2026 GMC Canyon: The next version of the GMC Canyon will come out in 2026. We think the GMC Canyon is one of the best midsize pickup trucks, and we can’t wait to hear about the 2026 Canyon later this year.
The 2026 GMC Canyon is virtually the perfect midsize truck. It can tow and haul a lot, it drives well off-road, and its four-cylinder engine is surprisingly powerful. You won’t miss having a V6 engine. It also has more luxurious features than most of its competitors, like quality leather seats, wood trim, and chrome accents that make it feel at home in the parking lot or on the job site.
The Canyon will probably stay the same until 2026, even though it got a whole new look a few years ago. But fierce competition from new versions of the Ford Ranger and Toyota Tacoma could make GMC change the Canyon’s trim choices to make it a better bargain.
We think the Canyon will get an update in the next year or two, based on how long cars usually last. This will definitely bring big changes, like new bumpers, a new grille, and a fresh look for the inside. But GMC may also add more GM parts and technologies like the hands-free Super Cruise system, which would be a first in this market.
We’d also like to see an electrified powertrain under the hood. A few years ago, GM executives targeted a smalkup truck lto join their full-launch size EV linlaunch eup. That target appears to have faded, although GM recently requested a plug-in hybrid pickup.
2026 GMC Canyon Reviews
General Motors has done a good job with its two new midsize pickup trucks. The next-generation GMC Canyon came out in 2023 along with its brother, the Chevrolet Colorado. Since then, both trucks have wowed. There aren’t any big modifications for 2025, but that’s okay because the GMC Canyon has been able to compete with the Toyota Tacoma, Ford Ranger, Jeep Gladiator, and Honda Ridgeline.
The 2026 GMC Canyon will be the fourth model year of the third generation of the midsize pickup truck. We think it will get a mid-cycle refresh, which means a few small modifications, and then a full refresh for the 2027 model year.
The 2023 GMC Canyon got a comprehensive revamp (reengineering and redesign) for its third generation. These upgrades come after that. The 2024 GMC Canyon had some little updates, including the new Canyon AT4X AEV Edition. The 2025 GMC Canyon also got some small updates.
What We Expect
- Standard ProGrade Trailer System for Elevation, AT4, and Denali trims
- The Canyon Safety Plus package is standard on the Elevation and AT4.
- The Elevation trim includes a sliding rear window, a rear defogger, and heated power outside mirrors installed snorkelable
- Standard rear seat belt indicator
- New colors with shades of Glacier Metallic, Desert Sun, and Rapids Metallic
- The Technology Plus Package now includes a sunroof and a Bose sound system.
2026 GMC Canyon Redesign
Like all third-generation Canyon models, the 2026 GMC Canyon will continue to be offered as a midsize pickup truck, exclusively in Crew Cab and short Bed configurations.
2026 GMC Canyon Models
GMC previously offered and and sh and short in Elevat and short4, and Denali variants. The entry-level Canyon Elevation offers the best value in its class. All Canyons use the powerful turbo-four engine, suspension lift, and wider track, which is also found in the top-end version of the Chevrolet Colorado.
This allows the Elevation to look nearly as tough as the AT4 and perform nearly as well off-road at a much more affordable price. Buy a set of your favorite all-terrain tires, and the Canyon will conquer any challenging trail.
The 2026 GMC Canyon will continue to be offered as a midsize pickup truck exclusively in Crew Cab, Short Bed configurations and 2WD or 4WD, in the following trim levels (product codes in parentheses):
- Height – 2WD or 4WD (T4C43)
- AT4 – Hanya 4WD (T4E43)
- Denali – 4WD Only (T4F43)
It’s worth noting that for the 2025 model year, the AT4X becomes an AT4 trim package, no longer a stand-alone trim level.
2026 GMC Canyon AT4X
The most rugged version of the GMC Canyon is the AT4X trim level, which features driver-selectable full-locking front and rear differentials, an off-road suspension with a 3.0-inch lift, rocker armrests, hill descent control, and mud-resistant tires. Inside, GMC equips the AT4X with an 11.0-inch digital instrument cluster and heated front seats. An underbody camera enhances visibility on the trail.
Furthermore, the AT4X AEV Edition features AEV steel front and rear bumpers, AEV beadlock-ready wheels, flared wheel arches, and other exterior protection enhancements. This model is worth considering for those serious about off-road adventures with their GMC Canyon.
2026 GMC Canyon Updates
It’s currently unclear whether the 2026 Canyon will feature a series of minor changes or a complete refresh. Check out the full list of changes, updates, and new features for the 2026 GMC Canyon (link coming soon).
2026 GMC Canyon Interior
The 2026 Canyon will continue to be offered in a single seating configuration. This configuration consists of two front bucket seats (seating two people) and a second-row bench seat (seating three people), resulting in a 2-3 seat layout.
One of the GMC Canyon’s drawbacks is its lack of customization. This midsize truck only offers a single cab and bed combination: a four-door crew cab and a short bed. Legroom inside the cabin measures 45.2 inches in the front and 34.7 inches in the second row. We noted that the Canyon’s interior feels slightly cramped compared to the previous-generation model. This GMC pickup truck’s bed is over 5 feet long and measures 61.7 inches long.
Technology
The 2026 GMC Canyon features a large 11.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Google Maps integration. Lower trims have an 8.0-inch digital instrument cluster and a six-speaker audio system.
Higher trims have a larger 11.0-inch screen and a premium Bose audio system with seven speakers. A 360-degree camera is optional (it is standard on the Denali).
2026 GMC Canyon Engine
The 2026 GMC Canyon will continue to use the 2.7L I4 L3B turbocharged gasoline engine with High-Output technology. Known as TurboMax, this engine produces 310 horsepower and 430 pound-feet of torque.
The engine still has an automatic stop-start feature. This feature can be deactivated using a button inside the vehicle but is reactivated each time the engine is started.
GM’s second-generation 8-speed automatic transmission remains the sole transmission option.
Only the Elevation trim is available with rear-wheel drive (RWD), while the AT4 and Denali are available only with 4WD. All-wheel-drive models offer a two-speed automatic transfer case, while the AT4X features driver-selectable electronic locking front and rear differentials.
The AT4 and Denali variants offer four selectable driving modes – Off-Road, Terrain, Tow/Haul, and Normal – and an off-road performance display. The AT4X variant adds a Baja driving mode.
Performance
GMC equips every Canyon variant with a 2.7-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine and an eight-speed automatic transmission. The combined output is 310 hp and 430 lb-ft of torque. Rear-wheel drive is standard, while all-wheel drive is also available.
The Canyon Denali accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 6.8 seconds, surpassing the Nissan Frontier’s 7.5 seconds and the Tacoma TRD Off-Road’s 7.2 seconds. With RWD, the 2024 Canyon earns 19/23 mpg city/highway fuel economy, though that figure drops to 18/22 mpg with 4WD, 17/20 mpg with mud tires, and 16-17/16-17 mpg on the AT4X version.
Competitor
- Ford Ranger
- Toyota Tacoma
- Jeep Gladiator
- Honda Ridgeline
- Chevrolet Colorado
2026 GMC Canyon Platform
The 2026 GMC Canyon will continue to use the updated 31XX-2 platform, which is shared with its cousin, the 2026 Chevy Colorado.
Security
The NHTSA gave the GMC Canyon four stars out of five, with four stars awarded for the frontal crash test, five for the side crash test, and three for the rollover evaluation. GMC equipped the Canyon with several active safety technologies, including rear parking sensors, rear cross-traffic braking, blind-zone steering assist, automatic emergency braking, automatic high beams, and lane-keep assist. Other features include rear pedestrian alert, a 360-degree camera, and adaptive cruise control.
2026 GMC Canyon Price
Estimated Price: Starting around $41,000
2026 GMC Canyon Release Date
The 2026 Canyon will continue to be assembled at GM’s Wentzville plant in Missouri by GM USA. A production start date will be determined at a later date.
- Release Date: Fall 2025
Verdict
The 2026 GMC Canyon stands out with its strong towing, hauling, and off-road capabilities. The Canyon will likely continue its winning streak with few, if any, changes, though a refresh is likely soon. This truck has a nice-looking interior packed with many of the latest tech features. Only its high price tag keeps it from being a top choice in this truck class. If you require a reliable workhorse with modern technologies and safety, consider the Savana. Stay tuned; We’ll keep you informed about new developments regarding the 2026 GMC Canyon, so bookmark our website for regular Canyon News and other interesting GMC facts coverage.
