The 2016 GMC Canyon 2WD with the 3.6L V6 engine gets an EPA estimated 21 MPG combined. This isn’t going to excite everyone, but it’s acceptable to those who need a truck smaller than a full-size, but still capable of hauling or towing. This buyer sees the fuel economy as the cost to enter the mid-size truck market, where utility is more important than ultimate efficiency. They’re probably not cross-shopping a Prius. This Canyon is for the homeowner towing a small camper on the weekends, or the contractor who needs to haul materials and still fit into a normal-sized garage.

City and Highway Performance

The EPA estimates the 2016 GMC Canyon 2WD 3.6L V6 at 18 MPG in the city and 25 MPG on the highway. The city figure matters because this Canyon is more likely to be used for running errands and navigating city streets than for long highway trips. The 25 MPG highway rating is achievable, but requires a light foot and a focus on maintaining a steady speed. Hard acceleration will drop that number quickly.

Annual Fuel Cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2016 GMC Canyon 2WD 3.6L V6 to be $2,100. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices. Remember this is an estimate. If you drive more than 15,000 miles annually, or if fuel prices in your area are higher than the national average, your actual fuel costs will be higher. If you drive fewer miles, your cost will be lower. The EPA’s estimates provide a standard for comparison, but your individual results may vary.

Real-World Expectations

While the EPA ratings provide a useful baseline, real-world fuel economy often differs because of driving habits, terrain, and weather. Owners of the 2016 GMC Canyon 2WD 3.6L often report fuel economy figures that are close to the EPA’s combined estimate, but getting the 25 MPG highway rating consistently takes effort. Towing, even small loads, will significantly reduce fuel economy, sometimes dropping into the low teens. Payload also negatively impacts numbers, though less than towing. The 3.6L V6, while strong, needs to work harder under load, consuming more fuel. Check out all Gmc fuel economy data.

How It Compares

The 2016 GMC Canyon’s fuel economy is average compared to its competitors. The Toyota Tacoma, for example, in its 2WD V6 configuration, gets roughly similar numbers, around 19 MPG combined. The Chevrolet Colorado is mechanically identical to the Canyon, and its fuel economy ratings are similar, too. A Canyon buyer can improve fuel economy by considering the 2.5L inline-4 cylinder version of the Canyon. Though it has less power, it gets a few more MPG, possibly making it a better choice for those who want better fuel efficiency. Full-size trucks, even those with V6 engines, often can’t match the Canyon’s fuel economy, but buyers might be tempted by their increased capability. Looking at CANYON MPG across all years will give a better understanding.

Tips to Maximize Efficiency

The 2016 GMC Canyon’s automatic transmission is programmed for efficiency, and you can help. Avoid hard acceleration from a standstill. Gently ease onto the throttle to allow the transmission to shift smoothly and efficiently; stomping on the gas pedal triggers downshifts that burn more fuel.

Tire pressure is important for fuel economy. Be sure your tires are inflated to the recommended pressure listed on the driver’s side door jamb. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, forcing the engine to work harder and consume more fuel.

Cut unnecessary weight in the bed or cab. Extra weight reduces fuel economy. Remove any tools, equipment, or other items you don’t need regularly.

Plan your trips. Combine errands into a single trip to minimize cold starts, which use more fuel. Avoid peak traffic hours to reduce idling, which hurts fuel economy.

Use cruise control on the highway. Maintaining a consistent speed helps optimize fuel consumption. Be careful when driving in hilly terrain, disengage cruise control when climbing steep hills to prevent the transmission from constantly downshifting.