GMC touts midsize versatility with 2015 Canyon thanks to smaller size

General Motors is looking to revamp the midsize pickup arena with their latest 2015 GMC Canyon and Chevrolet Colorado. And recently, GMC revealed some more details on the 2015 Canyon as it prepares to join the Toyota Tacoma and the Nissan Frontier, both of which have gone significantly unchanged for the most part.

The 2015 GMC Canyon short-bed with the crew cab is specifically 17 inches shorter than the comparable Sierra 1500 at 212.7 inches long, allowing for easier maneuverability without a terrible loss in capability. The Canyon’s overall width is also narrower by five inches.

“An increasing number of customers don’t need the full capability of a full-size pickup, yet desire the functionality a pickup offers,” said GMC’s vice president of sales and marketing, . “These customers appreciate the smaller size of mid-sized pickups, with their ability to easily fit in a garage, travel downtown areas of big cities, and navigate crowded parking lots. The all-new 2015 GMC Canyon represents the best of both worlds in this sense.”

The 2015 GMC Canyon hits showrooms later this fall.

For the press release, check it out after the jump.

2015 GMC Canyon: Good Things Come in Small Packages

Smaller size and maneuverable solution is all new for pickup customers

2014-07-21

DETROIT – The growing popularity of smaller vehicles applies to pickups as well, and customers say maneuverability is a top reason for choosing a midsize pickup. The 2015 GMC Canyon delivers the right size vehicle for consumers who are looking for a more agile pickup.

“An increasing number of customers don’t need the full capability of a full-size pickup, yet desire the functionality a pickup offers,” said Duncan Aldred, vice president of GMC Sales and Marketing. “These customers appreciate the smaller size of mid-sized pickups, with their ability to easily fit in a garage, travel downtown areas of big cities, and navigate crowded parking lots. The all-new 2015 GMC Canyon represents the best of both worlds in this sense.”

Packed with capability and comfort, the 2015 GMC Canyon is the smaller sibling of the 1500 Sierra full-size pickup, and the 2500 and 3500 Sierra Heavy Duty pickups.  The 2015 GMC Canyon short-bed crew cab is 212.7 inches long, 17 inches shorter than a comparable Sierra 1500, making it an easier fit in many parking spots and garages. Canyon’s overall width of 74.3 inches is five inches narrower than Sierra and two inches wider than the Terrain compact SUV, providing easier maneuverability around town. Yet the smaller size does not sacrifice functionality or capability. 

“We engineered the 2015 GMC Canyon to be very capable and functional for mid-size pick up owners,” said Anita Burke, vehicle chief engineer for Canyon. “We know customers have varied needs for a pickup in this segment, using their vehicle to commute to work during the week, transport children to school and other activities. But on the weekend, they have a very different set of needs that match their active lifestyles. The 2015 Canyon delivers on all these needs.”

  Length (in/cm) Width (in/cm)
2015 Canyon short box crew 4×4, 3.6L V-6 212.7 / 5403 74.3 / 1886
2014 Sierra 1500 short bed crew 4×4, 5.3L V-8 229.5 / 5829 80.0 / 2032
2014 Ram 1500 short bed crew 4×4, 5.7L V-8 229.0 79.4
2014 Ford F-150 short bed crew 4×4. 5.0L V-8 231.9 79.2*
2015 Toyota Tundra short bed crew 4×4, 5.7L V-8 228.9 79.9

*excluding mirrors
Source: Manufacturer press releases

The 2015 Canyon has a tight turning radius of approximately 41 feet (12.6 meters), making it easier to maneuver when parking or backing into tight spots. And features like electric power steering provide easier maneuverability in tight situations.

“With its smaller size and associated nimble nature, Canyon provides pickup capability and exceptional comfort in an efficient and more manageable package,” Aldred said.

The 2015 GMC Canyon arrives in showrooms this fall. 

Chris Chin

Chris Chin is the Editor-In-Chief of egmCarTech and is a regular contributor to Automobile Magazine.

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