20 MPG combined from the 2018 GMC Canyon 2WD with the 3.6L V6 isn’t going to win any fuel economy awards, but it shows the vehicle’s purpose: offering truck utility and capability in a smaller, more maneuverable package. This isn’t a Prius, and it doesn’t pretend to be. It’s a truck for people who need to haul materials for weekend projects, tow a small boat, or simply appreciate the ruggedness of a pickup without the cumbersome size of a full-size model. Buyers accept this level of fuel consumption because they prioritize versatility over ultimate efficiency.

City and highway performance

The Canyon’s EPA estimates break down to 18 MPG in the city and 25 MPG on the highway. The city figure reflects the demands of stop-and-go traffic, where the engine spends more time idling and accelerating. The 25 MPG highway rating is achievable during steady-state cruising, thanks to the eight-speed automatic transmission that helps keep the engine in an efficient range at higher speeds. These numbers largely depend on driving style; aggressive acceleration or frequent hard braking will certainly impact fuel economy.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2018 GMC Canyon 2WD 3.6L V6 at $2,200. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices. Changes in driving habits or fluctuations in fuel prices will naturally affect the actual cost. While $2,200 might seem high compared to a smaller car, it’s a reasonable price to pay for the flexibility offered by a mid-size truck.

Real-world expectations

Real-world fuel economy for the 2018 Canyon 2WD 3.6L V6 can vary significantly based on driving conditions and habits. Drivers who spend most of their time in urban environments with frequent stops and starts may see figures closer to the 18 MPG city rating, or even slightly lower. On the other hand, those who primarily drive on the highway and maintain a steady speed can expect to get close to, or potentially even exceed, the 25 MPG highway estimate. Towing or carrying heavy loads will also negatively impact fuel economy.

How it compares

Compared to other mid-size trucks, the 2018 Canyon’s fuel economy is generally competitive. For example, the 2018 Toyota Tacoma 2WD with its 3.5L V6 offers similar figures, around 19 MPG combined. The Nissan Frontier, especially with its older V6 engine, often lags behind slightly, achieving around 17 MPG combined. Even within the CANYON MPG across all years, there aren’t drastic fuel economy differences between model years. This comparison highlights that the Canyon’s fuel economy is typical for its class and powertrain.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Avoid aggressive acceleration and hard braking. The 3.6L V6 offers plenty of power, but using it carefully will help conserve fuel. Gentle acceleration and anticipating traffic flow can significantly reduce fuel consumption, especially in city driving. This applies to all Gmc fuel economy data.

Maintain proper tire inflation. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, forcing the engine to work harder and burn more fuel. Check your tire pressure regularly and inflate them to the recommended levels found on the door jamb sticker.

Reduce unnecessary weight. Hauling around extra weight in the bed of the truck or inside the cabin impacts fuel economy. Remove any items you don’t need to lighten the load and improve efficiency.

Use cruise control on the highway. Engaging cruise control helps maintain a steady speed, minimizing unnecessary acceleration and deceleration. This can be especially effective on long highway drives and keeps the eight-speed transmission in its most efficient gear.