ES
Makes›GMC›Canyon›2018

2018 GMC Canyon

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2018 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 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
Transmission
8-speed automatic
Drivetrain
Rear-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel Drive
Seats
5
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 2018 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 2018 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2018 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 2018 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 53 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the power train.

What changed for 2018

No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2017 Canyon — a carry-over year in the data.

Compared with 2017; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2017 Canyon →

Trims, performance & features

Engine–3.6L 6-cyl
Engine–2.5L 4-cyl
Transmission8-speed automatic
DriveAWD/4WD
Seating5 seats · 2 rows

Trims

SLEDenaliWork TruckSLT

Safety & driver-assist features

Forward collision warningSome trims
Lane departure warningSome trims
Backup cameraStandard
Automatic high beamsStandard
Keyless startSome trims

Built in: Wentzville, Missouri

NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2018 Canyon configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
Crew Cab L/Box 2WD224.8 in74.4 in70.5 in140.6 in62.2 / 62.2 in4,259 lb57/43
Crew Cab L/Box 4X4224.8 in74.4 in70.5 in140.6 in62.2 / 62.2 in4,480 lb57/43
Crew Cab S/Box 2WD212.6 in74.4 in70.5 in128.3 in62.2 / 62.2 in4,041 lb57/43
Crew Cab S/Box 4X4212.6 in74.4 in70.5 in128.3 in62.2 / 62.2 in4,411 lb57/43
Extended Cab L/Box 2WD212.6 in74.4 in70.5 in128.3 in62.2 / 62.2 in3,949 lb57/43
Extended Cab L/Box 4X4212.6 in74.4 in70.5 in128.3 in62.2 / 62.2 in4,169 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 2WD Diesel2.8L 4-cyl turboAutomatic 6-spdRear-Wheel Drive22 / 30 / 25+18%$3,850413
Canyon 4WD Diesel2.8L 4-cyl turboAutomatic 6-spd4-Wheel Drive20 / 28 / 23+19%$4,150450
Canyon 2WD2.5L 4-cylAutomatic 6-spdRear-Wheel Drive20 / 26 / 22+4%$3,050406
Canyon 2WD2.5L 4-cylManual 6-spdRear-Wheel Drive20 / 26 / 22+4%$3,050403
Canyon 4WD2.5L 4-cylAutomatic 6-spd4-Wheel Drive19 / 24 / 21+8%$3,200429
Canyon 2WD3.6L 6-cylAutomatic 8-spdRear-Wheel Drive18 / 25 / 20-5%$3,350440
Canyon 4WD3.6L 6-cylAutomatic 8-spd4-Wheel Drive17 / 24 / 19-2%$3,550463
Canyon Cab Chassis 2WD3.6L 6-cylAutomatic 8-spdRear-Wheel Drive15 / 15 / 15-28%$4,450589
5/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
4/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Spend $3,250Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
21.1 MPG2018 Small Pickup Trucks 2WD average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2018 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

VersionOverallFrontalDriver / passengerSideSide poleRolloverRollover risk
2018 GMC Canyon PU/CC RWD★★★★★★★★★★4★ / 4★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★21.9%
2018 GMC Canyon PU/CC 4WD★★★★★★★★★★4★ / 4★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★21.2%
2018 GMC Canyon PU/EC RWD★★★★★★★★★★5★ / 4★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★21.4%
2018 GMC Canyon PU/EC 4WD★★★★★★★★★★5★ / 4★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★22%
StandardElectronic stability control
OptionalForward collision warning
OptionalLane departure warning

Similar 2018 small pickup trucks

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2018 GMC Canyon (this car)25 MPG★★★★★1
2018 Toyota Tundra16 MPG★★★★★8
2018 Chevrolet Colorado25 MPG★★★★★1
2018 Nissan Titan18 MPG★★★★★4

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.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2018 GMC Canyon is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

53Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
2Involved a crash
0Involved a fire
1Injuries reported
25,000 miTypical mileage at failure
Power Train27
Electrical System10
Engine6
Unknown Or Other5
Steering4
Fuel/Propulsion System4
Service Brakes3
Exterior Lighting3
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
22/04: 222/05: 122/06: 122/09: 122/11: 123/01: 123/06: 323/07: 123/10: 223/12: 124/01: 224/03: 124/06: 124/10: 124/11: 124/12: 125/01: 125/11: 126/02: 226/03: 126/05: 126/06: 126/07: 126/10: 122/0422/0923/0623/1224/0624/1226/0226/06max 3

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2018 GMC Canyon buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 1 recall this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Power Train — 27 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
  3. Electrical System — 10 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
  4. Engine — 6 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
  5. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 25,000 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 2018 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
2017 Canyon25224.8 in★★★★★166
2016 Canyon25224.8 in★★★★★4271
2015 Canyon22224.8 in★★★★★8303
2012 Canyon21207.1 inNot rated220

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