2009 GMC Canyon

• Vehicle Overview
The GMC Canyon is a twin to the Chevrolet Colorado. The GMC versions are priced slightly higher than the Chevys, and that gets buyers more-contemporary styling and a refined interior. Mechanically, and in terms of feature availability, there are no differences between the two trucks. It's all in the appearance and perception. The Canyon returns with three cab styles and three trim levels: WT, SLE and SLT.
New for 2009The big announcement is the availability of a powerful 300-horsepower V-8. Not that the 3.7-liter inline-five-cylinder engine isn't a strong performer, but all other compact trucks — with the exception of the Ford Ranger — offer strong V-6 engines, and the midsize Dakota has a 4.7-liter V-8.

The Canyon generally caters to an upscale audience, so the V-8 may make up a greater percentage of Canyon sales than it does of Colorado sales. The V-8 can also be had with the slick-handling ZQ8 suspension, which returns for 2009. The ZQ8 lowers the truck about an inch and comes with revised steering and suspension tuning, performance tires, and unique 18-inch wheels to provide more aggressive handling. The Z71 suspension is designed for offroad use, while the Z85 suspension is standard.
Also for 2009, Chevy beefed up the brake system and now includes electronic stability control and XM Satellite Radio on all models.