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2016 GMC Canyon 4WD SLT: perfect for work and for toys

Published 1:30 am Friday, September 9, 2016

by Larry Lark, Herald Special Sections Writer

The 2016 GMC Canyon 4WD SLT crew cab midsize pickup truck was a pleasant surprise.

All that was missing was the boat or trailer. Can anybody help me there?

Powered by an all-new 2.8-liter Duramax turbodiesel, four-cylinder engine and four-wheel drive capability, the Canyon is perfect for families with toys, or guys/gals who do serious work for a living. For the record, it’s paired with a six-speed automatic transmission.

It delivers 181 horsepower and 369 lb.-ft. of torque, with a maximum trailering rating of 7,600 pounds. The crew cab provides comfortable seating for up to five adults, and delivers an EPA estimated 29 miles per gallon down the highway. It’s also the cleanest diesel truck engine ever built by General Motors.

If that’s not enough juice for your liking, Canyon also offers a 3.6L V-6 certified at 305 horsepower and 269 lb-ft of torque, with an EPA-estimated 26 mpg on the highway (2WD), when properly equipped.

And let us not forget the 5’2” short box pickup bed that provides owners with even more flexibility and versatility.

A diesel engine was part of the Canyon’s portfolio plan from the beginning, meaning the chassis, suspension and other elements of its architecture were engineered to support it,” said Scott Yackley, assistant chief engineer. “That means there are no compromises with the Canyon diesel. It offers exceptional capability delivered with a confident feeling of control.”

Canyon is offered in base, SLE and SLT models, in 2WD and 4WD, and with an aggressively styled All-Terrain package offered on SLE models. It includes 18-inch painted aluminum wheels, a body-color grille surround with horizontal chrome bars, a body-color rear bumper, front recovery hooks, hill descent control and specific suspension tuning.

Exterior features included a copper red metallic coat of paint, EZ lift and locking tailgate, corner-step rear bumper, power outside heated mirrors, fog lamps and trailer package. It looked sharp whether the task was riding to Snoqualmie for a little fun, making a dump run, or simply commuting as part of the daily grind.

My tester included top-of-the-line interior amenities highlighted by leather-appointed seating,

driver and front passenger four-way power seat adjustments with power lumbar control, navigation system, heated seats, rear-vision camera, Bose premium seven-speaker audio system, automatic climate control, remote vehicle start and a driver-alert package that includes forward-collision alert and lane-departure warning.

Enhanced connectivity and convenience with IntelliLink includes text message support, hands-free voice control system, Pandora internet radio and USB connectivity. Plus, the Canyon is its own Wi-Fi hot spot.

Power. Versatility. Efficiency. Functionality. Creature comforts. The 2016 GMC Canyon checks all the boxes.

2016 GMC Canyon 4WD SLT

Base Price: $37,650

As Tested: $44,565

Base price includes destination charge. Vehicles are provided by the manufacturer. Prices may vary at local dealerships.