The 2018 GMC Canyon 4WD with the 2.5L four-cylinder engine gets 21 MPG combined, which is not going to win any efficiency awards. This truck isn’t trying to be a hybrid or an EV. Instead, this fuel economy is a compromise for buyers who need a capable, practical pickup that’s relatively compact and has the reassurance of four-wheel drive.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the 2018 GMC Canyon 4WD 2.5L can achieve 19 MPG in the city and 24 MPG on the highway. These figures reflect stop-and-go traffic and steady cruising speeds. The urban MPG indicates that the Canyon’s four-cylinder engine works harder when accelerating from a stop. The highway number shows its ability to maintain efficiency when the engine is more relaxed, suggesting the potential for even better numbers on long road trips driven with a light foot. The 6-speed automatic transmission is geared to optimize fuel efficiency when possible, especially at highway speeds.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2018 GMC Canyon 4WD 2.5L at exactly $2,100. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, using a national average fuel price. This calculation is a baseline for comparing the Canyon’s operating costs against other vehicles. Individual fuel costs will vary depending on local fuel prices and your driving habits. A lead-footed driver in a city with high gas prices could easily exceed this estimate. However, a driver who prioritizes fuel efficiency and lives in an area with cheaper gas could see a lower annual cost.

Real-world expectations

EPA estimates are a useful benchmark, but real-world fuel economy can differ. Driving style, terrain, weather, and vehicle load all influence fuel consumption. Owners who frequently tow or haul heavy loads will likely see a decrease in MPG. Aggressive acceleration and braking also lower fuel economy. Careful driving, adhering to speed limits, and proper tire inflation can help drivers approach or exceed the EPA estimates. See the CANYON MPG across all years for a clearer picture of potential fuel economy for all years and trims.

How it compares

The 2018 GMC Canyon 4WD 2.5L is in a competitive class. The Toyota Tacoma achieves around 20 MPG combined in its 4×4 four-cylinder configuration. The Nissan Frontier delivers similar fuel economy figures in its four-wheel-drive trim. The Canyon’s fuel economy is typical for a mid-size 4WD pickup. Full-size trucks with larger engines offer greater towing capacity, but they typically have worse fuel economy. For example, the 2018 GMC Sierra 1500 4WD with a V8 engine often struggles to achieve 18 MPG combined. The Canyon balances capability and efficiency, which is why buyers looking at all Gmc fuel economy data choose this truck.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Avoid aggressive acceleration and braking. The Canyon’s four-cylinder engine is most efficient when the throttle is applied gently and the vehicle is allowed to coast. Anticipate traffic flow to minimize unnecessary stops. Hard acceleration consumes extra fuel, and so does rapid deceleration.

Maintain proper tire inflation. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which forces the engine to work harder and reduces fuel economy. Check your tire pressure regularly and inflate them to the recommended pressure on the sticker on the driver’s side doorjamb.

Remove unnecessary weight. Extra weight in the bed or cab of the Canyon decreases fuel economy. Clean out unnecessary items to reduce the load on the engine. The less weight the engine moves, the better the fuel consumption.

Use cruise control on the highway. Cruise control helps maintain a consistent speed, minimizing variations in throttle and reducing fuel consumption. This is effective on long, flat stretches of highway, though cruise control may be less efficient in hilly areas where the transmission downshifts to maintain speed.

Consider your driving environment. City driving with frequent stops is less fuel-efficient than highway driving. Plan your routes to minimize stop-and-go traffic when possible. Adjust your expectations for lower MPG if you know you’ll be in stop-and-go traffic for a long time.