2016 GMC Canyon 4WD SLE Crew Long Box (1140)

Overview:

This is the 2016 GMC Canyon 4WD SLE Crew Long Box. This truck grew on me because they are useful, especially around the ranch. Ever notice when you have a truck people know and when they need to move something they call you.

I have a Ford F350 but I continue to expect the other shoe to fall as it breaks down yet again. It seems they are notorious for sensors to fail and that means you get stranded whenever it decides to shut you down. Very annoying.

The problem is that technology has gone amuck. Computer technology can be a detriment as well as a help. Computers watch for signals that something is wrong and even if there isn’t anything wrong they override human intervention. The fact there may be nothing wrong doesn’t allow the driver to make that decision. I suspect that in most cases that is true so we’re stuck with them. Oh, for the good old days when everything was simpler. A notice flashes on the dash – “Pull over to the side of the road and turn off the engine” or some such command from the computer. If you are in a good spot you can indeed pull to the side of the road before the whole system shuts down. If not you will have to negotiate with No brakes. Woops.

If you have similar stories about GM products, particularly GMC trucks I’d appreciate hearing about them.

General Information: It is assembled in Wentzville, MO, USA. Parts – US/Canadian 61%, Thailand 15%   Engine – Thailand, transmission – USA; Classification is Midsize Pickup. Cars from GMC: Acadia, Acadia Limited, Canyon, Savana Cargo, Cutaway and Passenger, Sierra 1500, 1500 Denali, Sierra 2500 Denali HD, 2500 HD, Sierra 3500, 3500 Chassis Cab, Denali HD, Terrain, Yukon and Yukon XL.

Handling & Performance:

I tested the Turbo Diesel option on this test vehicle and it performed wonderfully.  If you are a Diesel fan, which I am, you may want to consider that option instead of the Gas V6 priced out here. That option will increase the Standard Vehicle Price by $3,700 for a 2.8 liter 4-cylinder Duramax Turbo Diesel engine.

As noted below, if you want all the options you’ll fork over about $44,000.

Styling:

Looks sometimes are more important than the real purpose of a truck, and the trend for most trucks these days is they are built to be more car-like than a truck needs to be. The consumer however is the driving force and I suspect most want a truck for more than just work. Great looking and great features win out most of the time but you’ll notice good looks come with a higher price tag.

Fit and Finish:

Very good.

Cost:

Most trucks, these days, are pricy as they become more luxury than work horses.

Conveniences and comfort:

Running boards or side steps are available but I found them to be more of a nuisance than a help. Not so on my Ford F350 that is much taller and a small step ladder would otherwise be needed if the side steps were not there. For me, on this lower to the ground, GMC Canyon they were unnecessary so be sure to check that feature out and you may find them unnecessary as well.

Consumer Recommendation:

There are many variations on the theme of building your dream truck but you’ll find the process of finding the right mix of features is very frustrating. Add one feature and it wipes out others you had already selected. You need a dealer to do it right.

Recognized Competition:

GMC Canyon $35,000, Nissan Frontier $34,000, Toyota Tacoma $33,000.

Good News:

Good looking, there are many options so you can build it pretty much as you like, want or need it to be. It’s a Jimmy and that will mean a lot to many.

Bad News:

I found that building to my own specifications was a frustrating if not impossible process.

Standard Equipment:

3.6 liter 305 hp V6 engine, 6-speed automatic transmission, electric 2-speed transfer case, remote keyless entry, front, side and side curtain front and rear airbags, theft deterrent system immobilization, stability control, traction control, 4-wheel ABS disc brakes, rear vision camera, locking tailgate, rear bumper corner step, power mirrors / manual fold, 17” silver metalic cast aluminum wheels, fog lights, front recovery hooks, driver 4-way power seat, rear folding bench seat, power windows,rear window defroster, cruise control, leather wrapped steering wheel, multi color display, steering wheel controls, audio system with 8” color touch screenwith Intellegent Apple carplay capability, XM radio 9subscription sold separately), 4 USB ports, ONStar with 5 year plan, 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot with limited data trial period.

Gas Stats:

$2.95/ Gal avg. May 5, 2016

www.fueleconomy.gov

for more information.

20 City 29 Highway MPG

Pricing:

MSRP $34,660.

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