New 2009 GMC Canyon

Demanding truck buyers want a vehicle that performs – at the worksite, off-roading, or during everyday commuting. The 2009 GMC Canyon combines aggressive styling, flexible configurations, and a brand-new V-8 engine.

Available in regular cab, extended cab, or four-door crew cab configurations, the Canyon is available in three trim levels – the basic SL, well-equipped SLE, and uplevel SLT. Choose between a 2.9-liter, 185-horsepower four-cylinder engine, a heartier 3.7-liter, 242-horsepower inline five-cylinder engine, or a new 5.3-liter, 300-horsepower V-8 beast. A five-speed manual transmission is standard on the four-cylinder engine, while a four-speed automatic is standard on the five-cylinder and V-8 trims. When equipped with the automatic transmission and five-cylinder engine, towing capacity is a strong 5,500 pounds with 1,422 pounds of payload capacity.  The Canyon gets 14-18 mpg in the city and 19-24 mpg on the highway and is the twin of the Chevrolet Colorado.

With standard 2-wheel drive, the Canyon is a capable hauler and solid work truck. Moving up to the optional 4x4 with Insta-Trac electronic shifting, the truck is able to handle more rugged off-road conditions. The automatic locking rear differential allows additional traction and power when you mix it up with the rough stuff. Two suspension packages are available, with upgraded wheel, springs, shock absorbers, and unique exterior badging. 15- and 18-inch aluminum wheels are available, along with several unique grilles and wheel flares.

Inside, the cabin features an optional in-dash six-disc CD changer with XM® Satellite Radio capability and MP3 playback. Cruise control, manual air conditioning, and two auxiliary power outlets come standard. The optional power sunroof opens up the cabin to the cool air. Seating choices range from split-bench front seats to bucket seats, covered in cloth, deluxe cloth, or leather surfaces.

Safety features include standard dual front airbags and optional head-curtain side impact airbags. A 4-wheel anti-lock braking system and Tire Pressure Monitoring System are standard on all trim levels.  General Motor’s OnStar service comes standard and includes: Turn-by-Turn Navigation, Vehicle Diagnostics, Remote Door Unlock, Hands-Free Calling, Stolen Vehicle Location Assistance, Roadside Assistance and RideAssist, which will call you a cab if you are incapable of driving.

The 2009 GMC Canyon combines ruggedness, raw power, utility and sufficient amenities to make it a major player in the compact pickup segment.