What year is GMC Canyon the best?

The best year for the GMC Canyon is 2025. The GMC Canyon has consistently been one of the top-performing midsize trucks on the market, and the 2025 model year is widely regarded as the pinnacle of the Canyon's design and performance.

Reasons Why 2025 is the Best Year for the GMC Canyon

There are several key factors that make the 2025 GMC Canyon the best year for this popular midsize truck:

• Powertrain Upgrades: The 2025 Canyon features a new turbocharged 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 310 horsepower and 430 lb-ft of torque, a significant increase over previous model years. This provides the Canyon with impressive acceleration and towing capability.


• Refined Suspension and Handling: The 2025 Canyon has received updates to its suspension system, including revised dampers and springs, resulting in a smoother ride and more responsive handling. This makes the Canyon an excellent choice for both on-road and off-road driving.


• Improved Fuel Efficiency: Despite the increase in power, the 2025 Canyon also boasts improved fuel efficiency, with an EPA-estimated 23 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway for the 2WD model. This makes the Canyon a practical choice for daily commuting and long-distance travel.


• Updated Interior and Technology: The 2025 Canyon features a refreshed interior design with higher-quality materials and a more intuitive infotainment system. The available 8-inch touchscreen display and wireless smartphone integration make the Canyon a tech-savvy choice in the midsize truck segment.

Overall, the 2025 GMC Canyon represents the pinnacle of the model's design and performance, making it the best year to consider for those in the market for a capable and well-rounded midsize truck.

Do GMC canyons have transmission problems?

Yes, many GMC Canyon models have reported transmission problems, which include rough shifting, shuddering, and slipping. These issues have been linked to the 8-speed transmission in some years, with common complaints involving torque converters, solenoids, and fluid-related problems. 
Common transmission problems in GMC Canyons

• Shuddering and rough shifting: Some drivers experience shuddering in higher gears or hard shifts, especially when accelerating. 
• Slipping: The transmission may slip, particularly in the 2018 model year. 
• Hesitation: Some Canyons hesitate or surge in lower gears. 
• Harsh downshifts: Some owners report the transmission slams into first gear when coming to a stop. 
• Leaking or low fluid: Transmission fluid leaks can lead to loss of communication with the transmission control module (TCM) and affect shifting. 
• Internal component wear: Worn clutch plates, bearings, or internal gears can also be a cause of problems. 

What to do if you have transmission issues

• Bring it to the dealer: If your truck is experiencing transmission problems, take it to a dealership for inspection and repair, and keep all documentation. 
• Check for recalls: Some model years have had recalls related to the transmission. 
• Consider a flush: Some owners have found a transmission fluid flush and change to be a helpful fix, but this may not address underlying mechanical issues. 
• Be aware of potential lawsuits: Some transmission issues have led to class-action lawsuits, so it's important to have your vehicle documented if you're experiencing problems. 

What is the best GMC Canyon to buy?

The best GMC Canyon depends on your needs, but the 2025 AT4X is a top choice for off-roading due to its advanced suspension and features, while the 2025 Elevation is the best value for a daily driver, and the 2025 Denali offers the most luxurious and refined cabin experience. The most modern Canyons (2025 and 2026) all come with the same powerful 2.7L turbocharged engine, 310 horsepower, and 430 lb-ft of torque. 
For off-roading

• 2025 GMC Canyon AT4X: This is the best choice for serious off-roading, featuring a factory lift, 33-inch MT tires, Multimatic DSSV spool valve shocks, and front and rear locking differentials. 
• 2025 GMC Canyon AT4: A strong off-road option with standard four-wheel drive and auto-locking differentials for dedicated wheelers, though the AT4X offers more advanced capabilities. 

For value and daily driving

• 2025 GMC Canyon Elevation: The base model is the most affordable and best value for a daily driver, still offering a powerful engine and modern tech, with 4WD available as an option. 

For luxury and refinement

• 2025 GMC Canyon Denali: If you prioritize a polished and luxurious experience, the Denali is the top pick. It features more premium materials, chrome accents, and a more sophisticated interior compared to other trims. 

For a used model

• 2020 GMC Canyon: A strong choice if buying used, this model year received top rankings for its dependable performance, quiet cabin, and respectable fuel economy. 

What is the most reliable year for the GMC Canyon?

The most reliable GMC Canyon years include 2020, 2021, and 2005, while some older models like those with the inline-5 engine (e.g., 2012) are also praised for longevity. The years with the most reported issues are 2015 and 2016, primarily due to transmission problems. 
Recommended model years

• 2020 and 2021: These models have received strong reliability rankings and are considered dependable choices. 
• 2005: This early model year is frequently mentioned as being very reliable, partly due to its simpler design. 
• 2012: The last year of the first generation, this model is known for the durable inline-5 engine, with some owners reporting longevity and minimal major issues, per Reddit and this YouTube video. 
• 2017-2019: While 2017 had some reported owner satisfaction issues, later years in this range are generally considered more reliable. 

Years to approach with caution

• 2015 and 2016: These years are the most commonly cited for having problematic transmissions, with reports of rough shifting, gear-shuffling, and transmission failure. 

General advice

• Pre-purchase inspection: Regardless of the model year, it is always a good idea to have a mechanic thoroughly inspect any used vehicle before you buy it. 
• Research specific engines: Some engines may have better reliability records than others. For example, the 2.8L diesel and 3.6L V6 engines have different strengths and weaknesses. 

What year of GMC trucks to stay away from?

The 2014-2019 GMC Sierra 1500 models are generally considered years to avoid due to a range of issues, including electrical problems, transmission failures, and engine concerns. Specifically, the 2014-2015 model years were prone to transmission failures, while 2016-2018 models reported significant braking and technology issues. Models from 2019 continued to have problems with build quality and technology. Older models, particularly those with the Active Fuel Management (AFM) system, are also vulnerable to lifter failure. 
Years to avoid for GMC Sierra 1500

• 2014-2015: These early models in the fourth generation were plagued with electrical problems, especially with the new infotainment system, and had high rates of transmission failures and engine knock. 
• 2016-2018: These years continued to experience issues with 8-speed transmissions, a.k.a. torque converters, that could result in rough shifting, or "shudder". Some 2016 models were also recalled for braking system problems. 
• 2019: The 2019 model year saw issues with build quality, and continued transmission problems were reported, along with engine and technology complaints. 

Other models to approach with caution

• Older models with AFM: GMC introduced Active Fuel Management (AFM) on 2007-2011 models and continued to use it on subsequent models with 5.3L and 6.2L V8s. This system can lead to lifter failure, particularly if the system has not been deleted or the oil has not been maintained. 
• Models withZF 6-speed manual transmission: Trucks with the ZF 6-speed manual transmission, particularly 3500s from 2005 and earlier, can be difficult and expensive to repair due to specialized parts.