DecodedCars2017 GMC Canyon
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2017 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
- ★★★★★
- Recalls
- 1 campaign
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 25 MPG combined — 18% better than the average 2017 small pickup truck (21.1 MPG).
- AWD / 4WD available
Watch out for
- Higher rollover riskNHTSA estimates a 22% chance of rollover in a single-vehicle crash.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 3 similar 2017 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2017 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), 18% better than the 2017 small pickup truck average of 21.1 MPG, for an estimated $3,050 a year in fuel.
In NHTSA crash testing it earned a 4-star overall rating.
It has 1 recall campaign on file and owners have filed 66 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the power train.
What changed for 2017
- Now crash-tested by NHTSA: 4 stars overall
Compared with 2016; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2016 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 | +18% | $3,850 | 411 |
| Canyon 4WD Diesel | 2.8L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic 6-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 20 / 28 / 23 | +19% | $4,150 | 449 |
| Canyon 2WD | 2.5L 4-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 19 / 26 / 22 | +4% | $3,050 | 408 |
| Canyon 2WD | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 20 / 26 / 22 | +4% | $3,050 | 405 |
| Canyon 4WD | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 19 / 24 / 21 | +8% | $3,200 | 423 |
| Canyon 2WD | 3.6L 6-cyl | Automatic 8-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 18 / 25 / 20 | -5% | $3,350 | 440 |
| Canyon 4WD | 3.6L 6-cyl | Automatic 8-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 17 / 24 / 19 | -2% | $3,550 | 461 |
| Canyon Cab Chassis 2WD | 3.6L 6-cyl | Automatic 8-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 / 15 / 15 | -28% | $4,450 | 589 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2017 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 GMC Canyon PU/CC 4WD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 4★ / 4★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 21.2% |
| 2017 GMC Canyon PU/CC RWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 4★ / 4★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 21.9% |
| 2017 GMC Canyon PU/EC RWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 4★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 22% |
| 2017 GMC Canyon PU/EC 4WD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 4★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 21.4% |
Similar 2017 small pickup trucks
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 GMC Canyon (this car) | 25 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
| 2017 Toyota Tundra | 16 MPG | ★★★★★ | 5 |
| 2017 Chevrolet Colorado | 25 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
| 2017 Nissan Titan | 18 MPG | ★★★★★ | 3 |
Recalls (1)
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.
Not every 2017 GMC Canyon is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2017 GMC Canyon buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 1 recall this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Power Train — 17 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Engine — 14 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Electrical System — 11 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 28,000 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 2017 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 |
| 2016 Canyon | 25 | 224.8 in | Not rated | 4 | 271 |
| 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 →