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:

    Starting the Vehicle
    1. Press and release on the Remote Keyless Entry transmitter. 2. Press and hold for about two seconds. The turn signal lamps will briefly flash to confirm the vehicle has been started. The pa ...

    Event Data Recorders
    This vehicle has an Event Data Recorder (EDR). The main purpose of an EDR is to record, in certain crash or near crash-like situations, such as an airbag deployment or hitting a road obstacle, data th ...

    Setting the Clock
    To set the time and date: 1. Turn the ignition key to ACC/ ACCESSORY or ON/RUN, then press , to turn the radio on. 2. Press to display HR, MIN, MM, DD, and YYYY (hour, minute, month, day, and yea ...