For GMC truck aficionados, the mantra is clear: “It’s not just a Chevy, it’s a GMC.” This sentiment often precedes a deeper explanation, “Yes, it might resemble a Chevy, but it offers a superior experience.” Having previously reviewed and admired the 2016 Chevrolet Colorado Duramax, the opportunity to test drive the 2018 GMC Canyon Denali, equipped with the same Duramax diesel engine, presented itself as a perfect chance to explore this distinction. The question lingered: does the Canyon truly justify its position above its Colorado sibling?
Disappointing Denali Interior?
The Denali trim level represents GMC’s foray into luxury, positioning itself within the General Motors family closer to Cadillac and Buick in terms of premium features. Therefore, stepping into the Canyon Denali, expectations were naturally elevated. However, the initial impression was somewhat underwhelming. The absence of modern safety features like blind spot detection, coupled with a gear shift lever that seemed reminiscent of older, less refined Chevy models, sparked a sense of déjà vu rather than premium luxury.
While the Canyon Denali does boast a 7-speaker Bose audio system, an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and a wireless charging pad, these features are becoming increasingly standard in contemporary vehicles. Beyond heated and ventilated seats and a leather-wrapped steering wheel – amenities now commonplace across various segments – the promised Denali luxury felt elusive.
The wireless charging pad’s dimensions proved restrictive, unable to accommodate larger smartphones like the Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge (considered older by 2018 standards, but still relevant). The all-black leather interior, while undeniably leather, felt generic for a 2018 luxury trim. GMC’s decision to offer the Canyon Denali exclusively with black leather interior further contributed to a somewhat monotonous cabin ambiance. The subtle wood accents intended to elevate the interior aesthetic were largely overshadowed by the vast expanse of dark leather, failing to deliver a truly luxurious feel.
Considering the Denali trim commands a substantial $4,000 premium, the tangible enhancements within the interior felt disproportionately minor. It begs the question: where exactly is this additional investment directed, beyond the Denali badging, a more prominent chrome grille, and a bed liner emblazoned with the DENALI logo?
Exterior Styling: A Standout Feature
Fortunately, the 2018 GMC Canyon Denali redeems itself significantly with its exterior design. The test model, finished in the sophisticated Dark Slate Metallic color, presented a striking figure. Parked alongside a 20-year-old full-size GMC Sierra, the Canyon, despite its mid-size classification, appeared modern and proportionally refined, rather than diminutive. Its dimensions strike a sweet spot, appealing to those who desire the utility of a truck without the bulk of a full-size model – a particularly popular preference in regions like Texas.
In a market where many pickup trucks adopt aggressive front-end designs, characterized by imposing grilles that extend to envelop the headlights (the new Silverado being a prime example), the Canyon Denali offers a refreshing alternative. GMC has resisted the trend of overtly aggressive truck styling, instead opting for a more refined and handsome aesthetic. The Canyon, much like its larger sibling the Sierra, features distinct square headlamps with round lighting elements, a confident, upright grille, and a front bumper design that subtly curves to create a welcoming, almost smiling, impression.
The GMC Canyon Denali projects an image of a handsome truck, subtly seeking attention with its refined styling, a blend of capability and understated elegance.
Performance and Specs of the Canyon Denali Duramax
The GMC Canyon offers a choice of three engines. The base 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, while functional, seems inadequate for a truck of this caliber. A step up is the 3.6-liter V6, delivering a surprising 308 horsepower and brisk acceleration. However, for those seeking enhanced capability and fuel efficiency, the Duramax diesel engine represents a compelling, albeit pricier ($3,370 extra), option.
The Duramax is a 2.8-liter turbocharged four-cylinder diesel producing 180 horsepower and a robust 369 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. While horsepower figures may seem modest on paper, the diesel engine’s torque translates to impressive real-world performance. The Gmc Canyon Duramax achieves a 0-60 mph time of around 7 seconds, providing ample acceleration for confident highway merging and passing maneuvers. With a payload capacity exceeding 1,500 pounds and a towing capacity of up to 7,600 pounds, the Canyon Duramax proves to be a capable workhorse in a mid-size package.
The 2018 GMC Canyon delivers a comfortable ride and surprisingly agile handling for a truck. It retains the engaging driving dynamics of a traditional pickup, allowing for some enjoyable off-road excursions. Disabling traction control unleashes the Duramax engine’s full grunt, while the Canyon’s responsive steering and predictable throttle encourage spirited driving on unpaved roads – capabilities that, while perhaps not utilized by every owner, highlight the truck’s inherent versatility and fun-to-drive nature.
Fuel economy with the Duramax diesel is commendable. A full tank offers a substantial range of approximately 600 miles, achieving around 20 mpg in city driving and 28 mpg on the highway. During the week-long test drive, an average fuel economy of 25 mpg was observed, further highlighting the diesel engine’s efficiency.
Pricing for the GMC Canyon Denali starts at $39,000, but factoring in 4×4 (a $4,000 option) and the Duramax engine, the price climbs to around $50,000. The specific test vehicle reviewed carried a sticker price of $48,420.
Final Verdict: Denali Premium or Just a Badge?
The primary reservation concerning this luxury-trimmed, diesel-powered mid-size truck centers on its price point. Having experienced both the Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon with the same Duramax engine, the significant price difference of the Canyon Denali remains a point of contention. Is the Denali badge alone sufficient justification for the increased cost? While the Denali trim aims for luxury, the execution, particularly in the interior, feels underwhelming. Features like a small wireless charging pad and heated seats, while appreciated, hardly define a luxury experience in today’s market.
The Canyon Denali, in this context, evokes an analogy of designer sunglasses versus a generic pair. Both offer the basic function, but the designer version commands a premium price largely based on brand reputation rather than a proportionally enhanced product. This sentiment encapsulates the core issue with the Canyon Denali Duramax.
Owners might find themselves questioning the Denali premium when encountering a Colorado Duramax owner, realizing the similarities in core features – leather seats, bed liner, 8-inch touchscreen – while bearing a higher price tag for the Denali name. The value proposition of paying extra for the Denali reputation on this particular model appears questionable.
For further reviews and articles, explore Here.
