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Makes›GMC›Canyon›2021

2021 GMC Canyon

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2021 models.

GMC Canyon
Pictured: 2022 GMC Canyon Elevation, front 4.4.23. Photo: Kevauto, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Class
Small Pickup Trucks 2WD
Body styles
Crew Cab L/Box 2WD, Crew Cab L/Box 4X4, Crew Cab S/Box 2WD, Crew Cab S/Box 4X4
Engines
2.8L 4-cyl turbo, 2.5L 4-cyl, 3.6L 6-cyl
Transmission
8-speed automatic, 6-speed automatic
Drivetrain
Rear-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel Drive
Seats
5
Fuel
Diesel, Regular Gasoline
MPG (best)
23 combined · 20 city / 30 hwy
Length
212.6–224.8 in
Curb weight
3,949–4,480 lb
NHTSA rating
★★★★★
Recalls
2 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • AWD / 4WD available
  • Few owner complaints12 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 80 for similar models.

Watch out for

  • Higher rollover riskNHTSA estimates a 22% chance of rollover in a single-vehicle crash.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 5 similar 2021 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2021 GMC Canyon is a small pickup truck offered with 3 engines (2.8L 4-cyl turbo, 2.5L 4-cyl and 3.6L 6-cyl) and rear-wheel drive and 4-wheel drive.

It measures about 225 inches long and 74 inches wide on a 141-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,259 lb (Crew Cab L/Box 2WD).

EPA rates its most efficient version at 23 MPG combined (20 city / 30 highway), 6% better than the 2021 small pickup truck average of 21.8 MPG, for an estimated $3,050 a year in fuel.

In NHTSA crash testing it earned a 4-star overall rating.

It has 2 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 12 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the air bags.

What changed for 2021

No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2020 Canyon — a carry-over year in the data.

Compared with 2020; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2020 Canyon →

Trims, performance & features

Engine–3.6L 6-cyl
Engine–2.5L 4-cyl
Engine–2.8L turbo 4-cyl
Transmission8-speed automatic · 6-speed automatic
DriveAWD/4WD
Seating5 seats · 2 rows

Trims

DenaliElevation StandardElevation

Safety & driver-assist features

Forward collision warningSome trims
Lane departure warningSome trims
Backup cameraStandard

Built in: Wentzville, Missouri

NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2021 Canyon configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
Crew Cab L/Box 2WD224.8 in74.4 in70.5 in140.6 in62.2 / 62.2 in4,259 lb57/43
Crew Cab L/Box 4X4224.8 in74.4 in70.5 in140.6 in62.2 / 62.2 in4,480 lb57/43
Crew Cab S/Box 2WD212.6 in74.4 in70.5 in128.3 in62.2 / 62.2 in4,041 lb57/43
Crew Cab S/Box 4X4212.6 in74.4 in70.5 in128.3 in62.2 / 62.2 in4,411 lb57/43
Extended Cab L/Box 2WD212.6 in74.4 in70.5 in128.3 in62.2 / 62.2 in3,949 lb57/43
Extended Cab L/Box 4X4212.6 in74.4 in70.5 in128.3 in62.2 / 62.2 in4,169 lb57/43

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Canyon 2WD Diesel2.8L 4-cyl turboAutomatic 6-spdRear-Wheel Drive20 / 30 / 23+6%$4,150435
Canyon 2WD2.5L 4-cylAutomatic 6-spdRear-Wheel Drive19 / 25 / 22+1%$3,050413
Canyon 4WD Diesel2.8L 4-cyl turboAutomatic 6-spd4-Wheel Drive19 / 28 / 22+12%$4,350455
Canyon 2WD3.6L 6-cylAutomatic 8-spdRear-Wheel Drive18 / 25 / 21-4%$3,200424
Canyon 4WD2.5L 4-cylAutomatic 6-spd4-Wheel Drive19 / 24 / 21+7%$3,200431
Canyon 4WD3.6L 6-cylAutomatic 8-spd4-Wheel Drive16 / 22 / 18-8%$3,700494
5/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
4/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Spend $3,250Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
21.8 MPG2021 Small Pickup Trucks 2WD average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2021 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

VersionOverallFrontalDriver / passengerSideSide poleRolloverRollover risk
2021 GMC Canyon PU/CC 2WD★★★★★★★★★★4★ / 4★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★21.9%
2021 GMC Canyon PU/EC 2WD★★★★★★★★★★5★ / 4★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★21.4%
2021 GMC Canyon PU/CC 4WD★★★★★★★★★★4★ / 4★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★21.2%
2021 GMC Canyon PU/EC 4WD★★★★★★★★★★5★ / 4★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★22%
StandardElectronic stability control
OptionalForward collision warning
OptionalLane departure warning

Similar 2021 small pickup trucks

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2021 GMC Canyon (this car)23 MPG★★★★★2
2021 Toyota Tundra15 MPG★★★★★2
2021 Chevrolet Colorado23 MPG★★★★★1
2021 Nissan Titan18 MPGNot rated5
2021 Jeep Gladiator24 MPGNot rated8
2021 Ram 150026 MPG★★★★★15

Recalls (2)

Equipment › Other › Labels · Jul 1, 2021

NHTSA campaign 21V497000 · 7,199 vehicles

Problem
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 GMC Canyon vehicles. The load carrying capacity printed on the Tire and Loading Information placard is 22.5 kg (51 lbs.) more than intended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
Risk
An incorrect label may lead to unintentionally overloading the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
GM will mail owners a new B-pillar label, free of charge. Owners may apply the label, or bring it to a dealer for installation. Owner notification letters were mailed on August 17, 2021. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N212340735.
Seat Belts › Critical Fasteners · Dec 23, 2020

NHTSA campaign 20V811000 · 470 vehicles

Problem
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV and 2021 GMC Canyon and Sierra 1500, 2500 and 3500, Yukon, Yukon XL, Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV and Chevrolet Blazer, Camaro, Colorado, Equinox, Silverado 1500, 2500 and 3500, Suburban and Tahoe vehicles. Incorrect bolts may have been used at one or more fastening locations to secure the seat belts to the vehicle. If an incorrect bolt was used, the seat belt may not be properly attached to the vehicle.
Risk
If a seat belt assembly is not properly attached to the vehicle, the seat belt may not properly restrain an occupant in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix
GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the suspect bolts, free of charge. The recall began January 29, 2021. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8785, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N202322230.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2021 GMC Canyon is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

12Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
2Involved a crash
1Involved a fire
5Injuries reported
47,000 miTypical mileage at failure
Air Bags2
Unknown Or Other2
Power Train2
Steering2
Forward Collision Avoidance › Automatic Emergency Braking1
Lane Departure › Blind Spot Detection1
Seat Belts1
Electrical System1
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
21/05: 121/10: 123/07: 124/02: 124/05: 124/11: 125/02: 125/08: 125/11: 126/02: 126/07: 126/10: 121/0523/0724/0525/0225/1126/07max 1

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2021 GMC Canyon buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 2 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Air Bags — 2 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
  3. Power Train — 2 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
  4. Steering — 2 owner reports. Turn lock-to-lock while parked and on the road; listen for noises and feel for heavy or loose steering.
  5. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 47,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  6. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2021 GMC Canyon. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other Canyon years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2026 Canyon20213 inNot rated28
2025 Canyon20213 in★★★★★28
2024 Canyon20213 in★★★★★3207
2023 Canyon20213 in★★★★★362
2022 Canyon23224.8 in★★★★★127
2020 Canyon23224.8 in★★★★★014
2019 Canyon23224.8 in★★★★★017
2018 Canyon25224.8 in★★★★★153
2017 Canyon25224.8 in★★★★★166
2016 Canyon25224.8 inNot rated4271
2015 Canyon22224.8 inNot rated8303
2012 Canyon21207.1 inNot rated220

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or GMC. How we calculate this →