So you’re in the market for a new truck and the 2019 GMC Canyon has caught your eye. GMC is a trusted, reliable car manufacturer that produces vehicles that look like the beautiful older siblings to Chevrolet’s trucks. With these trucks, you’re getting high-end luxury vehicles that you’ll enjoy for many years.
With a reputation for having GM’s best-built trucks, it’s no wonder GMC is overshadowing Chevrolet these days. The new 2019 line of GMC Canyons comes with six different trim options: the Canyon SL, Canyon, SLE, SLT, All Terrain, and the Denali. The Denali brand is a super-premium build. In fact, the Denali trucks alone account for almost 30% of GMC sales every year.
Even though the Denali is the top-of-the-line, super fancy, and most popular version of the 2019 Canyon line, the other models are worth looking at. You don’t want to spend too much money on features you’re never going to use or care about. The SLE, SLT and All Terrain are also quality vehicles that you’ll be able to enjoy for a long time, so it’s worth checking those out, too! Keep reading to find out which 2019 GMC Canyon is right for you.
Cab Configurations
The 2019 GMC Canyon has three cab options for drivers to choose from. The least-expensive is the extended cab, which has only two doors and a shortened space behind the driver for two passengers. The box length on this model is 74 inches long.
The next size up is the crew cab with short box. This is the most popular configuration option on the Canyon. It has four full-size doors and ample seating for five passengers. The back seat is full-sized, similar to an SUV. The extra passenger space eats into the box length, however, as the bed is only 61.7 inches.
The largest option is the crew cab with long box. This features the full-size cab along with the full-size 74-inch bed. Each larger cab size is, obviously, more expensive than the previous option. To make comparisons easier, we will be quoting prices for the two-weel-drive crew cab with short box, unless otherwise noted.
Canyon SL
The 2019 GMC Canyon SL is not for most customers and is not sold to consumers in high quantities. It's your basic work truck without all the flashy bells and whistles. We mention it only in passing since it is technically an available trim. It is only available on extended cab models, and it only has two seats. There is only storage space behind the front seating area. A 2WD Canyon SL is the cheapest of any trim at an MSRP of $23,295, but we recommend this version only for people looking for a work truck to dirty up. Otherwise, it won't be practical for most buyers.
Canyon
The true base trim for most buyers is the...Canyon. Yes, the trim and the model name are the same. For drivers who aren't chrome fanatics, GMC probably isn't your first choice. GMC loves to accessorize with chrome. However, the base Canyon trim gets by with only the shiny metal framing the grille. Otherwise, the door handles are black, as is the weather stripping around the windows.
Under the hood is a 2.5L 4-cylinder engine paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. Drivers can upgrade to a 3.6L V6 with 8-speed transmission for an additional price. On the interior, the infotainment unit is housed in black plastic rather than a faux metallic casing on higher trims. Seating options are cloth material or vinyl at no additional cost. One downside to the base Canyon trim, though, is that if you want remote keyless entry, cruise control, or an EZ-lift and lower tailgate, then you'll have to fork out $590 for the convenience package. Otherwise, there aren't many driver comforts here. The MSRP for a crew cab 2WD short box is $28,695.
SLE
The 2019 GMC Canyon SLE is a further step up. A 2WD Canyon SLE crew cab short box with the standard engine offering will set back drivers an estimated $31,995. That price includes a larger 8-inch infotainment system screen, as well as the addition of a six-way driver seat, four USB ports, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.
There is also some aluminum interior trim. The exterior continues with the shiny motif. Door handles remain black, but there is now some chrome window trimming, and the front grille has vertical chrome stripes across it. On the Canyon SLE, an EZ-Lift and Lower locking tailgate comes standard.
There are two larger engine options available on this trim, also. A 3.6L V6 engine is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. Additionally, drivers could also opt for a 2.8L Duramax Turbo-Diesel that has 4 cylinders and is paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. Each is about a $1,500 and $6,500 premium, respectively.
SLT
The 2019 Canyon SLT has an MSRP of around $36,895 for a 2WD crew cab with short box and standard engine offering. Speaking of that standard engine, this model has a 3.6-liter V6 engine, capable of 308 horsepower. You’ll also enjoy the 25 miles per gallon this bad boy gets on the highway. After all, it’s always nice to save a little on gas. A 2.8L Duramax Turbo-Diesel option is also available for a higher price point.
The exterior of the vehicle now features chrome mirror caps and chrome door handles. Wheels are now 18-inch polish aluminum, and the rear window is sliding. Some luxurious features include wireless phone charging and remote vehicle start. It also has a number of safety features including an HD rear vision camera, a tire pressure monitoring system, and a traction control system. At this trim level, the standard seating option is leather. We think this trim is the best bang-for-your-buck for most consumers.
All Terrain
The 2019 GMC Canyon All Terrain is the off-roading-focused truck from this line. It comes with an off-road suspension package with transfer case shield and hill descent control. It gets slightly inferior mileage, with about 24 miles to the gallon on the highway thanks to the four-wheel-drive drivetrain. The All Terrain trim is not offered with a 2WD.
This massive truck also comes standard with a remote start key, heated seats, and OnStar & GMC Connected Services for roadside assistance. With a 3.6-liter V6 engine, the engine is basically the same as the SLE/SLT. This trim only has five color options, compared to the ten on other trims.
You also have the option of adding the All Terrain X package, which comes with 17-inch Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac maximum traction tires, all-weather floor liners, a spray-on bed liner, and 3-inch assist steps. A crew cab short box version with a cloth interior starts at $38,895, while opting for leather-appointed seating pushes the price up to $40,295.
Denali
Last, but certainly not least, is the 2019 GMC Canyon Denali. This beast starts out at a hefty $41,495 for a 2WD crew cab with short box. It’s easily the most expensive out of the three options.
The sheer amount of luxury features in this truck is what makes the price so much bigger. You get 20-inch ultra-bright machined aluminum wheels, leather heated and ventilated seats, and an infotainment system with navigation. The seats aren't the only thing that's heated; the steering wheel is, too. There's also an upgraded Bose premium seven-speaker audio system and five-inch chrome assist steps on the exterior. This truck also features the Denali-specific front grille and fog lamp bezels, all chrome. (We did say GMC loves chromes). The V6 version even has polished exhaust tips.
(featured image via Facebook)
