2022 GMC Canyon Denali

The pickup truck is one of those body styles where we get bombarded by the trim strata and feature sets for every corresponding trim to the point that it starts to meddle in our preferences. Not to forget those optional packages as well that come inherent with them. The narrative is quite the same for the GMC Canyon but this analysis is confined specifically to the Denali format meaning we could skip the line and go straight into the details. This has always been that trim where you can take the leverage to forget that it’s utility machinery simply because of the assets like leather upholstery, full power-adjustable seats, heating & ventilation, which directs us to its exotic comfort and ease. In addition to that, the Denali trim has been as expressive as it can ever be considering its segment. Apart from these, there have been a lot of standalone options like keyless entry pads, performance air intakes, splash guards, and floor mats which we generally spot in it. And to our speculations, we see them returning yet again in the newer model also. 

There have been some additional extensions on offer in conjunction with those standard features which highlight the reason for its appeal and favoritism that include the mentioning of the Power Package costing some $1700 and the Trailer brake control at $210. The interior enrichment has been bestowed in its past model with the premium Bose sound system along with the Android Auto & Apple CarPlay. The SiriusXM Radio and an 8-inch infotainment touch screen are the other normals that have their relevance in its ambiance. Keeping their pinpoint aspects in consideration, we suspect them to have their presence in the upcoming model most probably. Therefore, it is safe to comment that it can be a sort of rule breaker who is not meant to be caged by the conventional norms.

Which Trim should you buy?

Without any doubt, the best among all the siblings is the Denali. The option to choose between RWD and AWD along with considerable powertrain prowess at its disposal are enticing in many regards. The premium touches and high cushioning are other added advantages that are there for so long that they look to be a prerequisite whenever the term “Denali” is spelled. Then cometh the towing capabilities and off-roading nudge, both of which are no less than any other competitor. Practicality and a little out of conventional perspective are something we will be witnessing with this upcoming model by the GMC Canyon and that makes it a must-buy option. 

2022 GMC Canyon Denali Release Date

The 2022 GMC Canyon Denali’s production has been announced to be starting by this coming 26th of August 2021 and the pre-booking month has been decided to be commencing in July. So, the opportunity to own one is much closer than you would have expected and it is your chance to cherry-pick the Denali with an additional package if wished with a little extra yet worthy investment.

Full-size pickups used to be a high blow on one’s pocket and that is when the mid-size trucks like the GMC Canyon Crew Cab Denali seized the opportunity to come out as a better alternative. Fuel mileage of 18 mpg in the city, 25 mpg on the highway, and 21 mpg overall are satisfactory from machinery which can tow up to 7000 lbs. Meanwhile, the Turbodiesel engine further adds to the returns with 19 mpg for the city and 28 mpg on the highway. As a result of this package, the range coverage hits the meter of more than 520 miles at its zenith making it the most desirable among the rivals. Since we don’t have concrete figures for the 2022 model yet, we have taken the 2021 model numbers for our reference.

All the trucks in today’s comparison are very economical. Even though the Nissan Frontier has a tad bit less mileage than the rest of its peers averaging 19 MPG, but it is still manageable to a large extent. The supremacy among them is not driven by combustion cycle or efficiency rather by their respective fuel tank capacities and that is evident from the fact that the Canyon and Colorado lead the pack with their 21-gallon tank. Thus, we place them at the podium and others follow that benchmark.

Unfortunately, pickup trucks are the last ones to get the high-tech interior features, for some reasons unknown to date. It is that pure purpose-driven mentality or what, those realms are, in general, kept devoid of such assists. As far as GMC Canyon is concerned, the Denali trim does have its perks of being on the top of the food chain but it also doesn’t go beyond some of the limitations despite having leather upholstery, wooden trim inserts, and contrasting stitching. But the label in the 2021 model is an indication that it might be taking big strides soon to redefine the standards once for all.

It can be assumed to revisit the postal address of those power-adjustable seats having heating and ventilation functions incorporated into them in the upcoming GMC Canyon Crew Cab Denali. The same can be true for the single-zone automatic climate control air conditioning as well.

In terms of utility, the GMC Canyon can have the edge over its rivals with the highest bed carrying capacity by volume with 1650lbs of payload capacity if it retains the layout as that of its predecessor. Likewise, the second-row seats will also have some storage space under them. In terms of competition, the Nissan Frontier seems to be the most underappreciated among all with a low cargo capacity while Colorado is a replica of the former. Apart from the variations, we do observe their similarities too as they all have the capacity to seat in 5 passengers and both rows are balanced in proportion with respect to each other. The priority does follow the same ranking as that of fuel economy with the GMC Canyon Crew Cab Denali and Chevrolet Colorado Crew CabZ71 on top of the table.

Some of the expected features are:

• Heated & ventilated seats
• Wireless charging pad
• Leather upholstery on seats
• Wooden trim on the doors 
• Leather-wrapped steering wheel
• Power assists for seat adjustment

What’s there to keep you entertained?

The 2022 Canyon Denali is anticipated to mirror its historic pokes like the Navigation unit, Bluetooth Connectivity, and Advanced Voice Recognition. In addition to that, it might come with an 8-inch touch screen system with a 7-speaker Bose sound system, Android Auto & Apple CarPlay as a standard again. The other tech-ends like the SiriusXM Radio, HD Radio, and Wi-Fi Hotspot capable will also find their ways back to where they belong to. The basics like the Wireless charging pad and smartphone integration are kind of understandable to feature inside the cabin for one’s ease with mobile-related operations.

Some of the expected features are:

• 8.0-inch touch screen
• SiriusXM
• Bluetooth & USB
• Wi-Fi hotspot 
• Navigation
• 7-speaker Bose sound system 
• Wireless charging pad 

GMC is one of those few brands in the Pickup truck segment that isn’t going with the trend no matter what. Their boxy, square-shaped trucks still look fresh till day. The 2022 GMC Canyon will most probably carry forward that bold persona as that of its predecessor like no other. And the best part is that it does not even try hard in this pursuit as if it is just habitual for GMC trucks. Being a truck means it's all about muscular body shapes and corresponding body lines and the Canyon has always plenty of them. The hood of the truck, specifically, has been given those bulges and lines along with the fenders that protrude outwards adding to the width of the vehicle providing a substantial road presence. 

Moreover, we must give credit to GMC for keeping the wheel wells square, it would have disturbed the design language otherwise. The LED headlight unit does look nice but a Matrix LED set up as we get on the Cadillac’s would have been great as anyway they were supposed to add something new to the design for 2022. If you are personally into the all-out zone, then the Denali Black Edition package will make the Canyon a sinister pick-up truck with blacked-out exterior trims. Overall, we don’t have any complaints about the speculative design of the 2022 GMC Canyon, we just hope they do introduce some modern exterior features for their upcoming models. 

Appearance is a necessity but what’s equally imperative is the dynamics and handling which are the results of one’s curbing over the extra inches. Though the GMC Canyon Crew Cab Denali may seem to be the heaviest among all on the platform yet the off-roading is not expected to be compromised in the all-new model. The relativity in dimensional aspects might remain in line with others in the 2022 silhouette. A ground of 8.3 inches is likely to have the same measurement which is appropriate when loaded under full capacity. Therefore, the Canyon will be as reliable and impressive as it has been in the past. 

Some of the expected features are:

• Chrome Grille
• 20-inch wheels 
• 255/55R20 all-season tires
• LED Fog lamps
• Theft-deterrent system
• LED Headlamps

The 2022 GMC Canyon hasn’t been tested yet but the results ought to be similar to the 2021 model. NHTSA has marked the Canyon with 4-stars in overall safety similar to what’s in the frontal crash ratings. While the side crash scales are leveled up with 5-stars in all the categories. The rollover rating of 3-stars might be an area of concern but that is something we have to bear with such boxy designs. The IIHS does have almost parallel ratings only except for the small overlap passenger side. So one can be at ease with regards to its structural integrity. To assist this impact soundness, the 2021 model assists are likely to have their relevance in the upcoming GMC Canyon Crew Cab Denali with the StabiliTrak, Rear Parking Assist, Forward Collision Warning, and Lane Departure Warning. All in all, it has high future prospects for consumer safety.

Some of the expected features are:

• Rearview camera
• Teen Driver
• Forward collision warning 
• Lane Departure warning
• Rear parking sensors 

2022 GMC Canyon Denali vs 2021 Chevrolet Colorado Z71

There are very few differences between both of these pickup trucks. The interior is similar, power figures are parallel, so what makes the variation in virtues? It is the exterior appeal where the Chevy Colorado has diverted away from the roots of the segment which is actually reasonable for the matter of the fact that it doesn’t make any sense providing 2 exactly similar trucks from the same parent brand. Therefore, they both are on the same priority list with no preference given to any specific model. Whichever suits your status should be parked in your garage.

2022 GMC Canyon Denali vs 2021 Nissan frontier Pro-4X

Nissan Frontier is a decent affordable off-roader but that’s just about it, the rest of the truck is a mess. We can live that design but the interior is underwhelmingly old that dents the image. The ride quality is not at par, the infotainment unit lacks assets and for safety, we have a relatively feature deficit at its bin. Nissan Frontier might give that Japanese engineered peace of mind, but spending 35 grand for just that is not acceptable which is why we prefer a much more practical off-roader and utilitarian at the same time, the GMC Canyon Denali, on offer.

2022 GMC Canyon Denali vs 2021 Honda Ridgeline Black Edition 

Honda Ridgeline is a true modern-day pickup truck in every sense. Step inside and you are greeted with that nice high-tech interior and premium leather seats. The Ridgeline still has those compact SUV vibes but things have been improved quite a lot. The handling of this truck is impressive and the steering provides nice feedback. The ride quality is comfortable even on tough terrains. The safety technology on the Honda is better than every truck in this segment but that is compensated with better range coverage and a much more balanced cabin by the GMC Canyon Denali. So it is a 50-50 call-out between the two.

The 2022 GMC Canyon is a pickup truck true to its core. The design is great, the interior is content as per investment, and provides great fuel economy as well. Adding to that, the payload and towing capacity are top-notch compared to its rivals and that should be one of the important deciding factors while buying in this segment. Overall, the GMC Canyon is a solid American truck that has more positives than negatives.