The 22 MPG combined rating of the 2019 GMC Canyon 2WD with the 2.5L four-cylinder engine is a compromise most buyers understand. This truck prioritizes practicality, capability, and relative affordability over maximizing fuel efficiency. It’s smaller and more maneuverable than a full-size truck, bought by contractors who need to haul materials, weekenders who tow small boats, and homeowners with regular landscaping projects. These buyers prioritize utility and affordability over saving on gas.

City and highway performance

The 20/26 city/highway MPG split reflects what it’s like to own a Canyon. Its 2.5L engine and six-speed automatic transmission are adequate for most tasks, but require relatively high RPMs, especially around town. Stop-and-go traffic, frequent acceleration, and hauling cargo affect fuel economy. On the open road, the Canyon does better. At highway speeds, the engine settles into a more efficient cruising RPM, and the lack of aerodynamic drag relative to a full-size truck helps it achieve that 26 MPG figure. When properly equipped, the 2019 Canyon can tow up to 3,500 pounds and towing will drastically reduce fuel economy.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2019 GMC Canyon 2WD 2.5L at $2,000. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices. Your actual fuel costs will vary depending on mileage, road types, and gasoline prices in your area; this is just an estimate. Drivers travelling more than 15,000 miles per year or regularly encounter heavy traffic can expect to spend more than $2,000 and those driving fewer miles or live in an area with lower fuel prices could spend less.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA provides a standardized benchmark, remember that the 22 MPG combined estimate is achievable under ideal conditions such as level roads, consistent speeds, minimal cargo, and gentle acceleration. Real-world driving rarely aligns with these conditions, so expect figures closer to the high teens or low 20s in mixed driving, particularly when using the Canyon for its intended purpose.

How it compares

Competitors like the Toyota Tacoma with its base 2.7L four-cylinder offer similar fuel economy, around 20 MPG combined. The Nissan Frontier, even with its older powertrain, achieves comparable numbers, though newer models can sometimes see slightly improved ratings. Even a slightly larger truck like the Chevrolet Colorado (essentially the same truck as the Canyon) offers comparable efficiency in its base four-cylinder, two-wheel drive configuration. Newer trucks generally deliver slightly better MPG, even with larger engines. The Ford Ranger is better than the Canyon. The Ranger’s 2.3L turbo four-cylinder offers 23 MPG combined, with better performance. These comparisons are important because buyers often cross-shop these models, weighing up fuel economy, price, features, and capability.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Gentle acceleration helps the Canyon. The 2.5L engine benefits from a light foot, so avoiding sudden bursts of speed will keep fuel consumption down. Avoid accelerating too quickly.

Proper tire inflation is critical. Maintaining the correct tire pressure, as indicated on the door jamb sticker, reduces rolling resistance and improves fuel economy. Check your tires regularly, especially during temperature changes.

Minimize idling. Leaving the engine running while stationary consumes fuel unnecessarily. In situations where you anticipate a brief stop of more than 30 seconds, turn the engine off.

Consider a lightweight bed cover. Adding a lightweight tonneau cover can improve aerodynamics slightly, potentially resulting in a small increase in highway fuel economy. Avoid heavy or bulky items in the bed of the truck unless you actually need to transport them.