If you were saving for the new 2022 GMC Canyon, then you can cancel plans. The company is not launching the next generation of its mid-size trucks for another year. Understandable. General Motors had to postpone some of its production-ready vehicles for 2021, because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The development of new models is not a priority for now unless these are electric vehicles. In 2022, we will see the new Hummer electric truck, Bolt electric crossover, and Lyriq electric luxury SUV. Plus, GM might finally bring the performance-oriented Silverado to compete with the new Ford Raptor R and Ram TRX Hellcat.
It leaves 2022 GMC Canyon the same as before. Well, it is already the most capable truck in the segment. The company offers a diesel configuration alongside a trusted V6 petrol unit. Plus, you can make your ride luxurious, thanks to the Denali package, or more capable for an off-road ride, if the AT4 is selected. All in all, even unchanged, the 2022 Canyon will be one of the best pickups in the mid-size segment.
2022 GMC Canyon All Powertrains, No Hybrid
The electric future of all GM vehicles is certain. Well, some models will have to wait longer than others. Fans are already restless about the company not delivering hybrid units. That is the segment where General Motors is losing battle against Ford and Japanese carmakers. Soon, this is about to change. But, before we see any kind of electric upgrade, the 2022 GMC Canyon will have to count on two engines.
The first setup is based on the reliable V6 powerplant. A 3.6-liter displacement is one of the most powerful in the class with 308 hp. The towing capacity is 7,000 pounds. An eight-speed automatic transmission is sending power to rear wheels, leaving AWD optional. The fuel economy is not bad for this configuration, since the 2022 GMC Canyon will return 21 mpg combined.
It goes up to 30 miles per gallon of diesel. A 2.8-liter turbo-four is a great alternative if you need high towing capacity outputs. With 7,700 pounds, Canyon is a leader in the market. Even Jeep Gladiator with a larger displacement can’t beat it. You can get the max mpg rating if RWD is selected. Otherwise, all-wheel drive is returning 28 mpg on highways and 23 mpg combined.
We still don’t know if a 2.5-liter four-cylinder is coming back as the base unit. Truckers are usually skipping a 200-hp rated version, which also adds 180 lb-ft. the gas mileage is not quite better than for the V6-powered models. A new transmission, replacing an aging six-speed gearbox might be a solution. But, we would rather like to see a hybrid unit, increasing power, fuel economy, and towing capacity.
Packages: AT4 & Denali
The new Sierra 1500 introduced the fresh package SLT, which is one of the highlights from this lineup. The 2022 GMC Canyon might add it as one of the rare updates. On the other hand, thanks to the numerous options, the truck is already very popular when it comes to building the perfect configuration. Extended and Crew Cab are the starting point. Short Cab becomes the alternative to the long box on the Crew cabin.
Elevation is the entry-level trim with 18-inch wheels and a body-colored grille. More safety features have been added. A 7- or 8-inch touchscreen will sit at the center of the dashboard. Unfortunately, MutliPro tailgate is not an option, not only for the Elevation, but also upper trim levels.
If you want to spice things up, then there are two specialists in the lineup. If you want the best off-road performance, then the AT4 becomes the cool option. This version is specially tuned for the toughest situations. Full-time 4WD with off-road suspension will make a ride very comfortable. All-terrain tires are wrapping 17-inch wheels. Heated seats are standard. Optionally, you can replace cloth upholstery with leather.
The other special model is the luxurious 2022 GMC Canyon Denali. Here, leather seats are standard. Outside, you can notice 20-inch alloy wheels. The interior features are boosting safety, infotainment, comfort. Some of the highlights are wireless charging, Bose sound system, and an HD camera. Bedliner is also available, but not the six-way tailgate.
2022 GMC Canyon Prices
The 2022 GMC Canyon is a versatile truck and its price can vary from $27,500 to $50,000, before any upgrade. Of course, the highest MSRP is for the Denali version, combined with AWD and long box/Crew Cab. The AT4 and leather interior are also a cool setup, which will cost $41,000. The diesel engine is $4,500 higher than the V6. All-wheel drive is not available with a four-pot unit and it won’t be in the future.