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2023 GMC Canyon MPG revealed, way worse than prior model

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The all-new 2023 GMC Canyon MPG numbers have been revealed and they are really way worse than the prior generation Canyon.

For the 2023 GMC Canyon, it has been fully redone and includes a new exterior, interior and a 2.7-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine mated to a second-generation 8-speed automatic transmission (the first-gen is currently embroiled in a class-action lawsuit).

Let’s recap what’s new.

2023 GMC Canyon key changes

The 2023 GMC Canyon will come in the four trims (Elevation, AT4, AT4X, Denali), crew cab and short bed only configuration.

All 2023 Canyon models come in 4WD except for the base Elevation trim which can be equipped with 2WD or 4WD. There are also available front and rear lockers, standard on the AT4X.

Plus, every model has a 2” lift and a wider stance with the Canyon AT4X coming with a 3” lift for even more ground clearance. This helps the AT4X achieve the 10.7 inches of ground clearance standard and a 36.9-degree approach angle.

It is available with both front and rear lockers. Also, the AT4X gets standard Multimatic DSSV dampers.

The Canyon rides on a variety of tires:

  • P265/65R18 all-terrain (Elevation & AT4)
  • LT285/70R17 MT (AT4X) (33-inch tires)
  • P275/60R20 all-terrain (Denali)

The rear axle ratio is 3.42 and it has a 21.5 gallon gas tank (same as 2022 model).

2023 GMC Canyon MPG

Looking at sales stickers, I was able to see a variety of 2023 GMC Canyon MPG numbers except for the Elevation 2WD model and the AT4X(see photos below). These figures should be released by GM soon for the Elevation and the AT4X will be later this year in accordance with the press release stating this is a late arrival.

For the 2023 GMC Canyon, it is a similar story to the 2023 Chevy Colorado MPG numbers with a pretty lackluster performance.

Starting with the Elevation, the EPA estimated numbers are 17/21/19 city/highway/combined.

Next, the AT4 returns 17/20/18 city/highway/combined.

Lastly, the Denali matches the Elevation with 17/21/19 city/highway/combined.

How does this compare to the 2022 GMC Canyon?

There is an expectation that a new pickup truck will get better MPG than an older one, and that’s just not the case for the 2023 GMC Canyon MPG.

Comparing the numbers, it is important to mention the lack of the 2.8-liter Duramax diesel really hurts MPG and the better comparison is the 3.6-liter V6.

Here are the numbers:

2.5L I43.6L V62.8L Turbo-Diesel
City19 mpg (2WD)
19 mpg (4WD)
18 mpg (2WD)
18 mpg (4WD)

20 mpg (2WD)
19 mpg (4WD)
Hwy25 mpg (2WD)
24 mpg (4WD)

25 mpg (2WD)
24 mpg (4WD)

30 mpg (2WD)
28 mpg (4WD)

Taking a close look at the 3.6-liter V6 versus the 2.7-liter turbocharged engine, the 2023 Canyon falls well short of the 2022 MPG numbers.

For example, the 2023 GMC Canyon Elevation returns 17/20/18 while the 2022 Canyon 3.6-liter V6 returns 18/24/21. This means the 2022 Canyon has one better for city, four better for HWY and three better for combined driving.

Horsepower and torque are big difference

With fuel economy coming up well short based on the prior gen, it seems like the 2.7-liter turbocharged engine, borrowed from the Chevy Silverado 1500, is a bust. Not quite.

For the 2.7-liter, it is all about horsepower and torque curve like our discussion with the chief engineer explained. Keep in mind, the GMC Canyon only comes with the turbo high output tune versus the other tunes available on the 2023 Chevy Colorado.

The 2.7-liter 310 horsepower and 430 pound-feet of torque compared with the 3.6-liter V6 which produced 308 horsepower and 275 pound-feet of torque.

Plus, the 2.7-liter achieves this torque at 3000 RPMs while the 3.6-liter V6 hit top torque at 4000 RPMs.
Basically, the 2023 GMC Canyon has more power, is quicker off-the-line and a better overall torque curve should put your butt back in the seat and a bigger smile on your face versus the 2022 GMC Canyon.

The bottom line

While the torque output is much better for the 2.7-liter turbocharged engine, the fuel economy takes a massive hit. The question then is: will customers favor more performance over fuel economy or vice versa? Everyone is going to have a different answer to that question.

2023 GMC Canyon MPG

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Tim Esterdahl

Automotive Journalist Tim Esterdahl has been a lover of trucks and SUVs for years. He has covered the industry since 2011 and has pieces in many national magazines and newspapers. In his spare time, he is often found tinkering on his '62 C10 pickup, playing golf, going hunting and hanging out with his wife and kids in Nebraska.

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2 Comments

  1. josh March 27, 2023

    Can you find out when these will be shipped from Wentzville MO.

    Reply
    1. Tim Esterdahl March 27, 2023

      The should be starting the process of shipping them now. It can take several weeks for transportation to get lined up.

      Reply

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