2008 GMC Canyon Pickup

What Changed for 2008:

• Regular, Extended and Crew Cab models


• Optional head curtain side air bags


• Optional automatic-locking rear differential


• Optional high-stance suspension package


• Standard OnStar with one-year Directions & Connections plan


• XM satellite radio (three months free)

Overview
The compact GMC Canyon for 2008 returns virtually unchanged from 2007, although OnStar (1 year) and XM satellite radio (3 months) are now standard. Head curtain side air bags, an automatic-locking rear differential, and a high-stance suspension package are optional. Canyon (virtually identical to the Chevy Colorado), available in three short-box body styles—Regular, Extended and Crew Cab—comes with standard 2-wheel drive (2WD) or 4-wheel drive (4WD). It can tow up to 5500 pounds with the Extended/Crew Cab and 4000 pounds with the Regular Cab.

Model Lineup
Consumers can choose a 2008 GMC Canyon in Regular Cab, Extended Cab or Crew Cab short-box models, with 2WD or 4WD. Three trim levels are available: SL, SLE (SLE1 & SLE2) and SLT. The SLE trim includes manual-folding outside mirrors; carpeted floor covering; 60/40 cloth split-bench front seats; blackwall tires; 15-inch wheels; and a manual transmission. SLE1 trim adds power-adjustable outside mirrors (Crew Cab only); power convenience package (with power windows, door locks, and outside mirrors and remote keyless entry on the Crew Cab only); deluxe cloth seats with manual recliners; leather-wrapped steering wheel; stereo with CD/MP3 player; and an automatic transmission. SLE2 trim includes tinted glass; front bucket seats; power convenience package; and power-adjustable outside mirrors. Step up to the SLT package and you get leather seats; heated front bucket seats with power lumbar and adjustable outboard head restraints, with 8-way power for the driver and 6-way power for the passenger.

Options on the 2008 GMC Canyon include the Z71 high-stance suspension; leather-wrapped steering wheel; upgraded stereo systems; heated and power leather front bucket seats; power convenience package; and a power sunroof.

Powertrain
Two engines power the 2008 GMC Canyon. A 2.9-liter, dual overhead cam (DOHC), 16-valve, inline 4-cylinder engine produces 175 hp at 5600 rpm and 185 lb.-ft. or torque at 2800 rpm. Power is transferred through the standard 5-speed manual transmission with overdrive or optional 4-speed automatic. The 3.5-liter, DOHC, 20-valve, inline 5-cylinder engine generates 220 hp at 5600 rpm and 225 lb.-ft. of torque at 2800 rpm, and is mated to an electronically controlled 4-speed automatic transmission with overdrive. EPA fuel economy estimates for 2WD Regular, Extended and Crew Cab models with 2.9-liter engine and automatic transmission are 17 mpg city/24 mpg highway, while the 2WD Regular Cab with manual transmission gets an estimated 20 mpg city/26 mpg highway. With 4WD and the 2.9-liter engine and automatic transmission, the numbers for Regular, Extended and Crew Cab models are 16 mpg city/23 mpg highway, while the 4WD Regular/Extended Cab with manual transmission gets 18 mpg city/24 mpg highway. The 3.7-liter engine in Regular, Extended and Crew Cab 2WD models with automatic transmission gets an estimated 17 mpg city/23 mpg highway. In 4WD models, the numbers are 16 mpg city/22 mpg highway. A locking rear differential and traction control is optional.

Safety
Safety features on the 2008 GMC Canyon include standard 4-wheel anti-lock brakes; daytime running lamps; Lower Anchors and Top Tethers For CHildren (LATCH) system for child safety seats; theft-deterrent system; tire-pressure-monitoring system; OnStar with one year of Directions & Connections plan (available on SL, standard on all others); dual front air bags; and available head curtain side air bags.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the 2008 GMC Canyon Regular Cab receives a 4-star rating in frontal- and front side-impact crash testing (rear side is not rated), and a 4-star rating in rollover testing for 2WD and 4WD. The Crew Cab receives a 5-star rating for frontal testing, a 4-star rating for front side testing, a 5-star rating for rear side-testing and a 4-star rating for 2WD and 4WD rollover testing. The Extended Cab receives a 4-star rating for frontal and front side testing (rear side is not rated), and a 4-star rating for 2WD and 4WD rollover testing.

Technology
For music and entertainment on the road, the 2008 GMC Canyon includes a standard (in SL) AM/FM stereo with digital clock. Standard on all other models is an AM/FM stereo with CD/MP3 player with 2, 4 or 6 speakers, depending on model and trim. An AM/FM stereo with 6-disc CD changer, 4 speakers in Regular Cab and 6 speakers in Extended and Crew Cab models is optional. XM satellite radio is standard with three free months of service.