2015 GMC Canyon SLE 4x4 Crew Cab: The Return of the Compact Truck?

I have to admit, I've been waiting for this one for awhile. In some ways I find it odd that a non-enthusist vehicle could matter so much. The reality is the mid-size truck segment has been left to whither over the last several years. GM's new midsize could just change all that.
As always, this is an independent, script-free review from an amateur car reviewer. I make these videos myself and am in no way affiliated or paid by the manufacturers or dealerships.
I hope this vehicle provides a valuable, real-world review for you.
thanks for stopping by.
Please like, subscribe and share.
-Greg
A big thanks to!
www.ricoautocomplex.com

[@reints74]

This truck equipped with a 5.3 would be perfect.

[@tristanblock]

Finally someone mentions the glaring fact that these "mid-size" trucks are pretty much the same size as full size trucks were in previous generations. I've watched quite a few reviews now, and none of the reviewers thought to mention this fact, even though they're keen on defining these as mid-sized trucks. The full size trucks today are absolutely huge. A friend bought a new F150 and it's ridiculously big. I think these new mid size trucks are great. They're cheaper than full size, get better fuel economy (compared to older trucks especially), and look a hell of a lot better than they used to. The Canyon has a really nice interior. Glad you showed some comparison shots with other trucks, that really helped show just how big vehicles are getting these days. Thanks for the review.

[@bmycy9132]

I just purchased a 2018 gmc canyon and Im very happy with it is just big enough for an office guy like me lol

[@MrTexaspete30]

My wife got a blue 2018 gmc canyon slt its so nice

[@bepbep7418]

To be fair these ARE Crew Cabs. Back in days gone by Crew Cabs were few and far between (most mid size trucks were Regular/King Cabs)

[@tommagadieu1069]

Have a 2018 Duramax and absolutely love it.

[@ltuey6423]

Great review........honest and to the point......excellent. No BS

[@gcavy1]

L Tuey Thanks for watching and chiming in, I appreciate it! -Greg

[@Cretens]

I own a 2014 Toyota Tundra Crewmax and I think I'm kicking myself a little.. You are so right on the 90 percent of buyers going for more than what they need.. I sure did!! very nice review.. Thanks

[@i.k.7485]

Outstanding review. I especially liked the segment of parking side by side with other pickups. It gives me a great perspective of the Canyon. Keep up the good work.

[@myquad23]

Finally a review that is worth something and not just an overview. Fantastic job, I applaud you sir. loved the size comparisons with the trucks of yester-year. A non-biased review is the best review.

[@gcavy1]

Jimmy Hawkins thanks so much, I appreciate it! -Greg

[@frankwright4718]

One of the beat unbiased commentaries on a vehicle. No put downs just factual information

[@Jack-kt8bs]

Very refreshing . Now a follower

[@Revnahead957]

Liked the review. One thing missed and important, to me, is the 7000lb tow capacity. This outclasses the toyota and the nissan by a long shot putting this as a leader for a lot of potential buyers.

[@Utahyota]

Fantastic review. Please make another video on the 2017 Canyon with the 2.8L Duramax. Thanks

[@brucec43]

rockin' the Vinnie turned up collar!

[@gcavy1]

Bruno TaTa yeah...the 80's called... -Greg

[@syhcoach]

OMG. I just sold my 2001 Dakota extended cab long bed (silver) for a GMC Canyon 4-door long bed in the same color you review! All I can say is: what an upgrade!

[@Minarets]

I think this Colorado/Canyon will do well. As a former 2012 Ram owner, I loved the big truck most of the time, but hated it when I couldn't get it in the garage at home or park in a downtown parking garage with ease. I, like yourself, only really need or want the bed for modest reasons and won't be doing any real serious "trucking." I prefer the sportier look of the exterior to the Colorado, but like the interior of the Canyon more. Once they start to incentivize these like the larger trucks, ill be more interested. The gap needs to increase some more in price for me. Nice review, thanks

[@gcavy1]

Matt Hollis Great thoughts, thanks for sharing! -Greg

[@jalberto3705]

U did a great job explains this truck and I'm glad u were showing the comparison's with other trucks good idea, this is wut I wanted to see and you gained another KZbin fan

[@gcavy1]

Jorge Alatorre glad it was helpful! Appreciate your support. -Greg

[@bartlyschlehuber6054]

A great video. Well done! I was out of the truck world for awhile .....I think I am back in.

[@gcavy1]

Bartly Schlehuber Thanks! -Greg

[@hawaiianflavor69]

thanks Greg for the effort of making this video for us. I appreciated and enjoyed it alot.

[@gcavy1]

Toby Tyler Thanks for watching, I appreciate the support! -Greg

[@19914runner]

When the small (midsize) truck market has a diesel motor in circulation for all brands, that is when I will start looking at them again. Back in the 90's was where it was at but they will never go back to it, so the diesel is what I am gunning for. Thanks for the review

[@gcavy1]

'91 4runner that will be a great day! thanks for watching. -Greg

[@popuppete]

Great review. I've watched a bunch and yours is the best one yet. You glossed over towing and power and tried to address what it would be like to live with the vehicle.

[@gcavy1]

popuppete Yeah, I can only cover so much. I hoping in the near future to possibly do a follow up and look at some of the other aspects of the truck. Thanks for stopping by. -Greg

[@giveyouashot]

I like your honest unbiased review. Nice looking ride but I am out on the durability and build quality.

[@beakerunrefined4230]

i have a 2008 colorado and i love it, this thing looks like a the love child between a toyota tacoma and an f-150.

[@gcavy1]

BEAKER UNREFINED nice! -Greg

[@MrTexaspete30]

My wife got a 2018 slt canyon and i gotta say dang its nice

[@keepmichigantough79]

Really good channel. Totally unbiased, and your speaking our Detroit car language.

[@gcavy1]

Joshua Herr thanks, I appreciate it! -Greg

[@302Rmack]

Great review...will subscribe to these

[@Subbanfan11]

That was a professional amateur review Good job Greg,

[@gcavy1]

Craig Noah thanks so much! -Greg

[@josephbishop3231]

Hollar to a fellow NM guy!

[@trumpafarian7129]

Nice video. I like how you compared the sizes to other trucks.

[@bodekolton5961]

You prolly dont care but if you are stoned like me atm you can stream pretty much all the new movies and series on instaflixxer. Been streaming with my brother these days =)

[@cohendane4875]

@Bode Kolton yea, I have been using Instaflixxer for since november myself :)

[@EmAreDayviss]

Im a car nut and I watch tons of video reviews. This one is every bit as good as most other channels and better than a lot of them. I actually learned a few things and I dig your true "everyman" approach to the content. Im waiting on the Diesel for sure, and Ill probably go for the Colorado.

[@gcavy1]

Matthew Davis Thanks so much, I appreciate it! -Greg

[@Rare_Steak]

Excellent review. The size comparison shots to both old and new truck was awesome! This review was easily more informative and useful than most "professional" reviews.

[@gcavy1]

***** Thanks so much, I appreciate it! -Greg

[@jasoncarpp7742]

What I like about the Colorado and the Canyon is the option of the Duramax 2.8 litre diesel engine, something the Toyota Tacoma has never had.

[@TheDuck1987]

Thanks for the great review! I just bought a 15 Canyon SLE All Terrain package and its great for what I do and more than capable. The only thing that left me baffled was the brakes. I should note that I traded in my 13 2500 after realizing that I don't really need something that big and that the 1500 was too big also. Once again thanks for the great review.

[@gcavy1]

The longest username you will ever see from the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations Thanks for sharing your real world experience. I suspect there are a lot of others downsizing too. Cool username! -Greg

[@48N116W]

What a great honest review

[@gcavy1]

Christopher Hudson thanks so much! I appreciate it. -Greg

[@AdamHaXoRz7]

Thanks for hitting the real-world price difference between the full-size and mid-size. I don't think I've ever seen anybody make that comparison.

[@gcavy1]

AdamHaXoRz7 You bet. Glad is was relevant. Thanks for paying attention! -Greg

[@Slimpeezy09]

I have a 2006 loved it ever since I've owned it, BUT I'm more in love with this one...

[@gcavy1]

Lucious Moore This is a pretty good one. Thanks for sharing! -Greg

[@dankruger2890]

That was a very helpful review. You did good with the over all look an feel of the rig with out add all the technique stuff. Different in the review process, but very helpful. GM is finally listening to the public and acting on it. Go GM

[@gcavy1]

Dan Krueger Glad it was helpful for you. Thanks for your comments. -Greg

[@ashleewhitehouse831]

I have a the 2012 gmc but I love the 2016 !

[@Sunshone7311]

Good job

[@rrt08]

I am like the others, most review channels seem to blur the manufacturer influence into their reviews now, not making them credible in my opinion. Great work on this new model. I loved my '92 Ford with V6 but Ford choose not to update or bring the overseas platform to the U.S. . Glad to see GM giving us something in this segment.

[@gcavy1]

rrt08 Thanks for your support and for chiming in! -Greg

[@jeffler383]

I like what you said, especially concerning the price. A lot of critics for this truck have pointed out a slightly less optioned full size can be had for about as much money after rebates, but you're right it's mostly timing. I'll be in the market this spring and this one will be at the top of my list!

[@gcavy1]

Joel Effler thanks for sharing. Some people are also just not understanding price as whole either. You can always get a base Mazda 6 for the price of a Mazda 3 with lots of options, does that mean everyone buys the bigger car? No. thanks for the support, good luck with your search. -Greg

[@azian2go]

Thanks for your honest review, that will be my consideration truck next year, but not yet decide.

[@gcavy1]

asia1980 thanks for watching, glad to help. -Greg

[@wborisenok]

You have the best Canyon review out there. Can you get your hands on a Colorado and do a review of that?

[@Stevens814]

Great basic overview!! However, I would have liked more of a comparison between the last Canyon model to this new rebooted model. I currently own a 2005 GMC Canyon SLE 4x4 and would like to know more specifics in comparison like towing capabilities, turning radius's, and interior overviews.

[@alfredovillalobos9751]

nice video and review hope this truck come to México greatings

[@gcavy1]

+Alfredo Villalobos thanks for watching, international viewers! ;) -Greg

[@Jeffo168]

Great review, I agree that people will buy this for its size not necessarily its price and MPG like everyone else wants to say.

[@gcavy1]

Don Ding Right, although to be fair, it is cheaper than its full size brethren. thanks for watching. -Greg

[@6149carlos]

Love the truck I really want one but going to wait till the diesel comes out

[@n.l.6136]

Great, thorough review! I'm on the fence between a mid-size and full-size truck, and you hit on some valid points. My truck needs are almost identical to yours, as you described them. I regularly drive both full and mid-size trucks at work, and I tend to prefer the easier to maneuver and park smaller trucks. Being able to easily fit the truck in my garage is also a huge benefit. Full-size trucks fit, but it is a tight squeeze and displaces other items I would otherwise store in the garage. At any rate, thanks for the review and keep up the good work!

[@gcavy1]

Nathan Littrell Good thoughts, thanks for watching and chiming in. -Greg

[@Smalltownflyer]

Nice overview and review. Thanks much!

[@gcavy1]

GalvaFlyer thanks for watching! -Greg

[@hialpha1060]

I just found your show and really like your well thought-out amateur opinion. I noticed that the small trucks were bigger and the big trucks have grown REALLY big over the years. I'm in the market for a "smaller" truck myself, and want the utility without the sticker or the gigantism. Thanks

[@gcavy1]

***** thanks for watching, much appreciated. -Greg

[@johnyt7931]

I have looked at a lot of reviews on Canyon and Colorado and this one is the best. I agree the real comparison is with the full size trucks. I have never had a Diesel so not sure if that would be something to wait for.

[@RetroManVideos]

Beautiful truck. I'm driving a 2008 F-150 right now, but next time around I'm checking these out. Great review

[@gcavy1]

William Presley Thanks for stopping by. -Greg

[@arthurbecker3018]

Great review, you brought up a lot of good points that you won't see in the GMC's/ Chevy's commercial and ads. My wife test drove a loaded GMC Canyon a little more that a week ago and we loved the truck in these main aspects, size, ride, and to towing capability and of course looks inside and out. We also drove the Canyon's cousin the Chevrolet Colorado, although the basic specs are the same we preferred the sportier look of the Colorado, over the more truck look of the Canyon, so we are going to get the Colorado instead.

[@gcavy1]

***** Thanks for sharing! (Good luck with your purchase) -Greg

[@paulmcmullen914]

I agree entirely with your comments. This could prove to be an important shift in the market. The full size trucks have grown to absurd proportions and the capabilities are far beyond what the typical user requires. Most of us use our trucks as a commuter vehicle first, and as a utility second. I've owned a Ranger and a couple of Sport Tracs and found them to be very capable vehicles. These trucks finally offer a more appropriate blend of capability and size. However, the full size trucks have made impressive gains in mileage (competition is a wonderful thing) and the Canyon/Colorado don't seem to have quite matched the level of effort in terms of mileage. The diesel will help, but an 8+ speed transmission would be a nice addition.

[@gcavy1]

Paul McMullen very good points. Seems like an 8+ speed and the diesel is the way to go! thanks for watching and chiming in. -Greg

[@johnt8345]

great review Greg, very objective and detailed. Helped me to decide to purchase 2015 GMC Canyon SLT this weekend. Keep up the good work. John T Raleigh NC

[@gcavy1]

John T thanks. Chime in again down the road after you've got some miles on it! -Greg

[@MRP78]

Very good idea showing the comparison pics. Great review!

[@gcavy1]

Old Mill thanks for the support, I appreciate it. -Greg

[@asecobra]

Excellent Review

[@gcavy1]

asecobra thanks for stopping by! -Greg

[@Scott31259]

I'm looking for a new truck, I've driven larger Pick-ups, but now I just might buy a smaller unit. You've made the point, that the new "mid-size" is just about the size of "older fullsize" trucks. I think you have been honest in the assessment about utility, and the need for space (size). I will go check out the new Canyon / Colorado. Thanks for your input.

[@gcavy1]

scott schindler thanks for watching, hope it helps! -Greg

[@ncobbledicks]

Looks great, Im going to test drive one of these this week. As 10 year avalanche owner, I just hope this thing feels like a truck instead of a tonka toy

[@gcavy1]

Alex Matses I think you'll find a marked improvement. thanks for chiming in! -Greg

[@SpirituallyPoetic]

Great review!

[@gcavy1]

SpirituallyPoetic thanks for watching! -Greg

[@anthonyrobinson7715]

That was a great review. First of yours that I have watched. Been looking at a Canyon for a while and still deciding. Overall this has helped lean me more towards the Canyon with the 4-cyl engine, since the other truck I was looking at was the Ford F-150 w/ Ecoboost.

[@gcavy1]

T Rob Thanks so much! I'm curious about the 4 cylinder version too, not sure if my local dealership will get one though. -Greg

[@jasestpeter1110]

Thanks. You make very informative and well thought out videos!

[@SoulfulHouseMafia]

Great review! Going to the Chevy dealership this weekend to take a look at the Z71 Colorado.

[@gcavy1]

SoulfulHouseMafia Thanks for watching and your support. Good luck with your possible purchase. Please come back and chime in if you get one and your experiences with it. -Greg

[@jalmanza1234]

Greg, you forgot to talk about the towing capacity and all the accessorizes available for the truck. its also very impressive.

[@gcavy1]

jalmanza1234 thanks for chiming in...yeah, a lot to cover. -Greg

[@modmatt1]

I'm with you with GM hitting the size right on the nose on this version. Parking spaces and garages are not easy with our full sized F150 crew cab. When it comes to (pickup) trucks, payload and tow capacity are more important to me over mpgs, since towing and hauling is where we use our pickup in addition to being a daily driver. Just picked up 1,800lbs of tile in one run last weekend. I don't remember you letting us know those important numbers? Can you share please? Great review!

[@mikebennet7697]

Both the GM V6s and the Taco V6s will get 2-3mpg more on the highway if you keep them under 65. I get over 27mpg with my Colorado if I do around 60-62 and baby the gas pedal. Most state highways around here have a 65 mph speed limit anyway.

[@jonathanrayburn9887]

I'd love to see you review and compare the new 2016 Toyota Tacoma to the GMC Canyon.

[@johnnyz067]

Great review

[@gcavy1]

johnnyz067 thanks for watching. -Greg

[@cliffordsanders1017]

great job

[@gcavy1]

clifford sanders thanks so much! -Greg

[@willypud]

thanks for review

[@gcavy1]

willypud thanks for watching! -Greg

[@Grinch415650]

great vid I'm considering buying 1

[@gcavy1]

young codeine thanks for watching! -Greg

[@soleary5555]

Thanks for the detailed review. Based on this - and my own test drives - bought a '16 SLT Canyon. Love it!

[@RBold2]

Definitely like the new design. Really looking at this as my next vehicle... Once the price is right

[@gcavy1]

Ryan B thanks for chiming in! -Greg

[@kg.aviation]

Great review! Much appreciated! I'm really picking between the Tacoma and the Canyon. The Colorado just doesn't look much like a normal truck as much because it looks more sporty I guess. It will be my first car since it will be my graduation gift in May 2015. I'm just really trying hard to decide between the Canyon and Tacoma and this review helped a ton. Thanks again!

[@gcavy1]

Kaleb Tyler An impressive gift! You're be fine with either vehicle. Thanks for watching, -Greg

[@madatu247]

Great review, I have been waiting forever for some new blood in this category. Looks like one more year of waiting though for the diesel or to see what Toyota comes out with for their 2016 Tacoma.

[@gcavy1]

steve Ross I'm excited about the diesel too. thanks for stopping by. -Greg

[@souheritage4885]

Thanks for review I'm looking at several different types of vehicles great see channel like yours.

[@Mr67Stanger]

Great review and test drive. I've owned a Tacoma for the last 10 years and will pretty much likely buy a 2016 when it arrives, but I wanted to give the GMC Canyon a shot, since it is a gorgeous mid-size truck. The seats and interior still look very GM-like, and this is something I never liked about GM; they still look plasticky and cheap. Everyone agrees it rides great and it is very refined, so I might stop at a GMC Dealer and go for a test drive myself. Thanks!

[@gcavy1]

Ivan Delgado thanks for checking it out. -Greg

[@mitchcarvalho2761]

This is the first video of yours that I've seen and I must say that you did a good job. There were points that were missed or could be touched upon in greater detail, but you can only do so much in so many minutes of video. I think the visual size comparison was brilliant, show how big these trucks are in the real world. There are people complaining about the bloat of these compared to the last generation as well as bloat on full-size trucks. Like you mentioned these are the size of full-sizes from 10 and 12 years ago, and I think if you take out the name "mid-size" or "full-size" just giving dimensions a lot of people would say that this is more or less the perfect size for 98% of people 98% of the time. I test drove one at my local dealer, and have formulated my own opinion. I look forward to test-driving one with the Duramax next year before deciding on how I would like to spend my money. On a final note, I want to say that your "amateur car review" end ups being more relate-able for the everyday consumer than most "professional car reviews" (such as making note of ease of reaching into the bed from beside the truck). Keep up the good work.

[@JonathanMaynard]

Liked the review...really comes from the average day person's perspective. Helpful.

[@gcavy1]

***** Thanks so much, glad to help! -Greg

[@tonygainer5663]

2019 Chevy Blazer premium videos

[@arielrodriguez7850]

this guy is great!

[@gcavy1]

ariel rodriguez Thanks for watching! -Greg

[@johnnybikesalot]

I like the look of the new colorado/canyon pickups, but they're just so big! And expensive. I still have an old S10 style Blazer as my work truck. Those trucks were just the right size for something compact. Now trucks come in two sizes, large and extra large.

[@sdweaver2398]

Great review compared to the biased big name car guys. Can't wait to see the extended cab and the Duramax diesel.

[@gcavy1]

SD Weaver That's probably going to be a cool little combo. thanks for chiming in. -Greg

[@TheUndergroundAce]

Great review. Would like it to have better fuel economy than the full size but the dimensions as you point out are really key. My buddy just got a full size silverado extended cab and that thing feels just too big for everyday use.

[@gcavy1]

TheUndergroundAce Good points. Thanks for watching! -Greg

[@fishingbreath]

great review, I sat in the canyon and it fit like a glove or better. I was afraid to take it for a ride because if I liked it I wouldn't go home without it. Price!?! a little more then I would like

[@gcavy1]

***** Yeah, I agree they are a bit pricey (as all trucks are these days). Definitely out of my price range! thanks for watching. -Greg

[@Wheelo40]

Great review. I'd never seen you before. Man it's hard to drive and spit out stats and opinions on a vehicle at the same time, so good job. I liked the side by sides with the older trucks. You have helped me realize that this truck might be perfect for me. I have to drive in dense traffice, park in parking garages, and generally deal with the urban scene. But I have a boat and a motorcycle to pull around plus sound equipement and household items to haul. I looked at the new Frontier and Tacoma and it's like going back in time a little. And I love the idea of a full size truck, but they are so feakin' big, I just don't want to wrestle one in tight spaces. I think this or the Colorado would be a good urban companion that would do the hauling I need. I'll go drive one next week. $5k off the price, though, please... :-) Keep up the good work.

[@gcavy1]

Mark Austin well said. Thanks for watching and the support! -Greg

[@MrJoeKaluzny]

Great review! You touched upon many of the ideas I was thinking about as well. Keep it up!

[@gcavy1]

MrJoeKaluzny thanks for the support! -Greg

[@sdushdiu]

I love full sized pickups....that said there is a definitely a domestic and world market for the segment served by the traditional Toyota and late Ford Ranger - one that Ford should bring back and aggressively market internationally as well as domestically.

[@BigSexyVanMan]

First time on this channel, it was refreshing to get an honest opinion on a vehicle for once. Keep up the good work!

[@ferndogg79]

great video!!... very informative....I got a 2017 Canyon and I love it!!

[@Bayportjohn]

Great Job!! Thank you.

[@2hotFL]

First time I've seen one of your reviews. Great job!

[@gcavy1]

2hotFL thanks for the support! -Greg

[@user-ox7bd8dq9m]

great review, thank you!

[@zr2ee1]

great job on this review, I like the detail on the size comparisons, rear seat room, and interior build. Lots of good information. Currently in a 06 Tacoma I've been meaning to check the canyon and Colorado out as it's peaked my interest although I have no intention to buy one currently, as you mentioned, there aren't any rebates, we don't know the real world fuel economy, There are new powertrains and packages coming out soon, we don't know how well these trucks will hold their value, we don't know if the infotainment systems will be updatable to support android auto/apple car play, and we don't know what Nissan and Toyota are going to respond with. Honestly I wish I could get a canyon all terrain interior with a Colorado exterior as I love the seats, interior lighting and stitching much more. For now we'll have to wait and see what fruit these two bare in the near future.

[@gcavy1]

Cory Patton good thoughts. Thanks for chiming in. -Greg

[@enriqueroman62]

I'm an electrician, I don't haul huge stuff, nor a trailer, this truck is just big enough for my tools and materials, and to drive it around town, going out on a date, transport my kids to school, and last but not least....go camping and do some decent and realistic off-road.

[@gcavy1]

enriqueroman62 good thoughts, thanks for chiming in! -Greg

[@marines496]

Now all we need is the ranger to come out in a couple of years.

[@gcavy1]

Steven Morales I'd love for Ford to go all in on a new Ranger. Thanks for chiming in! -Greg

[@UintaDave]

Great review, was almost exactly what I was looking for. Been waiting for a good review video on the Canyon

[@gcavy1]

David Christensen thanks for your support! -Greg

[@leobrooker1552]

Excellent & Informative Video regarding the GMC Canyon !!! Thanks Greg for another great piece of work. Lrb

[@sdushdiu]

Well stated...Thank you. You have addressed the 'middle ground' based upon functional utility and price that has been too long abandoned by the manufacturers. Giant trucks for mega bucks are wonderful. But real world functionality at a reasonable price is an under-served market niche.

[@thirstnomore3230]

Great video ~ very informative!

[@AndrewDock]

Keep doing videos man. You rock. Best reviewer on youtube IMO hope to see you keeping it up!!

[@lesamourai777]

Great and helpful review! Thanks!

[@gcavy1]

lesamourai777 glad it helped! Thanks for watching. -Greg

[@tilmangonnie6783]

Awesome review! My family had been getting our trucks from Rico since the 60s. Great service and they always have the best looking trucks around. Excited to see Marty and this canyon next time I'm in Gallup.