Starts at $36,000
FAST FACTS
MotorDonkey's proprietary vehicle data identifies every significant version of each model so that you can compare and decide. Ordered by price from low to high, here are the versions of the 2024 GMC Canyon that you need to be aware of, along with our expert analysis and recommendations.
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We see what GMC's trying to do by providing the higher-output "TurboMax" engine as standard, whereas the Canyon's twin, the Chevy Colorado, starts with a less potent version of the 2.7T engine. But here's the problem with the rear-wheel-drive Canyon's $36k starting price: You can get a Colorado Trail Boss with the TurboMax engine plus four-wheel drive and other trail-ready kit for just $1,300 more.
A key fact about the base four-wheel drive Canyon Elevation trim (the one that starts at $39,300) is that it comes with a single-speed 4x4 transfer case, meaning that you only have 4-Hi, not 4-Lo. Why do we bring this up? Because for less money, you can go get a Colorado Trail Boss with a two-speed transfer case that gives you the 4-Lo functionality you'd expect in an off-roader. If you want 4-Lo in a Canyon, you'll have to step up to the AT4 trim, which starts at $43k, nearly six grand more than the Trail Boss.
Although the AT4 version of the base Canyon Elevation 4x4 is a highly capable off-roader with low-range gearing for $10k less, perhaps it leaves you wanting more. If so, the AT4X gives you GMC's take on the Colorado ZR2 formula, including larger mud-terrain tires, locking rear and front differentials, an extra inch of suspension lift, Multimatic DSSV dampers and various other off-road-oriented upgrades.
Publisher and Donkey-in-Chief
Josh has been reviewing cars professionally since joining Edmunds.com fresh out of grad school in 2008, personally driving most new cars on the market every year since. He also served as the project manager for Edmunds' expert vehicle rankings from their inception in 2018, building the product out from the back end to the front end. Josh is a card-carrying member of the Motor Press Guild and a lifelong car nut who has tested, compared and critiqued a ridiculous number of cars in his career.
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