2005 GMC Canyon Review (continued)
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Summary

The GMC Canyon is way ahead of older designs such as the Ford Ranger. Canyon's technology and its new chassis brings refinement to this class. GMC's packaging and styling are distinct from those of the mechanically identical Chevrolet Colorado.

The Canyon is ideal for folks who need a real pickup but don't need or want the size and cost of a full-size truck. The Canyon is easy to park and is driver-friendly. The crew cab can haul home a load of horse manure for the garden, then take the family out for dinner and a movie (after hosing out the bed, that is). In short, the Canyon is an all-around performer, putting GMC in the groove for mid-size pickup performance.

Mitch McCullough contributed to this report from Los Angeles.

(Source: New Cars Test Drive)

Model Line Overview

Model Lineup:	GMC Canyon 2WD regular cab SL ($16,025); 2WD regular cab SLE ($17,140); 2WD extended cab SL ($18,370); 2WD extended cab SLE ($20,260); 2WD Crew Cab SLE ($20,610); 4WD regular cab SL ($18,635); 4WD regular cab SLE ($19,750); 4WD extended cab SL ($20,980); 4WD extended cab SLE ($22,870); 4WD Crew Cab SLE ($23,900); 4WD Crew Cab SLE Z71 ($28,020)
Engines:	3.5-liter dohc 20-valve inline-5
Transmissions:	four-speed automatic
Saftey Equipment (standard):	ABS, dual-stage front airbags, LATCH child seat anchors
Saftey Equipment (optional):	traction control, side curtain airbags
Basic Warranty:	3 years/36,000 miles
Assembled In:	Shreveport, Louisiana

Specifications As Tested

Model Tested (MSRP):	GMC Canyon 4WD Crew Cab Z71 SLE ($28,020)
Standard Equipment:	air conditioning, tilt wheel; cruise control; intermittent wipers; AM/FM stereo with CD player; power windows, locks and mirrors; deep tinted glass; front bucket seats; floor console and armrest; off-road suspension; skid plates; locking rear differential; fog lamps; aluminum wheels; brushed aluminum side steps
Options As Tested (MSRP):	side-curtain airbags ($235); leather seating surfaces ($1,495) includes heated seats; XM Satellite Radio ($325) includes first three months subscription; electrochomic mirror w compass ($175); molded carpeted floor mats ($160)
Destination Charge:	635
Gas Guzzler Tax:
Price As Tested (MSRP):	31045
Layout:	four-wheel drive
Horsepower (hp @ rpm):	220 @ 5600
Torque (lb.-ft. @ rpm):	225 @ 2800
Transmission:	four-speed automatic
EPA fuel economy, city/hwy:	17/22
Wheelbase:	125.9
Length/width/height:	207.1/68.6/67.0
Track, f/r:	59.6/57.5
Turning circle:	44.6
Seating capacity:	5
Head/hip/leg room, f:	39.6/53.3/44.0
Head/hip/leg room, m:
Head/hip/leg room, r:	38.3/52.9/34.8
Cargo volume:	36.7
Payload:
Towing capacity:	4000
Suspension, f:	independent, upper and lower control arms, torsion bars, anti-roll bar
Suspension, r:	live axle, two-stage multi-leaf semi-elliptic springs
Ground clearance:	8.4
Curb weight:	4093
Tires:	P265/75R15
Brakes, f/r:	disc/drum with ABS
Fuel capacity:	19.6