The 2021 GMC Canyon 2WD 2.8L’s 23 MPG combined won’t win any fuel economy contests, but owners likely considered this before buying. This truck isn’t made for hypermiling. It’s a workhorse, a lifestyle vehicle, and often a less-bulky alternative to a full-size pickup. Buyers of this Canyon value capability and ruggedness over outright efficiency, but they still consider the cost of keeping the tank full.

City and highway performance

The Canyon’s EPA estimates are 20 MPG in the city and 30 MPG on the highway. The city figure shows the challenges of stop-and-go driving, where the 2.8L Duramax diesel engine works harder to accelerate from a standstill. The truck’s curb weight of around 4,000 pounds also affects this. On the open road, the engine cruises more efficiently. The 6-speed automatic transmission helps by keeping the RPMs low. The 30 MPG number is achievable on long highway trips if you stay within legal speed limits.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2021 GMC Canyon 2WD 2.8L at $2,400. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices. Actual costs will vary based on driving habits, local fuel costs, and idling time. The $2,400 estimate is a benchmark for comparing the Canyon’s costs to other vehicles in its class.

Real-world expectations

EPA numbers are a guide, but real-world fuel economy can vary. Canyon owners should expect between 20-27 MPG in mixed driving conditions. Aggressive acceleration, frequent short trips, and heavy loads will decrease MPG. Gentle driving, consistent highway speeds, and proper maintenance can improve fuel economy closer to EPA estimates. You can research CANYON MPG across all years to see trends.

How it compares

The 2021 Canyon’s fuel economy is competitive within its segment. A comparable Toyota Tacoma with the 2.7L 4-cylinder engine and 2WD gets 21 MPG combined (19 city/24 highway), making the Canyon slightly more efficient overall, especially on the highway. The Tacoma offers more powertrain options. A Chevrolet Colorado, the Canyon’s corporate cousin, shares the same 2.8L diesel and fuel economy numbers, so the choice often comes down to styling and features. If fuel efficiency is a top priority, the Honda Ridgeline achieves 21 MPG combined (18 city/24 highway) with its V6 engine and standard AWD. However, the Ridgeline appeals to a different buyer seeking car-like ride quality and unibody construction.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Diesel engines work best with smooth acceleration. Avoid abrupt starts and stops to save fuel. The Canyon’s diesel provides torque at low RPMs, so let the engine’s power do the work instead of revving it up. Monitor the turbo boost gauge to keep it low.

Keep your tires inflated to the recommended pressure. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which reduces fuel economy. Check tire pressures regularly, especially when temperatures change.

Reduce drag by removing unnecessary items from the truck bed and keeping the tailgate up. A tonneau cover can also improve aerodynamics and slightly boost fuel efficiency at highway speeds. And keep the grille clear so the diesel engine’s intercooler works efficiently.

Regular maintenance is critical for good fuel economy. Keep the engine tuned, change the oil and filters as recommended, and fix mechanical issues promptly. A dirty air filter reduces airflow to the engine, reducing combustion efficiency.

Minimize idling time. Diesel engines burn fuel even when stopped. If you’ll be stopped for more than a minute, turn off the engine. Modern diesel engines don’t have the restart issues of older models, but prolonged idling can cause problems with diesel exhaust systems. You can see all Gmc fuel economy data, but these Canyon-specific tips will improve your MPG.