Get ready for action — whether it’s at the jobsite, the campsite, or around town — with the 2021 GMC Canyon. This small truck is big on capability, with three available engine options. Learn more about the 2021 Canyon engines and towing capacity using the following guide created by the staff here at Buick GMC of Rochester. Find your favorite Canyon engine under the hood of one of the new GMC Canyon trucks for sale at our Rochester, MN, dealership. Be sure to consider our finance and lease offers to help guide your next new truck acquisition. Reach out to one of our GMC experts online or by phone at (507) 288-1811 with any questions.
The 2021 GMC Canyon is available with two naturally aspirated gas engines and a turbocharged diesel engine. Take a look at the key components of each engine below.
Standard on the first two 2021 GMC Canyon trims, this four-cylinder gasoline engine with dual overhead camshaft design (DOHC) is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. Direct fuel injection and variable valve timing also contribute power and efficiency to this balanced engine option.
More displacement. More cylinders. More power. The 3.6L V6 gasoline engine provides the most horsepower available in the 2021 GMC Canyon lineup. Paired with eight-speed automatic transmission, this six-cylinder, direct fuel injection engine features DOHC design for more horsepower at higher speeds, and variable valve timing to increase your efficiency. Powertrain grade braking helps slow your vehicle on downhill drives.
For the best torque numbers and fuel efficiency available in the 2021 GMC Canyon lineup, turn to the 2.8L Duramax turbo diesel engine. This inline-four cylinder engine features DOHC and direct injection, and is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. The turbocharger increases your performance and provides diesel exhaust braking as an added benefit.
Find the power and performance you need for hauling lumber or for efficient daily driving using the 2021 GMC Canyon engine performance specs table below.
| 2021 GMC Canyon Engine | Key Specs |
|---|---|
| 2.5L Four-Cylinder |
|
| 3.6L V6 |
|
| 2.8L Duramax Turbo Diesel |
|
When you’re ready to go to work, the 2021 GMC Canyon is ready to deliver. The maximum towing rating tells you how much you can safely pull behind your truck. Maximum towing is calculated by taking the gross combined vehicle weight rating (GCVWR) and subtracting the curb weight of your truck. Alternately, you can simply consult the table below to see how much each 2021 Canyon engine can tow.
| Engine | Maximum Towing |
|---|---|
| 2.8L Duramax | 7,700 lbs. |
| 3.6L V6 | 7,000 lbs. |
| 2.5L four-cylinder | 3,500 lbs. |
Are you wondering “how much can my truck carry?” You’re looking for payload. Payload is calculated by subtracting the curb weight of your truck from the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR). Depending on the cab and bed configuration you pick, you’ll find different maximum payloads in the 2021 Canyon. Browse the following table to find the configuration with the capability you need.
| Configuration | Maximum Payload |
|---|---|
| Extended Cab (2WD/4WD) | 1,567 lbs. / 1,520 lbs. |
| Crew Cab/Short Bed (2WD/4WD) | 1,578 lbs. / 1,531 lbs. |
| Crew Cab/Long Bed (4WD) | 1,475 lbs. |
Browse the table below to see which 2021 GMC Canyon trims offer the engine you want.
| Engine: | Standard On: | Available On: |
|---|---|---|
| 2.5L four-cylinder |
|
N/A |
| 3.6L V6 |
|
|
| 2.8L Duramax | N/A |
|
Learn more about the key Canyon interior design, tech, and off-road options with some of the research compiled by the team here at Buick GMC of Rochester.
Take command of the road ahead in the truck Car and Driver says “provides the best versatility in the midsize truck market” — the 2020 GMC Canyon. Whether you’re looking to tow or haul for work or for fun, the Canyon is built to deliver uncompromising power with a variety of engine configurations. To help you learn more about Canyon capabilities, the team at Buick GMC of Rochester created this engines and towing research guide. We’ve outlined how much the 2020 Canyon can tow, it’s payload capacity, and several of the key features designed to make your life on the road safer and more convenient.
If you’re interested in making the potent Canyon your next truck, shop the 2020 Canyon inventory at our Rochester, MN, dealership. Questions? Send our GMC experts a message online or give us a call at (507) 288-1811.
Work meets play behind the wheel of the 2020 GMC Canyon, and each of the three available Canyon engines makes your vision possible. Find key engine specs and differences in the table below.
|
Engine |
2.5L I4 |
3.6L V6 |
2.8L Duramax® turbo-diesel I4 |
|
Transmission |
Six-speed automatic |
Eight-speed automatic |
Six-speed automatic / available eight-speed automatic |
|
Horsepower |
200 HP |
308 HP |
181 HP |
|
Torque |
191 lb.-ft. |
275 lb.-ft. |
369 lb.-ft. |
|
MPG (city/hwy) |
20/26 |
18/25 |
20/30 |
Head up north with your boat or camper in tow, or hook up your small horse trailer and haul with confidence using the 2020 GMC Canyon. Find maximum towing capacity for each properly equipped Canyon engine in the table below.
|
Engine |
Max. Towing Capacity |
|
2.5L I4 |
3,500 lbs. |
|
3.6L V6 |
7,000 lbs. |
|
2.8L Duramax turbo diesel |
7,700 lbs. |
Maximum payload with the 2020 Canyon is 1,609 pounds using the Crew Cab configuration with five-foot, two-inch box and either rear-wheel drive (RWD) or four-wheel drive (4WD).
Maximize your towing abilities by adding the Trailering Package to your 2020 GMC Canyon base or SLE. The Trailering Package is standard on SLT trims and up. Features include:
Tow/Haul Mode – this transmission adjusting mode helps you accelerate while towing by raising upshift points, and helps you brake by raising downshift points as well.
StabiliTrak® – stay on track, even with a heavy trailer in tow. This system senses when your Canyon is starting to go off track and adjusts your brakes and engine torque to bring you back in line.
Trailer sway control – if high winds or unexpected road conditions cause your trailer to rock and sway, gain an upper hand in keeping everything under control with this system which applies both truck and trailer brakes as needed.
Hill start assist – when you’re on a grade of five degrees or greater, the brakes in your Canyon will remain engaged during that moment when you switch your foot from the brake to the accelerator.
Hitch guidance – make hooking up your trailer quick and easy using the rear view camera and hitch guidance, which helps you properly line up your truck and trailer the first time.
Available trailer brake controller – gain easy control over your trailer’s brakes and avoid awkward aftermarket trailer brake controllers when you choose this convenient addition.
Available diesel exhaust brake – brake smoothly and quietly when you equip your Canyon with the Duramax engine and exhaust braking. This system harnesses the power of your truck’s exhaust through the turbocharger and works with your transmission’s Tow/Haul mode and auto grade braking to create back pressure.
If you’ve found the Canyon engine that fits your needs, learn which 2020 Canyon trims it’s available on using the list below.
Experience the ideal balance of power, efficiency, and fun when you schedule a test drive with your preferred 2020 GMC Canyon from the inventory at Buick GMC of Rochester in Rochester, MN. If you have any questions, send us a message or give us a call at (507) 288-1811.