2020 GMC Canyon — Carivo review carivo.co
Truck

2020 GMC Canyon

Independent review & score by Carivo

Price Range $30,800–$36,872
Fuel Economy 20 MPG
Seating 5 passengers
Category Truck
Est. Annual Fuel $2,625/yr

Key Specifications — 2020 GMC Canyon

Seating Capacity5 passengers
Body StyleTruck
Base Price$30,800–$36,872

Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.

About the 2020 GMC Canyon

With an overall Carivo score of 7.3/10, the 2020 GMC Canyon earns a Good rating among the trucks we've scored. Its strongest dimension is Performance at 8.9/10, while Reliability at 7.0/10 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 comes in at 7.0/10 in our assessment — above the middle of the pack for this class, though not flawless. On safety it earns 7.3/10: respectable, if not class-leading — several competitors bundle more driver-assist tech as standard. Check your trim's official ratings at nhtsa.gov.

The 8.9/10 performance score reflects a chassis and powertrain that punch above the segment norm — this is a truck you choose partly for the drive itself. Technology comes in at 7.9/10 — functional and modern, with wireless connectivity and core ADAS features, though some competitors pack more standard tech at this price point.

Priced from $30,800–$36,872, 20 MPG, seating 5, the GMC Canyon sits in the mid-market bracket of the truck segment. Value lands at 7.5/10 — you get what you pay for, no more and no less, with a few rivals offering slightly better per-dollar returns. At 6 years old, resale value, parts availability, and whether a successor model has improved on its weak points are all worth investigating before committing.

Bottom line: There's a case for the 2020 GMC Canyon, but it needs the right buyer. and several higher-rated rivals sell for similar money — comparison-shop before committing.

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 2020 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 $30,800 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $35,138 by about 12%.

Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full Truck ranking → · Best Trucks under $35k →

Which Canyon Year Should You Buy?

Smart-money pick: the 2017 GMC Canyon scores 7.2/10 — within striking distance of the 2020'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.

YearScoreStarting price (MSRP when new)
2026 7.6/10$36,050 Read review →
2025 7.6/10$36,050 Read review →
2024 7.5/10$35,000 Read review →
2023 7.4/10$33,950 Read review →
2022 7.5/10$32,900 Read review →
2021 7.4/10$31,850 Read review →
2020 (this review) 7.3/10$30,800
2019 7.3/10$29,750 Read review →
2018 7.3/10$28,700 Read review →
2017 7.2/10$27,650 Read review →
2016 7.1/10$26,600 Read review →
2015 7.1/10$25,550 Read review →

Pros & Cons — 2020 GMC Canyon

✓ What it does well

  • Good overall value; holds its own against pricier alternatives in the segment
  • Engaging driving dynamics with class-leading power and handling
  • 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
  • Fuel economy at 20 MPG is low — running costs will add up quickly

Common Questions — 2020 GMC Canyon

Is the 2020 GMC Canyon reliable?

We rate the 2020 GMC Canyon's reliability 7.0/10 — above the middle of the pack for this class.

Is the 2020 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 2020 GMC Canyon cost?

The 2020 GMC Canyon starts at $30,800 and ranges up to $36,872 across trims (MSRP when new). At 20 MPG, expect roughly $2,625/year in fuel at 15,000 miles/year.

Similar Truck to Consider

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