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2009 GMC Canyon Features Review

March 7, 2009

FEATURES | 8 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

The five-foot cargo bed won't impress anyone used to a full-size pickup truck
Automobile Magazine

Options include heated leather front bucket seats
Cars.com

Several packages are available to tailor the Canyon to specific duties
Edmunds

Even the lowest trim level of the 2009 GMC Canyon offers a nice array of standard conveniences, such as air conditioning, cruise control, and a tilt-adjustable steering wheel.

Moving up to the SLE trim, Edmunds notes the GMC Canyon model garners "OnStar, an upgraded front bench, a CD/MP3 player and options not available on the SL." Furthermore, the SLT trim of the Canyon GMC "adds an auto-dimming rearview mirror, leather upholstery and heated power front bucket seats."

Edmunds reports that the Canyon GMC comes in "three body style configurations: regular cab, extended cab (with short reverse-opening doors) or crew cab with four regular forward-swinging doors." Furthermore, Edmunds adds that "crew cabs come with a five-foot cargo box while other Canyons feature a six-footer."

“The five-foot cargo bed won't impress anyone used to a full-size pickup truck, but it is at least shrewdly configured,” says Automobile Magazine, adding, “The tailgate has a 55-degrees-open position to provide support at the tail end of the load. With the gate fully down, you've got an 81-inch-long load surface suitable for hauling motorcycles up to and including a Harley-Davidson Sportster. Sturdy tie-down anchors are provided.”

ConsumerGuide reviewers are disappointed to discover that "interior storage is limited on regular cabs," though they report it is "good on extended and Crew Cabs with the rear seats folded." The short and shorter beds available on the GMC Canyon don't help much with overall carrying capacity, either. While Edmunds does note that the "dual-position tailgate can be secured partially open to better support the carrying of 4x8 sheets," the system is awkward and requires that the sheets "ride on top of the wheel wells."

Reviews about the 2009 GMC Canyon read by TheCarConnection.com’s editors reveal some enticing option packages. The Z71 Off-Road package seems to be one of the preferred choices, with ConsumerGuide reporting that upgrades include a "limited-slip differential, wheel flares, front tow hooks, off-road suspension, full-size spare tire, [and] 265/75R15 on/off-road tires." The ZQ8 package is geared toward street tuners and includes such features as "18-inch aluminum rims and a lowered ride height," according to Cars.com. Cars.com reviewers also state that other "options include heated leather front bucket seats" and "an in-dash six-CD changer"; "XM Satellite Radio is available" as well. According to Edmunds, a "'Sun and Sound' package" on the GMC Canyon "bundles a six-CD changer with a power sunroof."

Conclusion

It’s easy to turn an inexpensive 2009 GMC Canyon into a compact truck with a full-size price tag, so be careful and remain frugal if that's your original intention.

FEATURES | 8 out of 10Expert Quotes:The five-foot cargo bed won't impress anyone used to a full-size pickup truckAutomobile MagazineOptions include heated leather front bucket seatsCars.comSeveral packages are available to tailor the Canyon to specific dutiesEdmunds Even the lowest trim level of the 2009 GMC Canyon offers a nice array of standard conveniences, such as air conditioning, cruise control, and a tilt-adjustable steering wheel. Moving up to the SLE trim, Edmunds notes the GMC Canyon model garners "OnStar, an upgraded front bench, a CD/MP3 player and options not available on the SL." Furthermore, the SLT trim of the Canyon GMC "adds an auto-dimming rearview mirror, leather upholstery and heated power front bucket seats." Edmunds reports that the Canyon GMC comes in "three body style configurations: regular cab, extended cab (with short reverse-opening doors) or crew cab with four regular forward-swinging doors." Furthermore, Edmunds adds that "crew cabs come with a five-foot cargo box while other Canyons feature a six-footer." “The five-foot cargo bed won't impress anyone used to a full-size pickup truck, but it is at least shrewdly configured,” says Automobile Magazine, adding, “The tailgate has a 55-degrees-open position to provide support at the tail end of the load. With the gate fully down, you've got an 81-inch-long load surface suitable for hauling motorcycles up to and including a Harley-Davidson Sportster. Sturdy tie-down anchors are provided.” ConsumerGuide reviewers are disappointed to discover that "interior storage is limited on regular cabs," though they report it is "good on extended and Crew Cabs with the rear seats folded." The short and shorter beds available on the GMC Canyon don't help much with overall carrying capacity, either. While Edmunds does note that the "dual-position tailgate can be secured partially open to better support the carrying of 4x8 sheets," the system is awkward and requires that the sheets "ride on top of the wheel wells." Reviews about the 2009 GMC Canyon read by TheCarConnection.com’s editors reveal some enticing option packages. The Z71 Off-Road package seems to be one of the preferred choices, with ConsumerGuide reporting that upgrades include a "limited-slip differential, wheel flares, front tow hooks, off-road suspension, full-size spare tire, [and] 265/75R15 on/off-road tires." The ZQ8 package is geared toward street tuners and includes such features as "18-inch aluminum rims and a lowered ride height," according to Cars.com. Cars.com reviewers also state that other "options include heated leather front bucket seats" and "an in-dash six-CD changer"; "XM Satellite Radio is available" as well. According to Edmunds, a "'Sun and Sound' package" on the GMC Canyon "bundles a six-CD changer with a power sunroof." ConclusionIt’s easy to turn an inexpensive 2009 GMC Canyon into a compact truck with a full-size price tag, so be careful and remain frugal if that's your original intention.  2009 GMC CANYON STYLING | [6 out of 10] MyRide.com: "looks mean and menacing, albeit in a classy GMC manner" Car and Driver: "A broad variety of body styles, wheelbase and cargo-bed lengths" Kelley Blue Book: "Interior layout is highly functional" Most reviewers are quite happy ...

Read More of this Review:

  1. styling
  2. performance
  3. quality
  4. safety
  5. features

Other Choices:

The Chevrolet Colorado is nearly identical to the Canyon in every way—except for different grilles and slight variations in badging and trim. The Ford Ranger reigns as the strongest competitor to the Canyon and Colorado; the Ranger is an aging design, but at the four-cylinder level it’s more enjoyable to drive than the GM twins and gets decent fuel economy. The Ranger also comes in a wide range of configurations, including strong V-6 versions, although it doesn’t compete with the new V-8. The Toyota Tacoma is a step larger, but it gives the Canyon a run for the money, as its base price is more than $1,000 lower, with strong, smooth performance from its standard four-cylinder engine and hearty, competitive hauling power from its optional V-6. The Tacoma also has especially solid resale value. The Nissan Frontier feels larger, though it comes with a base four-cylinder engine or an exceptionally torquey and smooth 3.5-liter V-6. The Dakota is another alternative, but in terms of size it’s just short of full-size trucks; it’s not as maneuverable and gets less-than-stellar fuel economy from its V-6 and V-8 engines.

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See the GMC Canyon in Other Years:

2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004

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