carivo.co
Independent review & score by Carivo
| Seating Capacity | 5 passengers |
|---|---|
| Body Style | Truck |
| Base Price | $31,850–$41,420 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
Our scoring places the 2021 GMC Canyon at 7.4/10 overall, which translates to a Good rating for this truck. Its strongest dimension is Reliability at 8.6/10, while Safety at 6.7/10 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. At 8.6/10, reliability is one of this truck's best cards — few vehicles in our database score higher on this dimension. Safety is a notable gap at 6.7/10 in our scoring — below what the best in segment deliver. Check the official NHTSA ratings for the trim you're considering before deciding.
Performance is a genuine highlight at 8.1/10. The GMC Canyon delivers engaging driving dynamics — responsive handling, meaningful power delivery, and a drivetrain that rewards spirited driving without sacrificing daily usability. The cabin tech earns 8.1/10 — infotainment, smartphone integration, and driver-assistance are all close to the best this class offers.
Priced from $31,850–$41,420, 21 MPG, seating 5, the GMC Canyon sits in the mid-market bracket of the truck segment. The 7.3/10 value score says the pricing is fair rather than generous; cross-shop the segment before signing anything. At 5 years old, it's worth checking whether a newer generation or refresh has addressed any weaker dimensions — compare it to the current model year before buying.
Our take: The 2021 GMC Canyon is a passable truck but not a standout one. Weaknesses in safety 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 →
The 2021 GMC Canyon ranks #251 of 515 trucks in the Carivo database — better than 51% of the segment. Its 7.4/10 overall score is exactly at the segment average of 7.4/10. Its $31,850 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $35,138 by about 9%.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full Truck ranking →
Smart-money pick: the 2018 GMC Canyon scores 7.3/10 — within striking distance of the 2021's 7.4 — 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.
| Year | Score | Starting 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 (this review) | 7.4/10 | $31,850 | |
| 2020 | 7.3/10 | $30,800 | Read review → |
| 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 → |
The following recall campaigns have been filed with NHTSA for this model and year. Recall repairs are performed free of charge by franchised dealers; check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
| Seat belts 23/12/2020 · 20V811000 | General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV and 2021 GMC Canyon and Sierra 1500, 2500 and 3500, Yukon, Yukon XL, Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV and Chevrolet Blazer, Camaro, Colorado, Equinox, Silverado 1500, 2500 and 3500,… |
|---|---|
| Equipment / Other / Labels 01/07/2021 · 21V497000 | General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 GMC Canyon vehicles. The load carrying capacity printed on the Tire and Loading Information placard is 22.5 kg (51 lbs.) more than intended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements… |
Source: NHTSA recall database, fetched at page build time.
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