The GMC Canyon II, specifically the Extended Cab Long Box configuration with the 3.6-liter V6 engine producing 305 horsepower and paired with an automatic transmission, was a mid-size pickup truck sold primarily in the North American market from 2015 to 2016. It represented GMC’s entry into the increasingly popular mid-size truck segment, offering a blend of capability, comfort, and technology. This variant occupied a middle ground in the Canyon lineup, positioned above the base four-cylinder models but below the more powerful diesel offerings.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | GMC |
| Model | Canyon |
| Generation | Canyon II Extended Cab Long Box |
| Type (Engine) | 3.6 V6 (305 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production | 2015 |
| End of production | 2016 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Pick-up |
| Seats | 4 |
| Doors | 2 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 13.1 l/100 km (18 US mpg, 21.6 UK mpg, 7.6 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 9 l/100 km (26.1 US mpg, 31.4 UK mpg, 11.1 km/l) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 6 kg/Hp, 166 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 5 kg/Nm, 198.7 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 305 Hp @ 6800 rpm |
| Power per litre | 85.6 Hp/l |
| Torque | 365 Nm @ 4000 rpm (269.21 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine Model/Code | LFX |
| Engine displacement | 3564 cm3 (217.49 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 6 |
| Engine configuration | V-engine |
| Cylinder Bore | 94 mm (3.7 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 85.6 mm (3.37 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 11.5:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Direct injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | DOHC, CVVT |
| Engine oil capacity | 5.7 l (6.02 US qt | 5.02 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 12.4 l (13.1 US qt | 10.91 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1837 kg (4049.89 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2585 kg (5698.95 lbs.) |
| Max load | 748 kg (1649.06 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1414 l (49.93 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 79.5 l (21 US gal | 17.49 UK gal) |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%) | 1588 kg (3500.94 lbs.) |
| Length | 5395 mm (212.4 in.) |
| Width | 1886 mm (74.25 in.) |
| Height | 1788 mm (70.39 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 3258 mm (128.27 in.) |
| Front track | 1586 mm (62.44 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1586 mm (62.44 in.) |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 214 mm (8.43 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter) | 12.6 m (41.34 ft.) |
| Approach angle | 17.7° |
| Departure angle | 22.6° |
| Ramp-over (brakeover) angle | 22° |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Rear wheel drive |
| Drive wheel | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 6 gears, automatic transmission Hydra-Matic |
| Front suspension | Independent coil spring |
| Rear suspension | Rigid axle suspension, Leaf spring |
| Front brakes | Disc, 310×27 mm |
| Rear brakes | Disc, 324×18 mm |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Electric Steering |
| Tires size | 265/70 R16; 255/65 R17; 265/60 R18 |
| Wheel rims size | 7J x 16; 8J x 17; 8.5J x 18 |
INTRODUCTION
The GMC Canyon II, launched for the 2015 model year, marked GMC’s return to the mid-size pickup truck market after a hiatus of several years. Built on the GM Colorado platform (often referred to as the 31XX), the Canyon was designed to offer a more refined and upscale experience compared to its Chevrolet Colorado sibling. The Extended Cab Long Box configuration provided a practical balance between passenger space and cargo capacity. The 3.6-liter V6 engine with the six-speed automatic transmission was a popular choice, offering a good compromise between power, fuel efficiency, and affordability.
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
At the heart of this Canyon variant lies the GM LFX 3.6-liter V6 engine. This engine is a naturally aspirated, 60-degree V6 featuring aluminum cylinder heads and a cast iron block. It utilizes direct fuel injection, a technology that improves fuel economy and power output by injecting fuel directly into the combustion chamber. The valvetrain employs dual overhead camshafts (DOHC) with variable valve timing (CVVT) on both intake and exhaust valves, optimizing engine performance across a wider RPM range. The engine produces 305 horsepower at 6800 rpm and 269 lb-ft of torque at 4000 rpm. The Hydra-Matic 6L80 six-speed automatic transmission was the standard transmission for this engine. This transmission is known for its smooth shifting and durability. It features electronically controlled shifting and overdrive for improved fuel efficiency at highway speeds.
Driving Characteristics
The 3.6-liter V6 and 6-speed automatic combination in the Canyon provided adequate, though not exceptional, performance. Acceleration was reasonably brisk, but the truck didn’t feel particularly powerful when fully loaded or towing. The automatic transmission was well-tuned for everyday driving, offering smooth and predictable shifts. Compared to the available 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, the V6 offered significantly more power and a more refined driving experience. However, it fell short of the torque offered by the available 2.8-liter Duramax diesel engine, which was favored for heavy-duty tasks like towing. The gear ratios were optimized for a balance of acceleration and fuel economy, with a relatively tall final drive ratio contributing to better highway mileage.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The Canyon II Extended Cab Long Box 3.6L Automatic was available in several trim levels, including SLE and SLT. The SLE trim typically included standard features such as air conditioning, power windows and locks, a rearview camera, and a basic infotainment system. The SLT trim added features like leather upholstery, heated front seats, a premium audio system, and additional chrome exterior trim. Optional extras included a navigation system, a trailering package, and various appearance packages. Interior upholstery was typically cloth on the SLE and leather on the SLT. The dashboard layout was functional and well-designed, with easy-to-read gauges and intuitive controls.
Chassis & Braking
The Canyon II utilized a body-on-frame construction, providing a robust and durable platform. The front suspension featured independent coil springs, while the rear suspension employed a traditional leaf spring setup. This configuration provided a comfortable ride quality, although it wasn’t as refined as some unibody competitors. Brakes were disc brakes on all four wheels, with the front discs measuring 310x27mm and the rear discs measuring 324x18mm. An anti-lock braking system (ABS) was standard. The Canyon’s chassis was designed to handle a variety of payloads and towing loads, with a maximum towing capacity of around 7,700 pounds when properly equipped.
Market Reception & Comparison
The GMC Canyon II was generally well-received by automotive critics. It was praised for its comfortable ride, refined interior, and available features. However, some critics noted that the V6 engine could feel underpowered when towing or hauling heavy loads. Compared to the Chevrolet Colorado, the Canyon offered a more upscale appearance and a slightly more refined driving experience. Fuel economy was average for the segment, with EPA estimates ranging from 18 mpg city to 26 mpg highway. Reliability was generally good, although some owners reported minor issues with the infotainment system.
Legacy
The GMC Canyon II, particularly the 3.6-liter V6 Automatic variant, has proven to be a relatively reliable and durable truck in the used car market. The LFX engine is known for its longevity, and the Hydra-Matic transmission is generally considered to be robust. While not the most powerful or fuel-efficient option in the mid-size truck segment, it offers a good balance of capability, comfort, and value. Today, these trucks can be found in good condition with reasonable mileage, making them a popular choice for buyers looking for a capable and affordable pickup truck.
