In 2004 GMC introduced its Canyon 4WD pickup truck. The truck is incredibly similar to the Chevrolet Colorado and has been marketed as a relative of the Colorado. Available with either a manual or automatic transmission, the Canyon 4WD has been touted as one of GMC's best ever trucks. Two engine options have been available since the beginning - either a 2.9L LLV I4 or a 3.7L L5R I5. Every year since the Canyon's inception has brought about an increase in its horsepower. In 2004 the pickup truck only produced around 175 horsepower; however, now in 2008, the Canyon can reach 295 horsepower with a 5.3L V8.

Rumor has it that all of the vehicles sharing the GMT-355 platform, including the GMC Canyon 4WD, will be undergoing a complete makeover. However, GMC has yet to confirm the gossip that the new model year will reveal a Canyon facelift. Also spreading in the automobile rumor mill is that GMC will partner with Apple and give away the popular iPhone to all new buyers. Nevertheless, this too has yet to be confirmed by GMC. With the massive price at the pump, GMC is said to be developing a new 4-cylinder diesel engine for the Canyon 4WD. Critics are concerned that if GMC releases a 4-cylinder, then other makers will downgrade to the smaller engine. While the vehicle would certainly get great fuel economy, the decrease in power would be significant too.

One of the most impressive features of the Canyon, since its origination, has been its price. Listed for around $15,570, the GMC Canyon 4WD beats out many of its competitors by thousands. Also, the Canyon comes standard with a one-year subscription to OnStar; whereas, many competitors provide similar safety services, but for only three to six months. In 2007 the Texas Auto Writers awarded the GMC Canyon with the "Best Mid-Size Pickup" award, an incredible feat for such a young truck.

Ultimately, the GMC Canyon 4WD defeats most of the comparables on the market with 17 city MPG and 22 highway MPG, a difficult accomplishment for a 4WD truck. There have been a few problems during the Canyon's lifetime. Being the Chevrolet Colorado's twin, many buyers were choosing to go with the other maker's version of the truck. Though the Canyon may be priced lower, the Colorado was available with more features, so consumers naturally wanted the truck with more additions. However, GMC has corrected the problem and provided the Canyon 4WD with just as many added features as its counterpart.