Last year we spent a day surfing and snowboarding in a Chevrolet Colorado Shoreline, a model tailored for action-sports fans. For a recent trip to Big Sur, however, we chose a different approach and rented a GMC Canyon Denali — the most luxurious mid-size pickup in its class.
We normally travel in a full-size F-150, so we were curious how the smaller Canyon would handle our family of three plus luggage and two bikes. It fit us comfortably. Cruising on Highway 101 felt effortless, and the Canyon remained steady at a variety of speeds. Despite encountering severe weather along the way, the truck felt stable and safe, unaffected by strong winds and heavy rain.
The Canyon’s bold grille and robust styling echo GMC’s larger Sierra pickup, giving it a commanding presence. On the Denali trim, practical and premium features come standard — a soft-open tailgate and bed lighting among them. Inside, controls are logically arranged and easy to reach. We appreciated the heated seats, which are supportive yet comfortable enough for long hours on the road.
On the drive we explored some backroads and engaged four-wheel drive. We didn’t attempt technical rock crawling, but in 4-high the Canyon performed confidently through sandy and muddy patches near the beach. It inspired no concern about getting stuck.
Fuel economy was a clear advantage of choosing a mid-size truck for this trip. The Canyon proved lighter on the wallet at the pump, delivering around 28 mpg on our run — a welcome contrast to larger pickups. For anyone who needs the functionality of a pickup but prefers the ride comfort and efficiency closer to a midsize luxury car, the GMC Canyon Denali is a compelling option.
