2016 GMC Canyon Duramax Diesel: Is It Comfortable & Efficient?

( www.TFLtruck.com ) The 2016 GMC Canyon Duramax diesel is the upscale cousin to the Chevy Colorado Duramax. They share the same engine and transmission. How efficient is the midsize turbo-diesel pickup truck? EPA and/or GMC have not released final numbers yet. However, Nathan Adlen does an impromptu test run and gets the following results in this First Drive Review.
( / tflcar ) Please visit to support TFLcar & TFLtruck.
Check us out on:
Facebook: ( / tflcar )
Twitter: ( / tflcar )
and now even Truck Videos on KZbin at:
The Fast Lane Truck ( / tflcar )
and classic cars as well at:
TFLClassics ( / classicsunleashed )

[@JsGarage]

Canyon definitely looks better than colorado. From really far away I sometimes mistake for sierra.

[@duken4evr]

This truck with the baby diesel is kick ass and perfect for what I want and need. Like the size (don't need a full size) and yet it is a very capable tow vehicle. Way to go GM. You get it. Hopefully as time goes on and the hype dies down, the diesel engine will be available in more trim levels. Cool to hear diesel noises coming from a smaller truck.

[@EGGINFOOLS]

I like Nathan handling the truck segments.

[@GrotrianSeiler]

Love the diesel clatter! Adds to its character.

[@dlakerguy]

I said this on another vehicle where Nathan had the same complaint. He clearly didn't see my comment. The headlights are AUTOMATIC. There is no need to reach over to turn them on. You will NEVER accidentally switch the truck into 4x4 because you never need to touch the lights.

[@jmcd6877]

+Dale Couture I was thinking the same thing.

[@DJCARBON2012]

+Dale Couture Thats true, even my 2001 Chevy S10 has it. Unless he uses his headlights during the day...

[@dlakerguy]

+DJCARBON2012 There are daytime running lamps for that...

[@turboshottho]

The point is that lets say you are a person who likes to turn their lights off even if they are Auto... Yes those people exist you might use the wrong knob. OR if you are trying to turn on the 4WD you might use the wrong knob.

[@dlakerguy]

Tristan Rios I don't see the big deal. So you accidentally turn your lights on instead of 4x4.. How about you turn em back off and then turn on 4x4. What's the problem? No harm in that. Either way, at some point by week 2 of ownership, you know which knob is which lol.

[@lkcampbell9795]

Good review, Nathan. Thank you. I am very glad to see GM offering a diesel in this size of truck. I was REALLY hoping that this recent new Tacoma would offer a diesel option. This gets ~30 mpg and the Toyota Tacoma is at 20/21 mpg. Hopefully this will make the other manufacturers offer a diesel. I'd love to see many more cars and trucks with a diesel option. Can you imagine the mileage of something like a diesel powered Corolla.

[@joshgrami]

Man... I would LOVE to have that engine in my Silverado.

[@StephenGnos]

Welcome to Dutchess County y'all! I'm a HUGE fan you guys! @TheFastLaneTruck

[@TFLtruck]

+stephen gnos Thank you!

[@StephenGnos]

You're very welcome! +The Fast Lane Truck

[@andrewneilsen1516]

The Fast Lane Truck what is the song @ 0:57 ?

[@phuquetwo]

As time goes by, all these trucks start to look more and more alike. I remember back when you could tell what make and model from blocks away coming at you.

[@terranborn56]

Wow, as a Ford guy, I'm very interested in these, especially the diesel.

[@dlbodiford]

Can't wait for the tuners to get ahold of these! The same engine in the Holden Colorado can put out 250 hp and almost 500 ft lbs with basic ECU flashing

[@joestapleton8970]

This truck really sounds Great for me .... Love the Diesel towing and mileage.... and smaller exterior size. Thanks for this report!

[@tommagadieu1069]

Have one. Love it! Good for fitting in a parking garage during the week. And for getting chores done on the weekend- only thing i may upgrade is the sound system

[@michaelreece9106]

impressive little truck

[@galatiel77ify]

+Michael Reece it ain't little lol

[@michaelreece9106]

+M Danahey ..it is little. my f250 is twice the size

[@galatiel77ify]

+Michael Reece still ain't little. My boss's 85 toyota truck is little. It weighs in at 2800 lbs.

[@michaelreece9106]

+M Danahey ..lol it a big little truck

[@4estfloor]

+American Pharoah i wonder what a typical free flowing exhaust, deletes and tune will do for the 2.8 Duramax? It could result in awesome gains.

[@gilbertrobinson39]

yall hiring! you guys have the best job ever. keep up the good work love watch your videos.

[@SwPiotrek]

Great review. Thanks!

[@jasoncarpp7742]

Awesome video! I'd like to see more small displacement (2.0-4.0 litre) diesel engines offered in North America. It's been *way* too long since we last had small displacement diesel engines as an option.

[@SurelyYewJest]

Keep the videos on this thing coming! An Ike Gauntlet test of this truck with a loaded trailer would be the perfect KZbin Xmas gift!

[@quadrunner2124]

You know, people talk about the extra cost of having the diesel option. x,000 dollars is hard to justify from extra fuel economy alone sometimes. I feel like if your the kind to buy new though, RESALE value is going to pay for your "expensive" engine the moment you sell it. Americans like their diesels and they usually cost more of a premium used then they did when they were new.

[@kalvincruz1420]

How’s the head room? I’m about 6’3 280 lbs...I love the idea of the practicality because I drive quite a bit for my job...but don’t know if I’ll fit comfortably?

[@farmerallis]

I need this. Now.

[@jeremyorr]

You know what else was impressive! That house!!!

[@calebniederhofer5534]

I disagree on what he said though yea you can get a half ton for the same price , but not loaded and 4wd . The biggest selling point is the mileage it's a significant difference , and this truck pretty much tows anything a half ton does

[@qbinn]

About time gmc/Chevy. When does it sell in canada? Is there a manual trans or Alison trans available

[@michaeldill6035]

Great review! If only they made it in a manual! Still impressive little truck I am in the market for one.

[@EuroG100]

finally, the Americans have taken advice.

[@zackzander4425]

Will it fit a sheet of plywood or Sheetrock between the wheel wells?

[@quentin3330]

I'm kinda leaning towards the Dodge Ram Cummins 3 litre . I had a Duramax and loved it. Hmm.... gonna be tough. Need to really test drive both obviously. This is a nice truck. Love the Ram Cummins too.

[@anakinpaez2705]

Will you guys be reviewing all Gm cars at New York, or just the Canyon?

[@cwqrpportable]

Nice review Nathan... I really enjoy your videos.

[@bmarcy86]

I still want to know how GM expects this truck to perform with an engine that outputs 361 lb-ft of torque when mated to a transmission (6l50) that has a maximum torque rating of 334 lb-ft, when GM can answer my question on that, I'll think about buying one of these again, afterall the 4l60e did so well with the S10/Sonoma series am i right? As for that g80 "locker"...

[@rarsenio1]

Does the DEF-FLUID will expire while sitting in the DEF-Tank in the truck if you don’t drive it as much?

[@Jorge50505]

so it is around 30 mpgs highway on 4x4 version as in the video awesome for me since i drive 3,500 to 4000 miles per month finaly turbo diesel 4 cyl want it!!!

[@My03Tundra]

It’d be awesome if TFLTruck brought in Tim Allen, just for a guest appearance, and a MORE POWER grunt that Nathan wanted to obviously do, but stopped himself.

[@goldrush7863]

You were in my backyard! Wish I knew you were here, I would have shown you some real mountain off roads!

[@Leggir]

37 MPG UK, wow. I may have to buy this. I'm curious what it's like passing on the freeway?

[@jeffhorton8737]

cant wait till this comes out

[@Yogangster1995]

Not a fan of GMC, but they really did do a great job on this truck! I tip my hat off to you GMC.

[@andrewneilsen1516]

what song is at 0:55 ? also im a huge fan of the fast lane truck keep up the good work :)

[@budcargeorge]

I'm wondering if the manual still states the motor will get improper air flow with the air dam off for prolonged periods of time; like they do in the gas motor models.

[@sickjohnson]

Nathan, what happened to the real world review of the back seat leg room? So any bets on Diesel Gate?

[@ecas1272]

do they come with tow mirrors

[@flosstwice]

Of course it's up to us, but we came to you for your advice/opinion. Give a verdict already!

[@lacuzon39000]

When will they offer a single cab long bed 4x4 with diesel option

[@auxillianwarghost5123]

Ok, but does it accelerate faster than the V6 model?

[@CRQ5508]

I'd like to see how well a 2.8L really does towing 7,600 pounds at highway speeds and/or up hills. I'm not knocking GMC at all, I just want to know if this really has the capability to do it, or if it's paper figures.

[@hawkstringfellow]

Hey are you guys gonna test the Ridgeline

[@cwyoming7004]

Does Iron Maiden sound awesome on that Bose stereo?

[@evanturgeon4662]

The Fast Lane Truck can you plzzzz do an ike guantlet of the 2002 duramax plzzz I have the same duramax with a diablo sport tune on it it would mean soooo much to me plz!!

[@knightrider1545]

i hope the 2.8 goes in the silvrado, just think how good mpg it will get

[@stuartmiller8022]

I want this as my next vehicle after my Camry.

[@matiasbosshardt8888]

Nice truck! Super reliable

[@paulvancyber1979]

whats the price of the gas and diesel in USA??

[@moviewatcher1024]

Come on GMC, give me a crew cab 4x4 Canyon SLT with the Duramax turbo diesel AND 6-speed manual transmission please.

[@Michael-ue1hh]

I have a 1983 gmc crew cab 1 ton that gets 28mpg all day long. It has a 3.9 turbo Cummins in it and weighs 6000 lbs. I was expecting better fuel mileage from the little duramax in the little truck! Maybe it will do better after 50,000 miles.

[@trogpgto]

I am looking to buy one of those

[@rossutigard]

I dont know why so many reviewers complain of the headlight/4wd switch; you switch the headlight switch to automatic and you never touch it again. when the sun goes down your lights automatically turn on, when the sun comes up they automatically turn off. Ive had the same switch for 3 years and I turned it on once in the dealership lot and havent touched it since..........

[@rogerj412]

I'm not sure I would buy the GMC over the Chevy but I really love the idea of getting a diesel in a small-ish truck.

[@Redrider2k2]

Sounds like you're averaging about 3.5mpg better than my V6 Canyon All Terrain (W/ 2" level, Air dam removed, 265/70/17 Duratracs). I'm sure once towing gets factored in, that'll improve, but for every day driving, that's not a big gain when you consider the extra cost of a diesel...

[@jbnrusnya_should_be_punished]

looks nice i wish i could buy it

[@josemonreal09]

that motor would be great in a jeep! awesome mpg and huge torque at low rpms for crawling!

[@MichaelMiller-rg6or]

You kept saying there are half ton trucks that cost less than this. I am wondering what truck you had in mind when you said this? Because every time I try to price out a half ton truck nowadays, they invariably end up outside of my price range but I can at least get the Canyon and the Colorado within my budget.

[@NathanDAdlen]

+Michael Miller How about a 2016 Ford F-150 Supercab 4X4? Try pricing that and see if you find one for under $37,000 + (which is about where the truck used in this test priced). I came up with under $35,000.

[@MichaelMiller-rg6or]

nathan adlen Just did. I stand corrected.

[@NathanDAdlen]

Thanks for watching Michael!

[@jessehernandez5043]

keep in mind that most people dont pay sticker price for a truck. so the number you are seeing isnt what people pay

[@MichaelMiller-rg6or]

Jesse Hernandez Yeah I know. But at the moment if I were to buy a vehicle, the high twenties is the most i could afford to pay. In my original post when Nathan said he could find full size trucks for cheaper, I didn't realize he was comparing to the specific GMC Canyon he was driving in the video. I thought he was referring to the GMC canyon in general which starts at $21,000. I could configure a low trim GMC canyon double cab and get most of what I need and probably end up paying about 26,000 for it. There is no way I could afford 4x4 at this point but that's the way it goes and that is more a want than a need. If I were to configure a half ton with a double cab, even in a low trim before I added anything else I am already at least in the low to mid thirties depending on what half ton truck I am looking at. So even if I were to haggle the price down for a half ton, I am still well above my budget. Now, if you are comparing to the specific GMC Canyon in the video, yes there are a number of full size trucks that are cheaper that you can buy. But my point is, these days, trucks are just too expensive for a lot of people to buy new even if they don't pay sticker.

[@wtrdogg20]

I really like this truck and the Colorado... I dont know what is the the problem with the diesel engine particular sound... As long as it doesnt sound too loud, it is OK... I mean, I live in a country where diesel small Pick Up Trucks are normal everywhere, and the best part of having a truck is that it is diesel powered, and when you hear its sound, you know you have power in your hands, power and most important, TORQUE. Models like the Nissan Frontier and the Ford Ranger are sold in Diesel here... In addition, diesel engines are very efficient... United State market has no idea the diesel Small/Medium size trucks market outside US... Models like Toyota Hilux, Isuzu D-Max, Ford Ranger, Mitsubishi L200, VW Amarok Nissan Frontier and Mazda BT-50, they all fight tightly to be the best seller, and all of them are really reliable and usefull, and some are more comfortable than others... US customers should be happy of having a diesel engine option in the small/medium size trucks market... Having a big car with low fuel consumption (which lead to a great autonomy) and large amount of torque. Gasoline is not the only fuel, and it comes to trucks, diesel is better option... BTW, we also got models like the Wrangler and the Liberty in diesel... with manual gearbox...

[@ronbranum4134]

Ok we are not unappreciative of medium duty diesel trucks... It's simply our EPA requirements have restricted there availability untill now. You see our requirements are governed by leftest power hungry beaurcrats that think they can control global weather by restricting corporations to there wishes... It also gives them more control over our bank accounts by restricting our choices... You see untill recently none of the models you mentioned would pass In the US. But hopefully our current administration and president can deregulate the power these commie leftest politicians power and free up the market for such wonderful options ... You see if only our country is trying to cut carbon emmisions but the majority of the rest of the world doesn't give a shit were just pissing in the wind and ruining the greatest nation on Earth....

[@techgamer30]

what is the into song called?

[@lmn222002]

I went to a GMC dealer and visited the service department... A oil change for a diesel is $99....I don't know if I can consider diesel if an oil change is that much...

[@gman7640]

it's all about cost per mile, what is the service interval of the diesel. Also, when they quoted you for the oil change,, did they also include the (what ever number of point) inspection or just the cost of oil+filter+labor? Check out how much an oil change would cost at a MR LUBE.

[@MrOutdoorsman1234]

It would be awesome if they made like a performance diesel 6.6 in one of these

[@RoofieTV]

I'd rather have a small truck. I really like my dad's Toyota Hilux. It looks great, feels great and has great fuel economy (avg. 10L/100km).

[@drunknklr3071]

my highest mpg in my gas '15 GMC Canyon crew cab, 4x4 All Terrain edition is 27.9 mpg in 25 miles and 26.3 mpg over 50 miles. Highest mpg towing is 18+ while pulling a 1k lb Arctic Cat Wildcat side by side atv on a 5x10 steel trailer.

[@dmay950]

wow I am so surprised that they barley found anything wrong with a gmc cause normally there rag chevy and gmc ..... truly amazing

[@sevaguillon1619]

Hey TFL, Which engine would be better for off roading? The duramax or the V6???

[@scrimmy6969]

+Sev Aguillon I am a GM man but from the looks of this truck you would not make it that far off road. Deep woops, deep mud, etc. To many things hanging down that will get you hung up or that will get torn off. Buy a 94-03 S10 ZR2 if you want to go in the woods

[@TFLtruck]

+Sev Aguillon Generally, you want to stay light-weight for better off-road capability, and the 2.8L Duramax is only 136 lbs heavier than the 3.6L V6. It's not a huge amount of weight, but it is over the front axle. Still, you need good tires, clearance, approach and departure and breakover angles.

[@wesrazz5874]

+Sev Aguillon Get a wrangler its awesome I got a 15 two door sport for $25600.

[@baclieustud]

Anyone knows how much those Vultures Dealerships will be selling this for?

[@avioncamper]

Will this engine be offered in the 1/2 ton? Looks good.

[@TFLtruck]

+avioncamper No word on this yet.

[@mattclose1439]

+avioncamper Probably not, too small for a 1/2 ton. It would probably be some kind of v6 or v8 turbo diesel I would assume.

[@mattclose1439]

+Chevy Fan The Chevy Suburban Boy! Good to know.

[@jimmykenealy766]

+avioncamper I'm petty sure they aren't going to put a diesel in a 1/2 ton. But I could be wrong

[@mattdimatteo1687]

+Cadillac Fan The Cadillac Escalade Boy! There will be a 2017 Canyon Denali available in the second half of next year.

[@kellyfontes7757]

What are the true emissions? Not what the computer says but what is coming out of the pipe?

[@johng4527]

Why is the bed height so freaking high? one of the great things about the old "small" trucks was how handy the bed height was. I could reach something from even the opposite side of the bed on a 2wd S10 and the bed was bigger....I guess people don't buy trucks to haul stuff anymore... I don't get it.

[@fabc1361]

All i want is the motor! Then i can take it and drop it in my datsun 510!!!

[@wd9581]

msrp as tested?

[@WhoThisGuy515]

GM needs to make a regular cab, short bed, awd version and put a turbo on the gas v6 and bring back the Cyclone 2.0

[@fernyromero8962]

Yeah sure!!! Get ready to get you gas money on that truck then sir

[@kylefitzgerald4419]

+cody roland This diesel is better then a turbo v6. Have you not heard of the problems with the ecoboost? Plus it'll last longer and possibly get better mileage (maybe).

[@WhoThisGuy515]

You guys must know nothing about the cyclone. For one its a sports truck so Ferny if your worried about paying for gas get a prius. Kyle the diesel is good for towing not the track which is what the cyclone was built for.

[@fernyromero8962]

+cody roland im not worried, its just yeah i guess there is some sporty truck persons, but it just gonna take a lot of gas for some people, and especially if your gonna go on a track with it

[@WhoThisGuy515]

They origional Cyclone got 14 and 17 with an all wheel drive system with a poorly designed TBI system on a 4.3, which is not known for fuel mileage. With the knew direct injection and all the other advances it would get no worse than a v8 fullsize now days, which get around 17 and 24.

[@Foo3thoo]

Why EXACTLY would you ever switch the headlight setting off of AUTO??

[@rcracer641]

It looks like a very nice truck, but when you have to get into the maintenance and replace a timing belt every 5 years whether you drive it or not. It does sound impressive as it is with the fuel milage.

[@richarde1355]

What maintenance is required that is different from or in addition to a gas engine?

[@SeattleSuburb]

I've been seeing so many of these around lately and I have to say I'm really starting to like them, and I have to say its odd liking a GMC, being born and raised on Fords.

[@shylildude]

is it compatible with b100 or wvo?

[@horaciolopez7721]

On the gmc website they have rated it to B20. I am sure in warmer weather it would easily be able to run B100 during summer.

[@Hiluxtaco]

C'mon, GM! Offer a single cab, long bed version of these trucks!

[@gonzalochairez677]

Might as well get a Sierra lol

[@Hiluxtaco]

+Gonzalo Chairez I dont want full sized truck. I want a smaller, single cab, long bed pickup instead..

[@mattclose1439]

+Hiluxtaco Agree'd. I would buy that so hard!

[@WilliamStewart1]

+Hiluxtaco There's not much difference dimensionally between the two. Nn one makes a "small truck? anymore. The Ranger was the last truck that could be called that.

[@4estfloor]

+Hiluxtaco luckily i own a 77 toyota pickup with 34k original miles. Little with a lot of heart. not to mention still has it's 9 lives left.

[@SoundgardenMan]

If Ford doesn't man up and bring the Ranger back with a diesel option I will be buying my first "Brand X" truck next year. What an impressive rig. We are in the age of a truck revolution right now. I want a piece of the action.

[@ericd5266]

ROMAN --- BRING BACK THE DB SOUND TEST!!!!!!!!! MR TRUCK!!!! BRING BACK THE DB DECIBEL SOUND TEST!!!!!!!

[@santamanone]

You don't really have to worry about the DEF because the "service manager will take care of that when you bring the vehicle in!?" You actually think I'm going to let somebody else service my vehicle!?

[@ricardocandela1936]

Here in florida diesel costs more than gasoline, people say you can go further with a gallon of diesel than a gallon of gas but you pay more for it, so the money you need for that diesel oil change plus the exhaust fluid cost sure is not coming from saving on gas. That’s why I got the V6.

[@dominionn09]

Hope I can get one of these with cloth seats for under $40k

[@1northsparrow246]

Did anyone mention the timing belt?

[@wtrdogg20]

+Desperate4Attention Well, if you are scared of that, just dont miss the maintenance services and replace the belt when indicated.

[@1northsparrow246]

It's the extra cash layout down the road that I find annoying. Hardly anyone uses timing belts anymore.

[@baclieustud]

Plastic on door and Similar Light and 4x4 switch knobs,,,no big deal,,,just keep it affordable,,that's what we like...

[@jaimebalderrama2385]

the lights are automatic! why are you messing with them?! other than that, I love ya'lls channel!

[@vincentmarfe445]

So it is basically a BluTec from a C250 BluTec. 2.8L I-4 Turbo Diesel. Which is no way AT ALL a bad engine. Small? Yes. Quiet? No. Fun? HELL YEAH!

[@cooodylan]

Not sure how long it will take to break even the increased cost over gas version. Maybe I should still get Tacoma just for the peace of mind

[@gman7640]

behind every Toyota dealership is a garage where they fix Toyota vehicles. Just like every other brand.

[@Lonewolf23-26]

I'll keep my 6 cylinder diesel, nice looking truck though

[@trials_bike-xu3xf]

Just looking at the mpg I would like it but I'm a ford guy and I don't like the interior or the outside or anything about it

[@BigSexyWizard]

i want one!!!

[@xtrekrex]

Finally a diesel engine in a midsize.

[@lbart2005]

I'm sold on diesels. I have a 2014 Q5 with a 3.0L diesel, it's a rocketship and gets 38-40 mpg average.

[@zimks]

www.fuelly.com/car/audi/q5/2014 seams that most people average 30 with it you must of got a special model XD

[@trustbuster23]

This thing hits a real sweet spot and will probably sell very well. It is pretty much a no-brainer that this is the one you should buy if you want one. Most people don't buy smaller trucks because full-size trucks don't cost much more and don't get much worse mileage. So why give up all that extra capability, unless you live in the middle of a big city where having a regular truck is a complete hassle? Case in point - I own a '15 Sierra with a V8. Nicely equipped it cost just about what this thing is going for and it gets a respectable 20-22 on the highway. It has a 6' bed that swallows everything I throw at it, including stuff this little truck could never handle. But if you can bump the mileage from the low 20's to the low 30's? Now giving up some capability gives you something beyond easier city parking. The fact that it tows like a full-sized truck just sweetens the pot, although I think towing 7,000 lbs behind that little truck would probably be a pretty scary experience.

[@richarde1355]

Full size trucks not costing more? Another $15k, apples to apples.

[@CrustyAbsconder]

It is highly likely that some creative diesel fanatic, will find ways to tweek this motor, and make after-market upgrades. The hard reality, is the diesel engineers have to follow the bean-counters advice when doing the design and search for ways to cut cost. Just like gaming nerds who over-clock their computers, or tweek their phone's operating system. In a few years, you will see one of these with solid axles front and rear, and suspension lifts and body lifts. When the Samarui first came out it was almost a golf-cart, but in the end, off-road enthusiast were doing all sorts of cool things to make it look bad-ass. My bet is that you will see some really nice aftermarket bumpers for the Canyon. You will see all kinds of aftermarket LED lighting options. Some rich kid will have one of these Canyon's looking like a rock-crawler or mud-eating beast in less than a year.

[@anthonymacneil2279]

Nice looking truck but in Denali no proximity key, push button start, turn signal indicators and courtesy lights. A bit disappointed for a loaded Denali that's $50,000