The Inside

The cabin looks like it's from another truck era, and that's because it is. The Canyon first launched for the 2004 model year, and it hasn't changed a lot on the inside since. Some of the buttons — like the ones for the audio system — look a little crude compared with the newer interiors of GM's full-size trucks. There are also some shoddy trim pieces, like the panel covering the passenger-side front airbag. For the most part, however, the interior is a functional space that's easy to get used to, though I do wish the tilt steering wheel had more range than its few predetermined positions.

While you might think a crew cab would offer comfortable seating for people riding in either the front or rear of the cab, it only fulfills on one end of the deal. Leather-covered front bucket seats are optional, and my test truck had them. They're comfy, if a bit flat — you slide to the side when cornering.

The crew cab's rear bench seat, however, is anything but comfortable. Legroom isn't the problem, as it's manageable for taller people, but the backrest will make your passengers cranky in a hurry — a church pew is more comfortable. The issue is the angle of the backrest, which is nearly vertical and can't be reclined. The situation isn't much better in full-size trucks like the Canyon's big brother, the Sierra, though you can find much more accommodating digs in a model like the Toyota Tundra CrewMax, with its reclining rear bench seat. Now that's what I call living.

    See also:

    Reclining Seatbacks
    WARNING Sitting in a reclined position when the vehicle is in motion can be dangerous. Even when buckled up, the safety belts cannot do their job when reclined like this. The shoulder belt cannot ...

    License Plate Lamp
    To replace one of these bulbs: 1. Open the liftgate partway. See Liftgate on page 2‑9. Passenger Side Shown, Driver Side Similar 2. Push the left end of the lamp assembly toward the right. ...

    General Towing Information
    Only use towing equipment that has been designed for the vehicle. Contact your dealer or trailering dealer for assistance with preparing the vehicle for towing a trailer. See the following trailer t ...