GMC Canyon Denali and All Terrain X feature new propulsion system offered across the 2017 Canyon lineup

GMC has announced a broader 2017 GMC Canyon lineup led by the new, range-topping Canyon Denali and new, off-road-inspired All Terrain X.

Like all GMC Denali models, the new Canyon Denali is distinguished by chrome exterior details and unique wheels, along with exclusive interior trim and content. It also features a new 3.6L V-6 engine that’s paired with a segment-first eight-speed automatic transmission.

This new propulsion system is offered across the 2017 Canyon lineup, including the new All Terrain X package, which takes the popular All Terrain model farther down the trail, with Goodyear DuraTrac all-terrain tires, all-weather floor liners and more.

“Canyon continues to carve out its own niche as the only premium truck in the mid-size segment,” said Mike Speranzini, brand director of GMC in Canada. “With a broader 2017 Canyon lineup and the redesigned Acadia, GMC is offering more choices for finding the premium truck or SUV that matches customers’ design preferences and capability needs.”

Additional new and revised features for the 2017 Canyon lineup include:

• New IntelliLink radio with 7-inch-diagonal colour touchscreen
• Standard Teen Driver Mode through IntelliLink
• Available heated steering wheel
• Exterior colours Dark Slate Metallic, Mineral Metallic and Red Quartz Metallic

Canyon Denali

In addition to its Denali-signature chrome grille, the 2017 Canyon Denali features specific wheels – 20-inch ultra-bright machined aluminum with painted accents – along with tubular chrome assist steps, polished exhaust tip (V-6 only) and spray-on bedliner.

Inside, a Jet Black interior features unique leather-appointed, heated and ventilated front seats – exclusive content in the Canyon lineup – along with unique instrument panel and console trim and Denali-logo sill plates and floor mats. Additional standard features include:

• Heated steering wheel
• GMC IntelliLink with Navigation and an 8-inch-diagonal colour touchscreen
• 4G Wi-Fi hotspot
• Automatic climate control
• Full-colour driver information centre
• Remote start
• Bose premium seven-speaker audio system
• Two USB charging ports on the rear of the centre console and another inside the console
• Forward Collision Alert and Lane Departure Warning

All Terrain X

This special version of the popular All Terrain package offered on the SLE model is the most off-road-capable Canyon for those who travel beyond the paved path. The X adds Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac P255/65R17 all-terrain tires and all-weather floor liners to All Terrain content, which includes:

• Off-road suspension and transfer case shield
• Body-colour grille surround and rear step bumper
• Unique interior with red stitching and heated front seats
• Hill Descent Control
• Unique 17-inch aluminum wheels
• 3-inch-diameter round step bars
• Spray-on bedliner
• Remote start
• Automatic climate control and sliding rear window

The All Terrain model requires the new 3.6L V-6/eight-speed automatic propulsion system. The 2.8L Duramax turbo-diesel engine is available.

3.6L V-6 and eight-speed automatic

The new 3.6L/eight-speed propulsion system offers stronger, more confident acceleration and smoother shift performance than the Canyon’s previous V-6/six-speed combination. This new combination focuses on refining everyday driving performance, including accelerating from a stop, passing on the highway and cruising at a constant speed.

The 3.6L leverages technologies such as continuously variable valve timing, direct injection and Active Fuel Management (cylinder deactivation) to balance performance and efficiency. It is rated at an SAE-certified 308 hp (230 kW) and 275 lb-ft of torque (373 Nm).

Canyon’s new Hydra-Matic 8L45 eight-speed automatic complements the 3.6L with a technologically advanced design and control system that supports smoother, more refined performance. Smaller “steps” between the gears as the vehicle accelerates allow the transmission to shift quicker, with almost imperceptible upshifts.

The 8L45 eight-speed also has a wider 7.0 gear ratio that enables a numerically higher first gear ratio – helping drivers start off more confidently with a heavy load or when trailering – and numerically lower overdrive ratios that reduce engine rpm on the highway. A lower engine speed has two benefits: It can reduce fuel consumption to enhance efficiency and it reduces engine noise for a quieter cabin.

The new powertrain supports a 3,175-kg (7,000-pound) max trailering rating that is second in the segment only to the Canyon’s available 2.8L Duramax diesel, which is rated at 7,700 pounds.

The 2017 model year updates, including the new V-6 and eight-speed combination, will arrive at dealerships in the fourth quarter of this year.