2010 GMC Canyon
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2010 models.

- Class
- Small Pickup Trucks 2WD
- Body styles
- Crew Cab S/Box 2WD /Sl, Crew Cab S/Box 4X4 /Sl/Sle, Ext Cab S/Box 2WD /Sl/Sle, Ext Cab S/Box 4X4 /Sl/Sle
- Engines
- 2.9L 4-cyl, 3.7L 5-cyl, 5.3L 8-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Rear-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 21 combined · 18 city / 25 hwy
- Length
- 191.7–207.1 in
- Curb weight
- 3,358–4,001 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 2 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- AWD / 4WD available
- Few owner complaints1 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 36 for similar models.
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 6 similar 2010 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2010 GMC Canyon is a small pickup truck offered with 3 engines (2.9L 4-cyl, 3.7L 5-cyl and 5.3L 8-cyl) and rear-wheel drive and 4-wheel drive.
It measures about 207 inches long and 69 inches wide on a 126-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,752 lb (Crew Cab S/Box 2WD /Sl).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 21 MPG combined (18 city / 25 highway), 9% better than the 2010 small pickup truck average of 19.2 MPG, for an estimated $3,200 a year in fuel.
It has 2 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 1 complaint with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the visibility/wiper.
What changed for 2010
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2009 Canyon — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2009; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2009 Canyon →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crew Cab S/Box 2WD /Sl | 207.1 in | 68.5 in | 65.4 in | 126 in | 59.8 / 60.2 in | 3,752 lb | 57/43 |
| Crew Cab S/Box 4X4 /Sl/Sle | 207.1 in | 68.5 in | 68.1 in | 126 in | 59.8 / 60.2 in | 4,001 lb | 57/43 |
| Ext Cab S/Box 2WD /Sl/Sle | 207.1 in | 67.7 in | 65 in | 126 in | 58.3 / 58.3 in | 3,607 lb | 57/43 |
| Ext Cab S/Box 4X4 /Sl/Sle | 207.1 in | 67.7 in | 67.7 in | 126 in | 58.3 / 58.3 in | 3,803 lb | 57/43 |
| Reg Cab S/Box 2WD /Sl/Sle | 191.7 in | 67.7 in | 65 in | 111 in | 58.7 / 59.1 in | 3,358 lb | 57/43 |
| Reg Cab S/Box 4X4 /Sl/Sle | 191.7 in | 67.7 in | 67.7 in | 111 in | 58.7 / 59.1 in | 3,622 lb | 57/43 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canyon 2WD | 2.9L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 18 / 25 / 21 | +9% | $3,200 | 423 |
| Canyon 2WD | 2.9L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 18 / 25 / 21 | +9% | $3,200 | 423 |
| Canyon Crew Cab 2WD | 2.9L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 18 / 25 / 21 | +9% | $3,200 | 423 |
| Canyon Crew Cab 2WD | 2.9L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 18 / 25 / 21 | +9% | $3,200 | 423 |
| Canyon 4WD | 2.9L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 17 / 23 / 20 | +14% | $3,350 | 444 |
| Canyon 4WD | 2.9L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 18 / 24 / 20 | +14% | $3,350 | 444 |
| Canyon 2WD | 3.7L 5-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 / 23 / 19 | -1% | $3,550 | 468 |
| Canyon Crew Cab 2WD | 3.7L 5-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 / 23 / 19 | -1% | $3,550 | 468 |
| Canyon 4WD | 3.7L 5-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 17 / 23 / 19 | +8% | $3,550 | 468 |
| Canyon Crew Cab 4WD | 3.7L 5-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 16 / 21 / 18 | +2% | $3,700 | 494 |
| Canyon Cab Chassis Inc 4WD | 3.7L 5-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 16 / 21 / 18 | +2% | $3,700 | 494 |
| Canyon Cab Chassis Inc 2WD | 3.7L 5-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 / 20 / 17 | -11% | $3,950 | 523 |
| Canyon 2WD | 5.3L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 / 20 / 17 | -11% | $3,950 | 523 |
| Canyon Crew Cab 2WD | 5.3L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 / 20 / 17 | -11% | $3,950 | 523 |
| Canyon 4WD | 5.3L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 14 / 19 / 16 | -9% | $4,200 | 555 |
| Canyon Crew Cab 4WD | 5.3L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 14 / 19 / 16 | -9% | $4,200 | 555 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2010 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2010 GMC Canyon under the current (2011+) test program.
Similar 2010 small pickup trucks
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 GMC Canyon (this car) | 21 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2010 Ford F-150 | 17 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2010 Toyota Tacoma | 22 MPG | Not rated | 12 |
| 2010 Chevrolet Colorado | 21 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2010 Nissan Frontier | 21 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2010 Honda Ridgeline | 17 MPG | Not rated | 9 |
| 2010 Hummer H3T | 16 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
Recalls (2)
Latches/Locks/Linkages › Hood › Latch · Dec 19, 2012
NHTSA campaign 12V594000 · 118,800 vehicles
- Problem
- General Motors is recalling certain model year 2010-2012 Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon vehicles manufactured from November 9, 2009, through August 28, 2012, for failing to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 113, "Hood Latch System." The hood may be missing the secondary hood latch.
- Risk
- If the primary hood latch is not engaged, the hood could open unexpectedly. During vehicle operation, this could obstruct the view of the driver and increase the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- General Motors will notify owners and instruct them to inspect their vehicle for the presence of a secondary hood latch. Dealers will replace the hood on any affected vehicles, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on January 17, 2013. Owners may contact Chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438 or GMC at 1-866-996-9463.
Child Seat · Nov 18, 2010
NHTSA campaign 10V575000 · 192,676 vehicles
- Problem
- GM IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2004-2011, CHEVROLET COLORADO, GMC CANYON, MODEL YEAR 2006, ISUZU I-280/I-350, AND MODEL YEAR 2007-2008, I-290/I-370, REGULAR CAB VEHICLES AND EXTENDED CAB VEHICLES WITHOUT A REAR SEAT AND EQUIPPED WITH A FRONT 60/40 SPLIT BENCH SEAT. THESE VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 225, "CHILD RESTRAINT ANCHORAGE SYSTEMS." THE TOP TETHER ANCHOR FOR THE FRONT CENTER SEAT IS NOT ACCESSIBLE AND THE OWNER MANUAL DOES NOT INCLUDE INSTRUCTIONS REGARDING HOW TO USE THE TOP TETHER.
- Risk
- BOTH NHTSA AND GM DISCOURAGE PLACEMENT OF A CHILD IN A FRONT SEAT. NEVERTHELESS, THERE ARE INDIVIDUAL CIRCUMSTANCES THAT MAY REQUIRE PLACEMENT OF A CHILD IN A RESTRAINT IN THE FRONT CENTER SEATING POSITION OF THIS VEHICLE THAT DOES NOT OFFER A REAR SEAT. LACK OF ACCESS TO THE TOP TETHER ANCHOR AND A LACK OF INSTRUCTIONS AS TO HOW TO USE IT, MAY RESULT IN IMPROPER INSTALLATION OF A CHILD RESTRAINT. IMPROPER INSTALLATION OF A CHILD RESTRAINT CAN RESULT IN A REDUCTION IN THE RESTRAINT'S PERFORMANCE IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH AND AN INCREASED RISK OF INJURY OR DEATH TO THE CHILD SEATED IN THE RESTRAINT.
- Fix
- DEALERS WILL CUT A HOLE INTO THE BACK PANEL TRIM COVER TO ALLOW ACCESS TO THE TOP TETHER ANCHOR FOR THE FRONT CENTER SEAT POSITION AND WILL PROVIDE SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION AS TO USE IN THE OWNER'S MANUAL. THE MANUFACTURER HAS NOT YET PROVIDED AN OWNER NOTIFICATION SCHEDULE FOR THIS CAMPAIGN. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, GMC AT 1-866-996-9463, ISUZU AT 1-800-255-6727 OR VISIT GM'S WEBSITE AT WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM.
Not every 2010 GMC Canyon is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2010 GMC Canyon buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 2 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Visibility/Wiper — 1 owner reports. Check all exterior lights, wipers and the windshield for cracks.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 20,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2010 GMC Canyon. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Canyon years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Canyon | 20 | 213 in | Not rated | 2 | 8 |
| 2025 Canyon | 20 | 213 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 8 |
| 2024 Canyon | 20 | 213 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 207 |
| 2023 Canyon | 20 | 213 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 62 |
| 2022 Canyon | 23 | 224.8 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 27 |
| 2021 Canyon | 23 | 224.8 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 12 |
| 2020 Canyon | 23 | 224.8 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 14 |
| 2019 Canyon | 23 | 224.8 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 17 |
| 2018 Canyon | 25 | 224.8 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 53 |
| 2017 Canyon | 25 | 224.8 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 66 |
| 2016 Canyon | 25 | 224.8 in | Not rated | 4 | 271 |
| 2015 Canyon | 22 | 224.8 in | Not rated | 8 | 303 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or GMC. How we calculate this →