Best GMC Canyon Years to Buy Used: Reliability, Trims, Pricing, & More

Hero image graphic collage of the best GMC Canyon years to buy used with different trims and shots shown 
On the market for a pre-owned mid-size pickup? The GMC Canyon is a top model to consider for many reasons. From long-term resale value to driver versatility and reliability, the Canyon goes back many generations-which can be challenging to know which one is best for you.

Below, we'll break down the best GMC Canyon years to buy used by trim, configuration, interior, and towing, to ensure you invest in the right truck.


Best GMC Canyon Years to Buy Used

Here are our top five picks for the best GMC Canyon years to buy used and why they make the list.

1. 2020 GMC Canyon

Exterior side angle image of a red 2020 GMC Canyon Denali parked in a city street in front of a building
The 2020 GMC Canyon has top-ranking scores, making it a dependable model year to buy used. For an average used price of $12,775 to $31,022, it ranked first on the Best Mid-Size Pickup of 2020 for its powerful engine, quiet cabin, and higher-than-segment-average fuel economy (up to 20 MPG city / 26 MPG highway).

2. 2021 GMC Canyon

Exterior front image of a white 2021 GMC Canyon AT4 driving through deep snow with mountains in the background
The 2021 GMC Canyon introduced a new lineup of trims with valuable enhancements. For an average used price of $18,238 to $33,530, the SLE, SLT, and All Terrain trims were replaced with the base-level Elevation and off-road AT4 trims. A new grille design and upgraded cabin materials were also added to the top-level Denali, showcasing unique models for diverse drivers.

3. 2022 GMC Canyon

Exterior side angle image of a red 2022 GMC Canyon Elevation parked on a grassy hill with mountains in the background
The 2022 GMC Canyon retained long-term value, making it a reliable model year to buy used. For an average used price of $18,562 to $36,948, it scored 92 out of 100  in resale value-which is a top factor to consider when buying pre-owned pickups.

4. 2023 GMC Canyon

Exterior front side angle image of a black 2023 GMC Canyon Denali parked in a rocky residential driveway
The 2023 GMC Canyon was a redesign year of the current generation, giving you all-new value at a lower cost. For an average used price of $26,172 to $44,872, you access the debut AT4X maximum power off-road trim, an additional ride lift across the lineup, a revamped cabin, and a new Edition 1 package, featuring extra cameras, bumpers, and more.

5. 2024 GMC Canyon

Exterior side image of a light gray 2024 GMC Canyon Elevation parked in a rocky mountain setting
The 2024 GMC Canyon is the most modern used model year and brought significant upgrades from last year's redesign. For an average used price of $28,819 to $46,430, the digital instrumental panel expanded in size from 8" to 11" for all trims, added trailer coverage to the blind spot monitoring system, and enhanced several off-roading capabilities for the AT4X AEV, including stronger skid plates and beadlock wheels.

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Best GMC Canyon Years to Buy Used by Trim & Configuration

Below, we'll break down the best GMC Canyon years to buy used by trim and configuration.

Best Used GMC Canyon Elevation Years

Exterior front angle image of a light gray 2024 GMC Canyon Elevation parked on a rocky hill with water in the background

The 2021 GMC Canyon Elevation was introduced, replacing the former SLE and SLT trims as the entry-level trim. For an average used price of $18,238 to $29,642, you get an all-new model featuring a standard 8" infotainment system with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, remote start, automatic climate control, and more.

The 2022 GMC Canyon Elevation is Car and Driver's recommended trim for its standard and available features at a valuable cost.  For an average used price of $18,562 to $30,781, you get a standard dampened tailgate, subscription Wi-Fi hotspot, while accessing the trim-exclusive Elevation Premium Package with a heated steering wheel, heated front seats, and leather upholstery

The 2023 GMC Canyon Elevation was a redesign year, offering many standard features that appeal to a diverse range of drivers. For an average used price of $26,172 to $33,114, it includes an off-road suspension, an 11.3" infotainment touchscreen, a remote-locking tailgate, and an 8" digital instrument panel. 

The 2024 GMC Canyon Elevation is part of the model year that Car and Driver ranked 9 out of 10 and their Editor's Choice. For an average used price of $28,819 to $34,994, the RWD configuration is the most fuel-efficient model of the lineup (18 MPG city and 23 MPG highway) and carries over last year's all-new infotainment features as standard. 

Best Used GMC Canyon AT4 Years

Exterior front image of a white 2024 GMC Canyon AT4 driving up a dirt hill with dirt kicking up behind the rear tires

The 2021 GMC Canyon AT4 made its debut for this model year with all-new off-roading capabilities. For an average used price of $24,240 to $31,561, it replaced the All Terrain trim, featuring newly added underbody skid plates, a front fascia, a transfer case skid plate, and larger 31" Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac tires.

The 2022 GMC Canyon AT4 was part of a high-ranking model year with new enhancements. For an average used price of $27,099 to $34,164, it ranked fourth for the Best Mid-Size Pickup Trucks for 2022 and has an upgraded suspension, creating a quieter and more comfortable cabin on bumpy terrain.

The 2023 GMC Canyon AT4 benefits off-road enthusiasts as a redesign year at a used price of $31,266 to $36,701. Its features include hill descent control, an EZ Lift tailgate, dual-zone automatic climate control, and a household power outlet in the cargo bed. 

The 2024 GMC Canyon AT4 is Car and Driver's recommended trim for its standard features at a fair cost. For an average used price of $34,532 to $39,333, it includes standard 4WD, an 11.3" infotainment screen, a 2" lift, heated front seats, and remote start.

Best Used GMC Canyon Denali Years

Exterior front image of a black 2024 GMC Canyon Denali driving up an open freeway with mountains in the background

The 2019 GMC Canyon Denali had a restyled infotainment system and trim-exclusive upgrades. For an average used price of $19,460 to $28,982, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto became standard, upgraded the rearview camera to HD, and added rear parking proximity sensors to the Denali.

The 2021 GMC Canyon Denali is Edmunds' recommended trim for its extensive list of standard equipment and new enhancements at a fair cost as a luxury model. For an average used price of $24,880 to $33,530, you get a new grille design, upgraded cabin materials, plus trim-exclusive standard features like the Driver Alert Package and V-6 engine.

The 2022 GMC Canyon Denali is MotorTrend's recommended trim for its leading luxury in its segment. For an average used price of $26,946 to $36,948, it has higher-quality leather upholstery, chrome accents, the largest standard 8" infotainment touchscreen, and open-pore wood trim.

The 2023 GMC Canyon Denali was part of a highly-ranked redesign year, offering you all-new luxury value at a lower cost. For an average used price of $34,960 to $41,769, it ranked third on the Best Mid-Size Pickup Trucks for 2023, complementing the Denali's improved interior quality and more standard features, including a larger 11.3" infotainment screen, and a restyled cabin that focuses on driver and front passenger convenience.

The 2024 GMC Canyon Denali benefits from last year's redesign plus trim-exclusive features. For an average used price of $39,400 to $45,256, you get a standard 360-degree camera system, wireless phone charging, and a larger 11.3" infotainment display. 

Best Used GMC Canyon 4x4 Years

Exterior side image of a red 2024 GMC Canyon AT4X driving up a steep rocky incline

The 2012 GMC Canyon 4WD models stand against the test of time with exclusive features and don't sacrifice fuel efficiency. For an average used price of $3,289 to $10,549, the automatic locking rear differential became standard for this configuration and has only a 2 MPG highway difference from RWD models (16 MPG city/ 21 MPG highway/ 18 MPG combined).

The 2016 GMC Canyon 4WD models were picked among the Best Used Cars of 2016 for their fuel economy. For an average used price of $9,268 to $20,556, they have a 19 MPG city/ 25 MPG highway/21 MPG combined rating for the base-level 2.5L engine, which barely changes to 17 MPG city/ 24 MPG highway/ 20 MPG combined for the V-6. 

The 2022 GMC Canyon 4WD models paired with any engine provide top ride quality and control. For an average used price of $21,243 to $36,948, the V-6 impressively accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 6.7 seconds with a quiet cabin, the diesel is torque-rich (369 lb.-ft.), and the standard 2.5L has comfortable handling.

The 2023 GMC Canyon 4WD models were highly praised for their ride quality and were part of a redesign year. For an average used price of $27,963 to $44,872, Car and Driver complimented their nicely weighted steering wheel and firm brake pedal, which makes the chassis feel solid.

The 2024 GMC Canyon 4WD models have a stronger powertrain performance than their competitors. For an average used price of $30,038 to $46,430, it produces up to 310 hp and 430 lb.-ft. of torque, beating the V-6 engines found in the Honda Ridgeline, Jeep Gladiator, and Toyota Tacoma.

Used GMC Canyon Years with the Best Interior



The 2016 GMC Canyon shows you don't need a newer used model year to get the best interior, and it outcompetes similar rivals. For an average used price of $7,472 to $20,556, it has higher-quality cabin materials than the Chevy Colorado, with its soft-touch plastics, padded door panels, and real aluminum accents. It also has more headroom (41.4") and legroom (45.0")  than the Toyota Tacoma's 39.7" and 42.9", respectively, making it more comfortable for adults on long drives.

The 2019 GMC Canyon interior was revamped with new features. For an average used price of $11,276 to $28,982, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto became standard, debuted a new wheel design, included a six-way adjustable driver's seat on most trims, the rearview camera was replaced with an upgraded HD system, and a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot became available. 

The 2020 GMC Canyon refreshed the interior styling and is Car and Driver's top consideration due to its best versatility in the mid-size truck market. For an average used price of $12,775 to $31,022, it has flexible extended and crew cab configurations with class-leading cargo bed volume (up to 49.9 cu.-ft.) for smaller items with its deep center console bin, multiple door pockets, and storage spots throughout the cabin.

The 2023 GMC Canyon was a redesign year, bringing an all-new interior. For an average used price of $26,172 to $44,872, it has a new digital gauge cluster behind an all-new steering wheel, the gear shifter moved closer to the passenger side for more room for the drive-mode selection knob, and the cupholders were moved into a deeper cubby for easier driver and passenger access.

The 2024 GMC Canyon makes the best interior list as the newest model year available and building off last year's redesign. For an average used price of $28,819 to $46,430, a head-up display and underbody cameras became available on lower-level trims with an 11.3" infotainment touchscreen and Wi-Fi hotspot standard across the lineup. 

Used GMC Canyon Years with the Best Towing Capacity

Exterior front side angle image of a red 2024 GMC Canyon AT4X towing a small camper and equipment up a rocky mountain
The 2016 GMC Canyon increased in towing power by 700 lbs, making it the same capacity as newer model years at a lower cost. For an average used price of $7,472 to $20,556, it can tow up to 7,700 lbs with the Duramax turbo-diesel engine.

The 2020 GMC Canyon brought new technologies and upgrades that make towing more seamless. For an average used price of $12,775 to $31,022, most trims get a higher resolution backup camera, rear parking sensors became available for the first time, and the V-6 engine has a fuel-saving cylinder activation, towing up to 7,000 lbs. 

The 2021 GMC Canyon has multiple engine options that make it feel like a full-size pickup with its powerful towing strength. For an average used price of $18,238 to $33,530, the V-6 engine can tow up to 7,000 lbs, and the diesel up to 7,700 lbs, while producing up to an impressive 369 lb.-ft. of torque that enhances hauling.

The 2023 GMC Canyon not only has strong towing capabilities, but also new features that were part of a redesign year to make trailering easier. For an average used price of $26,172 to $44,872, it can tow up to 7,700 lbs and introduced the MultiStow Tailgate storage with a drain and bumper steps to climb or tie cargo down more efficiently.

The 2024 GMC Canyon can tow up to 7,700 lbs with valuable standard trailering equipment across the lineup. For an average used price of $28,819 to $46,430, all trims get a Hitch View and Hitch Guidance system to find the trailer tongue much more easily. 

Should You Buy a Cheap Used GMC Canyon Truck Under $20,000? $15,000?

While it's tempting to buy a used GMC Canyon truck at a cheap cost, we don't recommend shopping from listings below $20,000, especially under $15,000. If the resale prices are that low, it's likely from high mileage, undisclosed vehicle issues from third-party sellers, or rough conditions.

You can usually find a reliable pre-owned Canyon below $35,000 or $30,000 from reputable GMC dealerships as the best rule of thumb. They offer full transparency and trustworthy inventory as an OEM seller.

Shop Used GMC Canyons for Sale in Santa Fe, NM

Does getting a used Canyon sound like the right choice for you? We have a wide range of used GMC Canyons for sale at Octane GMC in Santa Fe. 

From used and certified pre-owned models to different cab configurations, we hand-select the trucks we sell to our customers, separating us from other dealerships.
We even offer a 48-hour love-it-or-leave-it guarantee with complimentary lifetime alignment and safety checks, to ensure you drive off in a reliable truck for years to come.

Browse our used Canyon inventory or contact us to schedule a test drive today!
Disclaimer: The Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price excludes tax, title, license, dealer fees and optional equipment. Dealer sets final price.

1Dealer Discount applied to everyone