A Transformative Engine
You might be thinking, "How can GMC's compact pickup feel like a muscle car?" Well, there's more to it than stuffing a 5.3-liter V-8 under the hood, but that engine goes a long way toward giving the Canyon its burly performance. It can rocket from a stop if you've got a lead foot, and the engine doesn't feel burdened by the truck's two-ton curb weight. Granted, I didn't put anything in the cargo bed of my rear-wheel-drive test model, but I really had to be prudent when pressing the gas pedal to avoid wheelspin. The truck has standard traction and stability systems and an optional limited-slip differential to combat this.
The V-8 teams with a four-speed automatic transmission that's both smooth and quick to downshift when you need a quick burst of power for passing or merging. On the whole, it's a good drivetrain with a pleasing V-8 sound — it makes a nice rumble without being raucous — but it would have been nice to see GM give the Canyon V-8 the six-speed automatic transmission that's available with the 5.3-liter V-8 in its full-size trucks; the extra gears have the potential to boost performance and efficiency. As it is, this version of the Canyon gets an EPA-estimated 15/21 mpg city/highway.
See also:
When to Change Engine Oil
This vehicle has a computer system that indicates when to change the engine oil and filter. This is based on a combination of factors which include engine revolutions, engine temperature, and miles dr ...
Top Tether Anchor
Top Tether Anchor
A top tether (A, C) anchors the top of the child restraint to the vehicle.
A top tether anchor is built into the vehicle. The top tether attachment (B) on the child restraint con ...
Fog Lamps
Use the fog lamps for better vision in foggy or misty conditions.
The fog lamps button is on the exterior lamps control to the left of the steering column.
(Fog Lamps): Press the exterior lamps but ...