Description: Compact Pickup Truck
Base MSRP Range: $16,125 - $28,235
Invoice Price Range: $15,238 - $25,553
Where built: USA

For GMC's mid-size truck, the sheet metal's curvy, the truck's back bed and three cab configurations reveal innovative ideas in spatial management and there are two engines available that promote top-end power.

External styling lifts design cues from Sierra and projects a powerful face dominated by a chrome-heavy grille. Cabs include the two-door Regular Cab, an Extended Cab with two rear-hinged doors set behind the two front doors, and Crew Cab with four conventional front-hinged doors.

Engines of in-line design motivate Canyon. The entry plant is a Vortec 2800, 2.8-liter, 4-cylinder unit rated for 175-hp. Optional is a Vortec 3500 3.5-liter in-line 5-cylinder system that climbs to 220-hp. Either ties to a 5-speed manual transmission or 4-speed Hydra-Matic automatic.

More across-the-board choices come with formats of rear two-wheel-drive (2WD) or four-wheel-drive (4WD) traction through an automatic active transfer case called Insta-Trac. The Insta-Trac 4WD system permits shift-on-the-fly switching from rear-wheel to 4-wheel mode and has a 4WD low gear for off-road work.

Canyon outfitted the extended cab scores a new option package with leather-clad seats plus an available sunroof. Also, larger 15-inch aluminum wheels apply to Canyon's High Stance Off Road package.