 in | Not rated | 2 | 8 |
| 2025 Canyon | 20 | 213 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 8 |
| 2024 Canyon | 20 | 213 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 207 |
| 2023 Canyon | 20 | 213 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 62 |
| 2022 Canyon | 23 | 224.8 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 27 |
| 2021 Canyon | 23 | 224.8 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 12 |
| 2020 Canyon | 23 | 224.8 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 14 |
| 2019 Canyon | 23 | 224.8 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 17 |
| 2018 Canyon | 25 | 224.8 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 53 |
| 2017 Canyon | 25 | 224.8 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 66 |
| 2015 Canyon | 22 | 224.8 in | Not rated | 8 | 303 |
| 2012 Canyon | 21 | 207.1 in | Not rated | 2 | 20 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or GMC. How we calculate this →