Overview

A light-duty compact pickup truck, the 2011 GMC Canyon is available in 2- or 4-wheel drive (2WD or 4WD) with a choice of three cab styles and trim levels. The 2011 Canyon is a carryover from the previous year, with Bluetooth connectivity now a standard feature. The regular- and extended-cab models have a 6-foot cargo bed; the extended cab adds reverse-opening doors. The crew-cab model has forward-swinging doors and a 5-foot cargo area. The crew cab has bench seating in the front, and can accommodate 6 riders.

The comparatively "stripped" 2011 GMC Canyon Work Truck features air conditioning, satellite radio, and 16-inch wheels. The Canyon SLE trim adds a few cosmetic features, but most power accessories are only available as options on the regular cab, becoming standard on the extended cab. The Canyon SLT trim with extended cab features chrome wheels, leather interior trim, and heated front seats. The crew-cab version of the SLT trim adds a heavy-duty suspension. Optional on the higher trim levels are two suspension packages: Off-Road (larger wheels, skid plates, and locking rear differential on 4WD models); and Sport (performance tires, lower suspension). Other options are available.

The standard 185-horsepower, 2.9-liter 4-cylinder engine in the 2011 GMC Canyon uses regular fuel and produces 190 lb.-ft. of torque. The optional, 242-horsepower, 3.7-liter inline-5 engine (also using regular fuel) cranks up to 242 lb.-ft. of torque. The top-line engine is a 300-horsepower 5.3-liter V-8, which is available only on extended-cab and crew-cab models. A 5-speed manual transmission is standard with the 4-cylinder engine; a 4-speed automatic transmission is optional. The two larger engines have the automatic transmission as standard. According to EPA estimates, the base model delivers 18 mpg in the city, 24 mpg on the highway, while the top-line 4WD model with crew cab and V-8 engine delivers 14 mpg in the city and 19 mpg on the highway. With a V-8 engine, the Canyon can tow up to 3 tons, according to GMC.

The 2011 GMC Canyon had an MSRP starting at around $17,155.