2018 GMC Canyon: what’s new for the 2018MY

GMC went for subtle, if unnoticeable tweaks

GMC has been gearing up the Canyon midsize pickup truck for the 2018MY but changes are rather scarce.

For 2018, GMC's Canyon offers Jet Black leather front seats with Cobalt Red stitching on the All Terrain model and washer fluid level sensors standard on all trim levels.

Otherwise, the range remains split between six trim levels, namely SL, Canyon, SLE, All Terrain, SLT, and Denali. Starting prices range between $20,885 and $43,370, according to Autoblog.

The All Terrain and Denali models were introduced last year when GMC upgraded the 2017 Canyon with the IntelliLink seven-inch touchscreen infotainment system, heated steering wheel, and three new body colors: Dark Slate Metallic, Mineral Metallic, and Red Quartz Metallic.

What's under the hood remains unaltered. The base powerplant is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder gasoline mill (200 hp, 191 lb-ft) mated to either a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic gearbox.

Higher up the engine hierarchy sits the 3.6-liter V6 powerplant (308 hp, 275 lb-ft) introduced in 2016 and mated exclusively to an eight-speed automatic transmission.

A 2.8-liter Duramax diesel (186 hp, 369 lb-ft) supervised by a six-speed automatic rounds up the engine offer. It's also marketed as the most thrifty choice in the segment as it can return 30 mpg highway in the 2WD Canyon – which is similar to what it achieved on Car and Driver's 200-mile highway loop.

According to GMC, the diesel allows a towing capacity of 7,700 lb, while the V6 comes in second place with 7,000 lb worth of trailering ability.

Standard features include dual-stage and curtain front airbags, tire pressure monitoring system and 18-inch wheels.

Optional equipment includes, among other features, the G80 automatic locking rear axle, a remote starting system plus vinyl and soft folding tonneau covers. If that won't do, customers can choose to fit their pickup with an aftermarket solution – the practical and secure fiberglass ute canopies are a popular choice.

Those who are looking for a strong off-road flavor can tick the box next to the All Terrain X package, while owners in need of a fancier Canyon have the Nightfall Edition at their disposal.

Other alternatives in the segment are Toyota's Tacoma pickup truck and Canyon's less upscale twin, the Chevy Colorado.

Rugged pickup trucks don't quite tickle your fancy? We have good news: Mercedes-Benz just launched the world's first premium pickup dubbed the X-Class.