2022 GMC Canyon Elevation: LAST CALL for the V6!!!
The GMC Canyon has been with us in the States since the middle of the last decade. When it, and its corporate cousin Chevy Colorado, were introduced they injected some life and excitement back into the midsize segment. Chevy, GMC, Ford, and Ram had all bowed out of the segment years prior leaving the only real players as the aging Toyota Tacoma and Nissan Frontier.
NEED TO KNOW
- The 2022 Canyon was the final model year before the complete redesign, making it feel dated against the newer Tacoma refresh and incoming 2023 Colorado.
- This was the last year the Canyon offered a V6 engine option; the 2023 generation moved exclusively to a turbocharged 4-cylinder.
- The lack of wireless CarPlay and USB-C charging ports were notable omissions at this price point in 2022.
- Writer would choose the 2023 Colorado Z71 over this Canyon given the generational technology gap.
This 2022 GMC Canyon Elevation V6 4×4 is the last of a dying breed. As it is set to be replaced with an all-new model for 2023, this 2022 model year is the last call for many options internet commenters appear to deeply desire: a V6 powertrain, an extended cab option, and a 6-foot bed. All those options will be no more in the revised 2023 model year Canyon. Our particular Elevation trim is rather low on the hierarchy of trim levels but is rather well equipped by pickup truck standards.
The V6 in this model makes a decent 308 horsepower and 275 lb-ft of torque. In our 4×4 version, EPA-estimated fuel economy is 18 city and 24 highway. Other engine choices for the 2022 model are the bas 2.5L inline four-cylinder and the 2.8L turbodiesel which is the towing option with 181 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque and max trailering weight of 7,700 lbs. 2023 models are set to boast over 400 lb-ft of torque and similar towing numbers.
Inside is where the Canyon really dates itself, showing its mid 2010’s design and technology. Our Elevation did have the 8-inch color touchscreen infotainment, but there is no wireless Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, nor are there any USB-C ports. Materials are last-generation product levels, and we have already seen the much-improved 2023 version for ourselves. This is a nice interior, but the next generation definitely steps up the refinement and overall appeal over this 2022 model.
Our version was a crew cab model, but this is the last year model to get the extended cab configuration and/or the 6’2” bed. GMC apparently sees that most of their sales volume is made up of the crew cab short box variants and have simplified the manufacturing accordingly. Rear seat comfort was on-par with the last Ford Ranger, Toyota Tacoma, and Nissan Frontiers we tested, though if you plan on hauling more than one other passenger for many long trips, we may suggest stepping up to the larger Sierra.
Overall, this is a solid entry into the midsize segment, but since its rebirth Toyota, Nissan, and Ford have all updated their competition so the 2023 model is necessary to keep up with the Jonses. We like it good enough, and for those who “need” six naturally aspirated cylinders under the hood… consider this your last call.
2022 GMC Canyon Elevation 4×4 V6 Specs:
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2022 GMC Canyon Elevation
PROS
- V6 engine option (last model year available) provides 308 hp and adequate power for towing and everyday use
- Reasonable pricing for a midsize truck with decent capability
- Comfortable enough for daily driving duties in the Elevation trim
CONS
- Interior design shows its mid-2010s origins — no wireless CarPlay, no Android Auto wireless, no USB-C ports
- Interior materials quality falls short of newer competitors entering the segment
- The platform was aging at the time of testing, making it hard to recommend over the fully redesigned 2023 Colorado