The GMC Canyon Denali has long posed a question to truck enthusiasts: is it truly a step above its Chevrolet Colorado sibling, or is it just a badge and a slightly different grille? For GMC loyalists, the mantra “It’s not a Chevy, it’s a GMC” is often uttered with pride. Having previously reviewed the Chevrolet Colorado Duramax and enjoyed its capabilities, the opportunity to test the 2018 GMC Canyon Denali with the Duramax diesel engine presented itself as a chance to delve into this very debate. Does the Canyon Denali justify its premium positioning, and more importantly, does the diesel engine enhance its appeal? Let’s dive into a comprehensive review.
Disappointing Denali Interior?
Stepping into the 2018 GMC Canyon Denali, expectations were high. The Denali trim is marketed as GMC’s luxury offering, positioned within the GM family closer to Cadillac and Buick in terms of premium features. However, the interior experience felt surprisingly underwhelming. For a vehicle aiming for luxury status, the absence of blind spot detection – a common safety feature even in many non-luxury vehicles – was a notable omission. Furthermore, the gear shift lever seemed dated, reminiscent of older, less refined GM models.
The Canyon Denali does include features like a 7-speaker Bose audio system, an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and a wireless charging pad. Heated and ventilated seats, along with a leather-wrapped steering wheel, add to the perceived luxury, but these are increasingly standard or readily available features in many modern vehicles across different segments. The question remains: where is the distinct Denali luxury that justifies the premium price?
The wireless charging pad, in particular, proved to be less practical than anticipated. It was too small to accommodate larger smartphones, such as the older Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge mentioned in the original review, let alone more modern, larger devices. While the seats are indeed leather-clad, the all-black interior, the only option available for the Canyon Denali, feels somewhat monotonous. The wood trim accents, intended to elevate the cabin ambiance, are unfortunately lost within the vast expanse of dark leather, failing to create a truly luxurious or warm atmosphere. The interior, while functional and equipped with some tech features, doesn’t quite live up to the Denali luxury promise, especially considering the additional cost associated with this trim level.
Exterior Styling: A Standout Feature
Where the 2018 GMC Canyon Denali truly shines is in its exterior design. The test model, finished in Dark Slate Metallic, presents a sophisticated and well-proportioned mid-size truck. Compared to older full-size trucks, it appears more modern and less bulky, striking a balance between capability and urban maneuverability. This size makes it particularly appealing to those who desire the utility of a truck without the cumbersome dimensions of a full-size pickup – a common sentiment, especially in regions like Texas where truck ownership is prevalent even for non-commercial purposes.
In a market where many pickup trucks adopt aggressive, almost intimidating front-end designs with oversized grilles and headlight arrangements, the GMC Canyon Denali takes a different approach. GMC has resisted the trend of overtly aggressive styling, opting for a more refined and handsome aesthetic. The Canyon, much like its larger sibling the Sierra, features a distinctive GMC front end with square headlights incorporating round lamps, a prominent yet tastefully sized grille, and a front bumper that adds a subtle, almost smiling character to the truck’s face. This design language projects a sense of capability and confidence without resorting to unnecessary aggression, setting the Canyon apart in a crowded segment. It’s a truck that looks both stylish and capable, appealing to buyers who appreciate a more sophisticated truck design.
Duramax Diesel Performance and Specs
The 2018 GMC Canyon offers a choice of three engines, but for those seeking optimal performance and efficiency, the Duramax diesel is the standout option. While the base 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine might feel underpowered for a truck of this size and capability, and the 3.6-liter V6 offers a respectable 308 horsepower, the 2.8-liter Duramax turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine provides a compelling blend of power and fuel economy.
This diesel engine produces 180 horsepower and a substantial 369 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. While the horsepower figure might seem modest on paper, the readily available torque translates to impressive real-world performance. The Gmc Canyon Diesel can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in around 7 seconds, providing ample power for merging onto highways and overtaking in traffic. Beyond acceleration, the Duramax engine enables the Canyon to handle work duties with ease, boasting a payload capacity of over 1,500 pounds and a towing capacity of up to 7,600 pounds.
Driving dynamics are another strong point of the Canyon diesel. It delivers a comfortable ride quality and surprisingly agile handling for a truck. The ability to disengage traction control allows for a more traditional pickup truck driving experience, letting drivers utilize the Duramax engine’s torque for some off-road fun or in challenging conditions. The responsive steering and predictable throttle further enhance the driving experience, making the Canyon enjoyable both on paved roads and dirt trails.
Fuel economy is a significant advantage of the Duramax diesel. A full tank provides an impressive range of approximately 600 miles, with EPA estimates of 20 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway. Real-world testing in the original review yielded an average of 25 mpg, highlighting the diesel’s efficiency in everyday driving.
Pricing and Value Proposition
The starting price for a GMC Canyon Denali is around $39,000. However, opting for 4×4 and the Duramax diesel engine significantly increases the price, pushing it towards the $50,000 mark. The test vehicle in the original review had an as-tested price of $48,420. This price point raises questions about the value proposition, particularly when considering the similarities to the Chevrolet Colorado Duramax.
The core argument presented in the original review is that the Canyon Denali, despite its higher price, doesn’t offer a commensurate increase in luxury or features compared to the Colorado. Both trucks share the same Duramax engine and many fundamental components. While the Denali trim aims for a more premium experience, the interior appointments and features, as discussed earlier, feel somewhat lacking for the price premium. The Denali largely seems to add cosmetic upgrades like a unique grille and Denali badging, and perhaps a spray-in bedliner, but the fundamental truck and driving experience remain very similar to the Colorado.
Final Verdict: Denali Diesel – Premium Badge, Not Premium Value?
The 2018 GMC Canyon Denali Diesel is a capable and stylish mid-size truck with a fuel-efficient and torquey diesel engine. Its exterior design is a definite highlight, offering a refined and attractive alternative to more aggressively styled trucks. The Duramax diesel engine delivers strong performance and excellent fuel economy, making it a practical choice for both daily driving and work-related tasks.
However, the Denali trim’s claim to luxury falls short, especially considering the significant price increase over lower trims and its Chevrolet Colorado counterpart. The interior, while adequately equipped, doesn’t deliver a truly premium experience commensurate with the Denali badge and price. For buyers prioritizing a diesel engine in a mid-size truck and appreciate the Canyon’s styling, the Duramax engine itself is a worthwhile upgrade. However, those specifically seeking genuine luxury in this segment might find the Denali trim to be an over-priced package, offering more badge appeal than tangible premium value. Potential buyers should carefully consider whether the Denali-specific features justify the added cost, or if a lower Canyon trim or even the Chevrolet Colorado Duramax might offer a more sensible and value-driven option.
