One benefit of the Canyon's low ride height is that the cargo box is very accessible. Whether you have to lift something over the side of the box or load something with the tailgate down, the low-riding ZQ8 suspension makes it easier than it would otherwise be.

While it may be easier to load cargo in this version than in a full-size truck, the size of the crew cab Canyon's cargo box limits the kind of work it can be used for. At 61.1 inches long, 57.2 inches wide (42.6 inches between the wheel wells) and 18.6 inches deep, the Canyon isn't the best choice for hauling a load of drywall — even if you decide to get a regular or extended cab model with the 72.8-inch bed. Still, my test truck's 1,250-pound payload rating means there are plenty of other, less-bulky loads it can carry.

The Canyon's maximum towing capacity changes based on its configuration, with two-wheel-drive regular cab models with the base four-cylinder engine rated to tow up to 2,400 pounds. V-8 versions like my test truck are rated to tow 6,000 pounds when properly equipped. I didn't have a chance to hook up a trailer to my low-riding test truck, but the hitch receiver is quite close to the ground, which might lead to scraping the neck of your trailer — on a steep boat launch, for instance.