The Canyon is saddled with an angular headlight brow, borrowed from the Colorado, that forces a more trapezoidal execution of the grille than do standard GMC truckfront ends. Other GMC trucks, including the updated Sierra, have the more familiar rectangular-oval grille.

The Canyon still sports an athletic silhouette. Changes in recent years include additional body-colored moldings, bezels and surrounds to add a more sporty appearance to some trim levels. A chrome package is also available and includes a chrome fuel door and exhaust tip.

Exterior features include:

Z71 suspension has taller ride height than previous models
New colors include Merlot Jewel Metallic, Gray Green Metallic and Pure Silver Metallic
ZQ8 Sport Suspension Package available on two-wheel-drive extended-cab and crew-cab SLE and SLT