Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
About the 2018 GMC Canyon
Our scoring places the 2018 GMC Canyon at 7.3/10 overall, which translates to a Good rating for this truck. Its strongest dimension is Safety at 8.8/10, while Reliability at 6.5/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a capable but unexceptional truck — stronger alternatives exist if you're willing to shop the segment carefully.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. Reliability is the weak spot: 6.5/10, under the class average. Review the recall record on this page and price in extra maintenance headroom. The 8.8/10 safety score puts it near the top of the class on this dimension; the official trim-level results at nhtsa.gov are worth a final check.
Performance scores 7.1/10 — competent for everyday use. Acceleration and handling are adequate for commuting and highway driving, though enthusiasts will want to look at higher-rated alternatives. The cabin tech earns 8.1/10 — infotainment, smartphone integration, and driver-assistance are all close to the best this class offers.
Priced from $28,700–$35,012, 18 MPG, seating 5, the GMC Canyon sits in the mid-market bracket of the truck segment. The 7.9/10 value score says the pricing is fair rather than generous; cross-shop the segment before signing anything. At 8 years old, resale value, parts availability, and whether a successor model has improved on its weak points are all worth investigating before committing.
Our take: The 2018 GMC Canyon is a passable truck but not a standout one. Weaknesses in reliability hold it back from being a strong recommendation. It may suit buyers with specific needs it serves well, but we'd encourage comparing at least two or three higher-scored alternatives before deciding.
Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →
How It Ranks Among Trucks
The 2018 GMC Canyon ranks #298 of 515 trucks in the Carivo database — better than 42% of the segment. Its 7.3/10 overall score is 0.1 points below the segment average of 7.4/10. Its $28,700 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $35,138 by about 18%.
$0 — 1 campaign on record; recall work is always free at franchised dealers
Insurance
Varies widely by driver and state — always quote the exact trim before buying
We only print costs we can compute from sourced data (EPA fuel economy, NHTSA recalls). We don't estimate maintenance or depreciation — anyone who gives you one number for those is guessing.
Which Canyon Year Should You Buy?
Smart-money pick: the 2015 GMC Canyon scores 7.1/10 — within striking distance of the 2018's 7.3 — and starts roughly $3,000 lower. If you don't need the newest model year, that's money better spent on a higher trim or kept in your pocket.
Top-tier safety scores across crash tests and driver-assistance tech
Good overall value; holds its own against pricier alternatives in the segment
Modern, intuitive tech suite with wireless connectivity and up-to-date ADAS
Versatile body style handles daily commuting and weekend adventures equally well
✗ Where it falls short
Reliability scores are mid-pack; some owners report higher-than-expected maintenance needs
Driving dynamics are adequate but uninspiring; not the choice for enthusiast drivers
Fuel economy at 18 MPG is low — running costs will add up quickly
NHTSA Recalls — 2018 GMC Canyon (1 on record)
The following recall campaign has been filed with NHTSA for this model and year. Recall repairs are performed free of charge by franchised dealers; check your specific vehicle with our free VIN recall checker.
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2018 GMC Canyon, 2016-2017 Buick Envision, 2016-2018 Chevrolet Colorado and Malibu, 2017-2018 GMC Acadia, 2018 Buick LaCrosse, Cadillac ATS, Chevrolet Equinox, and GMC Terrain vehicles. The high pressure…
Source: NHTSA recall database, fetched at page build time.
Own a 2018 GMC Canyon that's been repaired repeatedly for the same problem? It may qualify under your state's lemon law — run the free lemon law check →
Common Questions — 2018 GMC Canyon
Is the 2018 GMC Canyon reliable?
We rate the 2018 GMC Canyon's reliability 6.5/10 — below the segment average, so budget for higher maintenance. It has 1 NHTSA recall campaign on record for this model year (details in the recalls section above — repairs are free at dealers).
How many recalls does the 2018 GMC Canyon have?
1 NHTSA recall campaign matched this model and year as of our latest check. Verify your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Is the 2018 GMC Canyon worth buying?
It scores 7.3/10 overall, ranking #298 of 515 trucks in our database (better than 42% of the segment). Stronger-scoring alternatives exist at similar prices — use our compare tool before committing.
How much does the 2018 GMC Canyon cost?
The 2018 GMC Canyon starts at $28,700 and ranges up to $35,012 across trims (MSRP when new). At 18 MPG, expect roughly $2,917/year in fuel at 15,000 miles/year.
Which Canyon years should you avoid?
Based on our year-by-year scoring, the weakest Canyon years we've rated are 2016 (7.1/10), 2015 (7.1/10) — each at least half a point below the nameplate's best (7.6/10). See the full year table above before deciding.
What problems does the 2018 GMC Canyon have?
The documented issues for the 2018 GMC Canyon are its NHTSA recall campaigns, which involve: Fuel system, gasoline (details in the recalls section above; repairs are free at dealers). For wear-and-tear patterns beyond recalls, owner forums are the best source — we only report what federal data documents.
Owner Essentials — GMC Canyon
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Similar Truck to Consider
Other trucks at a similar price point, ranked by Carivo score.
Representative photo — may show another model year
