Subject: GMC Canyon Duramax October 12th 2015, 2:10 pm
Driving the 2016 GMC Canyon 2.8L Duramax diesel
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The 2016 GMC Canyon 2.8L Duramax diesel makes 181 horsepower and a burley 369 lbs-ft of torque. It’s hooked up to a six-speed automatic transmission spinning a 3.42 rear axle – and it can tow up to 7,700 lbs. If you opt for the 4X4, it drops down to 7,600 lbs. The 2016 GMC Canyon 2.8L Duramax diesel has a 1,420 lbs payload capacity (the petrol V6 is over 1,500 lbs payload with a maximum of 7,000 lbs towing).
For the record: the current RAM 1500 Quad Cab, Big Horn 4X4 with the 3-liter EcoDiesel and a 3.92 rear end is rated at 7,950 lbs towing and 1,241 lbs payload.
Is $3,730 worth it for the diesel?
That’s a big markup over the V6. Our loaded SLT Crew Cab 4X4 priced around $45,000. That’s 1/2-ton territory. Still, the capability of the 2016 GMC Canyon 2.8L Duramax diesel is hard to ignore. Those towing numbers are far more than your average boat or camping trailer would require. Towing that much weight is downright impressive and merits a test with a proper two-horse (or more) trailer.
The odd thing was: at our press event, the GM representatives only had a large jet-ski and trailer available for the towing test. At the MOST, it’s 2,000 lbs and nowhere near the capability maximum of the little diesel. The trailer was so small, it wasn’t hooked up to the standard brake controller. Fortunately, I was able to trigger the “exhaust braking” toggle switch which worked just like it does with the big boys. It drops and holds a gear way down as you slow. It’s not very loud either. In fact, from the inside, it only does a (noticeable) baby diesel rattle when powering up or down-shifting.
“A diesel engine was part of the Canyon’s portfolio plan from the beginning, meaning the chassis, suspension and other elements of its architecture were engineered to support it,” said Scott Yackley, assistant chief engineer. “That means there are no compromises with the Canyon diesel. It offers exceptional capability delivered with a confident feeling of control.”“ The new 2.8L Duramax was designed specifically for trucks and has undergone many of the same validation tests as the 6.6L Duramax offered in the GMC Sierra HD models, advancing the Duramax brand’s legacy of durability and reliability,” said Yackley.
Power off the line is pretty good and, like all of the other variants, it’s almost car-like in its handling. The extra diesel grunt makes it feel slightly more manly, especially when you are powering up a steep hill. Maximum torque comes on at 2,000 rpm. It takes a second, but the turbo spools up in a reasonable amount of time and you’re off. Man than torque feels good.
I began to take note of the real-time and average MPGs. We averaged between 28 and 31.5 MPG. I wasn’t driving conservatively either. With the 21-gallon tank, you could get over 500 miles to the tank. Remember the days when only small cars got 30 mpg? On our trip back to the airport, our driver averaged over 33 mpg for a while. It can run on B20 too.
The interior has comfortable seats, nice looking stitching and a pleasing decor; however, the door panels are rock-hard where you place your elbow by the window ledge. Some of the plastics are rough in spots and the rotary dial for the lights is the same size, shape and about an inch away from the 4WD selector. Backseat space is great for average-sized adults and I was comfortable at nearly 6’2″ sitting behind a 5’9″-ish driver.
This truck is a bit of a conundrum. I can’t answer the question of its extra expense, hardcore towing ability or daily drivability until we get one locally for real testing. I can say this: they did a damn good job with the diesel and this truck makes a compelling argument for pricy mid-sized trucks. You know… it would fit nicely in my garage.
Check out this first-drive video of the 2016 GMC Canyon 2.8L Duramax diesel!
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