The mid-size, GMC Canyon gets attention with the flashier exterior and more premium interior than the near-twin Chevy Colorado. A high-value Denali trim is also the signature of the model and Duramax turbodiesel engine is also its good side. Still, the Canyon sells slower than the more conventional Colorado while recently redesigned light-duty and heavy-duty Sierra go in much higher quantities.
The Canyon was all-new for the 2015 model year and the last model year brought an upgraded infotainment system and several new features. GM had the focus on the full-size models recently and the mid-size models should get the attention soon. However, the latest reports indicate the next big upgrade for the 2021 or 2022 model year. It was previously rumored that GM’s mid-size duo could get the turbocharged engine option and some styling upgrades combined with the addition of new safety systems for the 2020 season. But it seems now that there won’t be notable improvements before the approaching redesign.
The 2020 GMC Canyon Diesel will remain the choice if one wants to get most of towing capability and efficiency from the model. The diesel-powered Canyon should again be available in SEL and higher trims.
2020 GMC Canyon Diesel: Powertrains, Towing
The 2020 GMC Canyon Diesel will continue to exploit the reliable and proven Duramax turbodiesel engine and there are no signs that GM has any significant upgrade in mind before the next redesign.
Equipped with the 2.8-liter four-cylinder Duramax turbodiesel, the mid-size Canyon can tow up to 7, 700 pounds and it can carry more than 1000 pounds in the cargo bed. The engine delivers 181 horsepower and max torque of 369 lb-ft is achievable from 2, 000 rpm. The model will combine the diesel unit with the six-speed automatic transmission and offer two- and four-wheel drive.
Buyers will also have a choice to upgrade the off-road capability of the truck with the rear locking differential, off-road-oriented suspension, all-terrain tires, underbody protection, etc. The good side of the diesel-powered Canyon will also be the fuel efficiency with 22 mpg city and 30 mpg highway when the two-wheel drive is used. With the power on all wheels, the fuel consumption should be 20 mpg city and 28 mpg highway.
2020 GMC Canyon Diesel: Design
The visual identity of the 2020 GMC Canyon Diesel and other variants will likely remain the same until the next redesign. It was reported earlier that the 2020 version could get similar grille and headlight updates as the full-size models but since the test mules haven’t been seen on the road it seems that styling changes would arrive with the redesigned version.
The styling of the mode will be defined with the large grille and squared-off body style. The grille design will change depending on the trim version and the model will have different trim accents for each version as well. The model will start with 17-inch alloy wheels and the top versions will get a 20-inch design.
Interior, Equipment:
The next Canyon will keep the current interior layout while could add several new features.
The diesel-powered version will come with the modern infotainment system with 8-inch, high-resolution touchscreen and satellite radio. The models will also provide 4G LTE and Wi-Fi hotspot and premium Bose sound system. The truck will also be available with the high-resolution rear-view camera, heated and ventilated front seats, heated steering wheel, wireless charging, navigation, leather upholstery and more.
On the safety front, the model will offer some advanced systems while it’s not clear would the brand introduce new crash avoidance technologies like automatic emergency braking, etc. The equipment list will include forward collision warning and lane departure alert.
2020 GMC Canyon Diesel: Availability, Price
The 2020 GMC Canyon Diesel and gasoline-powered versions will go on sale late in the year. Closer to the launch date more precise details will appear about the model’s performance and equipment as well as possible price corrections.
The base Canyon should again start in low-20, 000 range but with the diesel engine under the hood, the cost of the model should have a starting point in $30k range. With more premium features equipped the price will go over $40, 000.
