The EPA estimates the 2023 GMC Canyon 4WD with the 2.7L turbocharged four-cylinder engine gets 19 MPG combined. To be clear, people buy the Canyon for its reliable styling, high ground clearance, and off-road capability, attributes that inherently make achieving great fuel efficiency difficult. The typical Canyon 4WD buyer accepts this fuel economy as what it costs to have weekend adventures, haul gear, and tackle tough terrain. They care more about capability and image than saving money on gas.

City and highway performance

The EPA also estimates the Canyon gets 17 MPG for city driving and 21 MPG on the highway.The city figure reflects the stop-and-go traffic, idling, and slower speeds typical of cities. The Canyon’s weight and how aerodynamic it isn’t hurt its city MPG. The highway figure improves somewhat because speeds are steadier and there’s less accelerating. and_even on the open road, the Canyon’s boxy shape and all-terrain tires (on some trims) still mean it’s pushing a lot of air, which affects fuel consumption. The 8-speed automatic transmission tries to keep the engine in its most efficient range, but physics matter.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2023 GMC Canyon 4WD is $2,300. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and national average fuel prices. This is just an estimate, and your actual fuel costs will depend on how you drive, the type of driving you do (city vs. highway), and local gas prices. If you mainly drive your Canyon for short trips around town, expect to spend more than $2,300. If you mostly drive on the highway, your fuel costs may be lower. Also, driving aggressively and towing often will increase your gas bill a lot.

Real-world expectations

EPA estimates are a baseline, but real-world fuel economy can vary a lot. How you drive, road conditions, tire pressure, and even using accessories like roof racks can all affect MPG. Owners who drive carefully and maintain their vehicles well are more likely to get numbers closer to the EPA estimates. However, those who often drive fast or use their Canyon for heavy work should expect worse fuel economy. Online forums and owner reviews suggest that many Canyon 4WD owners report real-world MPG that’s reasonably close to the EPA’s projections, but often a bit lower, especially in colder places where winter-blend gas is used.

How it compares

The GMC Canyon competes in the mid-size truck segment, and fuel economy varies by engine, drivetrain, and trim level. For example, the four-wheel-drive Toyota Tacoma with its V6 engine typically gets around 18 MPG combined. The Ford Ranger 4×4, with its turbocharged 2.3-liter engine, can get slightly better numbers, closer to 20 or 21 MPG combined in some configurations. The Chevrolet Colorado, which shares its platform with the Canyon, offers similar fuel economy when equipped with the same 2.7L engine. For buyers interested in all all Gmc fuel economy data, comparing across the entire model range can provide insight. If fuel economy is a big concern, some other mid-size trucks offer slightly better numbers, but often at the expense of the Canyon’s specific features, styling, and off-road ability. See fuel economy across all model years of the CANYON MPG across all years.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Avoid accelerating and braking hard. The Canyon’s engine is responsive, but pressing the gas pedal hard often will quickly empty your gas tank. Accelerating smoothly and gradually and anticipating traffic can improve fuel economy a lot. Coasting to red lights and stop signs, rather than braking hard at the last second, is a simple but effective way to save gas.

Keep your tires properly inflated. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which makes the engine work harder and use more gas. Check your tire pressure regularly and inflate them to the recommended levels, which you can find on the doorjamb sticker or in the owner’s manual. It’s a good idea to use a digital tire pressure gauge for more accurate readings.

Don’t idle too long. Idling uses gas without going anywhere. If you’re going to be stopped for more than a minute or two, turn off the engine. This is especially important when it’s cold, as idling for a long time can also damage your engine. Modern cars are made to be restarted often without causing problems.

Reduce how much air the truck pushes. Remove anything you don’t need from the roof rack or bed of the truck, as these can increase wind resistance and reduce fuel economy. Make sure the bed cover (if it has one) is secured properly, and consider removing it if you’re not using it. Even small changes to how aerodynamic the truck is can make a difference over time.