Shopping for a new truck, like the 2019 GMC Canyon, is all about looking at your options, analyzing each possible detail and spec for the kind of truck you want, and then finding the one that ticks off all (or at least most) of your boxes. Sometimes that can be easy: the planets just align, the clouds part, and a ray of light shines down from above onto the truck of your dreams. Other times, however, it takes work – including a lot of research and endless hours trying to figure out what all the options for a certain model mean.
But don’t worry; I’m here to help – at least as much as I can. To break through some of the white noise, we’re going to take a deep look at the options available on the 2019 GMC Canyon and see what it all adds up to. In particular, we’ll check a look at the configurations that are available and the engines that you can choose from. Then we’ll examine the different trim levels that GMC offers to see how much difference a few thousand dollars from one trim level to the next really make.
Configuration Options
There are three different ways in which you can configure the 2019 GMC Canyon, depending on the overall size you are looking for. These options can impact not just the overall look of the truck but also some of its functionality – since different box sizes directly affect how much you can toss into the back of a pickup. There is a crew cab available that can be paired with either a short box of just over 61 inches in length or a long box that is 74-inches long.
You can also pick an extended cab, instead of a crew cab if that would work better for how much interior storage you need, but this is only available with the 74-inch long box, not the shorter option. The 2019 GMC Canyon can also roll out with either 2WD or 4WD drive. The difference between drive types makes a pretty big difference in terms of price, so it’s worthwhile to consider if you really need 4WD before making a purchase.
Three Engines to Choose From
GMC offers three different engines on the 2019 Canyon, which creates a great option for just about anyone. The standard engine is a 2.5L 4-cylinder that offers 200hp and up to 191 lb.-ft. of torque, which is pretty good overall but certainly not the best available. If you want something with a lot more power, then GMC offers a 3.6L V6 engine that provides 308hp and up to 275 lb.-ft. of torque. There is also a diesel option in the form of a 2.8L Duramax Turbo-Diesel 4-cylinder engine that provides 181hp and 369 lb.-ft. of torque. To figure out exactly which engine is right for you, think about what you want your truck to do, and the trim you are interested in.
All the Trim Options You Could Want
Speaking of trim options, there are seven different trim levels to choose from and each brings its own benefits. As you might expect, the more you are able to spend on a trim option, the more standard and available features you gain with the 2019 GMC Canyon. There are some limitations and restrictions with some of these trim levels, however, so it’s important to look at the big picture and see what each one has to offer.
Trim – Canyon SL
First off, the 2019 GMC Canyon SL trim level has one important restriction to note: it is only available on an extended cab model, so you cannot pair the SL with a crew cab. With that in mind, this level comes with a 2.5L 4-cylinder 200hp engine, with no option to upgrade that, and there are very few available mechanical upgrades for the SL. The Canyon SL includes a basic 6-speaker audio system, 7-inch Infotainment system, and basic seats. You get pretty barebones safety features with the SL too, such as a rear vision camera, with no real options for any upgrades.
Trim – Canyon
Unlike the SL, the basic Canyon trim level is available for both extended and crew cab configurations, so it is the starting trim level in many respects. It has the same 2.5L 200hp engine, but there is the option to upgrade that to a 3.6L engine for more power. There are more upgrade options overall for the basic Canyon level, including an integrated trailer brake controller and a trailering package. The Canyon has the same 7-inch Infotainment system and 6-speaker audio, with options for convenience packages, and additional available safety features like rear parking assist.
Trim – SLE
In many ways, the Canyon SLE is comparable to the basic trim, with a few exceptions. The SLE level also has a 2.5L 200hp engine, with a 3.6L V6 available, plus upgrade options similar to the baseline Canyon. There are some upgrades with the SLE, however, such as a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot, which is available on the baseline Canyon but standard on the SLE, and a standard 8-inch Infotainment system. The SLE trim level also includes USB ports, cruise control, and additional safety options like available forward collision alert and lane departure warning.
Trim – All Terrain
The 2019 GMC Canyon All Terrain trim level is noteworthy because it is the highest option available for extended cab models – the other two trim options are only available for crew cab models. The All Terrain is designed for people who need a pickup with a bit more “get up and go,” and as the name suggests it’s a good option for more off-road driving. It is only available as a 4WD with an 8-speed automatic transmission and comes with the 3.6L V6 308hp engine standard.
The All Terrain includes an 8-inch Infotainment system, with available Navigation, a 6-speaker audio system, and automatic climate control. It also includes some very nice tech features like HD radio, an HD rear vision camera, and heated and ventilated front seats. The All Terrain is available in either cloth or leather-appointed interiors, but both have the same options beyond the materials used in construction.
Trim – SLT
In many ways, the SLT trim level is comparable to the All Terrain, but with fewer standard features that might appeal to off-roading. It comes with the 3.6L V6 308hp engine and 8-speed automatic transmission, but it is available in either a 2WD or 4WD configuration. The 2019 GMC Canyon SLT has an 8-inch Infotainment system with available Navigation, automatic climate control, an available Bose sound system, and USB ports. In terms of safety features, the SLT features an HD rear vision camera and most safety packages standard, with available lane departure warnings and forward collision alert.
Trim – Denali
If you’re familiar with GMC trucks, then you already know the word “Denali” is synonymous with luxury and comfort. The 2019 GMC Canyon Denali is no exception and features many of the same mechanical specs as the SLT. It includes the trailering package, tow/haul mode, and trailering assist, which makes the Denali ideal for hauling workloads or trailers for camping.
You get an 8-inch Infotainment center with Navigation included and the Bose premium audio system for a truly immersive driving experience. This trim level features USB ports, chrome interior details, and luxury interior packages included. The Denali also includes every available safety feature standard, including lane departure warnings and forward collision alert.
