For GMC truck enthusiasts, the distinction between a GMC and a Chevrolet is more than just branding. The 2018 GMC Canyon Denali Duramax aims to solidify this difference, positioning itself as a more premium offering compared to its Chevrolet Colorado counterpart, especially when equipped with the coveted Duramax diesel engine. Having previously reviewed the Chevy Colorado Duramax, it was time to explore if the GMC Canyon truly justifies its elevated status and price tag.
Front view of a Dark Slate Metallic 2018 GMC Canyon Denali Duramax parked outdoors
Interior Disappointments in the Denali Trim
Stepping inside the GMC Canyon Denali, expectations are naturally high. The Denali trim is GMC’s hallmark of luxury, intended to bridge the gap towards the opulence of Cadillac and Buick within the General Motors family. However, the interior experience in this test model fell short of the anticipated “luxury” feel. Notably absent were modern safety features like blind spot detection warning, a surprising omission in a vehicle marketed as premium. The gear shift lever, reminiscent of older Chevy Malibu models, further contributed to a sense of déjà vu rather than upscale refinement.
Dashboard and front seats of the 2018 GMC Canyon Denali Duramax, highlighting the black leather interior and gear shift lever
While the Denali does feature a 7-speaker Bose audio system, an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and a wireless charging pad, these are increasingly common features in contemporary vehicles, not exclusive indicators of luxury. Heated and ventilated seats, along with a leather-wrapped steering wheel, are welcome but expected in this segment. The question arises: where does the substantial Denali premium translate into tangible interior luxury?
The wireless charging pad proved to be undersized for larger smartphones, like the Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge prevalent at the time of the review. The all-black leather interior, while present, felt somewhat generic and lacked the visual warmth or distinctive design elements to truly convey a sense of luxury. GMC’s exclusive offering of black leather for the Canyon Denali, coupled with sparsely placed wood trim, resulted in an interior ambiance that felt more utilitarian than opulent. The perceived value of the Denali interior package, a $4,000 upgrade, becomes questionable when the tangible enhancements remain subtle.
Exterior Styling: A Standout Feature
Where the GMC Canyon Denali truly shines is its exterior design. The “Dark Slate Metallic” color of the test truck accentuated its well-proportioned mid-size dimensions, making even a 20-year-old full-size GMC Sierra appear comparatively bulky. This size is particularly appealing to drivers who desire the functionality of a truck without the cumbersome size of a full-size pickup, a common preference in many regions.
Side-by-side comparison of a 2016 GMC Sierra, 2018 GMC Canyon Denali, and a 1997 GMC Sierra, showcasing the size difference
In contrast to the increasingly aggressive and imposing front-end designs adopted by some pickup truck manufacturers, the GMC Canyon maintains a more refined and approachable aesthetic. While some trucks opt for grille designs that extend over the headlamps for a more assertive “face,” the Canyon distinguishes itself with a more restrained and arguably more elegant approach.
GMC has commendably avoided the trend of overtly aggressive styling. The Canyon, sharing design cues with its larger sibling, the Sierra, features square headlamps with round lights, a prominent yet not overwhelming grille, and a front bumper that subtly curves, lending a touch of approachability to its appearance. The Canyon’s exterior strikes a balance between ruggedness and sophistication, appealing to those who appreciate a truck that is both capable and aesthetically pleasing. It presents a “pretty-boy” image, confident yet understated, subtly drawing attention with its refined design rather than demanding it with aggressive styling cues.
2018 GMC Canyon Denali Duramax Specs and Performance
The GMC Canyon offers a range of engine options, starting with a standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder, which arguably underutilizes the truck’s potential. A more powerful 3.6-liter V6, producing a respectable 308 horsepower, is available as an upgrade. However, for those seeking enhanced torque and fuel efficiency, the Duramax diesel engine presents a compelling option, albeit at an additional cost of $3,370.
Close-up of the Duramax diesel engine badge on the 2018 GMC Canyon Denali Duramax
The Duramax in the Canyon is a 2.8-liter turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine, delivering 180 horsepower and a robust 369 lb-ft of torque. This engine is paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. While the horsepower figure may seem modest on paper, the Duramax engine provides impressive real-world performance. The Gmc Canyon Duramax can achieve 0-60 mph in approximately 7 seconds, offering ample acceleration for merging and passing. The readily available torque from the diesel engine ensures confident performance in various driving situations.
Beyond acceleration, the GMC Canyon Duramax boasts a payload capacity exceeding 1,500 pounds and a towing capacity of up to 7,600 pounds, making it a capable workhorse for its class. The ride quality of the 2018 Canyon is commendable, offering a comfortable experience for daily driving and longer journeys. Surprisingly agile handling further enhances the driving experience, making it more engaging than expected for a mid-size truck. The Canyon retains a traditional pickup truck feel, allowing for some “good ol’ boy fun” on less-than-perfect surfaces when desired, especially with traction control disabled to fully utilize the Duramax’s torque. While not every owner will engage in off-road antics, the Canyon’s capabilities are reassuring to know.
Action shot of the 2018 GMC Canyon Denali Duramax driving on a dirt road, showcasing its handling
Fuel economy is a significant advantage of the Duramax diesel. A full tank provides an estimated 600 miles of range, with EPA ratings of 20 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway. Real-world testing yielded an impressive average of 25 mpg over a week of mixed driving conditions, highlighting the diesel’s efficiency.
The starting price for the GMC Canyon Denali is around $39,000. However, factoring in options like 4×4 (approximately $4,000) and the Duramax engine, the price can quickly escalate to around $50,000. The specific test model reviewed carried a price tag of $48,420.
Final Verdict: Denali Premium vs. Duramax Value
The primary drawback of the 2018 GMC Canyon Denali Duramax is its price. Having experienced both the Colorado and Canyon with the same Duramax engine, the significant price difference for the Denali trim is difficult to fully justify. The question arises: does the Denali badge and trim level truly warrant the extra cost, particularly in the context of the mid-size truck segment?
While the Denali offers some upgraded features, the level of luxury enhancement in the interior feels underwhelming for the price premium. Features like a small wireless charging pad and heated seats, while convenient, are not exclusive or particularly luxurious in the current automotive landscape.
The value proposition of the GMC Canyon Denali Duramax becomes questionable when considering the Chevrolet Colorado Duramax. A Colorado Duramax owner might find themselves with a vehicle offering similar core features, such as leather seats, a bed liner, and an 8-inch touchscreen, at a potentially lower price point. Paying a premium for the Denali name and subtle styling differences may not translate to a proportionally enhanced ownership experience in this specific model. Ultimately, the GMC Canyon Denali Duramax is a capable and stylish mid-size truck, particularly appealing with the fuel-efficient and torquey Duramax diesel. However, potential buyers should carefully weigh the Denali trim’s added cost against the tangible benefits it provides compared to lower trims or its Chevrolet sibling. The Duramax engine itself remains a strong selling point, offering a compelling blend of performance and efficiency in the mid-size truck market.
Rear three-quarter view of the 2018 GMC Canyon Denali Duramax, emphasizing its truck bed and taillights
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